Innovation from Yorkshire delivers biodiversity net gains for UK Universities

The University of Liverpool and University of West England are among a growing number of higher education establishments choosing solutions designed by Yorkshire based BioScapes® as part of ongoing initiatives to sustainably manage grounds and support biodiversity.

BioScapes, part of the Rolawn® group, has seen a rise in demand for its unique, patented range of self-contained wildlife planters at educational sites across the UK. With an increasing number of the country’s schools, colleges and universities looking for new ways to boost biodiversity on campus, the unique BioScapes units are providing an effective way to support sustainability goals.

“The UK is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world, with many native species in decline or facing extinction, the need to build back biodiversity has never been greater. This is why it’s so encouraging to see universities taking genuine action towards the recovery of nature,” said Terry Smithson, Biodiversity Manager at BioScapes.

“We’re thrilled to be involved in the implementation of policies developed by universities to enhance the natural environment and to raise consciousness of the benefits and issues around biodiversity. Doing more for biodiversity on campus is a win-win for wildlife, staff and students.”

With funding made available through its Sustainability Fund, the University of Liverpool has had five NatureArk® and five WildPod® units installed at sites around the campus, as part of its ongoing ‘Sowing the Seeds of Sustainability’ initiative.

The planters contain wet and dry habitats to support a wide variety of wildlife on site and have been introduced not only to promote biodiversity but also to encourage staff and student engagement and wellbeing.

Professor Charlotte Hardman, personal chair at the University of Liverpool and Project Lead commented, “Staff and students can join the Sowing the Seeds of Sustainability project as a volunteer so it’s a great opportunity for everyone to get involved. They can experience the campus gardens, meet new people.”

The University of West England (UWE) has had BioScapes WildPods installed in the community garden of its Frenchay Campus to complement the existing edible planting scheme, which was introduced in 2019.

Richie Fluester, grounds manager at UWE said, “We initially saw BioScapes at the Gardeners’ World Live event and loved the concept; we recognised it as something that would help towards our goal of maximising biodiversity and creating beautiful spaces for students and staff to use for leisure, for study and for practical experience.

“The WildPods fit our approach to sustainability and have enabled us to continue to bring nature into the heart of the Frenchay Campus. We hope to have more once the first installation is established.”

Designed and built at the company’s headquarters in Seaton Ross, near Pocklington, as a collaboration between ecologists and horticulture specialists, the innovative range of planters have been developed to have maximum impact, to quickly boost biodiversity to an area.

Containing multiple integrated habitats which allow wildlife to thrive, the flexible BioScapes designs can accommodate site-specific needs and provide a net gain in biodiversity.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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