Community collaboration to boost green spaces and wellbeing across the University

Students, staff, and visitors have collaborated to boost green spaces and wellbeing at the University of Wolverhampton!

 The University of Wolverhampton has planted more than 200 saplings across its campuses this month, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and community wellbeing. The initiative, supported by the Woodland Trust, forms part of the University’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programme, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The saplings, provided free by the Woodland Trust, will enhance green spaces on the University’s urban campuses, creating habitats for wildlife and improving air quality for years to come. The planting days also offered students, staff, and visitors an opportunity to connect with nature, work collaboratively, and enjoy the mental health benefits of outdoor activity.

At the Walsall Campus, Estates and Facilities welcomed visitors from the Hive College and students from the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, led by Dawn Jones. At the Springfield Campus, students from the School of Architecture and Built Environment, including those taught by Olive White, Hamid Pouran, David Heesom, and Mo Tammo, joined the effort.

The activities complement the university modules they were delivered within including Early Years Childhood Studies, Architecture, Urbanism, Sustainability and Climate Change; strengthening links to Sustainability in the Curriculum.

Thank you too all involved in making the days a huge success.

Why trees matter. 

The Woodland Trust say: "Underrated heroes, colourful comforts and spaces for people and wildlife. Urban trees and woodland are all the more valuable for their location. They support plants and animals, clean our air and boost wellbeing."

These helpful characteristics of trees in cities and towns have lots of benefits. Thriving urban forests can:

• keep our towns and cities cool
• reduce stress and encourage people to spend time outdoors
• clean the air and reduce pollution
• reduce the impact of heavy rainfall.

Species of trees planted include Silver Birch, Wild Cherry, Rowan, Hazel and Holly.

You can watch a video of the tree planting at Springfield Campus, on the WLVArchitecture LinkedIn page. For more information about the University’s sustainability initiatives, visit our Environmental, Social and Governance page.