Join our Root Network

The “Root Network” is intended to provide “green space” for students and staff to relax and learn from each other about all things plants! 

There have always been students who have been invested in green initiatives across the University and the Network provides a physical hub where initiatives and ideas can be created, shared and supported and where collaboration can thrive. We have a dedicated greenhouse, provided and supported by the Estates facilities team, at the back of Burnaby building, from where we will run the network and launch activities.  

To date, students and staff have already contributed to a variety of initiatives: 

Welcome Festival: Plant freebies 

A group of staff have propagated a variety of indoor plants and herbs to give away to students during the Welcome Festival at the start of the September term. This year, we gave away over 300 plants to students and we’re hoping to increase that for September 2026. 

How to grow Herbs workshop 

In January 2025 staff organised and ran a workshop, with an external supplier, on how to plant and grow herbs (mint and basil). This was offered to 20 students and, despite the cold, was very enthusiastically received. We planted seeds, learnt about the properties of various plants, and tried tea infusions made from the basil and mint. 

Student module 

Earlier this year, students from BAL planted up beds and planters they had designed as part of a level 4 marketing module. This was part of a plant placement scheme where they learnt about the properties of the plants they chose.

You may have seen some of these planters at the Graduation Receptions this year. 

As well as continuing to support these initiatives, we’re keen to expand our activity and support more students to get involved in this worthwhile activity – there is a lot of evidence out there that attests to the wellbeing benefits of gardening. 

In order to sustain this activity and to expand on what we do, we need to recruit more students and staff to our community. 

If you are interested in getting your hands dirty, we need some dedicated members to form a management team and members to support core activity. We will also publicise plans and activities throughout the year, through the Staff News, so there will always be opportunities for occasional involvement.  

If you are interested in being part of our inclusive community, please drop us a line at academicservices@port.ac.uk and use the subject line Root Network.