Take a first look at the Botanical Garden design

Sustainability

Residence Life

Posted 2 days ago

Sun 19 Apr, 2026 12:04 AM

Help shape the next stage of development

The final design of a Botanical Garden on campus has been proposed, with students invited to shape the next stage of development.

Over 2,000 students and staff voted to make a Botanical Garden one of the six Campus Reimagined mini projects – ‘quick win’ initiatives to improve our campus, chosen from hundreds of ideas suggested at Campus Reimagined Live! 2025.

Since then, a team led by Seb Stroud, botanist and teaching fellow in the Faculty of Biological Sciences, have brought our community’s ideas to life with a plan for a Botanical Garden on campus.

Teaching, learning and wellness

In its proposed location behind the EC Stoner building, the garden will revitalise the gravelled area to create vibrant greenspace for learning, research, community, and reflection.

The design was produced in collaboration with Re-form landscape architecture and shared with the University community for the first time at Campus Reimagined Live! 2026 on 9 and 10 March.

It includes raised beds featuring native habitats and plants of Yorkshire, exotic plants of cultural and historic significance, and a glasshouse.

The Botanical Garden will facilitate a wide range of activities and benefits – from innovative and interdisciplinary teaching and learning, to wellbeing initiatives and community engagement.

Get involved

All students are invited to attend one of three workshops, taking place between 29 April and 20 May, to contribute to the next stage of planning and explore how the garden can enhance their experience on campus.

Seb said:

According to the Botanic Gardens Conservation International, there hadn’t been a new botanic garden at an English university for 100 years – until you voted to make it happen.

The enthusiasm of the students and staff who supported this project shows how much we value greenspace and nature on campus.

I’m excited to invite all students and staff to get involved with the upcoming workshops. Join us to share your ideas and hopes for the Botanical Garden, and ensure the space continues to develop in ways that reflect the needs and aspirations of our community.

Student workshops will take place on the following dates:

• 3.00 pm - 4.30pm on 29 April at Helix

• 3.00pm - 4.30pm on 6 May at Helix

• 3.00pm - 4.30pm on 20 May at Helix

Following the workshops, we will develop our Botanical Garden mission, vision, and long-term plan, with various opportunities for volunteering during the creation of the garden.

Subscribe to the Campus Reimagined newsletter to be the first to hear the latest updates on the Botanical Garden and all the mini projects.

EVENTS EVENT CAMPUS REIMAGINED