The UK is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world and we are living through an ecological crisis. Returning to wilder ecosystems should not just be left to a few large landowners or the big conservation charities - everyone who owns or manages land needs to be helping to restore nature, so we can create a rich patchwork of biodiversity and improve access to nature for everyone. Wilding Campuses is not a rewilding programme but instead aims for ambitious management of campuses that brings people, plants and wildlife into these spaces.

We received funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for our Wilding Campuses pilot project, providing opportunities for students and young people across Nottingham to create wild spaces and connect with nature. The project will see campuses committing to changes in land management practices with the introduction of wilder habitats. There will also be opportunities for staff, students and the community to take part in practical skills sessions, wellbeing activities, and biodiversity monitoring.

A regional partnership model:

Nottinghamshire has seen a 97% decline in flower-rich meadows and 90% decline in heathland since the 1920’s and there are a number of species and habitats of local conservation concern. Where most projects work with institutions in isolation, this pilot project will support the government’s aims for a National Education Nature Park through a regional partnership, to test the benefits of a collaborative approach.

We will be supporting The University of Nottingham, Nottingham College and Bluecoat Aspley Academy to work together to boost nature recovery and natural heritage in Nottinghamshire, and hope to demonstrate the benefits of this collaborative approach across the city.

The pilot begun in May 2024 and ends in April 2026.

Aims of the project:

• Increase the abundance and diversity of local target species and enhancing habitats with them in mind
• Empower students, staff and young people traditionally excluded from nature to tackle the ecological crisis

Our Heritage Lottery Fund aims:

• A wider range of people will be involved in heritage
• People will have developed skills
• The local area will be a better place to live, work or visit

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Wilding Campuses is a regional partnership project to restore local natural heritage, led by SOS-UK and made possible with the Heritage Fund and thanks to National Lottery players.

As this is a pilot, please note we are not currently taking on any more institutions for this programme.

If you would like to be kept up to date on the progress of Wilding campuses, or have any questions, please email our Senior Project Manager for Biodiversity, Jo Wilkinson.