Brighton and Sussex Wildlife Trust unite to protect Falmer campus chalk grassland

As part of the university’s ongoing commitment to enhancing biodiversity and sustainability across its campuses, students, staff, and volunteers from the Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Wilder Communities team came together this week to help preserve this important local ecosystem.

The hands-on conservation project focussed on controlling invasive species and ensuring that the chalk grassland remains a thriving haven for both wildlife and the local community.

The project provided a unique learning opportunity for those involved, offering practical experience in environmental conservation while contributing to the health of the local landscape and supporting volunteer well-being. The Wilder Communities team provided valuable training for participants, teaching them how to use conservation tools, identify local flora, and manage invasive species.

Falmer’s chalk grassland is part of the Westlain Plantation, designated as a Local Wildlife Site by Brighton & Hove City Council. These sites are some of the most important wildlife habitats in Sussex, and the restoration effort aims to protect this rich and diverse ecosystem, ensuring its survival for years to come.

Following the event’s success, and as part of the university’s long-term sustainability goals, the university will host a follow-up volunteering session next month, continuing the restoration and protection of this important local habitat.

Izzy White, Sustainability Projects Officer at the University of Brighton, said: “If nature ever needed a helping hand, it’s now. This project is a demonstration of our commitment to sustainability education and wellbeing. It was a fun afternoon of meeting people, learning practical biodiversity skills, and reconnecting with nature. We were also excited to see the collaboration with our community partners, reinforcing our shared responsibility for a greener future.”

Huw Morgan, Wilder Communities Team Manager for Sussex Wildlife Trust, said: “Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Wilder Communities teamwork with a range of groups, projects and individuals helping to support them in taking action for wildlife in a variety of ways. The chalk grassland at Falmer is an incredibly diverse and rich habitat supporting many different species of plants and grasses. Unfortunately, it is vulnerable to being taken over by other more vigorous growing scrub plants so it is vital to control the scrub in order to preserve the chalk grassland”.

This project is just one example of the university’s broader commitment to sustainability, which saw Brighton break into the top 30 of the latest People & Planet University League which ranks UK universities on their environmental and ethical performance.

It was also named the fourth most sustainable university in the south-east, earning a perfect score (100%) for its sustainability strategy and policies, and also scoring highly for Staff and Student Engagement (90%), Education for Sustainable Development (85%) and Carbon Management (83%).

The University of Brighton has implemented numerous initiatives to integrate environmental responsibility into its operations, including:

• Net-zero commitment – A plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with a 45.5% reduction in emissions for the 2022–23 academic year in scope 1 and 2 emissions.
• Renewable energy – Over 2,500 solar panels installed, generating 600,000 kWh, reducing emissions by 125 tonnes, and saving £160,000.
• Green IT – A cutting-edge, energy-efficient water-cooled data centre and power-down software to reduce energy waste.
• Research – Leading research to address global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
• Waste and recycling – Aiming for 60% recycling by 2025, with initiatives for packaging reduction and food waste recycling.
• Biodiversity – Enhancing campus biodiversity through habitat management and sustainable practices
• Environmental management – Estates and Facilities Management achieved EcoCampus Platinum accreditation for embedding sustainability across operations.
  Sustainable food – Commitment to sustainable sourcing, vegetarian and vegan options, campus allotments, and minimising food waste through careful planning.

These ongoing efforts reflect the university’s deep-rooted commitment to people and the planet, which continues to shape its strategy and actions for the future.