Empowering Minds

King’s Fellow Matthew Gandy is this year’s winner of the John Brinckerhoff Jackson Prize, awarded by the Foundation for Landscape Studies and UVA School of Architecture. The prize was awarded for Matthew’s latest book 'Natura Urbana' which studies urban nature drawing together different strands of urban ecology as well as insights derived from feminist, posthuman, and postcolonial thought. Also on the subject of urban nature, Matthew has also been part of the team monitoring the King's wildflower meadow and opening the moth traps on a weekly basis, and says "the College wildflower meadow shows how it is possible to convert an ordinary lawn into a vibrant urban oasis for biodiversity." 🦋🌼 Catch up on the latest news on the College website - link in bio.

First day of the month but last day to pop into the Art Rooms (top of A staircase) and see some of the art produced in Chapel during 'Creative Vespers'. Like the pieces from the 'Creative Vespers' organised back in February by College Research Associates Anna Iampolska and Anya Yunatska, where they shared their own experiences of leaving Ukraine. See Anna in the second image, holding the drawing she inspired that evening. 👉 Remember tonight is a 'Creative Vespers' night, on this occasion celebrating the Shabbath in Judaism. 'Creative Vespers' began in Lent Term 2022 and offers students the opportunity to have some quiet, meditation time, and then creatively engage with what they have just heard, with the Chaplain providing a range of drawing materials and clay.

On a wet chilly day like today, we are looking forward to getting the picnic rugs and baskets out, and sitting on the river bank in great company... Book your tickets for 'Singing on the River' (Sunday 25 June) at external link (link in bio) Photo by @acambridgediary @kingsmencambridge

Beyond the wildflower meadow, we have cow's parsley everywhere... Enjoy the sunny weekend (🤞) after a week of revision and exams for so many. #cambridgecows #springincambridge Cow and cow's parsley photographed by Alice.

A new study led by King’s Research Fellow Dr Cicely Marshall shows that establishing the wildflower meadow has made a considerable impact to the wildlife value of the land, while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with its upkeep. The study has been published today in the journal Ecological Solutions and Evidence. As Cicely says: "There’s no doubt that the introduction of the meadow has been an unqualified success; not only has it had a hugely beneficial impact on our biodiversity within the College, but it’s also captured the imagination of so many people across the city and beyond.” Thank you to all across @cambridgeuniversity who have supported this project from the start, like the group of students, academics and staff coming in (very early) every morning to inspect the moth traps and every summer for some net sweeping. 👉 Read more on the College website - link in bio. #wildlifeofkings #nomowmay #womenofkings Photos by Lloyd Mann

If you're worried about someone but you're not sure what to say, start by mentioning the signs you've noticed and that you care about them. If you are concerned, ask them if they are thinking about suicide. The important thing is to listen supportively without judgment. If someone tells you they feel suicidal and they have plans to end their life, contact professional support urgently. If you feel they are in immediate danger, call 999. If they are not in danger but need help, there are many sources of support available at the student support webpage (link in bio). By listening and responding supportively, you are helping. #ReachOutCambridge Photo by Clive Boursnell

Shiny happy (Gardens team) people... and their vehicles.😊 Thank you, Charlotte, for making our morning, with a little help from the sun. #cambridgecollegegardens

Not the summery weather we were expecting, but perfect for a walk along the Backs.🐄🐄🐄 #cambridgecows #springincambridge

Yesterday more than 300 King's students, staff and Fellows and their families spent some time away from their desks and surrounded by red pandas, agoutis, alpacas and white rabbits. The first 'Wildlife Day' at @SheprethWPark was enjoyed by all. A big shout-out must go to the Senior Tutor and the King's academics who turned into wonderful park guides for the day, and to the Welfare team for organising the event and transport. No mean feat! 🚌