In March 2026, nine colleagues from Edinburgh Global joined staff and students from across the University at The Big Dig to plant 700 trees at Easter Bush campus. The annual event contributes to the University's target of being net zero by 2040 and offered our community a chance to have fun together in nature whilst transforming an incredible part of our campus. The Big Dig This opportunity for our staff to volunteer at the annual Big Dig event, hosted by the University’s Active Lives team, was coordinated by the Study and Work Away service alongside Edinburgh Global’s Health and Wellbeing Group utilising the ‘Day to Make a Difference’ initiative which encourages staff and students to volunteer. We joined in the Big Dig for an afternoon to plant some trees with colleagues and students out at Easter Bush. It was great to connect with colleagues, some of whom I work with but hardly ever see in person! Similarly, I work with students and staff based at the Easter Bush campus, but almost never go there myself – it’s great to be reminded of what a cool place it is. When we’re all so busy, it can be hard to slow down occasionally and reconnect, so I’m grateful I was given a nudge to take a break with my Day to Make a Difference. Pete Kingsley Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Bringing together an international community of students and staff The Big Dig is open to our entire community, making it an important opportunity for visiting exchange students to see more of the city and meet with other Edinburgh students who might also be considering a year abroad. The Study and Work Away team’s involvement in the event organisation highlighted this international aspect. The Big Dig provided an informal opportunity for students who either are here at Edinburgh on exchange, or are preparing to go abroad next year, to meet one another, see a less familiar part of Edinburgh, and to make a difference. Amanda, from the Active Lives team, made us all very welcome and hopefully some friendships as well as trees will grow as a result! Lesley Balharry Study and Work Away Zero by 2040 The University of Edinburgh has committed to become zero carbon by 2040 and recognises that an integral component to that will be a whole institutional approach. Activities like the Big Dig are just one of many ways that individuals and small groups can take meaningful action in a way that not only brings people together but also moves us all forward towards the goal of becoming a net-zero institution.Find out more about our net-zero ambition Active Lives Getting active is not only vital for your physical health but for your mental health too. The Active Lives group offers a range of free activities to bring the benefits of physical activities to our entire community. From the Big Dig to organised walks, they provide opportunities to take part in variety of enjoyable group activities for any fitness level. The Big Dig was a wonderful opportunity for colleagues to connect with nature, boost their wellbeing, be active outdoors, learn more about our local environment, spend time with each other outside of the office, and help the local university community. Jenny Riley Edinburgh Global Regenerative sustainability We have an extraordinary ambition: to become a truly regenerative University. The Big Dig is one of many ways we are seeking to minimise negative environmental impacts while actively restoring natural, biophysical systems, to ensure a net positive environmental and social impact. Local and global impact It’s clear that the Big Dig annual has impact in a range of ways. The community connections and time in nature that this volunteering opportunity offers can improve our wellbeing. The health benefits from encouraging active lives can also be seen, and the contribution to biodiversity on our campus is a positive step towards the University’s goals to positively impact sustainability, both locally and globally. Read about the University's commitment to regenerative sustainability See how you can take sustainable action Learn about the University’s A Day to Make a Difference initiative Publication date 23 Apr, 2026
