Tag Archives: Sustainable Campus

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.  

Autumn and Winter Cycling Tips! 

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Cycling is a great way to get active, travel sustainably, and save money on transport costs. While commuting by bike is more popular in the summer months, riding through autumn and winter can be just as enjoyable (with the right preparation)!  

Here are our top tips to help you stay warm, visible, and confident on your winter commute! 

  1. Prepare your bike 

A well-maintained bike is essential during the colder, wetter months.  

  • Attend a Dr Bike session to ensure it is road safe​. Find out about our upcoming Dr Bike dates here. 
  • Invest in winter tyres that are wider and puncture resistant ​if you can 
  • Add mud guards to your bike if possible​, they help to protect you and your bike from dirty water and dirt build up on your bike. 
  • Keep your bike clean to maintain a good condition level 
  1. Staying visible  

Winter commuting often means riding in the dark. Make sure you are visible on the roads. 

  • Add plenty of lights to your bike, and make sure they meet the legal requirements. Check out Cycling UK’s guide to cycle light regulations that provides detailed  guidance. 
  • Wear reflective and bright clothing to increase your visibility to other road users.  

Did you know colleagues can buy reflective clothing and bike lights under the University Cycle to Work scheme? 

  • Consider your road positioning and whether it needs to change in low lighting. To learn more, read the Cycle Scheme ‘Road Positioning for cyclists’ page. 
  1. Keep warm and dry! 
  • Invest in some warm and waterproof layers and a bag to keep you and your belongings dry on your commute​.  
  • Cycling UK recommend thermal gloves and socks, cycling glasses and a buff to keep your head warm under your helmet.  

Did you know colleagues can purchase cycling and safety equipment and via the Cyclescheme?​ 

  1. Plan Ahead 
  • Check the weather forecast before heading out on a long ride 
  • Plan your route in advance and test it out in daylight to build confidence 
  • Consider sharing your location with a close friend or family member when you leave and let them know when you have arrived at home or campus 
  • Stay alert to risks and be aware of the noises around you. 
  1. Secure Your Bike 
  • Only secure your bike to purpose-designed Sheffield stands, racks or bike parking systems 
  • Ideally use at least one ‘Sold Secure’ certified bicycle lock of at least bronze standard​ 
  • Double lock your bike where possible using two locks (one at the front and one at the back) 

Thank you for reading, happy cycling and stay safe this winter!

Email us at sustainable-campus@newcastle.ac.uk to join the universities Bicycle Users Group on Microsoft Teams! 

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:  

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!

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:

Cycle to Work Day 2025: Everything You Need to Get Involved

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This Thursday, 7th August, is Cycle to Work Day, a national campaign founded by Cycling UK to encourage as many people as possible to commute by bike. Whether you are a regular rider or are considering cycling to work for the first time, it is a perfect opportunity to start! This blog outlines the benefits of cycling, Newcastle University’s support for cyclists, and relevant resources and events. 

Benefits of Cycling

Cycling to work offers a wide range of benefits that impact health, finances, and the environment:  

  • Improved physical and mental health 
  • Cost savings on commuting 
  • Reduced carbon footprint 
  • Avoidance of traffic congestion with more predictable travel times 
  • Increased productivity and energy during the workday 
  • An enjoyable and active commute 

For a more detailed overview of these advantages, see Cycling UK’s article: Six reasons you should cycle to work. 

Newcastle University Facilities for Cyclists 

The University supports active travel by providing secure bike storage, showers, and changing facilities to encourage cycling among staff and students. Information on these facilities are available on our cycling page. 

Additional resources such as tips on bike storage, cleaning, and repairs are available in our Bike Maintenance Blog. 

Staff and students can join the Bicycle Users Group (BUG) on Teams for updates and advice by emailing sustainable-campus@newcastle.ac.uk with the subject line “Join BUG.” We currently have over 460 members on the Teams channel!

The University also participates in the government-backed Cycle to Work Scheme, which enables staff to purchase bikes and safety equipment through salary sacrifice, resulting in significant cost savings. Check out an in-depth description and some handy resources about the scheme on the People Services website. 

External Resources and Events 

Beyond the University, there are excellent local opportunities to support and encourage cycling. Free confidence sessions are available through The Big Bike Revival, designed to help cyclists of all skill levels build road confidence and improve their skills. These sessions are open to anyone aged 18 and over. See below for dates, or see the website: The Big Bike Revival. 

For those looking to plan their cycling routes, Cycling UK offers a handy Journey Planner tool, which helps identify the safest and most efficient paths for commuting by bike: Cycling UK Journey Planner. 

Dr Bike: Free Bike Maintenance Sessions 

Dr Bike is a free bike maintenance service offered in collaboration with WATBike. These sessions provide minor repairs and comprehensive bike health checks (MOTs) to ensure bicycles are safe and ready for the road. 

Since September 2024, a total of 25 Dr Bike sessions have been held across six different campus locations, with 424 bikes serviced so far. Additionally, two Bike Weeks have been organised alongside WATBike to promote cycling and bike maintenance awareness across the University community. 

To coincide with Cycle to Work Day, a special Dr Bike session will take place at the Medical School. This session is open to all staff and students, but we recommend arriving early to secure a slot!

DateLocationTimeWhat3Words
Thursday 7th AugustMedical School Reception Entrance10:00 am – 15:00 pmcount.rally.olive

Tips for New Cyclists 

If you’re considering starting your cycling journey, here are some essential tips to ensure safety and security: 

  1. Always wear a helmet  
  1. Obey traffic lights and road signals  
  1. Don’t ride on the pavement unless a sign says you can  
  1. Use lights and reflectors so you are clearly visible  
  1. Don’t use headphones or a mobile while cycling  
  1. Remove lights and accessories from your bicycle when it is parked 
  1. Always securely lock your bicycle with at least one ‘Sold Secure’ certified cycle lock and only use purpose-designed Sheffield stands or racks  
  1. Don’t leave your bicycle on campus overnight 
  1. If possible, arrange adequate insurance to cover any theft or damage to your bicycle 
  1. Join BUG to see if colleagues have any other helpful information for you or can supply information about recommended cycle routes 

We hope this blog has given you some useful insights and inspired you to consider cycling as part of your daily routine. Happy Cycle to Work Day! 

Your Guide to iNaturalist: Celebrating the Launch of Our Newcastle University Project

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As of June 2025, Newcastle University has officially defined the City Campus geoboundary on iNaturalist. This means that any wildlife observations recorded within this area will automatically be grouped under the Newcastle University City Campus project. It’s an important step in helping us better understand the biodiversity across our campus.  

Here’s a quick guide to what iNaturalist is, how to get involved, and why these observations matter. 

What is iNaturalist? 

iNaturalist is a platform used to record and share sightings of wildlife, from foxes and birds to flowers and fungi. Whether you’re an experienced naturalist or just someone who noticed an interesting insect in your garden, the app makes it easy to upload a photo, identify what you saw, and contribute to a growing global biodiversity database.  

At Newcastle University, we’re encouraging colleagues, students and visitors to use the iNaturalist Classic app (or the website) to help us document the organisms on our campus. Over time, this data will give us a better sense of which species are thriving and which may need protection.  

Image: A map of campus observations so far. Blue pins are bird, red pins are insects, green pins are plants, and pink pins are fungi (Source: iNaturalist 2025).

Making an observation  

An observation records an encounter with an organism in a particular time and location. Observations can be uploaded via the mobile app or the webpage. 

Making an Observation with the App  Making an Observation with the Website 
1. Open the iNaturalist Classic app and tap “Observe.” 
2. Add one or more photos or sounds as evidence. 
3. Choose what you saw – either from suggested species or by searching. If you are unsure, you can keep the label as simple as “plant” or “insect.” 
4. The date and location should be added automatically. If not, check your device’s location and privacy settings. 
5. Does the plant look like it was planted by a human? If yes, mark the finding as ‘captive/cultivated’ 
6. Tap “Save”, then “Upload” to share your observation.  
7. Once uploaded, others in the iNaturalist community can help refine the identification. 		1. Log in at iNaturalist and click the green “Upload” button in the header. 
2. Drag in one or more photos or use the “Add” button to manually create observation cards. 
3. Choose what you saw from suggestions or by searching. If unsure, leave it blank or use a broad category. 
4. Use the calendar to record when the observation was made. 
5. Enter a location and adjust the map marker and accuracy circle as needed. 
6. Does the plant look like it was planted by a human? If yes, mark the finding as ‘captive/cultivated’ 
7. Once all details are added, click “Submit.”  

iNaturalist have shared a slideshow that contains helpful tips about how to make a good observation. The key principles are: 

  1. Take clear, close-up photos 
  1. Focus on wild organisms 
  1. Document the location 
  1. Add an identification 

Image: How to upload an observation on the iNaturalist website (Source: iNaturalist, 2025).

Why are observations important? 

iNaturalist helps individuals who may not otherwise have the knowledge to identify the biodiversity found around them, it also generates data for scientists and conservationists to help them protect nature.  

Newcastle University is currently establishing its biodiversity baseline, we will monitor and measure the data submitted on iNaturalist within our project, as this data set will contribute toward our understanding of biodiversity that is present on our campus. You can find out more about our biodiversity related work on the Sustainable Campus website.  

Here are some of our favourite observations of species that were found and submitted on campus over the past few weeks! 

Photo credits (from top left to bottom right): rosalind24947, cer28, js94ne, psychso, nonsensical and cer28. 

If you would like to find out more about other biodiversity initiatives on campus, check out our webpage. For any queries about iNaturalist or sustainability in general, please email us at sustainable-campus@newcasle.ac.uk. 

Thank you for reading! 

What are compliance obligations and why do they matter?

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Each year, Newcastle University undergoes an external audit to ensure that our Environmental Management System (EMS) and Energy Management System (EnMS) meet the requirements of the ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 standards. These audits are rooted in our list of compliance obligations (COs). In this blog, we will explore what compliance obligations are, some examples, and how they affect the wider University community. 

What are compliance obligations? 

Compliance obligations are described by ISO as: 

“Legal requirements that an organization has to comply with and any other requirements that an organization has to or chooses to comply with” 

The University has a register of environmental and energy commitments it must adhere to, like those required by the law and others which are voluntary. We work with Barbour EHS, a consultancy that provides compliance and information services, to help us keep our obligations register up-to-date, especially when new legislation comes into place. 

During the external audit, auditors review the list of compliance obligations and assess how these requirements are being met. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in the University losing its ISO accreditation. 

What are some examples of compliance obligations? 

The concept may sound rather abstract, so here are some examples of obligations on our register. 

As you can see, many of the obligations link back to our key themes, looking at carbon, water, waste and biodiversity. This highlights how compliance obligations serve not just as checkboxes, but as practical drivers of environmental action across departments. 

Nature Positive Universities is just one of many voluntary obligations we’ve committed to, alongside our Net Zero targets, membership to the EAUC, participation in the People & Planet University League, the Race to Zero campaign, the SDG Accord, and the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice. 

How do we integrate compliance obligations into our work? 

Compliance obligations guide how we plan, implement, and monitor environmental and energy practices across campus. The process usually begins with changes in legislation or voluntary initiatives, which are then translated into internal actions. These updates are reviewed during both internal and external audits, helping us track progress and identify areas for improvement. 

For example, when the Simpler Recycling legislation came into play in March 2025, we responded by reviewing how waste was being managed in all areas of campus, especially student accommodation. This led to collaboration with our waste contractor, Biffa, to introduce food waste bins and expand glass recycling across key locations. These operational changes directly support compliance obligations related to waste segregation and management. Auditors can assess these during their visits and may even offer feedback in the form of an OFI (Opportunity for Improvement), which helps us refine our systems further. 

How are students and colleagues involved? 

From the table above, you can see that COs extend the scope of the Sustainability Team’s work – we work closely with colleagues across the University to meet them. Everybody at the University plays a role in meeting environmental responsibilities. From Estates designing efficient building systems and maintaining green spaces, to individuals recycling correctly and using energy efficiently in their workspaces, everyone plays a key role in our EMS and EnMS. 

COs are all over, even when you may not notice. For instance, most University buildings have an environmental noticeboard near their entrances, displaying Display Energy Certificates, required under the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations. 

Students are also a key part of this process. Under the Waste Duty of Care Code of Practice, waste producers (including students in accommodations) are responsible for sorting their waste correctly. Additionally, by completing travel surveys, both students and colleagues are contributing to voluntary efforts aligned with the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997 and the Transport Act 2000. 

From waste and water to biodiversity and transport, compliance obligations influence many day-to-day decisions at the University. They help ensure we’re not only meeting legislation but actively working toward a more sustainable campus.  

If you’d like to find out more about our environmental and energy management systems, read our blog, or check out our webpage. For any sustainability queries, please email us at sustainable-campus@newcastle.ac.uk 

Plastic Free July 2025!

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Plastic pollution poses a worldwide challenge, with 400 million tons of plastic produced each year, and this number is predicted to triple by 2060 (UNEP, 2025). It is estimated that UK households throw away a staggering 1.7 billion pieces of plastic packaging a week (Big Plastic Count, 2024).

Plastic is a highly durable material; therefore, it rarely completely disappears once out in the environment, it will instead take many years to break down into smaller pieces or microplastic. Plastic pollution is causing harm to marine life, the climate and humans across the world.

Plastic Free July is a challenge created by the Plastic Free Foundation that aims to help people begin or continue their journey to reduce their use of single use plastic. The beginning of the journey to reduce single use plastic as an individual or family can be daunting, so here are some tips on where you can begin:

Tips on how to reduce single use plastic in your everyday life:  

  • Travel cup: By carrying a travel cup with you every day, you can remove the need for single use coffee cups when you buy coffee out and about. Some coffee cups are now designed to be collapsible, so they take up less room in your bag. 
  • Water bottle: Instead of buying water in a single use plastic bottle, you can carry a reusable water bottle with you and fill it up from a tap when you are on the go, at school or at work. 
  • A great way to reduce plastic packaging is by buying dry food products such as rice, pasta, and spices from refill shops, check out some local refill shops in our blog.
  • Invest in a re-useable cutlery set to carry for your meals on the go, some even come with a reusable straw, you could even just bring your home cutlery in your bag if you don’t want to buy a travel set! 
  • Reuse what you already own as much as you can, for example do you have plastic takeaway containers that can be used as a lunch box instead of buying a new plastic lunchbox? 
  • Do some research into what food products that you consume may contain traces of plastic, such as tea bags and chewing gum and look for alternatives such as loose tea.  

Resources to help you with your journey to plastic free: 

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.