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.
Sign up to the Wilding Campuses mailing list to get opportunities and updates straight to your inbox
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:
- Wednesday 20 November from 1.15-3pm
- Saturday 23 November from 10.30am -1pm
- Wednesday 27 November from 1.15-3pm
- Wednesday 4 December from 1.15-3pm
- Saturday 7 December from 10.30am -1pm
- Wednesday 29 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.
Wednesday 9 October - Hedgehog friendly litter pick
Come and help UoN compete in the Big Hog Friendly Litter Pick Challenge and see how much litter we can collect. Hedgehogs are covered in thousands of spines, making them vulnerable to becoming trapped in litter. By joining us on a litter pick, you will help protect hedgehogs and other local wildlife from becoming injured.
Meet at Djanogly Terrace, Portland Building on University Park at 1.15pm
Wednesday 16 October - Wildflower seed sowing at Florence Boot Hall
We're turning a neglected green space into a haven for bees, birds and butterflies. Come along to Florence Boot Hall on UP to learn how to create a wildflower meadow to improve our campus biodiversity.
Meet at Florence Boot Hall, Main Entrance, UP at 1.15pm
Wednesday 23 October - Bulb planting at Jubilee
Help the Grounds Team with their annual bulb planting. Learn about bulb mixes for seasonal interest and different planting methods.
Meet outside the Energy Technologies Building, Jubilee at 1.15pm
Wednesday 23 October - Guided foraging walks at Jubilee
Join us for an 'Introduction to foraging' walk to launch our new foraging map of Jubilee Campus.
Our beautiful campuses are home to many edible plants, from apples to herbs. Find out what food is in season now and where to find it on a guided walk with the Edible Campus project.
Staff walk, 12pm to 1pm
Student walk, 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Booking is essential as places are limited.
Wednesday 30 October - Guided foraging walks at University Park
Join us for an 'Introduction to foraging' walk to launch our new foraging map of University Park.
Our beautiful campuses are home to many edible plants, from apples to herbs. Find out what food is in season now and where to find it on a guided walk with the Edible Campus project.
Staff walk, 12pm to 1pm
Student walk, 1.30pm to 3pm
Booking is essential as places are limited.
Wednesday 30 October - Bulb planting at Univerity Park
Join this session with the Grounds Team to enhance the Memorial Woodland with a new bulb planting scheme. Learn about different bulb mixes for seasonal interest in a woodland settings and different planting methods.
Meet at the Millennium Garden Pond at 1.15pm.
Wednesday 6 November - Bulb planting at Univerity Park
Join this second session with the Grounds Team to further enhance the Memorial Woodland with a new bulb planting scheme. Learn about different bulb mixes for seasonal interest in a woodland settings and different planting methods.
Meet at the Millennium Garden Pond at 1.15pm.
Wednesday 13 November - Hedgehog friendly litter pick
Come and help UoN compete in the Big Hog Friendly Litter Pick Challenge and see how much litter we can collect. Hedgehogs are covered in thousands of spines, making them vulnerable to becoming trapped in litter. By joining us on a litter pick, you will help protect hedgehogs and other local wildlife from becoming injured.
Meet at Djanogly Terrace, Portland Building on University Park at 1.15pm.
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. 