This year, I had the pleasure of working with Bath Urban Treescape, a local group dedicated to connecting people with nature through trees, alongside an enthusiastic team of student volunteers, the Students’ Union, and colleagues across the university, to create something special for our community. We have now launched a brand new Tree Trail of our campus.
The new Tree Trail invites students, staff, and local residents to explore our beautiful campus and its surroundings, discovering the extraordinary variety of trees that make our university grounds such a unique and inspiring place.
Would you like a hard copy version of the map? Pop into the library to request one at the security desk for free.
Celebrating our living collection
Few people realise that our campus is, in many ways, an arboretum in its own right, home to tree species from around the world. Some were planted decades ago as the university first took shape; others have been added more recently as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance biodiversity and create spaces where nature and people thrive side by side.
Working with Bath Urban Treescape and University archivist Lizzie Richmond helped us uncover the stories behind many of these trees - where they came from, why they were planted, and what they can teach us about the University's history, about global ecology and about local conservation. Together, we identified key locations across campus and developed an accessible walking route that encourages everyone to pause, look more closely, and appreciate the natural heritage we often walk past every day.
A collaboration rooted in community
This project was truly collaborative. Our student volunteers played a huge role in researching tree species, mapping locations, photographic work, and testing the trail for accessibility. The Students’ Union supported us in engaging student volunteers and helping to shape the trail as something everyone can enjoy, whether you’re taking a mindful break between lectures, showing visiting family around campus, or exploring with friends on a weekend walk.
We wanted the Tree Trail to be open to everyone, whether you are a student, a member of staff, or from our local community. It’s a celebration not just of trees, but of shared space: a reminder that our campus is part of the wider landscape of Bath, and that green spaces can bring us together.
Wellbeing among the trees
Spending time outdoors has clear benefits for wellbeing. The Tree Trail encourages people to slow down, connect with nature, and take a few moments of calm amid busy days. Whether you follow the full route or just visit one or two trees, we hope the trail helps people feel more grounded, curious, and connected to the living world around them.
What’s next
The Tree Trail is just the beginning. We’re already thinking about ways to bring the trail to life including running seasonal guided walks with our student volunteers.
If you haven’t yet taken the walk, we warmly invite you to explore it and to see the campus through fresh eyes. You might be surprised by how many stories our trees have to tell.
Note that this walk is one of fifteen around Bath created by the Bath Urban Treescape team - you can access all of the walks here.
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