People-Planet-Place Initiatives
From food growing and conservation projects to climate and sustainability training, creativity, wellbeing activities and ambassador programmes, People–Planet–Place offers a range of opportunities to suit different interests, goals and motivations. Bringing together environmental and social sustainability, each initiative provides a different pathway to support nature, strengthen communities, enhance wellbeing and develop the knowledge, skills and values needed to create positive change.
People–Planet–Place is a collaborative, University-wide engagement scheme, co-created and co-delivered by students, staff and partners from across Keele. By bringing together different perspectives, expertise and interests, we create opportunities that are relevant, inclusive and shaped by the community they serve.
Explore the opportunities below to discover the pathways that inspire you, and get in touch if you've got more suggestions. To stay up to date with upcoming opportunities, join our monthly newsletter or contact sustainability@keele.ac.uk
Seasonal celebrations and the Festival of People–Planet–Place are delivered through the Campus Life Programme and can be found in the Campus Life events schedule.
- Walled Garden Allotment volunteering
- Harvesting and food sharing
- Sustainable food workshops
- Community growing events
- Hedgehog Friendly Campus
- Himalayan Balsam Bashing
- Wildlife Friendly Gardening
- Campus BioBlitz and species surveys
- Tree planting and habitat restoration
- Pollinator projects
- Litter Picks
- Explore Keele's sustainable campus
- Guided nature walks
- Nature-noticing activities
- Nature-inspired/ recycled crafts
- Digital detox activities
- Kaleidoscope magazine
- Responsible use of AI & digital resources
- Photography projects
- Artwork and exhibitions
- Blogs and student stories
- Podcast and digital media content
- Creative writing and poetry
Find out about the award-winning student-led film festival Earth Stories - Keele University
Libby Read Recommendation: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin- Great Donate
- Preloved markets
- Student move-out collections
- Repair cafes
- Clothes swaps
- Book and resource exchanges
- Community sharing initiatives
- Waste reduction campaigns
- Climate Ambassador programme
- Nature Positive Ambassador programme
- Planetary Healthcare Report Card Student Champion
- Festival of People-Planet-Place Volunteer
- Campus campaigns and events
- Community action projects
- Peer engagement activities
- Workshops and training
- Guest talks and panel discussions
- Innovation challenges
- Leadership development
Learn more about opportunities to Pioneer via the Keele SU Volunteering page and People-Planet-Place fund.
Libby Read recommendation: The Future We Choose by Christina Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac
Festival of People-Planet-Place and Seasonal Event Calendar
The People, Planet & Place calendar of seasonal events celebrates our community, our campus and the values that bring us together. Following the rhythm of the seasons, the programme brings people together through food, culture, creativity and shared experiences. Each signature event showcases campus-grown produce and explores how different cultures and communities celebrate the changing seasons and the connections between people, place and the natural world.
Spring is a particularly special time at Keele, as our National Collection of Flowering Cherries comes into blossom across the campus throughout March, April and May. In April 2026, staff, students and valued partners came together for a vibrant week of events celebrating wellbeing, creativity, sustainability, culture and our shared sense of place. Highlights included an Cherry Blossom Picnic on Earth Day, bringing the community together to celebrate the season and our campus.
From talks and hands-on activities to arts, nature and community experiences, the festival showcased the passion, expertise and collaboration that make Keele such a special place to learn, work and belong. The festival also extended beyond campus with a Family Day at Keele in Town and Newcastle-under-Lyme's Guildhall, delivered in partnership with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and a range of valued community organisations.
Watch the highlights from the 2026 Festival and see how our community came together to celebrate People, Planet & Place. Interested in contributing to the Festival of People, Planet & Place 2027? We are already planning next spring's festival and would love to hear from staff, students, alumni and partners who would like to collaborate on events, activities or creative ideas that inspire connection, curiosity, belonging and positive change.
Curricular and Co-curricular Opportunities for Educational Gain
People–Planet–Place is an evolving, community-led programme shaped by contributions from across the University, and is designed to support development of Social, Environmental & Ethical Responsibility- one of Keele's key graduate attributes. If you're a student or educator at Keele interested in further connecting learning with real-world experiences, sustainability, wellbeing or community engagement, get in touch via sustainability@keele.ac.uk. Whether through existing opportunities or ideas for new projects, activities or events, People–Planet–Place provides a flexible framework for enhancing the student experience and supporting educational gain.
