Sustainability

Wilding campuses project

The University of Nottingham is part of an exciting new campus rewilding project led by Student’s Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK).

WildCampusesInstgram post

With funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this Nottingham-based pilot focuses on restoring nature into spaces where staff and students work and learn. It is a partnership between the University of Nottingham, Nottingham College and Bluecoat Aspley Academy.

Biodiversity and healthy ecosystems are crucial for the survival of all life on earth. But nature is under threat, not least in the UK where we are one of the most nature depleted countries in the world. And consequently, we are also increasingly disconnected from nature.

Over two years (May 2024 – May 2026), the collaborative Wilding Campuses project aims to address this by increasing the abundance and diversity of threatened species on and around our campuses. Crucially, it will also empower students, staff and young people across Nottingham to reconnect with nature and tackle the ecological crisis through practical skills sessions, and engagement and wellbeing activities.

Read the news: SOS-UK receives grant for exciting Wilding Campuses pilot

Take part in activities

So far, events are largely planned as part of the weekly conservation sessions run by the Grounds Team with the Conservation Society. More events are being organised throughout the Autumn and beyond. Everyone is welcome to attend any event and all equipment is provided.

Sign up to the Wilding Campuses mailing list to get opportunities and updates straight to your inbox

Wednesday 9 October - Hedgehog friendly litter pick

Come and help UoN compete in the Big Hog Friendly Litter Pick Challenge and see how much litter we can collect. Hedgehogs are covered in thousands of spines, making them vulnerable to becoming trapped in litter. By joining us on a litter pick, you will help protect hedgehogs and other local wildlife from becoming injured.

Meet at Djanogly Terrace, Portland Building on University Park at 1.15pm

 

Wednesday 16 October - Wildflower seed sowing at Florence Boot Hall

We're turning a neglected green space into a haven for bees, birds and butterflies. Come along to Florence Boot Hall on UP to learn how to create a wildflower meadow to improve our campus biodiversity.

Meet at Florence Boot Hall, Main Entrance, UP at 1.15pm

 

Wednesday 23 October - Bulb planting at Jubilee 

Help the Grounds Team with their annual bulb planting. Learn about bulb mixes for seasonal interest and different planting methods.

Meet outside the Energy Technologies Building, Jubilee at 1.15pm

 

Wednesday 23 October - Guided foraging walks at Jubilee

Join us for an 'Introduction to foraging' walk to launch our new foraging map of Jubilee Campus.

Our beautiful campuses are home to many edible plants, from apples to herbs. Find out what food is in season now and where to find it on a guided walk with the Edible Campus project.

Staff walk, 12pm to 1pm

Student walk, 1.30pm to 2.30pm

Booking is essential as places are limited.

 

Wednesday 30 October - Guided foraging walks at University Park

Join us for an 'Introduction to foraging' walk to launch our new foraging map of University Park.

Our beautiful campuses are home to many edible plants, from apples to herbs. Find out what food is in season now and where to find it on a guided walk with the Edible Campus project.

Staff walk, 12pm to 1pm

Student walk, 1.30pm to 3pm

Booking is essential as places are limited.

 

Wednesday 30 October - Bulb planting at Univerity Park

Join this session with the Grounds Team to enhance the Memorial Woodland with a new bulb planting scheme. Learn about different bulb mixes for seasonal interest in a woodland settings and different planting methods.

Meet at the Millennium Garden Pond at 1.15pm.

 

Wednesday 6 November - Bulb planting at Univerity Park

Join this second session with the Grounds Team to further enhance the Memorial Woodland with a new bulb planting scheme. Learn about different bulb mixes for seasonal interest in a woodland settings and different planting methods.

Meet at the Millennium Garden Pond at 1.15pm.

 

Wednesday 13 November - Hedgehog friendly litter pick

Come and help UoN compete in the Big Hog Friendly Litter Pick Challenge and see how much litter we can collect. Hedgehogs are covered in thousands of spines, making them vulnerable to becoming trapped in litter. By joining us on a litter pick, you will help protect hedgehogs and other local wildlife from becoming injured.

Meet at Djanogly Terrace, Portland Building on University Park at 1.15pm.

 

20 November to 7 December - Tree planting at Riverside 

Help UoN plant a 3km species-rich hedgerow and orchard at Riverside Sports Complex. Learn how to plant trees and whips for the benefit of local wildlife and people.

There will be numerous sessions planned as part of this initative, with further details to be confirmed. If you are interested, email sustainability@nottingham.ac.uk.

 

Important information

  • Grounds can provide PPE essential to the task as needed, including gloves, eye protection and hi-vis vests.
  • Volunteers should provide their own footwear and will not be permitted to work with inadequate footwear on tasks where risk of foot injury is possible.
  •  First Aid kit will be provided on site.

If you plan on attending any events, please read this Risk Assessment.

Help us spread the word

Whilst these events are open to all, we are keen to engage with staff and students may not already have much connection with nature. This includes those from working class backgrounds, people of colour, students studying non-environmental courses, those with caring responsibilities and those with disabilities. Get in touch if you can help reach these groups. 

Contact the Sustainability Team 

Biodiversity at UoN

The university has some of the greenest campuses in the UK. They support a diverse range of habitats and species and are enjoyed by our staff, students, and the local community. The Wilding Campus project will tie in with work already underway to enhance and protect our beautiful green spaces for the benefit of all. A new biodiversity steering group, made up of staff and students, from across schools and operations, is driving this agenda.

Recent surveys have helped establish campus biodiversity baselines so we can set effective improvement targets. For example, as part of the Wild Campuses project, the university has committed to rewilding 15% of our land.

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. NottinghamSignwith

Sustainability Team

Estate Office, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD

Email: sustainability@nottingham.ac.uk