Enhancing our green spaces through UEA’s biodiversity heroes
By: Communications
A new volunteer group, the ‘UEA Biodiversity Heroes’, is bringing together staff, students and the local community, to enhance campus biodiversity as part of UEA's Green Infrastructure Strategy, across our five County Wildlife Sites.
The UEA Biodiversity Heroes programme, part of the University's Green Infrastructure Strategy, welcomes staff, students and local residents to participate in regular conservation work parties aimed at protecting and enhancing the natural environment of our award-winning campus.
The University's campus includes five County Wildlife Sites (a designation system that aims to identify, protect and enhance the most important places for wildlife outside of the statutory designated sites) and encompasses a diverse range of habitats including woodland, meadow, marsh, fen, river and broad ecosystems—providing valuable space for biodiversity.
Nadia El-Fakhri, UEA's Biodiversity and Community Coordinator, explains: "This initiative connects people with nature while contributing to the university's sustainability goals. Volunteers experience parts of campus many never knew existed, while learning practical conservation skills and making a difference to our local ecosystems."
The work varies seasonally, with volunteers participating in activities such as meadow management, reed cutting, scrub clearance and traditional coppicing techniques. These tasks help maintain habitat diversity and create the conditions needed for native species to thrive.
The initiative supports UEA's position in environmental research and education, providing hands-on opportunities for students to develop practical skills while contributing to the university's sustainability commitments.
The work parties also serve as community-building events, with volunteers from across the university and local area working side by side, sharing knowledge and building connections. Participants range from undergraduates to staff members and local community residents.
The regular work parties offer participants benefits beyond contributing to campus biodiversity. They provide opportunities for socialising, spending time outdoors, engaging in physical activity, and developing new skills in practical conservation methods.
All equipment, PPE and training are provided and the group is open to everyone, regardless of experience level.
For anyone interested in joining the UEA Biodiversity Heroes, no long-term commitment is required - volunteers can attend sessions as frequently or occasionally as suits their schedule.
To get involved or learn more, please contact Nadia El-Fakhri on: n.el-fakhri@uea.ac.uk
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