The RoundView is a toolkit for sustainability learning developed through research at The University of Manchester. It gives a science-based set of guidelines to redesign our systems so we don’t cause environmental problems in the first place. The RoundView shifts the dial from overwhelm in the face of environmental challenges to hope, confidence and inspiration. Creative, hands-on learning tools combine art, science and poetry to bring sustainability learning to life, from primary school to postgraduates to policy makers.

An example of how the RoundView has made a difference is the Carbon Landscape, a £3.2 million National Lottery Heritage project to restore the landscape that fuelled the Industrial Revolution. It was a key tool engagement tool that helped lead to the declaration of the first post-industrial, urban National Nature Reserve in the coalfields of Wigan and Leigh. To-date the RoundView has reached over 135,000 people. A current British Academy Innovation Fellowship with UK National Commission for UNESCO is opening opportunity to share this learning around the world.  

The mood around the table at the University’s Making a Difference Awards ceremony was celebratory as the School of Environment, Education and Development’s Joanne Tippett and the RoundView team won the award for Outstanding public engagement initiative: National/International Engagement. You can watch a short video about the RoundView and award here.

There are several opportunities coming up where members of the public can learn the RoundView through hands-on exhibits.

In partnership with Manchester UNESCO City of Literature, they are taking part in the Festival of Libraries. There will be new music, international art exhibitions, book hunts, comic workshops, theatre and performance all dedicated to celebrating libraries across all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester in libraries across Greater Manchester  from 12-16 June. Check the Festival of Libraries programme for events near you.

On 8 June, the RoundView team will be at the University’s Community Fair, as part of Universally Manchester, so please come along and learn the RoundView!