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.
Winter tree planting - Wednesday afternoons in January and February
We’re pleased to announce we have secured futher funding to plant native trees and hedgerows across three campuses in 2026.
- Seven different varieties of fruit tree will be planted to create a community orchard on Jubilee campus that can be enjoyed by people and nature alike. This compliments the orchard that was recently planted at Riverside Sports Complex in 2025.
- 280m of native, species rich hedgerow will be planted near Florence Boot Hall on University Park, and at Highfields Sports Ground.
- Hedgerows are a vital but overlooked habitat, and actually the largest wildlife habitat in the UK. They act as green corridors for wildlife, connect areas and providing food and shelter.
There are opportunities throughout January and February to help us with all this planting. Get outside, learn new skills, meet new people and help tackle the nature and climate emergency!
Planting sessions are planned for Wednesday afternoons throughout January and February.
- Weds 21 January 1.30 - 3.30pm - Hedge planting at Florence Boot Hall.
- Weds 28 January 12.30 - 3.30pm - Hedge planting at Florence Boot Hall.
- The meeting location can be found on what3words.com by searching the words ///asset.square.kinks
- Weds 5 February 12.30 - 3.30pm - New Orchard on Jubilee Campus.
-
- The meeting location can be found on what3words.com by searching the words ///income.policy.fake
Register for sessions here.
Further dates will be announced soon, or sign up to the mailing list to get updates into your inbox.
Every volunteer will get a voucher for a FREE hot drink from Portland Coffee as a thank you.
This planting project was made possible with the support of a grant from The Tree Council and Network Rail’s Community Tree Planting Fund.
Wildlife webinars in 2026 - start 15 January
SOS-UK will be hosting a series of biodiversity webinars. Join to find out more about global nature crisis, UK nature and wilding projects, plus actions and nature surveys you can take part in.
- Tackling the Biodiversity Crisis: 15 January 11:45am - 12:45pm
- Join this webinar to explore the key factors driving global biodiversity decline and understand why the UK has committed to protecting and restoring 30% of land and sea by 2030. The session will set the context for the biodiversity crisis, examine the scale of nature loss and its impacts, and conclude with case studies that illustrate these challenges in real-world settings. Register here. Register here.
- Bird survey training for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch: 21 January, 12:30 - 1:30pm
- The Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey. Every year, hundreds of thousands of nature lovers take part, helping to build a picture of how garden birds are faring. Spend an hour watching the birds on campus and record the species that land. Birdwatching is a great way to take a break and connect with nature, it's even been given a name - 'orintherapy'. This online training session will give a brief introduction to the birds you might see and tips for recording your observations. Register here.
- Wilding the UK webinar on World Wildlife Day: 3 March, 12:00 - 1:00pm
- This webinar looks at the current state of nature in the UK and the national targets set to support nature’s recovery, before focusing on what this means at a university level. It will highlight the work the university has already been doing to support biodiversity, outline plans for future action, and explore how students and staff can get involved through simple, practical steps to help nature thrive on campus and in their local area. Register here.
Bird feeder workshop at Ancaster Hall - Wednesday 21 January
Join our bird feeder making workshop in collaboration with ResX to encourage birds to visit our halls.
Birds are crucial seed dispersers and support plant diversity and woodland regeneration. We’re helping to support these animals during the harsh winter months and replenish their food stores.
Once the birdfeeders are up, why not take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch and see what you can spot (see below).
Wednesday 21 January at 3:00–5:30pm in Ancaster Hall, University Park.
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch: 23-25 January 2026
Help Nottingham undertake a Big Garden Bird Watch as part of the National RSPB survey. Spend just one hour, at any point from Friday 23 until Monday 26 January 2026 counting the birds you see on campus or at home.
The surveys are self-led, however to learn more, join the training webinar on 21 January (see above).
For more information on how to take part, and download resources, visit the RSPB webpage.
New wildlife space at Jubilee Lake
Join this session at Jubilee campus to enhance the wildlife habitats next to the lake. The session will include:
- Creation of dead hedge
- Creation of wildflower planting into gravel beach
- Planting of small native trees and shrubs
- Creation of log and leaf piles for wildlife
- Solitary bee posts
- Creation of gabion seating area
Date will be announced soon or sign up to the mailing list to get updates into your inbox.
Millennium garden wildlife improvements
Help make the pond in the Millennium Garden on UP more wildlife friendly. Learn about enhancing spaces for nature and the benefits of managing ponds organically and sustainably.
The session will include:
- Creating gabion steps to help wildlife access the pond
- Clearing out pond weed and planting of lilies and reedmace
Date will be announced soon or sign up to the mailing list to get updates into your inbox.
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.