Making Space for Nature at the University of Warwick
Across our campus, we are rethinking how our outdoor spaces are managed to better support nature, climate resilience and wellbeing. By giving nature more room to thrive, we are creating a greener, healthier and more biodiverse campus for people and wildlife alike.
This approach includes initiatives such as Plantlife's No Mow MayLink opens in a new window, but goes beyond a single month – it’s about making space for nature all year round. At Warwick, making space for nature is a year‑round commitment. The Grounds & Gardens team in EstatesLink opens in a new window play a vital role in supporting biodiversity across campus. Working in partnership with the Energy and Sustainability Team, their expertise helps ensure that our outdoor spaces balance ecological value, practical use and visual quality – creating a campus where nature can thrive throughout the year.
Why we are making space for nature on campus
Nature-rich campuses bring wide-ranging benefits for biodiversity, people and the planet, and we have been supporting this initiative since year 2020. By allowing plants, insects and wildlife to flourish, we can:
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Support biodiversity
Approximately 97%Link opens in a new window of flower-rich meadows have been lost since the 1930s, and with them, vital food and habitat needed by wildlife. -
Respond to the climate and nature emergency
Wildflower meadows in urban areas could provide important nature‐based solutions, addressing the biodiversity and climate crises jointly and benefitting society in the process.Link opens in a new window -
Improve wellbeing and connection with nature
Evidence showsLink opens in a new window that a thriving, wildlife-rich environment benefits both physical and mental health.
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Create space for learning and research
These areas can act as living labsLink opens in a new window, supporting teaching, research and student-led projects.
How we are making space for nature
One of the key ways we support nature is by reducing mowing in selected areas of campus.
Rather than mowing all grassed areas frequently, we are:
- Keeping some spaces unmown, particularly during spring and summer
- Allowing grasses and wildflowers to grow, creating habitats for insects and small wildlife
- Managing these areas carefully, with safety, accessibility and biodiversity in mind
- Using signage and communications to help explain why areas look different and what benefits they bring
These spaces are selected to balance biodiversity with campus use, ensuring that paths, high‑use lawns and sightlines remain well maintained alongside more natural areas.
Over time, this approach helps create a richer mosaic of habitats across campus.
Get Involved
Support and celebrate nature-friendly spaces
- Help spread the message about why these areas are important
- If you have a garden, download the free No Mow May guide Link opens in a new windowand start making space for nature at home.
- Take a break from your studies and work and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring across campus, check the Seasonal Walking Trails. Link opens in a new window
- Record the wildlife you see on campus or in your own garden using the iNaturalist App Link opens in a new window, see the guidance hereLink opens in a new window.
Get involved in activities and events
- Take part in biodiversity events Link opens in a new windowon campus
- Photograph wildlife or wildflowers you spot on campus and share them on social media — feel free to tag @warwickunisusLink opens in a new window to help celebrate nature on campus.
- Take a photo of the signage on campus, or your own unmown garden, and upload it to Warwick Green RewardsLink opens in a new window to earn Green Points.