Biodiversity

The biodiversity of the campuses by is improved by increasing the proportion of mixed planting including wildflower meadows and hedgerows, and by planting trees

The University has a ‘hedgehog friendly’ approach to grounds management.  The rewilding of a stretch of the River Trent in 2020 has also contributed considerably to an increase in diversity of wildlife seen in the river and also within the University’s Nature Reserve which is located next to the river. The university has also invested in a new Woodlands Forest School and lecturer post in outdoor learning and biodiversity, demonstrating commitment to enhancing biodiversity across campus. 

This plan is lead by:

• Catherine Fleming, Head of Facilities Management and Projects

  UN SDGs

Targets and progress

Target

Measuring and ensuring Net Biodiversity Gain (NBG) with each new development.

Progress

Progress status: GREEN

The principle of creating a Net Biodiversity Gain has been established and will be realised within the new Student Village and Hub project which will be completed in September 2026.  The planning application, approved by Stoke City Council in March 2024, commits the University to making a 13% net biodiversity gain within the Student Village and the associated new green (created when part of the existing student accommodation is demolished in 2027).  This exceeds the required 10% gain set as a statutory requirement for new planning applications.

Within other areas of the Stoke campus, the University has already demonstrated commitment to biodiversity gain by planting trees, hedging and wildflowers, and also through a project to re-wild a stretch of river on campus (completed in 2020).  

Operational priorities for 2024/25

• Continue to achieve Biodiversity Net Gain through corporate projects 
• Maintaining and improving on Wild Staffs actions including: continuing wildflower borders, managing green walls and planting new trees across campus
• Maintain an attractive campus for wildlife at Stoke-on-Trent