Green Gown Awards 2018 - STUDENT - Ross Perrett - Highly Commended

“The lawn gets a make-over!” Do you know of a piece of grass that is a ‘no-go’ area? A lawn so perfectly manicured it’s on every brochure and picture back drop? This is the Fielding Johnson Lawn at the University of Leicester. I decided this had to change, that this green space should be enriched for the enjoyment of both staff and students whilst ensuring a balance with nature.

How did I do this? By convincing senior University management to allow me to lead a group of volunteers to create the campus’ very first forest garden- a mini woodland ecosystem producing edible harvest.

This will benefit years of staff and students in the future and has changed the University’s attitude towards planted areas with a new focus on biodiversity and interactive green spaces.

Top 3 learnings:

1. Students do have the power to change University policy and procedure.

2. Creating a big impact can come from a small idea.

3. Enthusiasm and persistence eventually pays off.

Videos

• Green Gown Awards 2018 – Sustainability Champion Student – Ross Perrett – Finalist (click to hide)