Just over 200 tree saplings were planted in December as part of a tree planting project that involved both members of staff and students.

Planted behind the Radcliffe Conference Centre, the selected saplings comprise a mix of hawthorn, dogwood, wild cherry, silver birch, rowan and hazel. They were chosen based on their suitability for the environment; providing colour all-year round due to their blossoms and autumn displays, as well as their shorter stature facilitating natural light in buildings around the newly planted area. A clearing will also be kept amongst the trees, allowing the space to be used by visitors as the trees establish.

The collaborative tree-planting will ensure the local community and visitors to the campus, including Warwick Conferences’ guests, benefit from a green and environmentally sustainable space. This is also part of the University’s wider sustainability efforts and ecological initiatives to strengthen biodiversity across the campus, which will include the creation of a 48+ hectare Eco Park, the allocation of more than 120 acres of on-campus land and rewilding and parkland.

Kelly Baker, Grounds and Gardens Manager at the University of Warwick, said:

“It’s wonderful to see so much enthusiasm from the entire community on campus to get involved with this planting initiative.

“The Grounds and Gardens team has thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to share our expertise with staff and students and we’re looking forward to continuing to work together to make the University of Warwick’s campus an environmentally sustainable place to meet, study and work.”

Andrew Taylor, Head of Conferences at Warwick Conferences, said:

“We’re so grateful for our colleagues in the Grounds and Gardens team for the opportunity to learn more about biodiversity and the ecology of our campus.

“Supporting the campus’ biodiversity is a crucial part of our sustainability plans and initiatives like today’s tree planting are an indispensable part of ensuring that Warwick Conferences makes a positive impact on the world as we continue our journey to net zero carbon emissions by 2030.”

The trees were supplied through the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative and the Free Trees for Schools and Communities programme, coordinated by the Woodland Trust.