This April, the Social Responsibility Team is exploring how we can appreciate and enjoy biodiversity, wildlife and green spaces, and how it is In Our Nature to do so. From local wildlife to active travel, there are plenty of events and observances this month that offer staff and students opportunities to get involved and embrace a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle. 

Active Commuter Fair  

The Active Commuter Community is hosting the very first Active Commuter Fair on 23 April outside University Place. 

The event will feature a variety of activities including free yoga sessions, bike repairs, and stalls providing tips on how to save money, travel more sustainably and boost wellbeing at the same time. Drop by any time between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM to chat with representatives from Bee Network, learn about the University’s Cycle to Work scheme and try out rental and e-bikes. 

National days 

7th April, World Health Day 

Held each year on 7th April, World Health Day marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organisation (WHO), and each observance spotlighting a key global health issue.  

This year’s theme, Together for Health, Stand with Science, highlights the role of scientific research in protecting both human and planetary health. It also provides an opportunity to recognise how connecting with nature supports our physical and mental wellbeing. 

Recent research from the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health (FBMH) illustrates this beautifully. For example, researchers from the School of Health Sciences found 11 pathways through which nature engagement improves mental wellbeing, including “enhancing efficiency and productivity,” “feel freedom,” and acting as “coping mechanism.” Read the full study here: A Thematic Analysis of Multiple Pathways Between Nature Engagement Activities and Well-Being. 

22nd April, International Mother Earth Day 

Also known as Earth Day, this United Nations (UN) observance recognises Earth and its ecosystems as our shared home. In recent years, the emphasis has been on the accelerating impacts of human-driven climate change and the urgent action required to protect communities most affected by rising temperatures, increased wildfires and ecosystem degradation. 

This aligns closely with the University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy, which sets out long-term commitments to reducing carbon footprints and embedding sustainability in teaching and learning. 

Recently, the University reached a major sustainability milestone of achieving ‘Zero Landfill,’ meaning all non-recyclable waste from the main campus is used to generate electricity instead. Read more on this StaffNet article. 

City Nature Challenge 

The City Nature Challenge (CNC) is an annual wildlife-recording event involving cities from across the world. Organised by the Manchester Museum and The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Greater Manchester continues to be on the list of participating cities this year. 

The challenge has two stages: 

• 24–27 April: Bioblitz – record photos of wild animals, plants and fungi across the city. 
• 28 April–10 May: Upload and identify – participants upload observations to iNaturalist for identification. 

Bearded Milkcap (Lactarius pubescens) near the Chemistry building. Photo uploaded to iNaturalist by user nora79412.

To participate, download the iNaturalist app, take photos and upload them to the Greater Manchester CNC project. With green spaces such as the Michael Smith and Stopford Quads, as well as the Whitworth Park, the University campus is a great place to start!  

Read about our previous on-campus Bioblitz event: From Quad to City: Discover Wildlife in the Greater Manchester City Nature Challenge 2024! 

Your submissions to CNC can also be added to the University’s iNaturalist project, contributing to a database used in crucial conservation work and biodiversity research. Simply upload the same photos and observations to the Biodiversity on Campus project. 

More ways to get involved 

Aside from the City Nature Challenge, there are several other opportunities for staff and students to connect with wildlife, biodiversity and sustainability this month: 

• Human Natures Exhibition: Manchester Museum’s newest exhibition invites us to reflect on how human overconsumption and the overexploitation of animals, plants, minerals and the wider planet have shaped the world we live in today. Human Natures explores practical ways we can restore balance with nature, from making sustainable fashion choices to reducing plastic waste. Get tickets to the launch event (22 April) or the exhibition (22 April – 10 September) on the Museum website. 

• Swift Conservation Campaign: Led by a final-year Environmental Sustainability project student, this campaign raises awareness of the declining population of swifts around the UK. Find out how you can help here: Making Manchester into a Swift City 

• No Time to Waste: Connect with nature, go on a tree trail, or volunteer at the University’s allotment to earn green points and redeem rewards. Register on the No Time to Waste platform or check out all nature-related activities now. 

• Travel by bicycle: Travel actively for the planet, physical health and mental wellbeing with various initiatives across campus. The Biko Bikes project offers affordable rental bikes and free repairs to students in the Student Union. The Cycle to Work Scheme allows University staff to purchase a brand-new bike, clothing and accessories up to the value of £5000 by spreading the payment across their salary. 

To find out more about Environmental Sustainability in FBMH, visit the Faculty’s intranet page, website or contact srbmh@manchester.ac.uk. 

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