YUSU's Sustainable Development Grant: Health Science Herbs
Find out how the Department of Health Sciences have cultivated a small herb garden to serve as a site for education and wellbeing.
We’re continuing to share some of the wonderful staff and student-led sustainability projects that have been taking place over the last few months right here on campus. Each of these initiatives have been made possible through the support of YUSU’s Sustainable Development Grant.
In this week’s project spotlight, we’re sharing how the Department of Health Sciences have cultivated a small herb garden outside their department building. The project, which was awarded £200 by YUSU’s Sustainable Development Grant, aims to serve as a site for education and wellbeing. The project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, "Good Health and Wellbeing."
The Health Sciences Herb Garden is now set up and being enjoyed by staff and students, located outside the Department of Health Sciences building on Campus West.
The project's impacts
- Garden planters were purchased from the York Disabled Workers Co-operative, ensuring that part of their funding went to supporting a local social enterprise business.
- Plants were purchased from a local independent garden centre, sourcing a selection of herbs and flowers that have been chosen for their medicinal properties.
- Members of the Department of Health Sciences were invited to help plant the garden, and several colleagues joined the project’s core Green Impact team. Members also donated their pots and plants, which have been included in the finished garden.
- Tomatoes and chillies grown in the garden were shared in the staff kitchen.
- Students have enjoyed the garden as a place to sit between teaching sessions.
The project lead hopes to continue to develop the garden and use it as a space for teaching or social events within the department. Make sure to stop and look if you’re passing by!
About YUSU's Sustainable Development Grant
The Sustainable Development Grant, launched by YUSU in 2022, is available to fund student and staff-led sustainability projects using the University's 20p Latte Levy. It funds projects that are aimed at improving sustainability at York and uses the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as its criteria, so as long as the project lines up with at least one of these, it will be considered.
The funding bands range from £50 - £1000, however more expensive projects will be considered if you can demonstrate the need for it. Applications are accepted every semester.