Embracing the magic of autumn
22 Nov 2023
Watch our film and experience the wellbeing benefits of nature on campus
With winter fast approaching, take a few moments with a warm cup in hand and witness the spectacular last hurrah of autumn.
The shift from the warmth of summer to the falling temperatures of autumn brings forth a mesmerising transformation. Leaves change, wildlife starts preparing for the cold months ahead, plants stop making food and everything in nature slowly starts to fall asleep.
However, for our landscaping and maintenance colleagues, there's a myriad of work that needs to be done on campus as this transformation takes place, in readiness for the renewal of spring.
One of the most enchanting aspects of autumn is the transforming foliage. The landscape fills with a kaleidoscope of reds, golds and oranges. It is a wonderful time to appreciate the vibrant trees, crisp air and crunch of leaves underfoot.
Autumn is a time of abundance and birds and animals take full advantage – from plump berries to nuts and seeds – to build up reserves of fat for migration or hibernation. A whole host of fantastical fungi can be spied across campus, peeking through the fallen leaves. Fungi, often overlooked, play a crucial role in the ecosystem, breaking down organic matter and contributing to the cycle of life.
Autumn also marks the harvest season, a time of nature’s plenty. We have volunteers growing and gathering organic produce both at our botanical gardens (part of the Firs Environmental Research station in Fallowfield) and Whitworth Park Community Garden.
Autumn is a time of transition, a captivating spectacle where nature transforms before our eyes. It encourages us to slow down, appreciate the simple pleasures, and find solace in the beauty of change.
We’d like to thank our Estates Landscaping team for their hard work in maintaining our campus, not just during autumn, but all year round.