In April 2024 we asked students about their views on pesticide use and university usage of, and action around, pesticides. The survey was sent out to TOTUM cardholders and 1100 students responded.

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Some of they findings are:

🦔 80% of students are concerned about the impact on wildlife of pesticide and herbicide use in farming and food production methods

🪰 28% of respondents think the use of pesticides and herbicides in farming and food production carries more benefits than risks

🐛 41% of respondents don’t know whether their university/college should stop using pesticides or not

🧠 69% of respondents think that having more wild plants and wildlife on campus would lead to an improved sense of mental wellbeing

🌳 55% of respondents think that having more wild plants and wildlife on campus would lead to more opportunities to connect with nature

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The survey results have been weighted to be nationally representative of the UK higher education student population - no equivalent statistics for further education are available.

For more information, read the full report or read more about our programmes and projects related to nature.

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