April 7, 2026
This winter saw us successfully plant 106 new trees across the Penryn Campus, thanks to Forest for Cornwall funding and a fantastic cross campus collaboration.
Staff from FX Plus, the University of Exeter Sustainability Team, and Maisie Williams, a student at the University of Exeter and part-time Sustainability Intern, worked together to organise and deliver the project.
Four volunteer tree planting events were held on the Penryn Campus, bringing together 43 students, staff and local community members to help get the trees into the ground.
Tree species were carefully selected to suit the varied conditions across campus, from exposed and windy locations to areas prone to waterlogging. Pot-grown trees were planted, combining native and ornamental species chosen for their tolerance of specific site conditions.
A new orchard of fruit trees has also been established beside the boardwalk between Old Lane and the Studytel building. All the trees were planted with a layer of mulch sourced from the Penryn grounds and protected with spiral guards. In addition, young hedging whips and ornamental willows were planted to fill gaps and reinforce our existing hedgerows.
“It’s been brilliant working together to add more trees to the Penryn Campus and I can’t wait to taste the first apple from the fruit trees!” said Dr. Rosalind Shaw, Sustainability Manager (Biodiversity) at the University of Exeter.
In total, 16 different species of tree were planted, which will further support wildlife and biodiversity on campus.
This project highlights the power of teamwork across departments and with our wider campus community.
A big thank you to everyone involved and to Forest for Cornwall, whose funding made it possible to purchase the trees and bring this project to life.
Forest for Cornwall supports local residents, businesses and communities of Cornwall to plant woodlands, orchards, hedgerows, parks and gardens. Their projects aim to “tackle the climate and ecological emergencies by supporting the planting of the right trees, in the right place for the right purpose.” You can find out more about them on their website.
Volunteer sustainability events will continue run every Wednesday from 2–4pm at the Penryn campus until May. Visit Eventbrite for more details.
