"Biodiversity is the variety of all life on Earth. It includes all species of animals and plants, and the natural systems that support them. Biodiversity matters because it supports the vital benefits we get from the natural environment. It contributes to our economy, our health and wellbeing, and it enriches our lives.” (DEFRA, 2023)
The Biodiversity Strategy supports the delivery of our Environmental Sustainability Plan 2024-2030, and builds on the progress achieved from the 2022-2024 strategy. This achieved several aims, including:
- Obtaining independent, external verification of the University’s biodiversity contribution (see Baseline report)
- Commencing our journey to increase time spent by staff and students on biodiversity-related projects
- Developing a scheme for biodiversity project funding for staff and students
Our 2024-2030 vision
By 2030 our campuses will have demonstrably higher value habitats that contribute to nature’s recovery and that benefit the University and wider community.
Key principles
- Protect our existing natural areas
- Enhance existing and create new areas for nature
- Remove non-native invasive species where possible and give preference to native species
- Ensure future developments incorporate nature friendly elements
- Promote wellbeing through engagement with nature
- Work with local partners to create a connected network of areas for nature and community
Our targets
- 10% increase in biodiversity units by 2030
- 10% increase in hedgerow units by 2030
- Removal of 25% of area of Invasive species by 2030
- Installation of 100 new opportunities for urban species such as bat boxes, bird boxes and insect hotels by the end of 2030
- Provide a minimum of five events per year to encourage students, staff, and the wider Sunderland community to participate in biodiversity (and wellbeing) enhancing activities
Baseline
Biodiverse Consulting Ltd conducted a baseline survey in September 2023. Field surveys were conducted of the Sunderland campuses utilising the Biodiversity Net Gain methodology1 to calculate the biodiversity units for the sites. This allows for a robust methodology by which future improvements can be measured against. An audit will be carried out every two years to measure progress.
As well as providing baseline biodiversity units for the sites, the survey also categorised areas according to their biodiversity value and highlighted locations of invasive species, to assist with future planning and habitat management. The invasive species were mainly located within the car park planting on The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's, where Cotonester and Japanese Rose are prevalent.
Baseline biodiversity units
| Campus | Biodiversity units | Hedgerow units |
|---|---|---|
| City Campus | 38.31 | 0.5 |
| The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's | 58.71 | 2.89 |
| Total combined | 97.02 | 3.39 |
Utilising values estimated using a range of £15,000 and £25,000 per biodiversity unit (average market value), this provides the estimated total value of biodiversity units within the site of £1,438,800 – £2,398,000, and the estimated total value of hedgerow units within the site of £50,850 - £84,750.
Actions for 2024-2026
Actions will be updated after the first interim audit in 2025-26. Ongoing indicates that the action will be undertaken throughout that entire period.
Protect our existing natural areas
| Action | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Develop Habitat Monitoring and Management Plan (HMMP) | Managing baseline habitats will aid in maintaining current biodiversity value whilst also providing further biodiversity without the need for taking up space through habitat creation | April 2025 |
| Carry out regular biodiversity audits every two years | It's necessary to carry out audits for on going monitoring and management of habitats | Autumn 2025 |
| Future tenders for Grounds Maintenance to include reference to HMMP | To ensure that the HMMP is carried out and habitats are maintained and improved | Ongoing |
Enhance and create areas for nature
| Action | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Identify potential new wildflower and pollinator friendly areas | To identify areas to increase the coverage of wildflowers, to create linked areas for insects and pollinators | December 2024 |
| Plant a further 500m2 of wildflower and pollinator friendly plant areas | Once areas have been identified, plant suitable areas | August 2026 |
| Identify areas for new bat boxes, bird boxes and insect hotels | To identify locations for 100 new opportunities for new bat boxes, bird boxes and insect hotels | December 2024 |
| Install first 50 new bat boxes, bird boxes and insect hotels | To install the first new bat boxes, bird boxes and insect hotels | August 2026 |
| Identify opportunities for new trees and hedgerows | Work with Sunderland City Council and Great North Community Forest to develop plan and source funding to plant new tress and hedgerows | August 2025 |
Remove non-native invasive species where possible and give preference to native species
| Action | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Creation of an invasive species mitigation plan | Set out method statements for avoiding the spread of invasive species and identify where existing invasive species can be removed or replaced | August 2025 |
Ensure future developments incorporate nature-friendly elements
| Action | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|
| All campus development will consider the impact and opportunities for nature gain | All campus development will consider how they can enhance biodiversity and wellbeing. This can include green roof and walls, as well as landscaping | Ongoing |
| Future developments to consider future impacts of Climate Change | Campus development plans should consider how planting and landscaping can mitigate the impact of climate change on Campus, such as by providing shade and improving drainage | Ongoing |
Promote wellbeing through engagement with nature
| Action | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Work with key stakeholders to promote and provide engagement opportunities | Monitor and share opportunities for engagement with nature from all relevant stakeholders (for example, Students' Union, Durham Wildlife Trust, Interfaith Centre) | Ongoing |
| Create a calendar of events for engagement with nature | Pulling together a calendar of opportunities both offsite, with stakeholders, and on Campus | January 2025 |
Work with local partners to create a connected network of areas for nature and community
| Action | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Identify opportunities for collaboration | Work with City Council and other organisations to enhance wildlife value of campuses and improve connectivity and resilience of local ecosystems | Ongoing |