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.

Across the past few years, we’ve been working to increase plant and animal life all around campus. In 2021 we planted 1,200 new trees, in 2022 we sowed 500m² of wildflower meadows, and in the past two years 1,500 metres of hedges have been laid. 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.

Our Apiary has been open since 2017. Honeybee colonies are raised from local stocks, and the University’s beekeeping team and student helpers employ the best practice techniques to ensure bees remain healthy. With no wild honeybees in the UK anymore because of parasitic mites, our beekeepers play an important role in ensuring bees continue to thrive. The University campus is the ideal semi-rural environment that provides a rich diversity of flora for honeybees and other pollinating species.

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.

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.