Sustainable research training

Lancaster University’s Reimagining Research Practice Project, funded by Wellcome, has teamed up with the University's Sustainability Team to create a training resource. The goal is to help researchers, students and staff think about how research can be carried out in an environmentally sustainable way.

Staff and students can access an online course. In-person sessions for groups of five or more people can be arranged via Valerie Seymour.

Don’t Ditch It achievements

Following the success of last years Don’t Ditch It project, The British Heart Foundation (BHF) have announced final donation totals from the University. Over 2025, almost 32 tonnes of unwanted items have been donated, with an estimated value of £59,670. The items will be resold in BHF shops around the UK and help to fund lifesaving research.

Rewild Campus

If you have a resolution to spend more time in nature this year, you could join Rewild Campus - an initiative led by staff and open to students and co-working companies, volunteering with the University Grounds Team to preserve the natural ecology on campus.

Over the past year volunteers have planted nearly 400 trees, tackled invasive Himalayan Balsam along the cycle path and woodland trail, cleared horsetail in the LEC 3 quad with plans to sow wildflowers, and supported the ECOHub by watering, weeding, and harvesting crops for the Edible Campus project.

The group runs ad hoc sessions throughout the year, from tree planting to weeding and welcomes new participants or ideas. Those interested can join by contacting Ellen Greyling.

Morecambe Bay Curriculum success

Following on from receiving a bronze award in the Sustainability Action category at the global QS Reimagine Education Awards, the team at the Morecambe Bay Curriculum have developed their first ever Impact Report to show the depth of their impact on the area. The team finished 2025 celebrating:

• 350+ members and 140 schools, colleges and nurseries getting involved
• 186 educators shaping Climate Action Plans at an annual conference
• 330 resource packs shared with schools to spark nature-inspired lessons

Net Zero Project tree planting

As part of the University’s Net Zero Energy Project, student volunteers from LUSU Green have been planting new trees at Forrest Hills that will help to create new habitats and increase biodiversity. Between now and Spring 2026, 2,000 new trees will be planted in total, helping the University to achieve its biodiversity net gain commitment for the project.

Got a sustainability story?

The University’s Sustainability team want to hear more from anyone who is working to advance sustainability in any way across Lancaster University, no matter how big or small.

Send your stories, suggestions, ideas and feedback to sustainability@lancaster.ac.uk.