The Nature and Biodiversity Hub (BioHub) is a community of local groups, university staff and students in Southampton who have a keen interest in nature and biodiversity. The global decline in species and ecosystems leading to environmental degradation have prompted many to act and raise awareness on the importance of biodiversity. These themes overlap with wider issues such as climate change and sustainability. A great place to get involved is to start locally.
The BioHub was launched in 2017 to inspire a greater appreciation of nature and biodiversity in the public, especially young people and community groups.
The Hub has over 50 members including community organisations in Southampton and as far as the New Forest and Winchester, and university students and researchers.
We host a range of interactive events and activities. These include engaging, nature-based games including our most popular, Biodiversity Blockbusters. In addition, community and university Hub members get involved by sharing their research/knowledge at Hub events through posters, games or other interesting activities.
Communities are passionate about their surrounding environment and play an important role in local issues. The BioHub aims to encourage this by:
- Promoting community collaboration and forming connections in Southampton
- Giving a voice to local citizens and community organisations
- Providing a way for community and university members to connect
If you have an idea, project, piece of research or would like to be actively involved in helping nature and biodiversity locally we would love to hear from you!
How to get involved
We are always seeking new members with knowledge/interest in nature and biodiversity. To become a BioHub member and be added to our mailing list, please email biohub@soton.ac.uk.
Past Events
The BioHub hosts events and participates in festivals such as Southampton Science and Engineering Festival (SOTSEF), Human Worlds and Research Roadshow.
- The Nature and Biodiversity Hub and International Centre of Ecohydraulics Research (ICER) headed to the new Bio:Space at Winchester Science Centre to celebrate UN’s World Environment Day on Saturday 5th June 2021. Members of the Biohub ran our interactive biodiversity games including Biodiversity Blockbusters and Only Connect to learn about endangered species. Prizes were handed out to the winners which were 50 Outdoor Learning Activity Packs created by the University of Southampton’s School-University Partnership team. This pack contained items such as seeds and conkers to engage in exciting activities such as creating your own bug house! The Marble Run displayed fish migration and the effects of man-made infrastructure through a river ecosystem, 5th June
- Earth Day: State of Nature - panel discussion, 22nd April
- SOTSEF goes digital, University of SouthamptonGreen Southampton - BioHub open forum, 9th March
- How to save the world: climate discussion, 10th March
- Biodiversity Game Show, 13th March
2020
- Human Worlds, Environmental prioritisation vs Economic conditions blog post, University of Southampton, 12th to 22nd November
- October Hub Meeting, University of Southampton, 14th October
- The BioHub Podcast – Jurassic Park, University of Southampton, 22nd May
- Ecology Outreach Day, Southampton 3rd March
2019
- 24 Hour BioBlitz, University of Southampton, 7th and 8th June
- Nature Festival at Gilbert White's House, Selborne, 26th May
- South Downs Green Fair (with the UoS Roadshow), South Downs, 12th May
- Umbrella Arts Festival, Nuffield Southampton City Theatre, 23rd March
- Lantern Parade Festival, Guildhall Square, Southampton, 17th March
- Science and Engineering Day, University of Southampton, 16th March
2018
In 2018 the BioHub ran events 10 events. The highlights were TEDx Southampton 5th May, Festival of Nature 9th and 10th June and BBC Countryfile Live 2nd to 5th August.
2017
In 2017 the BioHub ran 9 events. The highlights were South Downs Green Fair 7th May, Riverfest Southampton 27th May and Green Futures Glastonbury Festival 21st to 25th June.
