Life on land 2023

 

Research

The University of Huddersfield is involved in work directly to maintain and extend existing ecosystems and their biodiversity, of both plants and animals, especially ecosystems under threat. For example, the Centre for Wetlands, Environment and Livelihoods has been involved in research, teaching and field activities concerned with African development and the environment for more than four decades. Their work links field research to teaching and advisory support for a number of NGOs and government agencies. They have also worked with a range of international development agencies such as the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, the World Bank and UK AID / DFID. The Centre has also worked with the governments of Zambia, Ethiopia and Malawi, and with the World Conservation Union and the Ramsar Convention.

 

Operations

In Huddersfield, we are continually working to support biodiversity on campus through the following activities:

Maintaining nest boxes in the wooded parts of the estate for birds, bats, bumble bees and lacewings, and creating a number of habitat piles for ground-dwelling wildlife. These are monitored at regular intervals throughout the year.  We have sought specialist advice from organisations such as the RSPB.

Retaining cut or fallen trees as a means of recycling them for the good of the animals and the environment. For example, as well as habitat piles, we often create and lay bark chippings on site to help with organic weed control.

We follow a tree planting programme where we replace existing trees with mature trees at a rate of three to one.

Our grounds maintenance is based on organic principles including planting of only local native species. We also try to plant natural wildflowers which will attract wildlife such as butterflies

Since 2021-22 the University has engaged with external consultants on the development of its policies and practices relating to biodiversity on campus.

Ecologists have been engaged to advise during the initial stages of design for our newer buildings on campus.

We have a management plan in place for dealing with any potential pollution incidents, and spillage kits are readily available on site and carried by our waste contractors.

Also of direct relevance is the University’s work to reduce plastics, for example their elimination from catering services’ activity.

 

Public and Business Engagement

Further, the University aims to enhance ecosystems in its immediate vicinity and is exploring the potential to support peatland restoration and tree planting as part of its proposed programme of carbon mitigation.