Biodiversity
Edinburgh Napier occupies a range of sites across the city, ranging from large open spaces at Craighouse and Craiglockhart to the condensed city centre location at Merchiston. All sites have an array of biological diversity, and the University is committed to protecting and enhancing this.
Through the areas of single trees, gardens, open space and woodland, the University has a policy of reducing the use of chemicals at all sites. Working with local community groups, lecturers and students, small animal, biodiversity and geodiversity studies have been carried out.
The University takes great pride in the fact that half of the Easter Craiglockhart Hill Local Nature Reserve, surrounding our Craiglockhart campus, sits on land owned by Edinburgh Napier. For more information, including the opportunity to download a copy of the Easter Craiglockhart Hill Local Nature Reserve guide, read our Local Nature Reserve page.
Survey
We commissioned Abbie Patterson of ABI Wildlife Consultancy to complete a biodiversity audit of our Craighouse, Craiglockhart and Merchiston campuses. The review commenced on Monday 26th July and ran till to the end of July 2011, giving us a full year of information. The review will allow us to gain greater understanding of the biological quality of our campuses. From the information gathered we will be able to create a robust and workable Biodiversity Management Plan. This project will include:
- An initial Phase One Habitat Survey.
- Listing flora and fauna, within habitat sites, so that there is an accurate account of species and their location.
- An examination of plant and grass species.
- Mapping and listing of lower plants and fungi.
- A differentiation of bird species, listed under two categories: birds using the woodland to breed and wintering birds.
- A review of mammals living within or using the campus for foraging, such as badger and fox.
- Counting grey squirrel drays, in winter, when the trees are not in leaf.
- Linking and highlighting any priority habitat or species, listed within the Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Plan (EBAP) or the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP).
Monthly reports for August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May, June and July have been received from Abbie and are available to download. The full report will be available by the end of June 2012. As per all reports created within and for the Sustainability Office, all staff and students are encouraged to use the information gathered. Do not hesitate to contact Jamie Pearson for more information.
External Organisations
There are many local and national organisations with a wealth of information on biodiversity. If you would like to comment on the parks and green spaces within the City of Edinburgh, complete the Parks and Greenspace Questionnaire. The links below should help you to start exploring: