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Trees Week Wildlife Wander: What we Found 

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On a snowy November lunchtime, in icy air, colleagues from across the University joined the Sustainability team at Kings Gate stairs for a tour of the trees. Despite the unfavourable conditions the group remained undeterred, donning layers to shield the cold and a particularly brilliant array of hats. Once participants had a chance to download the iNaturalist app and join the Newcastle University Campus Biodiversity Network, we were off! 

Our loop around campus took us past the Arches, Quadrangle, entrance to the Courtyard Cafe, Claremont Quad and across Claremont Road into Drummond Quad before returning to Kings Gate. If you want to check out some of these Green Spaces have a look at our Sustainable Campus Map! 

In total 39 new observations were recorded on our Campus Project Page across the Winter Wander. This comprised of 32 different species: 1 bird, 1 insect, 2 fungi, and 28 different plants (of course plenty of trees).  

Here are some highlights (top 3 trees and 2 special mentions):  

1. Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica)

Arguably one of the most iconic trees on campus, it’s the weeping willow that sways over the Fine Art entrance beside the Arches.

Captured on campus by
iNaturalist user smah1
Reference image from iNaturalist website

2. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) 

Also known as the “maidenhair tree” it is found in the Quadrangle. Native to East-Asia it was historically known as “silver fruit” or “white fruit” in Chinese. Due to a centuries old transcription error, it got the name “Gingko”.  


Captured on campus by
iNaturalist user steph50665

Reference image from iNaturalist website

3. Common Yew (Taxus baccata)

This festive looking tree, adorned with striking red berries is not to be messed with. This old-world species of evergreen tree is completely poisonous, apart from the red flesh of the berries (although the seed inside is). 

Captured on campus by
iNaturalist user olivia_______ 
Reference image from iNaturalist website

4. Jelly Ear Fungi (Auricularia auricula-judae) 

These gelatinous looking fungi were spotted on a branch in the Quadrangle.  

Captured on campus by
iNaturalist user carys2030
Reference image from iNaturalist website

5. Dunnock (Prunella Modularis) – carys2030 

Photographing any bird is tricky! But one walker managed to snap a photo of this little Dunnock hiding out under the bench outside the Old Library.  

Captured on campus by
iNaturalist user carys2030

Reference image from iNaturalist website

Thank you to all who joined us and contributed to the observations, laughs and impromptu litter pick! We look forward to seeing more iNaturalist spots over the Winter months.  

The 2025 Winter Break Switch Off at Newcastle University

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What is the Winter Break Switch Off?

The Winter Break Switch Off is a university-wide campaign where we encourage staff and students to turn off any electrical items that can be switched off instead of leaving them on standby over the Winter break.

Why is the Winter Break Switch Off important?  

By turning off everything that can be turned off, we will reduce our energy consumption across the campus. The Winter Break Switch Off campaign has been run for a number of years to minimise energy wastage and contribute to our carbon reduction targets.

We also hope that the Winter Break Switch Off will encourage positive behaviour change more widely and remind colleagues and students to minimise their energy wastage by remembering to switch off what they can every day.

Who participates in the Switch Off?

We would like everyone at the university to participate if they are able to, that includes staff and students across labs, offices, and accommodation. The advice on what to turn off will vary for each location – guidance on what should be switched off is in this blog post. 

When switching off your work area, it can be helpful to organise a switch off team that can check each area after most people have left for the term to ensure everything that can be switched off, has been.

Here are some examples of items that could be switched in various area across campus:

  • Staff working in offices: Lighting, computers, monitors, printers and photocopiers, kettles and fridges (after they have been emptied and cleaned). Also, it is important to make sure that all windows have been properly closed. 
  • Labs and medical buildings: All the above can be applied in addition to drying cupboards, fume cupboards and fridges/freezers that will not be in use over the break (please do not turn off equipment that is in use).

Many students leave their accommodation over the Winter break, meaning their accommodation will be empty over the holidays. If you are going away over the winter break, there are a few things that you could do before you leave:

  • Clean out and defrost your fridges and freezers the day before you leave by turning them off at the wall and popping a towel underneath to soak up the melted ice.
  • Turn off your kettles and toasters at the wall.
  • If there is a wall switch for your oven this is also a good thing to turn off easily, as well as lights and plug sockets.

For more switch off information, visit the Winter Switch Off events listing.

If you have any questions or ideas about the Winter Break Switch Off, please email the Sustainability Team at sustainable-campus@ncl.ac.uk

Thank you for reading!

Hibernation Half-Term

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Over the last week in October, the Sustainability Team had the joy of joining the Great North Museum for Hibernation Half-Term.  
 
Throughout the vast Living Planet Gallery were a collection of stations for visiting kids and accompanying adults. Each had a unique offer, whether it was making a paper bat puppet, stroking (gently) a taxidermy hedgehog, or hearing about hibernating species on university campus, there was plenty to learn.  
 
The Sustainability team stall focused on sharing about our on-campus hibernators. The main two being:  

  • Common and Soprano Pipistrelle bats (November – March) 
  • Hedgehogs (October – March) 

The stall featured photos of hibernation locations, such as the 2 large-scale bat barns and nearly 50 bat boxes across the city centre campus. And various instruments and aids used to help monitor these species, such as charcoal powder, plastic containers and one of the five hedgehog tunnels.  
 

The most popular item on the table was the genuine hedgehog footprints. These were taken from the city campus hedgehog surveys carried out in June. More information about biodiversity on campus can be found on our Biodiversity webpage.   

Useful links:  

Introducing your 25/26 NUSU Ethics & Environment Rep!

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It’s a new academic year! And that means many things, including newly elected NUSU student representatives. I had the joy of catching up with the new Ethics and Environment student rep and asking all about the role and their hopes for the year ahead. Read on to listen into our conversation.

Hi Eleanor! Could you tell me a bit about who are and your experience at Newcastle University so far?
Hi, I’m Eleanor and I’m this year’s Ethics and Environment rep at NUSU! I’m a Stage 4 student studying for an Integrated Master’s in Earth Science. I’ve really enjoyed my course because it’s so varied, I can’t believe I’m in my Master’s year now. I’ve had a great few years in Newcastle and societies have been a huge part of my experience.

They’ve given me the chance to meet so many great people. I’ve joined various societies over the years including Environment and Earth, Model UN, Irish Dance and Latin and Ballroom. I’ve also been involved in the committees for some of these. I was Secretary and then President of Environment and Earth, and now I’m Secretary for Model UN.

Amazing, so good to hear how societies have shaped your uni experience. So how did you get interested and involved in the NUSU rep role?
Last year when I was President of the Environment and Earth Society I was asked by (now retired) Senior Lecturer Dr John Appleby if I wanted to get the society involved with ‘Hope not Heat’ a youth climate event he was organising. I reached out to other student groups like the Plant-Based Unis Campaign (PBU) and the Beach Cleaning Society. We put on events in addition to the organised public “Hope not Heat” events. John had mentioned the E&E rep role which I hadn’t heard of before and I became interested! At the end of the academic year, I attended Student Council to support a PBU motion. At that student council meeting. They were also electing the E&E rep and others encouraged me to go up for it. So that’s how I was elected! I’m very excited about the role given my passion for sustainability!

So now you’re elected, what’s the first thing you want to do? How can others get involved?
The first thing I’m doing is starting up the Student Environmental and Sustainability Committee (SESC). It will be attended by reps from sustainability linked student groups and Environment and Sustainability (E&S) course reps. It provides a link between students and staff as I also attend the University Sustainability Committee (USC) where I raise environmental concerns from students. I’d really recommend becoming an E&S rep if you want to get involved and attend SESC where you can pass on environmental issues you want to raise from your School. Also, I want to encourage students to reach out to me about ideas/concerns so I understand student opinions on sustainability and can use this to shape future initiatives!

Brilliant! Well, I’m looking forward to seeing the SESC come together and for all the work it will do for sustainable action on campus.

Sustainability Team Beach Clean 2025!

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This week the Sustainability Team headed to Tynemouth Longsands Beach and Cullercoats for a beach litter pick in support of the Great British Beach Clean 2025.

Every September, thousands of people across the UK head to the coast to take part in this nationwide event, organised by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS). Last year volunteers across the UK removed over 764,000 litter items from our beaches, weighing more than 16,800kg. This year’s Great British Beach Clean is running from Friday 19th to Sunday 28th September, and we were proud to play our part in helping protect our local coastline.

Armed with litter pickers, gloves, and clipboards, we spent the afternoon collecting waste along the shoreline, aiming to improve the environment for people and wildlife.

We used the MCS litter survey forms to record the types and amounts of waste we found. These forms are an essential part of the Beach Clean, allowing the MCS to track pollution trends and build evidence to campaign for cleaner seas and stronger environmental policies.

Some of the most commonly found items included:

  • Small pieces of plastic
  • Bottle tops and lids
  • Cigarette butts
  • Fishing line and small netting fragments

The data we collected will now feed directly into the MCS’s national database, helping researchers and policymakers better understand the scale and sources of beach litter.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part! And we are happy to report there wasn’t an awful lot of litter at the beach, thanks to the local community who regularly litter pick.

Want to get involved?
The Great British Beach Clean is running until Sunday 28th September, and there are events happening all over the UK. Visit the Marine Conservation Society website to find out how you can take part and help protect our beaches.

Let’s keep our coastline clean!

World Car Free Day

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Monday 22nd September is World Car Free Day and Newcastle University is taking a city-wide approach with local institutions including Newcastle City Council, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Nexus.

We are asking those who can, to take the Newcastle Car Free Day pledge and commute to campus using a car free mode of transport such as cycling, walking or wheeling, metro or bus. 

We know trying a new mode of transport to commute can be daunting, so we have asked colleagues what advice they would give to people trying their preferred modes for the first time. You can read the testimonials below – make notes of the helpful tips they provide!

Public Transport

Charlotte Robson commutes via the metro

  1. Why is this your preferred mode of transport? I commute via the metro as it is a quick and sustainable mode of transport. I like to use the commuting time to find some calm (at the start and/ or the end of your day), I often do this by reading a book or listening to a podcast.
  2. Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute? The Nexus Pop app is a great way to keep track of what’s happening on the metro network, you can check train times so you can minimise your wait on the platform. Always pack an umbrella in case it is raining when you get off the train (the weather in Newcastle can be a tad unpredictable). If you become a regular user of public transport during the week and on the weekends, look at the University public transport page as an annual travel ticket for one of the local providers may work out cheaper for you.

Cycling

Amy Johnson commutes via cycling on a hybrid bike

  1. Why is this your preferred mode of transport? Cycling is much cheaper than the bus (£5 per day) and quicker! I have a car but driving into the city centre during rush hour and having to pay for parking doesn’t appeal to me. It’s also nice to get some fresh air on the way to and from work. 
  2. Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute? Investigate your options first, see if your workplace has a cycle to work scheme. Can you secure your bike securely at home and at work? Does your work have lockers? It can be a bit of money to begin with – for example getting a bike, helmet, lock, high vis jacket etc but once you’ve got it all its much cheaper than other modes of transport. Cycling can be intimidating to start with for example getting used to traffic etc, but once you get the hang of it and become more confident its much easier. The more of us that can cycle to work, the better – it increases safety in numbers, will make drivers more aware of cyclists and lead to shifts in behaviour (think about cycling somewhere like Amsterdam!)

Jane Robinson uses a bike to commute to campus

  1. Why is this your preferred mode of transport? I cycle along the river from Wylam – it’s a beautiful, safe (and flat!) route – it gives me time to think and prepare for the day and unwind on the way home and I fit in my exercise as part of the day. 
  2. Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute? Make the most of Cycle to Work scheme. Wear bright colours and always use your lights. Most importantly, enjoy the ride!

Carys Watts commutes via cycling

  1. What form of sustainable transport do you use to commute? I cycle to work from Gateshead to Newcastle, half of my route is off-road, the rest is shared use or cycle lanes. Previously to help with timings for the school-run, I drove partway with my bike in the car, then cycled the rest.
  2. Why is this your preferred mode of transport? My commute time is reliable and I feel alert, relaxed and healthy, plus there is no daily cost.
  3. Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute? Starting out cycling I would invest in a helmet, a bright (neon) waterproof jacket and decent bike lights for visibility. Get a strong bike lock and ask friends/co-workers their advice on their recommended routes, bike parking and servicing.

Walking

Hannah Owens walks to work

  1. Why is this your preferred mode of transport? I enjoy being out in the fresh air and getting some exercise through my commute. It’s roughly a 35-minute walk so it’s a good amount of time to prepare for the day ahead on the way in and unwind on the way home. It’s also great for enjoying nature and green spaces- I love that in the summer months I get to experience fields of cows on my city centre commute!
  2. Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute? Layered clothing and comfortable/sturdy footwear, and it’s a great way to enjoy podcasts.

If you would like some additional information, you can find more advice and helpful information on the Sustainable Campus Travel pages.

Green Impact 25/26: all you need to know 

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Green Impact is back! Our toolkit of new and improved actions is out, we’ve updated our information pages (where you can find key dates and resources) and we’re hosting a launch webinar on Thursday the 18th of September.   

This webinar will have all you need to get started, whether you’re new, returning, or just investigating whether to get involved. Either way, we’d be delighted to have you join us.  

Curious, but not sure? We’d recommend you join the webinar to make up your mind. But also, why not hear the reviews of our previous Green Impact Teams? We sat down with three of the teams (SNES, Bioscreening Core, and NIHR BRC) to find out how Green Impact has helped them embed sustainability into their workplace.            

How did the toolkit help? 

“We became aware of the different steps we could take to operate more sustainably as a team, such as hosting events which integrated sustainability as part of the planning. We also discovered that there were areas that we were already doing successfully without really being aware of them” – Rachael Gray from, NIHR Newcastle BRC 

What’s your advice for getting started? 

“Start small and find 5 practical and easy solutions and move forward from there. Pass the message, on a one-to-one basis; rather than placing notices on corridors, a personal conversation is advantageous for the team (if only reputational!) as it can be more effective.”  – Carmen Martin-Ruiz, Bioscreening Core Facility

What’s the biggest change your team made? 

“Our infrastructure team now include regular sustainability checks in their scheduled building walkarounds, including fridge temperature checks, radiator checks, bin audits and push-tap checks. These now happen as a matter of course and have been embedded into the day-to-day tasks of the team.” – Katy Sawyer, SNES

Last year we had 16 teams participate, 9 achieve an award and 5 of those reach Gold! Due to this high level of gold awardees, this year we’ve introduced the “Platinum Award”. Could your team be the first Newcastle University Platinum Award winners?  

Let the Green Impacting Commence! 

P.S. A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to the 24/25 awards winners:  

Special Awards

  • Sustainability Hero – Katy Sawyer
  • Environmental Improvement – Comparative Biology Centre
  • Student Leadership – Sophia Hordiyenko

Team Awards

  • Bronze
    • External Relations – OPS
    • Library
  • Silver
    • POG Labs
    • Leech Building, Medical School
  • Gold
    • Human Developmental Biology Resource
    • E&F Planning
    • NIHR Newcastle BRC
    • Comparative Biology Centre
    • SNES

Sustainable September: What’s coming up!

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September is a big month for environmental awareness, conscious consumerism, and collective action. Whether you’re just beginning your sustainability journey or looking to deepen your impact, here’s what’s coming up next month and how you can get involved!

Organic September

Led by the Soil Association, Organic September celebrates organic food and farming. It’s a chance to learn about the benefits of choosing organic for our health and the planet. This Organic Septembers focus is the connection between healthy soil and healthy food. Try swapping one or two regular shopping items for organic alternatives and support farmers who are working with nature.

Tip: Look for the Soil Association organic certification logo next time your food shopping, or read the Soil Associations Organic Living Guide

Second-hand September

Fashion is famously one of the most polluting industries, with millions of clothes ending up in landfill every year. Hosted by Oxfam, Second-hand September encourages people to say no to new clothes for 30 days and take a stance against fast fashion.

Challenge yourself to find an outfit from a thrift shop or host a clothes swap with friends.

Tip: Read our blog for tips on tackling fast fashion.

Photo: Oxfam

World Car Free Day: 22nd September

Join cities around the world in ditching your car for the day. Whether you walk, wheel, take public transport, reducing car use is great for the environment and your health.Map out a car-free route to work/ university and give it a go! Keep an eye on our World Car Free Day events page to find out how Newcastle University are getting involved.

Tip: Cycle in and use our Dr Bike services at Bike Week for free minor repairs!

Recycle Week: 22nd – 28th September

Run by Recycle Now, this national campaign reminds us all to keep recycling correctly. It’s a great time to brush up on what can and can’t go in your recycling bin, and to explore local recycling services.

Tip: Check out our waste A-Z to see what can be recycled on campus.

Great British Beach Clean: 19th – 28th September

Organised by the Marine Conservation Society, the Great British Beach Clean is more than just a litter picking event. Volunteers record the types of litter they find to help push for policy change. There data has helped to make positive change, including the introduction of the plastic bag charge, banning microplastics in personal care products, better wet wipe labelling, and supporting a tax on single-use plastic items.

Tip: Find a local clean-up event or organise your own with friends and family.

Photo: Great British Beach Clean

Sustainable September is a perfect time to pause, reflect, and act. Which of these events will you take part in?

More awareness days:

Happy International Bog Day!

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Today, we’re celebrating one of the world’s most overlooked yet vital ecosystems – peatlands! Whether it’s bogs, fens, swamps, or marshes, these incredible landscapes play a crucial role in the fight against climate change, biodiversity loss, and water pollution.

Although peatlands cover just 3% of the Earth’s surface, they are the largest terrestrial carbon store on the planet, holding an estimated 550 gigatons of carbon, more than all the world’s forests combined. Read on to discover what makes peatlands so special, the benefits they offer, and how we can all help to protect them.

What are Peatlands?

Peatlands (or bogs) are areas of wetland with thick layers of decomposed vegetation stored in their soils, and 1 metre of peat takes around 1,000 years to build!

 There are three broad peatland types in the UK:

  • Blanket bog – typically found in the uplands, fed by rainfall. Nutrient poor and acidic.
  • Raised bog – localised domes, common in lowland areas. Rain fed, nutrient poor and acidic.
  • Fen – fed by rain and groundwater sources, so differing pH levels from base rich to base poor.

In the North East we have some great examples of peatlands, such as Cuthbert’s Moor in the heart of the Durham Dales and the Border Mires blanket bog next to Kielder Forest.

 Cuthberts Moor (Photo: Durham Wildlife Trust)

Benefits of peatlands

Peatlands provide a host of benefits, known as “ecosystem services”, to society. Some of the ecosystem services that peatlands provide include carbon storage, drinking water filtration, flood prevention, wildlife habitats, grazing land and recreational areas.  Although in the UK, due to the way peatlands have been managed, peatlands are estimated to be a net source of greenhouse gas emissions i.e. they release more CO2 into the atmosphere than they store.

This damaged peat is often referred to as “wasted peat.”

Protecting Peatlands

Peatlands are under threat, but through restoration, better land management, and community awareness, we can work to restore these amazing landscapes.

The UK government has pledged up to £400 million for nature restoration, including efforts to restore peatlands. There are also consultations underway to extend the ban on burning deep peat, a practice that releases emissions and causes habitat loss.

Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:

“Our peatlands are this country’s Amazon Rainforest and in desperate need of restoration and protection, as this mapping and research work starkly demonstrates. That is why we have announced up to £400m for nature restoration, including of our peatlands, and are consulting on new plans to extend the ban on burning deep peat. This government, as part of our Plan for Change, are committed to expanding nature-rich habitats and turning the tide on nature’s decline after years of neglect.”

Further information

UK Peat Map

About Peatlands | IUCN UK Peatland Programme

Climate Ambassadors Northeast Hub 

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Are you passionate about the environment and climate change? Sign up to become a climate ambassador! 

Funded by a £2 million investment from the Department for Education, the Climate Ambassador programme is delivered in partnership with the University of Reading, EAUC (the Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education), and supported by STEM Learning.  

The programme exists to support nurseries, schools, colleges, and universities in England to develop and implement Climate Action Plans (CAPs) – enabling all education settings to have a CAP in place by the end of 2025. 

What is a Climate Ambassador? 

A Climate Ambassador is a volunteer from any background who is passionate about taking action against climate change and making a positive difference in their local schools, communities, and to the planet! You don’t need to be a climate expert to be an ambassador – training and ongoing support are provided. Ambassadors help raise awareness, inspire others, and lead by example, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. 

As a Climate Ambassador you will have flexibility as to what support you give and how much time you contribute but this includes the opportunity to: 

  • Promote climate action and sustainability across education through collaboration, leadership, and engagement. 
  • Co-develop and implement effective Climate Action Plans (CAPs) with schools and local communities. 
  • Lead eco-initiatives and educational campaigns that inspire participation and long-term behaviour change. 
  • Share insights, experiences and best practices within the network. 

The Northeast Hub 

To support the programme, regional hubs in each of England’s education regions have been set up so that volunteer ambassadors can be matched with education settings in their area. The Northeast Hub is hosted by Newcastle University and led by  Dr Stephen Blenkinsop  and  Professor Hayley Fowler. 

“The Northeast Climate Ambassadors Hub hosted by Newcastle University is excited to be able to draw on the expertise and passion people across our region have for addressing the challenges of climate change. Volunteer ambassadors as well as nurseries, schools and colleges interested in getting support can find out more about all the help the scheme provides from the regional hub at climateambassadors.ne@newcastle.ac.uk.” 

Dr Stephen Blenkinsop 

Sign up now! 

If you are interested in getting involved with the Climate Ambassadors scheme, you can find out more here or sign up here! Volunteers will be provided with free training and support, and be matched to a local nursery, school or college that needs help creating a climate action plan.