Robert Gordon University
Waterside Farm Nature Restoration
Finalist, Nature Positive
About
Waterside Farm Nature Restoration is a 55-acre flagship biodiversity project using nature-based solutions to transform a degraded floodplain into a carbon-rich, biodiverse landscape. Following surveys demonstrating high soil carbon content, considerations for infrastructure development were voluntarily halted, shifting land use
to long-term stewardship. The project delivers measurable progress towards reversing biodiversity loss through
large-scale habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and wetland creation. Early indicators show rapid ecological recovery, including significant increases in plant diversity and breeding bird populations, and the unexpected early return of priority species. Waterside Farm also embeds community-led climate action, providing opportunities for volunteering, education, and wellbeing. The project demonstrates how universities can contribute to regional biodiversity, delivering a replicable model to achieve Nature Positive outcomes.
Top three learnings
1. We must involve the whole community to drive long-term stewardship, ensuring projects are socially embedded.
2. Nature recovery efforts are more effective when delivered in conjunction with habitats beyond our site.
3. Baseline data and monitoring are essential to demonstrate measurable biodiversity recovery and generate stakeholder buy-in.
SDGs
15- Life on land
What it means to win
It would mean the world! It would be very motivating and encouraging to receive recognition for the work we have been doing. It would also help to further promote our sustainability initiatives throughout the University community.
| 2026 | |
| Nature Positive | |
| Finalist, UK and Ireland |
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Green Gown Award Regions
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