Our first event was a huge success with around 30 people joining, including students, residents (~ 7 yr to > 70 yr), the City Councillors from the Duryard and St James ward, and one four legged friend! We spent 2 hours collecting piles of rubbish and recycling, all sorted and appropriately removed. The ECC kindly loaned us litter pickers and gloves.

The event ended with a very nice social including baked goods donated by local residents and Chococo. A good time was had by all!

If you're on the fence about joining us for a future litter pick, consider that litter picking can benefit one's mental health.

Our first AGM went extremely well and we continue to get really positive feedback from the community. Nicola Corrigan (Head of Sustainability Programmes) outlined the Nature Positive Strategy and sustainability efforts at the University, while David Evans (Head of Grounds) discussed what’s been done in the valley and what’s coming. We had 40 people, including local residents, students, and councillors from both the St David's, and St James and Duryard wards.

Please note, the University's Grounds Team is working with the Environment Agency and University of Exeter researchers to improve the Taddiforde Brook. These efforts may cause some disruptions and there will be machinery on site. The purpose of this work is to:

• ‘slow the flow’ – reduce the amount of water running off from the site

• Help water quality – by trapping sediment and any pollution.

• Help nature – making sure that water courses are connected – removing obstacles that wildlife can’t get through, like solid weirs

• Providing lots of different wildlife habitats – ponds, wet grassland areas

Nicola and David's slide deck includes more details about this effort as well as the University's Nature Positive Strategy and other related efforts.

You can also view our slides here.