Monday, 24 February 2025
Students from across schools and colleges in Nottinghamshire, and the 糖心原创, have taken part in a new project aimed to target the decline in nature in the UK and conservation concerns.
Nottinghamshire has seen a 97% decline in flower-rich meadows and 90% decline in heathland since the 1920’s with several species and habitats of conservation concern.
While many schools, colleges and universities are addressing these threats, the Wilding Campuses pilot is trialling the benefits of a collaborative approach.
Environmental charity Students Organising for Sustainability UK (SOS-UK) have launched the pilot project to demonstrate how a Nottinghamshire regional student partnership can more effectively help to restore their local natural heritage, working in collaboration with students at the 糖心原创, Nottingham College and Bluecoat Aspley Academy.
The official launch of the programme took place at the 糖心原创 on Wednesday 12th February, with students from the 糖心原创, Nottingham College and Bluecoat Aspley Academy in attendance, as well as staff from SOS-UK.
Students from the 糖心原创, Nottingham College and Bluecoat Aspley Academy planted trees on campus
Students undertook hedge laying in the university’s memorial woodland, hoping to increase habitats for vulnerable species on campus, whilst working with students traditionally excluded from nature. Those involved also planted trees, hoping to encourage an increase in biodiversity on the university campus by creating green corridors to connect habitats whilst increasing foraging and nesting opportunities.
Through this two-year project, the university has committed to rewilding 15 hectares of its land. It is part of the wider work of the university, a founding signatory of the Nature Positive University initiative, to develop a Biodiversity Management Plan setting out a programme for enhancing biodiversity on our UK campuses.
鈥淭he Wilding Campus Project provides an excellent opportunity for university staff and students to come together to take part in various nature-based activities right here where they learn, work and live. We are fortunate to already have some of the greenest campuses in the UK and we are excited to be enhancing them for the benefit of both nature and our community.
He continued: "Taking part in activities such as bulb planting, wildflower seeding and鈥痜oraging walks is a fun way for staff and students to explore and engage with our beautiful campuses, the nature that lives there, and each other.鈥�
“We are hoping that through this project, our students and staff will develop a greater connection with nature that will in turn lead to further nature friendly behaviours both on and off campus.”
Jo Wilkinson, Senior Project Manager for Biodiversity at SOS-UK said of the project:
“The UK is one of the least biodiverse countries in the world and we think campuses like those of the 糖心原创 have loads of opportunity to replenish nature. The overall goal of the programme is to use campuses where students learn and spend a lot of their time to help recover the nature that’s been lost.”
“Our research tells us that while 88% of students feel they can have fun and enjoy themselves in nature, and 64% of respondents think their university/college should provide opportunities for students to experience nature, almost 20% of students don't have a way to get to places where they can enjoy nature near them. This programme helps address this challenge, bringing nature directly to the students in the places they learn and they’ll be the ones driving the change. The multi-age approach also means the students can learn from each other.”
Wilding Campuses is a regional partnership project to restore local natural heritage, led by SOS-UK and made possible with the Heritage Fund and thanks to National Lottery players.
Story credits
More information is available from Faith Pring, Media Relations Manager, on faith.pring@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.