Biodiversity

Biodiversity abounds at Oxford Brookes! From installing bee hives and planting wildflowers, to leading bird inventory surveys and evening bat walks, we are busy supporting the wild side of sustainability.

In the past two years, we have seen real progress around biodiversity protection, enhancement, and delivery. However, in recognition of the global biodiversity crisis we want to increase our efforts and have delivered a new Biodiversity Strategy and Biodiversity Action Plan, with the following key objectives:

  • The creation and delivery of the new 4R hierarchy:Refrain, Reduce, Restore and Renew
    • Refrain from activities which could harm species and ecosystems
    • Reduce harm by taking steps to mitigate negative impacts
    • Restore species and ecosystems that have been harmed
    • Renew, strengthen and invigorate biodiversity via proactive effort.
  • Delivering biodiversity net gain at a minimum of +10% across our redevelopment programs.
  • Development of landscape and ecology management plans across all sites to be retained. These plans will include habitat baselines and the implementation of a robust monitoring regime.
  • Creation of internal partnerships, adoption of best practice and a Living Laboratory approach to biodiversity across our estate.
  • Creation of external partnerships and contribution to Oxford's biodiversity network, to enhance biodiversity across the city and our local community.
  • Engagement with students, staff, and the local community by providing education, training, and involvement in local initiatives and biodiversity enhancement programmes.
  • Continuing to promote biodiversity locally, nationally, and internationally through our research and teaching programmes.
Wildflowers on campus

Biodiversity Advisory Group

The Biodiversity Advisory Group will be a key forum whose purpose will be to inform and influence the development of a revised ‘Biodiversity Strategy’ and site-specific landscape and ecology management plans. To address the global biodiversity crisis through the protection and enhancement of biodiversity across the university estate and wider global aspects through our teaching and research programmes. In line with our environmental sustainability goals, the guiding principles of the emerging 2035 University Strategy and the emerging ‘Oxford Campus Vision’.

Read more about the aims of the group in the Biodiversity Advisory Group Terms of Reference

Rewilding

The meadow grassland opposite Westminster Halls of Residence has been allowed to grow, with the aim of increasing biodiversity on the site. An annual monitoring program is in place to review the mowing regime. The project has already delivered successes with increases in a number of key species including Bee and Pyramidal Orchids.

Due to the positive feedback from the Harcourt project, we are rolling out grassland management and reduced mowing in areas at Warneford and Crescent Halls.

Before and after photos of Harcourt

Harcourt before rewilding
Harcourt after rewilding
Harcourt after rewilding

Did you know?

  • Oxford Brookes is the first university in the world to install bee-centred Freedom Hives. You can see our tree-mounted hive and a ground mounted hive at Headington Hill campus.
  • Wildflowers are planted across sites to promote flora diversity and attract local pollinators.
  • Bird, bat, and owl boxes are installed across our campuses to provide homes for wildlife.
  • Bug hotels have been built at several campuses to welcome overwintering guests.
  • Marston Road is a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation with many important species such as pyramidal orchids and many rare species of fungi.
Grass
Flowers
Flowers
Orchid
Bee Orchid

Found a hedgehog?

Over the past two decades hedgehogs have declined by 50% due to litter, traffic and loss of habitat.

If you are unsure, contact:

If the hedgehog looks fine, head over to The Big Hedgehog Map and log your sighting on the Hedgehog Street website.

If you seen a Hedgehog on campus over the past year, please tell us where and when did you see it by emailing hedgehogfriendlycampus@brookes.ac.uk. The more precise the location, the better.


Hedgehog with grass in mouth

Contact us

Take a walk on the wild side

Contact us to learn about opportunities to participate in bird counts, evening bat walks and other biodiversity events.