Opening of GreenLancaster Hub
GreenLancaster’s Hub has been officially opened, with plans to involve hundreds of students and young people in environmental volunteering projects over the next two years.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of the centre for GreenLancaster, a LUSU initiative aimed at promoting environmental awareness.The new premises were donated and furnished by Facilities, which together with the youth volunteering charity v has donated £200,000 over two years to GreenLancaster.
The Manager of GreenLancaster Mark Taylor said: “The Hub marks the next phase in greening the University. It’s not a shop or an office, but a place where students can find out what we do and sign up to our environmental volunteering projects.
“It’s a great way for students to get involved in the local community both on and off campus, make friends and make a difference to their local environment, as well as developing new skills which will be fantastic for their CVs.”
One volunteering scheme GreenLancaster is already running is the Green Living Project, a group of students who grow their own fruit and veg on campus in the organic garden, with plans for a chicken coup to provide the students with their own eggs.
Other exciting opportunities are being developed, ready for the new intake and returning students for next academic year.
Mark said: “We’re going to set-up a Ground Force-style team of students who will help out with Facilities’ work in the green areas of campus, especially in the woodland habitats. We also have plans to send students into schools as Green Champions in order to help them deliver environmental curriculum and work towards Eco-Schools status. Additionally, students will be able to volunteer in projects with local groups off-campus, like the RSPB and Lancashire Wildlife Trust.”