Research shows that being in nature is vital to maintaining good health and wellbeing!

It’s In Our Nature is The University of Manchester’s annual nature engagement campaign. Taking place over April, the campaign encourages staff, students and members of the wider community to utilise and appreciate the wonderful green spaces and unique biodiversity present on our campus and in neighbouring areas.

The month kicked off with a Hedgehog Health Webinar, coordinated by The University’s Hedgehog Friendly Action Group and delivered by SOSS UK.

Later in the month, we held planting sessions in Hulme Park and Birchfields Park in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester City Council, supporting Gardeners’ World’s flagship project, Make a Metre Matter. The initiative aims to show that even the smallest green spaces can make a difference by promoting biodiversity and encouraging people to connect with nature locally.

On 22 April, World Earth Day, our residences organised three litter-picks in and around our respective halls of residence campuses.  

The Firs Botanical Gardens, a green oasis and The University’s Environmental Research Station situated in the heart of Fallowfield Residences, hosted an open day. Alongside a tour of the grounds, attendees were also able to explore the curated April Plant Trail.  

Our Nature Student Sustainability Champions ran two successful events throughout the last week of April – one a quiz on biodiversity, and the other an interactive Tree Trial Biodiversity Walk using iNaturalist.  

We ended this year’s campaign with a session of yoga in nature. Led by experienced instructor and University staff member Karon Mee, the session invited attendees to relax and reconnect with the natural world. It was hosted in the beautiful Whitworth Art Garden.  

These events help staff, students and members of our wider community celebrate the importance of nature connection. If you missed It’s In Our Nature this year, make sure to take the time to visit some of our wonderful campus green spaces open to all!