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.
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November to February - Tree planting at Riverside Sports Complex
Help UoN plant over 2,800 trees and whips (small trees) to create a species-rich hedgerow at Riverside Sports Complex. Everyone is welcome to come along to learn how to plant trees, meet new people and connect with nature.
There are numerous sessions planned as part of this initative. If you are interested, please complete the form to register. Get in touch if you have a group who would like to take part.
Other dates may be arranged but dates planned so far are:
- Tuesday 21 January from 1.15-3pm
- Wednesday 22 January from 1.15-3pm
- Saturday 25 January from 10.30am -1pm
- Wednesday 29 January from 1.15-3pm
- Thursday 30 January from 1.15-3pm
- Saturday 1 February from 10.30am -1pm
Register here
Getting there
Riverside Sports Complex is south of the University Park. For those taking part in the planting, you may use the free buses provided by UoN Sport for sports teams. Buses leave campuses at 1.15pm on Wednesdays with pick up from the below locations:
- Costa - Jubilee Campus Sports Centre
- Derby Hall
- West Entrance mini roundabout (inside campus)
- Savoy Cinema Lenton
All buses return at 4pm to their original stops.
Alternatively, the Medilink bus and 901 hopper buses also have stops close to Riverside. Please show your university card for free travel.
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. 