In late January, the Faculty’s Environmental Sustainability team held its second workshop at the Humanities Garden, coming together to craft a living willow fence with help from Kath Gavin, Sustainability Coordinator at Hulme Community Garden Centre.

The Humanities Garden is situated between the Ellen Wilkinson and Samuel Alexander buildings and was created to increase biodiversity on campus, a core element of the University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy. At the end of last year, colleagues took part in a planting session to bring the green space to life, arranging a variety of species in multi-layered planters designed to mimic a forest edge.

The new willow hedge, on the southside of the garden, has been carefully woven to create an ornate feature and sense of height in the space, which is hoped to be used as an area both staff and students can enjoy. As the hedge becomes more established, its catkins will provide a vital source of early nectar and pollen for early-season pollinators, while the hedge will support a range of birds and insects.

References to willow hedges go back a long way – one 15th-century text refers to the ‘sewing’ of willow hedges, drawing out the pliable texture that makes willow stems such a versatile craft material. We hope that in the future, these hedges will also provide materials for creative workshops.

The Humanities Garden remains in its early stages, with the plants due to grow and become established over the coming months and years. The Environmental Sustainability team is planning the future of the space carefully to the benefit of all users of the garden and for nature.

Dr Joe Blakey, incoming Faculty Associate Dean for Environmental Sustainability, commented: “I really enjoyed working alongside Humanities colleagues and, under Kath’s expert instruction, playing a small part in establishing the new willow hedge. Even though the plants are dormant, and we are still in the depths of winter, the Humanities Garden continues to grow, thanks in no small part to the Environmental Sustainability team and all who have volunteered to bring this space into fruition.

“As the willow takes root over the coming months, so too, I hope, will the endeavour to create better spaces for nature across campus. I’m looking forward to seeing the first bees buzzing around the plants and to seeing colleagues, students and visitors enjoying the garden as spring arrives.”

As we move into spring there will be more opportunities to engage our ‘Friends of’ group. If you would like to get involved, please contact Roz Webster.