Kingston University
Protecting and Enhancing biodiversity at the university and beyond
Finalist, Nature Positive
About
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Kingston University has been actively protecting and enhancing biodiversity across and beyond its sites for over 20 years through continuous monitoring and adaptive habitat management. To ensure that all of our grounds as able to support wildlife and maximise biodiversity potential. Community engagement has been central to this work, contributing over 25,720 volunteer hours, involving 10,500 attendees, delivering 450+ events, and undertaking 2,100+ monitoring sessions. Despite the dispersed nature of its sites, the University creates a “buffer effect” across the borough, strengthening ecological resilience. Its impact is amplified through partnerships such as the Hogsmill Catchment Partnership, The Kingston Biodiversity Partnership, Kingston Biodiversity Partnership, OPM Alternative Control Working Group, and the SOS-UK Nature Friendly Grounds advisory group. These collaborations enable coordinated action, knowledge sharing, and innovation. This work reflects Kingston University’s civic leadership and highlights the essential role higher education institutions play in addressing biodiversity loss and climate change through long-term, place-based strategies. |
Top 3 learnings
1. Our citizen-science events increased volunteer confidence and strengthened long-term participation across our biodiversity activities.
2. We expanded community events, boosting participation, but it involves clearer organisation and
guidance.
3. We found invasive-species bashes highly effective, so we plan to repeat them annually.
SDGs
15- Life on land
What it means to win
Winning this prestigious award demonstrates how our commitment to sustainability is empowering staff and students to act as change agents and in partnership with the wider community, contributing to a more sustainable future.
| 2026 | |
| Nature Positive | |
| Finalist, UK and Ireland |
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