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69��ý's Student Services were recently awarded a grant of £6,000 from The 69��ý Fund, administered by the Development and Alumni Relations Office, to develop an open and welcoming outdoor space outside Neuadd Rathbone.

There is strong evidence to suggest that spending time in green spaces, engaging with nature and experiencing the outdoors has a positive impact on wellbeing. With the funding received, the team have been able to create a space that encourages students to maintain and develop positive mental health whilst engaging with the 5 Ways to Wellbeing – Connection, Being Active, Taking Notice, Learning and Giving.

Groups of students have been actively involved in developing elements of the garden. The first event saw the planting of nearly 2,000 spring bulbs, including snowdrops, daffodils, tulips and bluebells. Many of the students had no previous gardening experience and, despite the wind and the rain, student attendance and feedback was excellent.

As part of the project, a workshop was delivered by Wild Elements who worked with students and staff to build two large bug hotels, to encourage insect biodiversity on the site, and several bird boxes. Mowing of the lawn will be limited to encourage biodiversity through an element of rewilding and advice has also been taken regarding the type and number of heritage fruit trees in the garden. In addition to the activities delivered, use of the garden has increased since new, accessible, picnic benches have been installed. Information boards have also been purchased.

Gian Fazey-Koven, Head of Student Support and Wellbeing, who applied for the funding said, “We’ve had a lot of joyful engagement with students on this project. Students contributed without the need to see an immediate impact of their work – it has been sufficient simply to participate and contribute. While some students may not see the bulbs flower next spring or know what insects have taken up residence in the bug hotels, they have participated in activities that will benefit future students. We’re very grateful to The 69��ý Fund for enabling the garden to be realised. The grant has provided a strong foundation, which we will continue to develop and evolve and I’m sure that the garden will have an impact for many years to come.”

Emma Marshall, Head of Development and Alumni Relations, said “The 69��ý Fund Allocations committee were pleased to fund this very positive project. It’s great to see that the garden has already benefitted students and staff and will continue to do so as the garden develops”.