Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the "variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems" (Convention of Biological Diversity). Biodiversity is a tremendously important global asset, sustaining life and vital to the economic and social development of present and future generations.
As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, we are dedicated to preserving and enhancing biodiversity. We have initiated a comprehensive biodiversity strategy, the first step in which was the development of a biodiversity policy for the University. A Biodiversity Working Group composed of experts and advisors from various departments within the University has also been established, the principal aims of which are to oversee the implementation of the biodiversity strategy and identify project and engagement opportunities.
Practical projects, events and activities
As part of our initiative we have identified a number of practical biodiversity enhancement projects which are to be undertaken as well as engagement opportunities and outreach programmes with all sectors of the community. With the development of this initiative we wish to reflect the ethos of Newcastle University as a learning institution by providing educational opportunities wherever possible.
Big University Birdwatch
As you may be aware, at the end of January it is the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch. To coincide with this event, we are holding a Big University Birdwatch! It's fun free and easy to do! All you need is a pen and paper and our handy bird identification sheet may be useful. Spend as little or as much time as you can spare, from 10 minutes to an hour, watching the birds around our campus or at any of our University sites anytime from Monday 30th January to Friday 3rd February.
Make a note of the number and species of bird you see on the ground (not flying over) and then email Zoe Webb (zoe.webb@newcastle.ac.uk), our Biodiversity Coordinator, to tell her where you were on the estate, what you saw and what time it was. This feedback from you will give us a good overview of the bird species we have on our different University sites and will feed directly in to our biodiversity strategy!
For those who would like to take part but are not very confident about their bird identification skills, we have a ornithology enthusiast coming in on Wednesday 1st February at 12 noon to give a presentation - this is for beginners to help you identify birds you may see locally. If you wish to attend, please email Zoe Webb for more information.
This event is open for anyone to take part in and I would encourage you all to have a go!
Biodiversity initiative launch event
On the 29th November 2011, Newcastle University officially launched its biodiversity initiative with the planting of an urban orchard at our Cochrane Park sports site. Children from year 2 at Chillingham Road Primary School, supported by Councillor Nigel Todd (Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport at Newcastle City Council), planted the orchard of apple and plum trees which will be used as an educational resource for years to come. Please click here for a press release for this event, and click here for further information.
Longbenton Sports Ground Project
The University sports ground in Longbenton has areas of land that are not used, for example the banks to the sides of the pitches. The Grounds Maintenance Team, with the assistance of the University's Conservation Society, have undertaken biodiversity enhancement work there, creating a variety of habitats, allowing the grass to grow naturally and introducing wild flowers to encourage diversity of flora and fauna.
Henderson Hall Allotment
When an area of University owned land at the Grounds Maintenance Depot area at Henderson Hall was identified as unused, the University decided to turn it into an allotment in partnership with local charity EastEnd Health. A University grant was awarded to the partnership to create and run the allotment. The charity uses the allotment to teach school children about growing plants and nutrition. University staff and students often help out the charity in the running of the allotment and teaching the school groups.
Would you like to learn about food growing? or learn skills whilst helping out your community as an allotment volunteer? You can also come along and pick your own from our allotment shop!
See a map showing the location of the allotment here
For more information please contact Rachel at EastEnd Health on 0191 276 0595 or email rachel@eastendhealth.org.uk
Tree trail
On October 26th 2011, Ian Walker, Grounds Manager of Newcastle University, led a tree trail around the campus. Participants learnt about over fourty different species of trees growing on the University's campus on what was a highly interesting and enjoyable trail. This trail proved so popular that a series of similar walks is being organised for 2012.
Bird box building workshop
In conjunction with the Natural History Society of Northumbria, a workshop was organised for staff and students during which they were able to build their own bird box. Designed for Blue Tits, these bird boxes were easy to construct and provide a safe habitat for these birds to take refuge in. Due to the exceptional popularity of this activity, several more workshops of a similar nature are being organised for early 2012.
For more information regarding biodiversity activities on specific sites, please consult the digests below:
If you have any enquiries or would like more information about biodiversity at the University, please email our Biodiversity Coordinator Zoe Webb on zoe.webb@newcastle.ac.uk