Royal Agricultural University hosts first ever Go Green Week

The Royal Agricutural University (RAU) in Cirencester has organised various events this week that focus on sustainability. These inlcude: a clothing and book swap; a no print day; a talk about beekeeping and a collection for the local foodbank. 

There are also a number of student-led events, including a littler pick along Chesterton Lane, organised by the university’s conservation society, and a mending workshop run by the craft society.

Chief operating officer, Graham Pollard, is chair of the RAU’s Sustainability Action Group. 

He said: “As an agricultural university, we are already making great strides in sustainability but we hope that Go Green Week will encourage both students and staff to think more about what they could do to help make a difference.

“The purpose of this inaugural Go Green Week is to raise awareness of climate change and help the University reduce its carbon footprint, as well as to learn about the RAU’s strategy around sustainability, encourage behaviour changes, discuss the environment, and look at sustainable options for the future.”

Six Inches Of Soil 

On Friday, April 19, two second year BSc Environment, Food and Society students have arranged for a screeing of Six Inches Of Soil - a British independent feature documentary shining a spotlight on soil health and regenerative farming - at the RAU campus. 

Laura Finch said: “The RAU is leading a culture of change in food and farming and this event will give people the opportunity to engage with much needed inspiration and discussion as to how we can create a regenerative future.”

Immy Jones added: “We are so proud to be hosting this screening and to share the positive messages in the film to help shift UK food and farming towards more nature friendly practices within a more resilient system, told through the story of the next generation of farmers."

The film will be shown at the university's Boutflour Hall and will be followed by a question and answer session with the film’s producer Claire Mackenzie, RAU Professor Tom MacMillan, and Tom Herbert from The Long Table.

To buy tickets, click here. 

Sustainability pledge 

Staff and students are being encouraged to make a sustainability pledge as part of the week as well. 

Organiser, Sara Papps, head of planning at the RAU, said: “A sustainability pledge could be something major or just a small thing – perhaps walking, cycling, or taking the bus on a route where you would normally drive, turn off the lights when you leave a room, or eat sustainably at least once a week.

“This special Go Green Week will involve the whole RAU community and we hope it will encourage us all to think a bit more about the impact of our actions. We’re in a state of climate emergency so it’s crucial that we each do our bit to protect our environment.

“We really hope that, while it carries an important message, Go Green Week will be fun and offer something that both staff and students can get involved with. We plan that it will become an annual event in the university calendar.”