SDG 15: Life On Land 2025 Report

SDG 15 - Life on Land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

The University of Huddersfield is taking active steps to protect and restore nature both on campus and beyond. From tree planting and wildlife habitats to biodiversity-friendly landscaping and biophilic building design, the University is creating greener spaces that benefit both people and the planet. Research projects - including forest monitoring in Kenya and long-standing wetland conservation efforts - further demonstrate the University's commitment to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity around the world.  

Operations

Feel Good Gardening Gang

The University has made significant efforts to enhance the biodiversity on its campuses, and to bring about positive people-nature connections through investment in green spaces, landscaping and habitat creation, and student and staff engagement programmes.

Through its Feel Good Gardening Gang, the University allows students and staff to access mini allotments and planters to grow their own fruit and vegetables. A series of gardening workshops held in the allotment spaces, such as ‘Tiny Tinned Tomatoes’ and ‘Mushroom Buckets’, have encouraged greater interest in food growing as well as wellbeing and social cohesion. Staff and students are encouraged to forage from the mini orchards and herb gardens around campus, and harvested produce is also used in seasonal dishes in our cafes.

Grounds management activities to support biodiversity

The University actively promotes biodiversity across its campuses through a range of sustainable grounds management practices. These include installing and monitoring nest boxes for birds, bats, bumblebees, and lacewings, as well as creating habitat piles to support ground-dwelling species—guided by expert advice from organisations like the RSPB.

Fallen trees are repurposed on-site to benefit wildlife and the environment, often used for habitat structures or converted into bark chippings for organic weed control. A robust tree planting programme ensures that for every tree removed, three mature native species are planted, alongside wildflowers to attract pollinators such as butterflies. Additionally, coffee waste from campus cafés is reused to enrich soil and support healthy plant growth. 

Our research

Centre for Wetlands, Environment and Livelihoods 

The University of Huddersfield is directly involved in protecting and enhancing the biodiversity of vulnerable ecosystems, supporting both plant and animal life. For example, the Centre for Wetlands, Environment and Livelihoods has been involved in research, teaching and field activities concerned with African development and the environment for more than four decades.

Their work links field research to teaching and advisory support for a number of NGOs and government agencies. They have also worked with a range of international development agencies such as the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, the World Bank and UK AID / DFID, together with the governments of Zambia, Ethiopia and Malawi, and with the World Conservation Union and the Ramsar Convention.