World Earth Day: celebrating nature on our campus

22 Apr 2026

Wednesday, 22 April is World Earth Day, a global celebration dedicated to environmental awareness and action that gives us an opportunity to recognise the vital role nature plays in our lives, our city, and our University.

Home to over 280 species of plants and animals, our campus is an important urban habitat as well as a place for learning and work. We are actively protecting and enhancing biodiversity on campus through our Valuing Nature commitment, which is something colleagues and students support every day through projects, partnerships, and practical action.

Today also marks the start of our It’s In Our Nature campaign, which is focused on celebrating the natural world in and around campus.

A nature positive University

We are one of 117 universities across 44 countries that has made a pledge to become more nature-positive. This means we have committed to four key actions:

• Carrying out baseline biodiversity assessments.
• Setting clear, time limited and measurable targets for nature.
• Taking bold action to reduce biodiversity impacts, protect, and restore species and ecosystems, while influencing others to do the same.
• Reporting openly on our progress each year.

Nature in action across campus

• The Campus Tree Trail, which highlights historic and significant trees across our green spaces.
• The newly formed Hedgehog Friendly Action Group, which has brought colleagues and students together to support our hedgehog populations – including building hedgehog houses from upcycling wood.
• Through a partnership with Ardwick Climate Action, colleagues and students are being encouraged to grow sunflowers to raise awareness of the Medebridge Solar Farm, which now supplies up to 65% of the University’s electricity.

Make a Metre Matter

We have established Make a Metre Matter sites in Hulme Park and Birchfields Park through a partnership between the University, Manchester Metropolitan University, and the Manchester City Council, sponsored by J Parkers.

Make a Metre Matter is a collaborative biodiversity initiative that demonstrates how even very small green spaces can support nature. By enhancing areas as small as one square metre through planting and changes to land management, the project explores how modest interventions can create benefits for wildlife in urban environments. 

Anyone interested in supporting biodiversity monitoring at these sites can contact the Environmental Sustainability team at es@manchester.ac.uk.

It’s In Our Nature – Get involved

Throughout April, colleagues and students can take part in our It’s In Our Nature activities, which includes guided tree walks and planting sessions to volunteering, yoga, and forest bathing.

Whether you’re joining an event, exploring campus green spaces, or making small changes in your everyday routine, every action helps support a healthier environment.

You can also log your sustainable actions on No Time to Waste, the University’s Green Rewards app, and keep up to date with activities via @UoMSust on Instagram.