go! May newsletter: Your sustainable choices matter

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May 2022

Hi,

Throughout May and June the university is celebrating biodiversity and encouraging wildlife into our community.

There are events to get involved in on our campuses, and things you can do at home. Plus, there’s a whole new range of activities on the Green Rewards app to complete in exchange for rewards.

So let’s get going!

Did you know, the Downs is designated as a 'Local Wildlife Site' - a wildlife-rich area of local importance

Celebrating Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the living fabric of our planet, but it's in decline, which threatens both nature and humans alike. On campus we're reducing mowing, leaving areas to grow wild and helping nature thrive. Support our work whilst spending time outside this spring.

Find out more

Biodiversity events this week

4 May

No Mow May surveying

Join the university grounds team and the student Conservation Society to survey areas before they are left to grow wild as part of No Mow May.

Meet on Portland steps overlooking the lake at 1:15pm.

6 May

University Park Litter pick

Spend your lunch break with the Hedgehog Friendly Campus group on a litter pick and help make campus a safer place for all wildlife.

Meet on Portland steps overlooking the lake at 12pm.

Sign up for news on more biodiversity volunteering opportunities

More things you can do now

No Mow May at home

Leave your lawn unmown this May to let the wild flowers bloom to provide nectar for our pollinators.

Find out more

Biodiversity actions on Green Rewards

There are a whole new range of biodiversity activities on Green Rewards this month. Can you complete them all?

Green Rewards

Get our Green Rewards app

News and announcements

Major research effort to save future peatlands

A five-year research project involving scientists from across the UK and partners across Europe will assess the risk that climate change poses to our peatlands and create the capability to better manage these ecosystems.

Link to full article

Engineers to develop efficient alternative to current carbon capture technology

The University of Nottingham is leading an international consortium aiming to accelerate the development of carbon capture and storage.

Link to full article

Surcharges removed from plant-based milks

At cafes on campus, you can now choose oat, almond and coconut milk without being charged extra. Don't forget your reusable cup too to get a 20p discount on hot drinks.

Abandoned bikes donated to Re-Cycle

Last month, Security Supervisor Rob Hyde arranged the latest collection of cycles by Re-Cycle. Security officer Ginette Kielty (pictured) was also there to lend a hand.

In total, about 150 bikes that have been abandoned on campus have been removed and donated to the charity by the university’s security team.

Re-cycle is an organisation that receives used bikes in the UK and donates them to partners in Africa who then sell the bikes at a fraction of market value.

Find out more about Re-cycle

Featured blog

Reducing furniture waste with a new member of the team

We recently welcomed UoN student Emilia into the Sustainability Team on a six month placement. In this blog, she introduces herself and explains how she will be working to reduce furniture waste on campus.

Read it here

"I believe that having a student perspective on how the university can improve and adapt to climate change issues is vital."

— Emilia Freeman

Staff can join WARPit to find and share unwanted office furniture

Upcoming events

May

Dr Bike is on campus

Free bike service sessions will continue to run to the normal pattern.

Book your place now

16-22 May

The Big Plastic Count

Count your plastic for one week and help gather the evidence needed to push for proper action to tackle the plastic crisis.

June

30 Days Wild

30 Days Wild is The Wildlife Trusts' annual challenge asking everyone to do one wild thing a day throughout the month of June.

Hi,