Thanks to funding and guidance from the Student’s Union, members of the Sustainability Committee have improved the 4th floor Wellbeing room and canteen with the addition of 38 new plants!

At UWE Bristol, a student-led initiative is blooming with promise and positivity. The ‘Parents for Plants’ project has successfully campaigned for the incorporation of plants into Frenchay campus library, transforming the space into a greener, healthier environment.

Research has shown that plants in workspaces can significantly improve mental health and wellbeing. Plants help reduce stress, enhance cognitive function and creativity, and even boost productivity – all of which can make a big difference for students during long study sessions or when facing stressful deadlines. By filling the library with greenery, the project hopes to create a more calming and positive atmosphere for all library users.

The success of this project relies on support from the student community, and the team is always looking for volunteer parents to help care for the plants. No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to get involved, to take ownership of our university spaces and make them better for everyone! Becoming a plant parent is not only a fantastic experience, but also offers personal benefits, as plant tending reduces stress, increases mindfulness, and provides a rewarding sense of responsibility.

Looking ahead, the Parents for Plants project has big plans. After successfully establishing plants in Frenchay library, the team hopes to expand the initiative to Bower Ashton campus, bringing the benefits of green spaces to even more students. If you’re interested in making our campus greener, we’d love your help - Sign up here!