Budding photographers are invited to take part in a competition celebrating the University’s new interactive tree trail which went live on the 12 October following a fun and engaging launch event at the Manchester Museum.

The University is encouraging staff, students and the local community to explore and enjoy the beauty, value and function of the trees around us and experience the physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits associated with nature and the outdoors.

We have worked closely with Urban Green and City of Trees to develop three distinct trails that highlight 50 of the 1,500 trees across Oxford Road Campus, North Campus and Whitworth Park. The trail has been designed as a web-based app which can be used by anyone with a smartphone or handheld device. This project is part of the University’s Campus Masterplan, a ten-year project creating world-class facilities for staff, students and visitors to enjoy. Users are also encouraged to take their own tree photos and comments and share these via Instagram. There is a dedicated account (@uomsust) and each tree has its own hashtag to make identification easier.

Scott Fitzgerald, Managing Director at Urban Green, said: “People have a very personal relationship with the trees that they see each day. We want people to use the Tree Trail to feel a sense of ownership – the trees on campus are ‘their trees’ and we look forward to seeing the Tree Trail grow as people share their own photography and comments. We hope the Tree Trail is both educational but also helps foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of some of Manchester’s many amazing trees.”