Green Gown Awards 2014 - Facilities and Services - University of Leeds - Finalist

Sustainable Garden at the University of Leeds

The Sustainable Garden is a multi-purpose, public space developed on a previously unused plot of land on campus. The garden is utilised for edible planting open to all, research projects for students and staff alike, teaching opportunities and local community groups are able to use the garden for sessions.

The brief was to provide a multi-functional space for all to enjoy quiet contemplation and improve wellbeing, but also to cultivate and maintain an allotment and forest style edible garden. As a demonstration of a healthy functioning ecosystem, the site includes wildflower areas, soft fruit hedgerows, insect houses and pocket habitats as well as permeable footpaths, rainwater harvesting and research opportunities.

The Sustainable Garden also encompasses the concept of a Living Lab, providing a space for Water@Leeds to conduct research on campus to improve its operations, as well as functioning as a space for case studies in various courses throughout the institution.

Top 3 learnings

1 The uptake by both staff and students who love the feature of the garden on campus has been extremely positive
2 The garden has been a successful partnership project between the Sustainability service, the Estates team, the Bardon Grange project in Leeds University Union and Water@Leeds
3 The garden has also helped the University recruitment as it contributes to the “Why Leeds?” agenda, by showcasing an aesthetically pleasing and sustainable space which prospective students and their families can utilise during open days.

Videos

• Sustainable Garden at the University of Leeds (click to hide)