To mark this year’s World Biodiversity Day, colleagues, students and members of the local community came together on 18 May at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus for a celebration hosted by the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI).
The event highlighted the importance of protecting and enhancing biodiversity, while showcasing the powerful partnerships and projects making a difference across Cornwall and beyond.
A key moment in the day was an engaging talk by Melissa Ralph, Making Space for Nature Manager, who shared insights into the Making Space for Nature project, a collaborative initiative between Cormac, Cornwall Council and the University of Exeter.
Melissa’s talk explored how the project is transforming spaces across Cornwall to better support wildlife, improve ecological resilience, and create greener, more sustainable communities. Through practical interventions and strategic planning, the initiative demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration can deliver meaningful environmental impact at scale.
Her presentation offered a valuable look at how research, local government and industry expertise are coming together to respond to the biodiversity crisis with innovative, place-based solutions.
The celebration featured a varied programme of activities designed to engage and inspire, including:
Together, these activities created a dynamic and interactive environment, helping participants connect with nature and better understand the role they can play in protecting it.
World Biodiversity Day serves as a timely reminder of the urgent need to protect our natural world. Events like this underline the University’s role in convening partners, sharing expertise and driving forward collaborative solutions.
The Making Space for Nature project exemplifies this approach, bridging research and real-world application to help ensure Cornwall’s landscapes remain rich, diverse and resilient for generations to come.
Email: contactus@corservltd.co.uk
