On Thursday, 13 November, a group of colleagues from across the Faculty enjoyed a planting workshop at our new Humanities Garden, situated between the Ellen Wilkinson and Samuel Alexander buildings. After initial conversations began with Estates in 2023, Dr Anke Bernau, Faculty Associate Dean for Environmental Sustainability, and Roz Webster, Faculty Social Responsibility and Environmental Sustainability Manager, have developed this project with their support, and in collaboration with Hulme Community Garden Centre.

Following the lead of similar projects on campus, including FBMH’s green space located in the quad of the Michael Smith building, the goal of the Humanities Garden is to improve biodiversity on campus and support the Valuing Nature Action Plan, a core element of our  Environmental Sustainability Strategy. The plan seeks to “increase the quality and quantity of existing green space, achieving a 10% increase in urban green space by 2028, from 2018 levels”.

With support from Hulme Community Garden Centre, a series of planters was designed in a multi-layered forest garden layout intended to mimic a natural forest edge. Some of the plants were chosen with future activities in mind – living willow fencing can be coppiced and used in craft activities and other plants can be used to create natural dyes.

By introducing the Humanities Garden, Roz and Anke hope not only to increase awareness of biodiversity challenges, but also to introduce an additional learning space for students. Both students and colleagues will have opportunities to engage with and shape the garden over the coming years, creating a sense of ownership and community around the space.

Dr Robbie Watt, Environmental Sustainability Lead in SoSS, was one of the participants at the planting workshop. Reflecting on the session, he said: “It was a joy and privilege to set out plants in the Humanities Garden, seeing its potential to thrive as a space for people and nature alike. I hope many others get the chance to cultivate and care for this special garden on campus.”

Sofy Lam, Senior Departmental Administrator in SALC, also shared her thoughts on the new space: “The Humanities Garden is more than a green space – it’s a living commitment to sustainability. Every plant we nurture supports biodiversity, enriches the ecosystem and reminds us that caring for nature is part of caring for our future.”

Dr Heather Alberro, Lecturer in Sustainability in the Global Development Institute, said: “It was a joy building a little a pocket ecotopia on campus! Sustaining life and hope one garden at a time."

Now that the garden has seen its first plantings, we are looking to establish a ‘Friends of’ community, calling on all interested Humanities colleagues and students who would like to be involved in supporting the maintenance and further development of the space. Our next activity will be a Willow Workshop in January 2026, when we will be planting a living willow fence.

If you would like to join the ‘Friends of’ community, please contact Roz Webster.