Our Natural Environment

Biodiversity 

Biodiversity refers to all the variety of life that can be found on Earth (plants, animals, fungi and micro-organisms) in addition to the diverse communities that they form and habitats in which they live. The greater diversity of species the higher ecosystem productivity and no matter how small, all organisms have a part to play. Recent declines in biodiversity are largely attributable to man-made causes and being aware of these issues we must all manage these impacts to prevent further loss.

Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem Services are the benefits provided by ecosystems that contribute to human survival and enhance our wellbeing.  They can be direct, indirect and can be spilt into four categories (provision, regulation, supporting and cultural).

They could help reduce summer solar and heat gain through tree planting, reduce run off and flooding, provide spaces to improve wellbeing and reduce particulate pollution.  Financial benefits can be calculated.  Natural Capital research on woodlands, on behalf of DEFRA concluded that per year; recreational value accounted for £1.7billion, CO₂ sequestration for both deciduous and coniferous trees totalled £813million, biomass for timber totalled £174million.

• Our Ecosystems Services Policy sets out our overall vision and aims for how to achieve a balance between natural conservation, education and wellbeing enjoyment.
• Our Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) 2020-2025 outlines how our policy will be transformed into reality.  We aim to show how correct management can bring both human and biological improvement.

Protecting our natural landscape and improving the benefits gained is down to an individual and collective effort.  We would like to thank all those who have gone an extra mile to ensure our natural landscapes are well managed and looked after. Split into four areas (below), our objectives consider the wider ecosystem services when assessing organisational impact and opportunity.

The plans and policy are agreed through the university’s Sustainable Management Committee (SMC).  We encourage all staff and students to explore the biodiversity of the estate, and where possible seek to incorporate what can be learned from it within teaching and learning in addition to enjoying the beauty it provides.

Our Campuses

What will you find whilst exploring?  Let us know what wildlife you see and you will be helping us monitor the success of our plans.  Will you see the first hedgehog, or the return of newts?  Record your sightings here; register, search for your campus under ‘activity’ and submit your sightings.

Avery Hill Campus:

• has the largest green areas, totalling over 13 acres (7 football pitches).
• incorporates a community edible garden, ponds, woodland, wildflower meadows and a variety of native planting.
• 37 wildlife species identified, with 7 listed as 'Red' or 'Vulnerable'.
• 2 beehives on site, each managed by a qualified local beekeeper.
• explore the natural environment, follow the Avery Hill Sustainability Trail.

Greenwich Campus

• has the smallest natural habitat, 1.4 acres  (under 1 football pitch).
• incorporates Dreadnought and Devonport gardens and 14 landscaped roof gardens of Stockwell Street (previously listed as the largest roof garden complex in Europe) incorporating ponds, grasslands and edible growing spaces.
• 37 wildlife species identified, with 7 listed as 'Red or Vulnerable'.
• 2 beehives on site, each managed by a qualified local beekeeper.

Medway Campus

• has just over 3 acres of natural habitat (over 1 football pitch).
• incorporates the largest area of woodland of the campuses.
• expensive monitoring has occurred, with 222 wildlife species identified and 24 listed as 'Red' or Vulnerable'.
• 1 beehive on site, managed by a local qualified beekeeper.