Improving campus biodiversity

Since declaring a Climate Emergency back in 2019, we’ve been committed to managing biodiversity holistically, ensuring it is better than before. Our plan for The University in 2030 and beyond consists of five pathways, one of which is to “achieve ecology and biodiversity net gain.” By developing biodiversity initiatives, renewable energy, and a green campus, we can ensure all wildlife is protected.

In 2025, we signed the Nature Positive Universities Pledge further strengthening our commitment to reversing nature loss and enhancing biodiversity on campus.

Between 2020/21 and 2024/25, we have made significant progress in improving habitats across the Warwick's campus. This includes laying nearly 1,500 metres of hedge, planting over 2,000 trees and more than 1,000 metres of new hedgerow, and establishing over 10,000m² of wildflower areas using both seed and turf. We have also created 15 bug hotels and installed 5 dedicated hedgehog houses. Collectively, these create more varied habitats for wildlife. Hedgerow planting will continue into the future and new pockets across campus are also being identified for tree planting over the next five to ten years.

By developing new habitats, Warwick’s campus will have lots of new animal visitors…

We’re part of the Hedgehog Friendly Campus initiative which aims to support hedgehogs on their path to recovery and to create an environmentally friendly campus. Volunteers have organised weekly litter picks, and cameras traps have been set up to record hedgehogs. The University was awarded Bronze certification in 2022, Silver in 2023 and achieved Gold in 2024. In the Big Hog-Friendly Litter Pick Challenge, we proudly came 2nd in 2023, and made the top 3 in 2024 nationally.

Warwick is also part of the Arden Farm Wildlife Network, a group of farmers facilitating projects and events to improve biodiversity. From Severn Trent’s “Boost for Biodiversity” scheme launched in 2021, they’ve been able to provide habitats for tree sparrows across campus and ensure they’re fed during the colder months. Tree sparrows live in colonies, so boxes have been placed in a selection of nearby trees. The Network has also supported the restoration of barn owl habitats and nesting sites on campus. Nearly 2,000 hedgerow trees have been planted to improve biodiversity and provide corridors for insects, pollinators, and wildlife.

We also undertake numerous species surveys to improve our knowledge of the wildlife that uses campus and the health of our environment.

• Species surveys include: moths, small mammal, amphibian, and reptile

• Habitat surveys include: riverfly and hedgerow

And while maintaining and protecting biodiversity on campus is very important, at Warwick we also feel it’s important to promote engagement with our green spaces. We are always looking at new ways to increase social interaction outdoors, and to provide spaces for staff, students, and visitors to enjoy. We have short walks and green spaces, student societies such as The Allotment Society (an active group of students who grow fruit and vegetables on campus), and encourage our students to take on projects associated with biodiversity as part of their degree. There are numerous opportunities for people to get involved: attend litter picks, join us at surveys and record species on iNaturalist.