Green Gown Awards 2020 - The University of Edinburgh - Finalist

Greening our Campus and City 

The University of Edinburgh has initiated an adaptation and biodiversity programme of work that includes innovative flagship projects such as green infrastructure mapping of our campuses and city parks using a flexible technology platform and the Hedgehog Friendly Campus Campaign. The programme involves partnerships and engagement within the city to make contributions to climate change adaptation and biodiversity measures beyond our campus borders.  

GI mapping and actions for hedgehogs have only been possible through the enthusiasm of staff, students and local residents who have volunteered to undertake citizen science activities. Participants gain skills and knowledge of technical platforms and of a vulnerable indigenous species.  

These projects are transforming our campuses, so that our university of the future will be defined by high biodiversity value green and blue spaces embedded in the urban context of Edinburgh, essential for adapting to climate change and for providing health and wellbeing benefits. 

Top 3 learnings:

1. We have learned how to value our green spaces in a better, more visible way using a flexible and widely used technology platform. 
2. We have discovered that hedgehogs happily live in our midst but need our attention to improve their habitats! 
3. We have a better understanding of the passion of our staff and students, and local communities, to undertake actions for green spaces and biodiversity.