On Thursday 15 September 2022, as part of the Staff Conference 2022, Dr William Rowlandson (Modern Languages) and Dr Kaori Nagai (English) – both of whom are researchers in the Signature Research Theme of Positive Environmental Futures – led a group of colleagues on a walk of the Southern Slopes of the University Canterbury Campus. The purpose of the walk was for staff to get to know the precious tree heritage of the University Southern Slopes. In particular, we met autochthonous trees Rowan, Birch, Yew, Oak, Willow, Hornbeam, Hawthorne, Ash and Holly. Along the way we met sweet chestnut, cork oak, Norway maple, lime, field maple, and eucalyptus. We considered the cultural importance of the trees and the woodland, their history and value, their ecological importance, and their integral relationship with all of us who study and work at the University.
The walk took 1.5 hours. Feedback has been positive. There are plans to repeat the walk.