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

Join the Wilding Campuses Youth Network

We are looking for several students to take an active role in the project. In this voluntary role, you will have the opportunity to represent UoN and input ideas in decision-making, events and plans for Wilding Campuses. 

The role would involve advising the partnership in decision-making, events and engagement or biodiversity plans for the project. You would be invited to join partnership meetings and in person events, have the chance to represent and spread the word about the project, provide input and suggestions, and play a key role in reaching other young people, as well as providing your own ideas.

This voluntary role would typically require a few hours per month, but would be flexible around other commitments such as studies, lessons and term time commitments.

Find out more and apply

Take part in activities

Everyone is welcome to attend any event and all equipment is provided. See below for all the events that are currently planned. New opportunities are frequently added.

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

Wednesday 12 February - Wilding Campuses celebration event

 

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