Eurotunnel presented with an eighth consecutive Green Flag award
17.07.2012
Eurotunnel is delighted that the Samphire Hoe nature reserve has been honoured with the prestigious
Green Flag award for an eighth consecutive year, in recognition the site’s inclusive public access and
the high quality of its environmental sustainability.
Samphire Hoe is a 30-hectare site owned by Eurotunnel Group and was reclaimed from the sea using
almost 5 million cubic metres of chalk marl extracted from below the Channel and transformed into a
nature reserve with an impressive range of biodiversity.
Opened to the public exactly fifteen years ago to the day (17 July 2012), this impressive nature reserve
at the foot of the famous White Cliffs of Dover is home to some 200 different plant species (including
rare orchids), 30 butterfly species and 208 bird species.
The day-to-day management of this natural space has been entrusted to the White Cliffs Countryside
Partnership, which receives the support of many volunteers from Kent.
The Hoe is open to the public from 7am until dusk, 365 days a year.
On Wednesday 18 July, it will play host to the Olympic Torch Relay which will run along the foot of the
White Cliffs on its way to Dover for the evening celebrations
Communities Minister, Andrew Stunell said: “Great parks and green spaces have a huge impact on
local communities, providing places to play and relax as well as bringing generations together in a
variety of ways. They are fundamental to our quality of life, whether in cities, towns or villages, and the
Green Flag Award scheme seeks to help raise the standards of them all. The many excellent stories
coming from the scheme prove what communities and volunteers can achieve by working together with
professionals in our green spaces.”
Eurotunnel Commercial Director, Jo Willacy, said “The desire to avoid environmental consequences
from the company’s activities was already evident from the time of the construction of the Channel
Tunnel. As a result, today more than 100,000 visitors a year appreciate the tranquil natural landscape
and rare flora and fauna in a location created from Tunnel excavation which is freely accessible and
provides a site for bio-diversity and leisure for all.”
Green Flag award for an eighth consecutive year, in recognition the site’s inclusive public access and
the high quality of its environmental sustainability.
Samphire Hoe is a 30-hectare site owned by Eurotunnel Group and was reclaimed from the sea using
almost 5 million cubic metres of chalk marl extracted from below the Channel and transformed into a
nature reserve with an impressive range of biodiversity.
Opened to the public exactly fifteen years ago to the day (17 July 2012), this impressive nature reserve
at the foot of the famous White Cliffs of Dover is home to some 200 different plant species (including
rare orchids), 30 butterfly species and 208 bird species.
The day-to-day management of this natural space has been entrusted to the White Cliffs Countryside
Partnership, which receives the support of many volunteers from Kent.
The Hoe is open to the public from 7am until dusk, 365 days a year.
On Wednesday 18 July, it will play host to the Olympic Torch Relay which will run along the foot of the
White Cliffs on its way to Dover for the evening celebrations
Communities Minister, Andrew Stunell said: “Great parks and green spaces have a huge impact on
local communities, providing places to play and relax as well as bringing generations together in a
variety of ways. They are fundamental to our quality of life, whether in cities, towns or villages, and the
Green Flag Award scheme seeks to help raise the standards of them all. The many excellent stories
coming from the scheme prove what communities and volunteers can achieve by working together with
professionals in our green spaces.”
Eurotunnel Commercial Director, Jo Willacy, said “The desire to avoid environmental consequences
from the company’s activities was already evident from the time of the construction of the Channel
Tunnel. As a result, today more than 100,000 visitors a year appreciate the tranquil natural landscape
and rare flora and fauna in a location created from Tunnel excavation which is freely accessible and
provides a site for bio-diversity and leisure for all.”
