Biodiversity
The term biodiversity describes the variety of life on Earth along with the habitats they depend upon.
Biodiversity: doing the groundwork
We believe it is our responsibility to protect and enhance the biodiversity of our sites, not only for the benefit of the University, but also for the local communities and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of which we’re part of (Canterbury Cathedral, St. Augustine’s Abbey and St. Martin’s Church).
To help us achieve this, we’re currently working on a biodiversity policy. This will provide the basis for our plans to maintain and enhance biodiversity; particularly when it comes to the planting of trees, shrubs and appropriate herbaceous plants, and the encouragement of animal life (e.g. bat and bird boxes).
Sustainability in action
As a largely urban-based institution we have a limited area of natural or semi-natural habitats (e.g. woods and natural grasslands). However, our wide range of ‘pocket habitats’ such as ornamental gardens, church yards, ancient walls, ponds and more, host a rich and diverse range of plant and animal life.
Our biodiversity policy| will help us to create a framework for the long-term care and maintenance of our sites and develop the use of sustainable practices to maintain the grounds and use environmentally friendly methods of horticulture.
In fact, the University Estates staff already work towards sustainability, for example in providing informal plantings using native wildflower seed and ensuring areas of deadwood are provided for insect life – you can read more about this project below.
Discover how we are re-introducing rare flower species back into our campus.
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We joined forces with the Kent Wildlife Trust and the British Trust to help combat the decline of house sparrows and starlings in Canterbury.
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Find out what changes we have been making to our Salomons Campus to help attract wildlife.
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