The team behind Lancaster University's award-winning 578- acre estate has won two prizes at the national Grounds Management Association (GMA) Industry Awards 2025.
In an awards ceremony held at Liverpool Football Club's Anfield Stadium on March 13, the Lancaster team claimed both 'University/College Grounds Team of the Year' and 'Young Groundsperson of the Year' which was awarded to Lancaster Facilities Groundsperson Thomas Heppell-Mooney.
Lancaster University's campus estate encompasses grassland, playing fields, woodlands and even a lake and is maintained by a dedicated team.
The annual Grounds Management Association (GMA) industry awards highlight the outstanding contributions of individuals, teams and organisations who set the benchmark for excellence across the sector.
The prestigious ceremony has continued to recognise excellence in grounds care since 2009 and brings together many of the UK and Europe's leading practitioners and suppliers to pay tribute to the very best in the professional, amateur and voluntary sector.
This year's shortlist was decided by a panel of ten leading grounds management professionals, who selected the standout candidates across 17 different categories. The shortlist includes talent from grassroots volunteers to professionals at the highest level of sport.
The University/College Grounds Team of the Year Award recognises teams that demonstrate strong technical skills, best use of machinery, and show evidence of continual staff development and training.
The Young Groundsperson of the Year Award recognises individuals that demonstrate excellence in maintaining facilities, demonstrate exemplary performance, and make a significant impact to their team and the profession.
Ian Sturzaker, Landscape Manager at Lancaster University, said: "It's a truly well-deserved recognition for Thomas and the team and highlights the standards that they all continually work to. I'm incredibly proud to lead such a dedicated group of individuals who all want to make the Lancaster campus an inspiring place to be."
Paul Morris, Director of Capital Development & Estate Operations said: "This is a fantastic achievement for Thomas and the Grounds team. Congratulations to all the team, it is testament to their hard work, expertise and commitment to developing and maintaining the University grounds to such a high standard."
The Grounds Management Association Industry Awards kicked off the industry's annual awareness campaign, #GroundsWeek.
