What's happening
Art from Waste during our Go Green Week in February
Our 'What's happening' section provides you with a summary all of the latest information on environmental and energy projects and events.
Student Societies
If you are a student and want to become more involved with the environmental agenda there a number of societies that you could join. Details of these are provided below:
Ecology Society (Derby)
This society was created by a group of people who are passionate about conservation and environmental issues. Our aims are to be able to help organisations with campaigning and conservation, whilst providing student members of the society with valuable experience and skills that will be transferable upon leaving university and entering the workplace.
President: Jo Sheldon Email:scaryfeet@live.co.uk
People and Planet Society (Derby)
People and Planet is the largest student network in the UK campaigning to end world poverty, defend human rights and protect the environment.
President: Dani Saxton Email:DaniSaxton@cheerful.com
Conservation Society (Buxton)
The Conservation Society has the aim of giving students on an outdoor course, or those just interested in conservation, practical experience in the field. We have already been involved with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and the East Moorlands Partnership. We have recently received bursaries to conduct several surveys on Oaklands grounds.
Contact: udbconservationsociety@gmail.com
Friends of the Earth Basecamp - July 12th - 14th
Friends of the Earth are holding a weekend event at Hartington Hall in the Peak District.
A get-together of about 300 environmentalists from Friends of the Earth and beyond, there are participative sessions on all kinds of things including bees, nature, energy and economics. Workshop leaders so far include the commentator George Monbiot and - all the way from our Friends of the Earth platform in Paraguay - environmental defender Elías Díaz Peña amongst many others.
People will be coming from across the country (and indeed the world), but it's also hoped that people who live closer to the venue will come along s well. There'll even be a coach from Derby and Buxton at the start and finish of the event.
It's a 3 day event with a range of sleeping options but if you want to sleep at home just book a 'camping ticket' and stay at home.
For more information about the event including prices etc please check out the web site
www.foe.co.uk/basecamp
WildVolunteering Bursary Project
There are still some projects left in the WildVolunteering Bursary Project . Last year was very successful with students carrying out projects from wildlife interpretation board design to bat, bird, moth and flower surveys.
Environmental Champions Meeting
The next Environmental Champions Meeting is on Wednesday 14th August in Room B116 at Kedleston Road. If you are in Buxton please join us to video conference. We'll let you know which room to be in before each meeting.Both staff and students are welcome and you can just come along without an official invitation. It's open to all.
Our Environment and You
Take a look at our latest Environment and You booklet (1.28 mb, PDF) which details the University's progress to date with meeting our environmental objectives and targets and other initiatives that we are involved in.
Saving Energy
Take a look at our updated Saving Energy Booklet (2.55 mb, PDF) which explains what the University is doing to reduce energy and the associated carbon emissions and what you can do at home to save money on your energy bills.
Sustainable Food - Food For Life Accreditation
We are pleased to report that we are working towards achieving the Soil Associations Food for Life Catering Mark for the Bistro in Buxton. This involves making sure that the food we serve is:
Freshly prepared;
Seasonal;
Free from controversial additives and
Better for animal welfare.
NUS - Green Impact Students' Union
We have been working with UDSU to help them achieve Silver in the NUS Green Impact Students' Unioin. Green Impact Students' Union is an environmental accreditation programme with an awards element designed specifically for students' unions.
Green Education Declaration 2012
People & Planet is calling on Vice-Chancellors and other associated education organisations to sign up to the Green Education Declaration to commit to working towards a greener higher education sector. We are proud to announce that the University of Derby is one of the first signatories of this agreement.
Tree Survey at Sturgess
We have carried out a Tree Survey at Sturgess Fields to assess the health and safety of the woodland areas but also identify areas where we could plant additional trees to enhance biodiversity. Undertaking a survey is a requirement of our Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). Recent works at Sturgess have included making improvements to existing footpaths and planting bulbs alongside them to ensure that there is lots of colour in the spring.
Tree Survey and Ecolgocal Survey at Oaklands Manor
We have also carried out a Tree Survey at Oaklands Manor to assess the health and safety of the woodland area of our newly acquired outdoor pursuits centre. An initial ecological survey has also been completed to identify the different types of land we have and how best this should be managed with biodiversity in mind.
