This year’s theme, “Where the wild things should be”, resonates with us deeply, as we constantly thrive to better understand how wildlife uses the campus, and to make the University grounds more wildlife-friendly.

We do this by, among others:

• undertaking species and habitat surveysLink opens in a new window,
• organising monthly litter picksLink opens in a new window,
• improving existing habitats and creating new onesLink opens in a new window,
• engaging people in citizen scienceLink opens in a new window.

We participate in nationwide initiatives such as the City Nature ChallengeLink opens in a new window, the Hedgehog Friendly CampusLink opens in a new window and the Big Hog-Friendly Litter Pick ChallengeLink opens in a new window. Furthermore, we are signatory to the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation PracticeLink opens in a new window.

The Energy and Sustainability Team works closely with others, including the Grounds and Gardens and the Waste and Recycling Teams, to create a campus that is not only beneficial for the wellbeing of students and staff, but is also a safe haven for wildlife, including mammals.

A jubilant testament to these efforts is the fact that we keep recording previously undocumented species on campus.

This year we were delighted to discover that otters use several waterways on campus. As a top predator that relies on good quality aquatic AND terrestrial habitats, this endangered species is a key indicator of environmental health. Thus, having resident otters on site confirms the importance of the campus as a safe haven and stepping stone of wild animals traversing the wider landscape.

If you are interested in getting involved, look out for upcoming eventsLink opens in a new window on campus, join the Warwickshire Mammal GroupLink opens in a new window or volunteer with Warwickshire Wildlife TrustLink opens in a new window in the National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme.