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Nature Friendly Grounds

The UK’s nature recovery begins in the places we learn
Sign up for 2025/26Submit an Expression of InterestCheck it out

What is Nature Friendly Grounds?

Launching in the 2025/26 academic year, Nature Friendly Grounds is a bold new programme from SOS-UK. It’s designed to help schools, colleges, and universities transform their grounds by embedding nature-positive actions into everyday operations to restore habitats and support wildlife across educational grounds.

The programme focuses on restoring habitats, supporting species recovery, and helping your institution be part of a nationwide movement leading the UK’s ecological comeback — creating vibrant, biodiverse spaces where students and staff can connect with nature.

To find out more, read our Nature Friendly Grounds Concept Note.

Why your grounds matter for nature recovery

The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries globally, facing urgent ecological challenges. Educational campuses cover tens of thousands of hectares, representing huge untapped potential for habitat restoration and biodiversity increase.

By restoring habitats like grasslands, hedgerows, ponds, and woodlands, and embedding sustainable grounds management, your institution can make a real, measurable difference in reversing biodiversity loss and supporting local wildlife.

What you’ll gain by participating

  • Revitalize and reconnect vital habitats on your grounds, creating thriving ecosystems that support diverse wildlife.
  • Empower students and staff through meaningful, hands-on projects, student-led biodiversity audits, and expert-led training that build skills and inspire action.
  • Cut harmful chemical use and lower your carbon footprint by adopting sustainable grounds management practices.
  • Tap into specialist advice and a supportive network of conservation experts and like-minded educational institutions committed to nature recovery.
  • Achieve national recognition with Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards that celebrate your leadership and real impact in restoring nature.
  • Ready to lead nature’s comeback on your grounds?

    Express your interest today and take a stand for nature in schools, colleges, and universities. We’re inviting institutions to take part in the pilot for Nature Friendly Grounds starting in autumn 2025, become part of a growing movement transforming educational grounds across the UK. Expressions of interest must be submitted by Friday 27th June 2025.

    Sign up for 2025/2026

    Contact jo.wilkinson@sos-uk.org for more information.