BAA has been given two coveted London in Bloom awards for its landscaping work at Heathrow Airport.
The award was judged by a regional panel who looked at the approach roads to the airport in particular. BAA realised that improving the appearance of the roads around the airport would enhance the airport experience for passengers and staff, and as a result invested in landscaping over the last year. Recognising the achievement of the project, the landscaping team decided to enter London in Bloom for the first time, being successful in the London Business Premises category. Terminal 5 also won an Outstanding Landscape Award for the surroundings of the new building.
Paul Green, Landscape Maintenance Manager at Heathrow, said “We are thrilled to be given the prestigious London in Bloom award. This award shows how strongly we feel about improving the surroundings of Heathrow, and is a testament to the hard work of BAA staff and those of our contractors, Glendale, Hasmead and Connaught. Everyone who uses Heathrow will appreciate their efforts when they come to work, or drive in or out of the airport.
“Air travel often involves spending a great deal of time inside so we’re delighted that the landscaping work has highlighted Heathrow’s green outdoor areas”.
Peter Holman, Executive Trustee of London in Bloom said “BAA demonstrated sterling work in their entry, aiming for long-term improvement in their local environment through planting, floral displays and high levels of cleanliness on the roads around Heathrow Airport. We are delighted and encouraged that the company received the award on their first year of entry.”
London in Bloom promotes, supports and encourages gardening, horticulture and environmental sustainability across Greater London. As such, it is one of 17 regional campaigns which make up Britain in Bloom - Europe’s largest horticultural campaign. Entries are invited annually from local authorities, community groups and schools across the region who wish to improve their local environment. This engagement with neighbourhoods, towns, boroughs and cities helps to promote to the wider community the benefits of gardening as a healthy and beneficial pastime for people of all ages and experience.
In December, BAA will also be presented with the BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries) Award for the Heathrow environs.
Notes to editors
- 2500 Drought tolerant Lavendula Hidcote and 500 Lonceria Piliata trees were planted around the tunnel area.
- 10,000 Mixed species of shrubs where used around the airport on small enhancements and infill planting.
- Over the last 2 years 60,000 spring bulbs have been planted around the airport.
- New seasonal bedding displays were created at the Terminal 4 Welcome roundabout, Hatton Cross, the Police station entrance and Harlington Corner.
- At Terminal 5, 20,000 trees and over 500,000 shrubs have been planted over the last four years.
- Heathrow was also recently awarded the Biodiversity Benchmark by The Wildlife Trusts for management of ten conservation sites around the airport. This is a rigorously audited certification, which enables organisations across the UK to assess the quality of their land management, improve their contribution to the environment and demonstrate their commitment to biodiversity.
