The River

The River of... Vegetation, Biodiversity, Foraging, Food, Wellbeing,.. The River is a walking route across the Canterbury campus that celebrates plants for their diversity; the food they produce for us and insects; the habitats they provide and make up; and their unique properties that provide us with medicine and so much more.
A map that shows the route across campus

Our aims

The river brings together some of our sustainability ambitions as a University to:

  • Create high biodiversity value features that enhance the amenity value of campus
  • Support our Invertebrates and pollinators by increasing the available food
  • Provide education opportunities using our external spaces on issues such as the climate crisis
  • Link up existing sustainability projects - the Diamond Anniversary Orchard on our Southern Slopes and the Kent Community Oasis Garden at Parkwood    
  • Provide opportunities for food foraging    
  • Encourage the use of external spaces for wellbeing activities    


Collage of plants and people planting trees

Fundraising for the River

We are fundraising to complete this project as part of the University's 60th Anniversary. The River is a celebration of the land our campus sits on, which has been the University's home for 60 years. It will form part of the University's commitments to supporting biodiversity on site, engaging students in the natural environment, and welcoming our local community to explore the campus.  

Rows of potted plants ready to be planted.

The River sections

The River is made up of 7 sections. The sections reflect the the landscape, habitats and characteristics of that particular part of the route. Each sections has interesting and valuable plant communties to learn about and celebrate. We will also be adding plants into each section that boost the diversity and available food for us and for wildlife.

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