Students studying Computing and Engineering came together with students studying Life and Environmental Sciences to combine their expertise in technology and ecology to encourage connection with nature.
Over 200 students were involved during Welcome Week 2025 and photographed species of plants and animals they found across the BU campus using an app called iNaturalist, contributing to the university’s strong performance in the international Campus Nature Challenge. Computing students had only one week for a Hackathon to turn this real-world data into interactive digital experiences, and the ecology students made mock ups of websites. The results included a variety of inventive prototypes, from spatial mapping apps that guide users on nature walks, to species-recognition games inspired by Top Trumps.
The winning project, ‘BedBugz’, put a twist on the dating app concept, allowing users to swipe through insect species found on campus. Once matched, users are presented with species facts in a chat format.
The Hackathon format gave students the chance to work with new people and make new friends across all levels of study from foundation to masters. The students worked well in the short timescale to think outside the box and practice their tech skills including coding and using generative AI.
BU have pledged to be a Nature Positive University, alongside more than 700 other universities across the world. Our pledge is to prevent harm, protect and restore species and ecosystems that are affected by BU and its activities. The Nature Hackathon showcased this mission by fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and empowering students to develop real-world solutions to ecological challenges.
Find out more about what Bournemouth University are doing to support nature on our website.
You can view a living map of our campus biodiversity on our BU iNaturalist Project page.
If you are interested in becoming a Nature Positive Student Ambassador for BU, please email [email protected]k.
