May 20, 2016, by sustainablenottingham

Duck density and #beastsofuon

Serena Brown, our new Environmental Officer, introduces herself.

As an alumna of UoN and a graduate from the School of Geography, my time at university was incredibly important for shaping my view on my environment and key sustainability issues of the time. The academic side helped to stretch my thinking and approach problems with a curious and challenging mindset.

Coming back to UoN, now as the Environmental Officer in the Estate Office, has allowed me the opportunity to apply this knowledge and curiosity to ensuring the University meets and exceeds its environmental commitments and aspirations, helping to ensure UoN is recognised as being ahead of the curve in the higher education sustainability sector.

#beastofuon (photo from @ancuypers on Instagram)

During my first few months, I have been lucky to discover the varied #beastsofuon that call the campus home and the big online community that are passionate about this. Not only is UoN a top 5 UK university for Duck Density (an important measure that gauges the density of waterfowl around campus lakes), it is also recognised for its spectacular green spaces.

Being the first university to receive a prestigious Green Flag Award in 2003, an award which recognises a park or garden that is well maintained, well managed and environmentally sustainable with high quality facilities, UoN has continued to be recognised with a wealth of awards for its grounds. The recognition of Jubilee campus, a former industrial site, was a particular accolade, recognising the site as a space for wildlife conservation and innovative environmental design as well as a place of learning. Newly developed sites including Diamond Wood near Sutton Bonington also provide a vital haven for a wide range of species, with over 22,000 native trees planted.

Being immersed in this high quality green space has inspired me to take a closer look at the recently launched Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC) Biodiversity on Campus Guide, which encourages higher education institutions to take a fresh look at opportunities to protect and develop opportunities for wildlife. I’ll be looking out for all the great pictures of our outdoor spaces through Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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