> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # University marks 10 years with hedgerow planting - URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/university-marks-10-years-with-hedgerow-planting/ - Published: 2026-09-08T14:23:31.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-08T14:23:31.000Z - Description: Staff, student representatives and partners gathered at the University of Suffolk's waterfront campus to plant the first shrubs of a new hedgerow, launching a year of anniversary events. - Author: Nicola Sebastian - Tags: News, University of Suffolk, Professor Jenny Higham **Why it matters:** The hedgerow planting marks the start of celebrations reflecting on 10 years of the university's independence, as well as its role in supporting the local economy. **The details:** Two long-serving members of staff planted the first of 10 hawthorn and blackthorn shrubs on Monday, 7 September 2026, for a new hedgerow on campus. - The hedgerow reflects the university's commitment to creating sustainable green spaces and habitats for birds and insects. - The day also gave staff and guests from across the county the chance to hear about the university's new strategy, which sets out its commitment to teaching and research, being a successful civic university, and making a positive impact in the region. - Celebrations will run over the next year, with students, staff, local businesses and the community invited to take part. **What they're saying:** Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Suffolk, said: "Our 10-year anniversary is a landmark moment for everyone who has studied and worked here or partnered with us over the last decade. As the county's only University, we are committed to making a positive impact on our community through education, research and collaboration. "Celebration and information events will be taking place throughout the year and I hope to welcome guests from around the county to find out more about the University, how they can work with us and how we are contributing to Suffolk." Staff also shared memories to mark the launch of the celebrations. Sam Chenery-Morris, Executive Dean for the School of Business, Arts, Technology and Social Sciences, who joined Suffolk College in 2006, said: "One of the greatest pleasures has been seeing students develop over time. I can think of several who arrived as nervous first-year students, uncertain of their abilities and what the future might hold. I later had the privilege of watching them graduate, qualify into their professions and then return to the University as colleagues. "It is a reminder that a university is much more than its buildings; it is a community that shapes lives and creates opportunities." **The bigger picture:** The University of Suffolk was founded in 2007 as University Campus Suffolk, evolving from Suffolk College's higher education provision, with degrees initially awarded by the University of East Anglia and the University of Essex. It became an independent university in 2016. In autumn, the university will host Ipswich's first TEDx talk, featuring six keynote speakers, and welcome back former Chancellor Dr Helen Pankhurst CBE for an open lecture on equality in democracy. A wider programme of talks, panel discussions and public events at venues across the county will also be announced. **By the numbers:** The university's 2024 Economic Impact Study found it supports more than 13,000 jobs and helps support more than £860m in economic activity a year. **The bottom line:** As the University of Suffolk marks a decade of independence, it is using the anniversary to reflect on its growth and reaffirm its role as a civic institution for the county, with a year of events planned to bring the community into the celebrations. --- **Don't forget:** If you enjoy our content, please [add Ipswich.co.uk as a "preferred source" on Google](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=ipswich.co.uk&ref=ipswich.co.uk) so you can easily find more of the content you value. [Add as a preferred source on Google](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=ipswich.co.uk&ref=ipswich.co.uk) --- ### This article cost us \~£24 to produce It's free for you to read thanks to the generous support of our partners. Please support us by supporting them.