The wildlife garden is an area within the university grounds created to improve the biodiversity of plants and animals. It was set up by students to be used by all those that enjoy natural spaces. All work in the garden is done by volunteers. Many have a direct interest in nature, some join to meet new people and all enjoy the escape from studying.
Work in the garden is centred around increasing the variety of native plants and creating new habitats for insects, birds and small mammals. Work is ongoing and varied.
Work includes:
1. planting native wildflowers to attract a variety of insects.
2. the addition of native hedgerow species to provide shelter and food for small mammals, insects and birds.
3. the removal of sycamore saplings to reduce competition for native trees and shrubs.
4. constructing and putting up bird boxes for breeding birds and winter hibernation for insects.
5. creating log piles, and adding nesting sites for small mammals and bees.
6. path work to make access easier.
7. adding seating to encourage students and staff to use the area.
8. litter picking.
In order to maintain the balance between humans and nature we will be monitoring the success of recent additions, maintaining and improving native vegetation through additions or removal of species and increasing awareness through signage and education.
It is easy to get involved and no previous experience is required.
To register an interest, please go to volunteering home page to search opportunities, select 'internal' under the filter section and scroll down till you find the opportunities Wildlife Garden are offering. Register an interest and once we receive this and approve it, details of who to contact etc will be sent back to your placements.