Portsmouth Friends of the Earth Guided Walk: From Grey to Green - supporting nature recovery on the University's campus

Date: Monday 22nd April 2024 

Time: Meet 12.00

Meeting Point: UPSU Building, Eco Fayre & Market, Portsmouth Friends of the Earth stall (walk leaders will be wearing Friends of the Earth t-shirts)

Only 30 spaces available!

Details: A leisurely paced walk following a 1.5 mile route exploring ‘grey’ and ‘green’ locations on the University campus near Richmond Building and the Ravelin Sports Centre. 

The walk will last approximately 1.5 hrs. The aim of the walk is to explore the potential for nature recovery by ‘greening’ some of the greyer areas on campus. 

Our planet has a biodiversity emergency. There is far too much concrete and tarmac in cities. We now know that 25% of all biodiversity can be found in healthy soil and is essential for life above ground. During the walk we will identify opportunities for depaving and uncovering soil in small areas of the campus by enlarging tree pits, creating façade gardens and rain gardens. 

We will hear about some of the University’s good practice and share examples from other cities. 

Uncovering our planet’s precious soil will help with storm water, air pollution, and carbon absorption as well as nature recovery. Planting these areas with native flowers will provide many small havens for wildlife, increasing the number of insects and birds which are hugely in decline.