Nigel Dunnett Obituary, Sheffield, ENG Death – In Loving Memory

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Nigel Dunnett, Professor of Planting Design and Vegetation Technology in the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, who passed away peacefully on 26 April 2026.

Professor Dunnett had an extraordinary 30-year career at the University of Sheffield, leaving a lasting impact locally, nationally, and internationally. His innovative and sustainable planting designs transformed public spaces across the UK and abroad, from the Barbican and Stratford’s Olympic Park to Italy’s Bergamo Square, the streets of Sheffield, the Tower of London moat, and the Diamond Garden at Buckingham Palace.

Nigel’s work reshaped how designers, institutions, and gardeners approach planting in public spaces, inspiring a generation of students and professionals alike. His influence and contributions have been widely recognized, including tributes shared across the gardening and design community, with coverage on platforms such as BBC News.

Beyond his professional achievements, Nigel was a valued colleague and mentor. Over decades of teaching, he engaged and inspired countless students, fostering a deep appreciation for planting design while supporting his fellow staff members. His generosity, curiosity, and warmth made him a cherished member of the University community.

Professor Dunnett’s legacy endures in the spaces he transformed, the students he inspired, and the colleagues whose lives he touched. His contributions to landscape architecture and planting design will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.