Edinburgh, the historic gem nestled amidst Scotland's breathtaking landscapes, is not only renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage but also for its stunning natural surroundings.

It is a gorgeous and historic city and also the backdrop of many films and television series (think, for example, One Day).

There is natural beauty in most places you look in Edinburgh, and part of what makes the city so gorgeous and lush is the balance between cosmopolitan life and a commitment to environmental stewardship held in the heart of many residents!

So, without further ado, here are 3 ways you (as a uni student) can conserve Mother Nature, and do your part in and around the city of Edinburgh. 

Protect biodiversity one step at at time 

Protecting biodiversity is a lot easier than it may seem in Edinburgh. There are numerous ways you can make this happen that you may not even realise you are already doing!

For example, you could take advantage of Edinburgh’s sustainable transportation system like opting for the bus and the tram. 

1 - Opt for walking or taking public transportation 

Edinburgh is an amazingly walkable city. But what if you're in a rush and need to meet some pals for a study session or for some lunch? 

Downloading an app like Citymapper can help you plan your journey better, so that you always strive to take the most sustainable mode of transportation to get there. 

The Lothian Bus system in Edinburgh is a great bus network able to take you anywhere in the city across 24 hours. There is also, of course, the Edinburgh tram which has become a true feature of the city! Make sure to download the Transport for Edinburgh app to download e-tickets across the transportation network.

2 - Volunteer at a local community garden or garden centre

Initiatives such as community gardens, urban green spaces, and recycling programs not only enhance the city's livability but also contribute to the preservation of its natural environment.

Edinburgh Growing Together is a collective in Edinburgh initiated by Eating Estates, which encourages residents to grow their own food within their council estates. 

Helping out at a community garden or with an initiative like Edinburgh Growing together is vital for communities and their wellbeing. And the best part? This is a gold standard community programme in Edinburgh so don’t hesitate to get involved!

With Eating Estates, have a look through their Lend a Hand pilot project where you can find additional volunteer opportunities for this regenerative initiative. 

3 - Check out the Water of Leith Conservation Trust 

If you’ve been studying in Edinburgh for a few years, then you’ll probably have heard of the Water of Leith…it’s a body of water (a burn? A river?) running through Edinburgh and it is absolutely gorgeous. 

To conserve the heritage and the build of the Water of Leith, the Water of Leith Conservation Trust was formed to expand on the vision of protecting the river cared for by its community. 

Additionally, the University of Edinburgh has a great informational section about how to purify water in a low impact way. 

Looking towards the future

As we look towards the future, it's imperative that we take proactive measures to conserve Edinburgh's natural heritage. 

By prioritising sustainability, promoting biodiversity, and fostering a deeper connection with nature, we can ensure that students across the city are helping build a place that will continue to be rich in natural biodiversity.

Still have some questions on what you can do? Have a look through the Pawprint app, head to settings, and then Talk to Us! Or send an email over to bjorn@pawprint.eco to reach out to a member of our team.