Living Lab

Named after University Secretary Roger Gair who recently retired after 40 years, the new woodland totalling over 60,000 trees is one of the most significant woodland development schemes in the region.  Since Roger Gair planted the first oak tree on 2 December 2022, 186 members of the community, 102 staff members and 36 students (324…
The first tree has been planted at Gair Wood, one of the most significant woodland development schemes in the region. Located next to Golden Acre Park, the site will be planted with more than 66,000 trees, a mixture of broadleaf species including oak, alder, hornbeam, wild cherry and silver birch. As they grow they will…
An innovative project developed by a Leeds student has won a prestigious national competition designed to accelerate the path to net zero across UK universities and colleges.  The idea, developed by PhD student Seb Stroud, was selected as one of five winners.  Launched to mark the The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the competition invited students from…
The University of Leeds is developing plans for one of the most significant woodland creation projects in the north of England, which would increase biodiversity, provide research and teaching opportunities and capture carbon as part of the University’s Climate Plan. The project would contribute to the White Rose Forest initiative which aims to plant 7…
The Living Lab for Biodiversity links the latest academic understanding of urban habitats with operational site management, students and partners across the city to monitor and improve biodiversity. Findings from the Living Lab have been used to inform decision making and policy, including the Landscape Strategy and Biodiversity Standard.  The work helps to improve urban habitats,…
The University of Leeds in partnership with the Environment Agency and Leeds City Council have planted more than 5,000 trees at the University’s Brownlee Triathlon Centre to reduce flood risk to the Leeds area downstream. Tree planting at Bodington Playing Fields, where the Brownlee Triathlon Centre is located, took place between February and March 2021,…
The University of Leeds has been recognised for its unique approach to transferability and interdisciplinary collaboration. At the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) Awards 2021 the Urban Biodiversity Monitoring Programme, part of the Leeds Living Lab, received the Partnerships for Progress Award. The award recognises how the programme brings together an interdisciplinary group of staff…
Food waste is a global challenge and the University of Leeds aims to lead the way in innovative approaches to reducing waste from our catering, cafes and restaurants. The idea for the Food Waste Living Lab came about through plans for the University to have its own anaerobic digester on-site back in 2014. Sadly, this…