The field at the Research Farm with a tractor ploughing, stands and people are in the background

Farming and agricultural experts converge on Research Farm for conference

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Last updated on 27 November 2024

The University of Leeds Research Farm has ploughed a new trail as a specialist events venue after receiving top marks from the organisers of a leading agricultural conference.

Agricultural experts and farmers from across the country travelled to the farm near Tadcaster for Tillage-Live, the UK’s largest cultivations event.

Organised by Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA), Tillage-Live is a crop-field demonstration that attracts industry-leading names such as John Deere, Horsch UK and Vaderstad and their associated dealerships, together with representation from a wide range of agricultural suppliers and technology providers.

Providing the ideal space 

What sets the event apart is the depth and breadth of the demonstration, covering all aspects of crop establishment.

The demonstration visitors the chance to watch multiple exhibitors in action across field-scale plots in one location at the same time.

With over 750 acres of land and state-of-the-art facilities, the site provided organisers with everything they needed to create a successful event.

Establishing the farm as an events venue

It is hoped that Tillage-Live will be the catalyst for more farming and agricultural conferences and events to be hosted at the farm.

Philip Dougill, Head of Asset Management at the University said: “We were keen to support our licensee farmers, Hartley Farming and farm managers Velcourt Ltd, when they brought the proposal to us to host Tillage-Live at the farm.

“The University has worked hard over the last four years to improve its facilities and is keen to continue to boost its profile as a model commercial farm acting as a platform for research and teaching.”

Kayleigh Holden, Event Organiser from the Agricultural Engineers Association said: “The Agricultural Engineers Association were delighted with the site and the cooperation of the University, farmers, and contractors to deliver the National Cultivations Demonstration in September.

“The combination of location, proximity to the national road network, soil type, layout and the on-site team all helped Tillage-Live to be a success.”

Find out more about the University of Leeds Research Farm.

A snow plough clearing snow from a pathway

November 2024 – cold weather update

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Last updated on 19 November 2024

A Met Office yellow warning for snow and ice is in place across Yorkshire from the evening of Monday 18 November until the morning of Tuesday 19 November.

Latest update

19/11: 09:00

Light snowfall has fallen overnight on campus.

There is a minimal amount of lying snow amount on paths and roads, and our Grounds & Gardens have been fully clearing core routes this morning.

If you are coming onto campus today, please take time to check travel information and take extra care to stay safe.

Clearing snow and ice on campus

Gritting and snow clearing services from the University’s Grounds & Gardens team and external contractors are clearing overnight ice and snowfall.

Their focus is on making sure that core access routes are clear, as opposed to individual buildings.

You can report ice and snow that is affecting access routes by emailing our helpdesk.

Travelling to campus

If you work on campus, please make sure you’ve read the University’s procedure for working arrangements during adverse weather.

You can find updates on road disruption via Leeds City Council, on rail via National Rail and on buses in the Leeds area via First Bus.

Disruption updates

This page will be regularly updated in the event of ice and snowfall. We’ll also be providing updates through our Estates team’s X and Instagram pages.

Contact us

To report snow or ice affecting core routes, you can email our helpdesk or by calling the team on: 0113 343 5555.

Keep warm and take care if you’re outside!

Bulbs in front of wavy bacon on campus

University campus scoops hat-trick of prestigious environmental awards

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Last updated on 19 November 2024

The University of Leeds campus is officially ‘blooming great’ again after retaining a prestigious environmental prize.

It has scooped Gold and is the winner in the Universities, Colleges and Further Establishments category at this year’s Yorkshire in Bloom awards for the third year running.

Commending hard work of colleagues

Judges recognised the high standard to which campus is maintained and were impressed with the ‘unexpected’ high variety of flora and fauna growing in an inner-city space.

They also commended the long-term hard work of University colleagues, labelling the current shape of campus as the ‘result of the careful planning and actions of dedicated staff over many years’.

Efforts to keep campus in tip-top shape all-year are led by the Estates, Sustainability and Residential Services teams, who work together to both maintain current spaces and plan how to make campus more biodiverse in the future.

Sustainability’s key role in entry

Sustainability has been a central part of this year’s submission, with judges recognising the positive impact of wildlife habitats created and introduced through the Urban Buzz Project.

The positive impact the University has on biodiversity isn’t confined by the grounds of the campus. The North Hill Well Wood Project, which runs in the Headingley Hill area, received praise for its role as an integral part of teaching and learning for students.

Yorkshire in Bloom – the regional body representing the Britain in Bloom – organises its annual competition encouraging schools, businesses, and other community groups to create pleasant natural environments around them.

Sean Craven, Outside Spaces Manager said: “’This award recognises hard work put in by the Grounds and Gardens team all year round in all weather conditions.

“We try to create a campus that offers something for everyone, from formal lawns and planting, to wildflower areas that encourage pollinators and biodiversity.”

Mike Howroyd from the Sustainability team said: “Winning Gold for a third year in a row is a proud moment, as it reflects the dedication we’ve all put into enhancing biodiversity and sustainability across the campus.

“The award highlights how our collaborative approach to landscaping and managing our green spaces can create thriving ecosystems in an urban setting, that are climate resilient and also benefit nature and our community.”

Mike Leonard, Residential Property Manager, said: “This work demonstrates what we can achieve when we all work together, from Grounds and Gardens, Sustainability and Residential Services, to the landscape architects, ground maintenance contractors, student sustainability architects, charities and our volunteers

“The judge was impressed by what he saw on his visit, but also with the depth of evidence that was supplied about the various aspects of managing the University’s estate, including the engagement of staff and students.

“We hosted Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Corporate Members’ event on campus last year, and they were clearly enthused by what they saw and have subsequently commented on LinkedIn about what we do on campus.”

More info

Read more about the work of our Grounds and Gardens team and Residential Services in keeping campus looking its best.

You can also find out more about volunteering for the Hill Well Wood Project.