The team from the Academy for Sustainable Futures collected rubbish at the Dane John Gardens, part of a host of events in aid of Eco-Hope Month, featuring stories of hope and practical sustainable activities the University community can get involved in.

Laura Hackett, Senior Research Fellow in Climate Education & Carbon Reduction, said: “I wanted to do a litter pick because the scale of climate change can feel overwhelming, but when you focus on individual actions it can replace eco-anxiety with a sense of hope and achievement.

“Every piece of litter that we collected on the walk has helped to prevent plastic from entering our water systems, and eventually seas and oceans. It will help protect animals from getting injured or unwell from litter in their environment and make it nicer for the people walking past to appreciate the nature around them without it being covered in rubbish.

Laura added: “It's great that staff and students can get involved in sustainability events like litter picking, because it helps to raise awareness of climate issues among our University community, and shows the wider community that we care and take action - several passers-by stopped to thank us and show their appreciation for what we were doing.”

Find out more about the Academy for Sustainable Futures.