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New interactive tree trail launches with photo competition

12 Oct 2017

Budding photographers are invited to take part in a competition celebrating the University’s new interactive tree trail which goes live today

Tree Trail

The University is encouraging staff, students and the local community to explore and enjoy the beauty, value and function of the trees around us and experience the physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits associated with nature and the outdoors.

We have worked closely with Urban Green and City of Trees to develop three distinct trails that highlight 50 of the 1,500 trees across Oxford Road Campus, North Campus and Whitworth Park. The trail has been designed as a web-based app which can be used by anyone with a smartphone or handheld device.  This project is part of the University’s Campus Masterplan, a ten-year project creating world-class facilities for staff, students and visitors to enjoy. Users are also encouraged to take their own tree photos and comments and share these via Instagram.  There is a dedicated account (@uomsust) and each tree has its own hashtag to make identification easier. 

Scott Fitzgerald, Managing Director at Urban Green, said:  “People have a very personal relationship with the trees that they see each day. We want people to use the Tree Trail to feel a sense of ownership – the trees on campus are ‘their trees’ and we look forward to seeing the Tree Trail grow as people share their own photography and comments. 

“We hope the Tree Trail is both educational but also helps foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of some of Manchester’s many amazing trees.’

Pete Stringer, Technical & Green Infrastructure Planning Manager at City of Trees, commented: “It was great to work with the University to identify some of their more important and interesting trees in and around campus.

“We know urban trees play a hugely important role in our towns and cities, and we hope people taking part in the tree trail will understand the need to both protect the trees we have, and plant more of them”.

Tree Trail photo competition

To celebrate the launch there will be a Tree Trail Photo Competition running until Friday, 27 October. Participate in three easy steps:

  • Take a picture of a Tree Trail tree.
  • Upload to Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
  • Tag @uomsust and #uomtrees plus the trees own unique hashtag which can be found on its trunk label.

All photos submitted will be entered into the prize draw to win £50 of vouchers or afternoon tea for two at Christie’s Bistro.  Be sure to follow @uomsust where we will announce the prize winners.

The tree trail has been developed as part of the University’s Living Campus Plan which addresses the challenges of a growing urban campus alongside the opportunities a healthy environment provides for people and nature.