Woodland at the top of The Downs has been cleared by volunteers to create a 1.5-acre memorial walk between the university’s Millennium Gardens and The Downs.

Work to clear the ground is now complete and native understory and hedgerows planted. Paths are lined with logs and bark mulch, creating a quiet, reflective space for staff, students and campus visitors to enjoy.

The walk entrance will be marked by a sculpture created by Nottinghamshire artist Chris Campbell. Chris will also work with the families of those who have died to create individual memorials that will be displayed along the walk. These are expected to be developed from the end of June.

The memorial walk has been created in partnership between the university’s Wellbeing Team, Estates Team and Con Soc, the student Conservation Society.

Claire Thompson, Associate Director (Student Wellbeing) said: “It’s a privilege to open the Memorial Walk on University Park campus, a dedicated place to remember and celebrate the lives of those we have lost within our university community.

“This walk not only honours their memory but also provides a much-needed space for quiet reflection, offering staff and students a peaceful retreat to contemplate and find comfort amidst the demands of university life."

Outgoing General Secretary of the Conservation Society, Alistair Tiplady said: “It was an honour to take part in the meetings, seeing the proposed plans and artwork drawings as well as being able to learn the stories and reasons for the walk. I hope that people find the space a comfort and an inspiring place to sit and think.

“And on behalf of the Conservation and Nature Society, thank you for letting us work on such a profound project. It has been fun helping with the work being done on the walk. From clearing the trees and shrubbery at the start to laying the path near the end.”

Wil Kent, Capital Project Manager at the university said: “The project has demonstrated a fantastic example of partnership working that really shines a light on our community-minded university family.

“I’d like to extend my gratitude to the Conservation Society (and the other staff and students volunteers) for all their hard work in clearing the areas, constructing the footpaths and undertaking the planting. I’d also like to acknowledge the amazing support, guidance and effort put in by the Grounds Maintenance and Wellbeing teams at the university, without which it would not have been possible to complete the works.”