News: Mayor opens Nottingham College’s eco-friendly garden as part of carbon zero initiative

A Level students from the High Pavement gardening group collaborated with tutors and local organisation Grow Notts, to create a quaint wildflower garden on the campus grounds. Their aim was to create a space for students and staff to socialise, study and enjoy together whilst contributing to Nottingham College’s pledge to become carbon net zero by 2030. 

This green space is a significant addition to the college, providing a much-needed natural retreat at the city centre campus, which previously had minimal outdoor space.

A variety of herbs, fruits, and vegetables are also featured in this outdoor area, including rhubarb, strawberries, mint, chives and basil.

The garden was formally opened on 19^th June with a ribbon cutting by East Midlands Mayor, Claire Ward, who said: ​“As Mayor, I’m committed to meeting the challenge of net zero and a sustainable future for our region — that means supporting and protecting biodiversity. That’s why I was so pleased to open the new garden at High Pavement Sixth Form.”

The beautiful space that the staff, students and Grow Notts have designed is absolutely fantastic. They have not only produced a space that contributes to our sustainability pledge, but they are also providing a great place that could improve student wellbeing.”

The event was also attended by Nottingham College Wildling Campuses Manager, Liz Morely, as well as Jack Harris from Grow Notts, who collaborated on the project and helped plant the garden. 

Anya Lawa, High Pavement A Level student and campus Vice President, said: ​“The garden is a special place for me and many other students here. It’s a place where we can take some time out, study or socialise. 

“This project is a fantastic way to introduce green spaces in the city and to have access to one at college that’s just for us, is really special. Hopefully this will inspire others to work on similar sustainability projects, whether it’s other Nottingham College campuses, or colleges across the UK.” 

The garden was completed in March and left to flower and thrive over the following months. Members of the gardening group are hoping to raise funds to extend the garden further to cater to even more students in the future.