Oxford Brookes University Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) V2

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1 Oxford Brookes University Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) V2 Background Oxford Brookes University is based at three sites in Oxford: Headington, Wheatley and Harcourt Hill, and has a presence across numerous other sites including Marston Road, Swindon and Halls of Residence with 2,800 University managed beds. It has over 2,200 FTE employees and over 12,000 FTE students. Oxford Brookes University of rationalising its space usage and thought this process will close some existing campuses and refurbish existing buildings. The University has completed many biodiversity projects and wishes to build on it existing work with a coordinated Biodiversity approach. The Brookes Biodiversity Action Plan has been developed to meet the objectives of the Brookes Biodiversity Policy and integrate into the University wide Estate Strategy. Biodiversity Definitions and Importance For this BAP Biodiversity is define as everything that contributes to variety in the living world. The BAP has applied this definition to ensure that actions have been created to account for both species and habitats. Biodiversity provides benefits globally to climate change action, providing ecosystem services, foods, medicines and promoting wellbeing. Biodiversity a National and Regional Framework The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published on the 27 March This document replaces all previous Planning Policy Statements and gives guidance on planning considerations. The Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England s wildlife and ecosystem services published on 19 August 2011 and the 'UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework', published in July 2012 are delivered in Oxfordshire though the work of the Oxfordshire Nature Partnership and Wild Oxfordshire. Wild Oxfordshire host the counties Biodiversity Action Plan which is largely delivered through a Conversation Target Area approach. CTAs identify the most important areas for wildlife where targeted conservation work will have the greatest benefits Wild Oxfordshire (2015). The Harcourt Hill Campus is part of the Oxford Heights West Conservation Target Area. The key Oxfordshire BAP habitats that the University supports and can expand are Native Woodland, Woodland Pasture and Parkland. 1

2 Summary of biodiversity and habits on each campus Oxford Brookes holds three Green Flag Awards and was one of the first Universities to install an electronically monitored beehive system. The grounds team use the minimum about of non-hazardous sprays in their work and no artificial fertilisers. The team also spread the majority of the Green Waste which is used as a mulch in borders throughout the University. Headington Campus The Headington campus is made up of three sites in the Headington area of Oxford, Gispy Lane, Headington Hill site and Marston Road. The campus also included a number of halls. Gipsy Lane Gipsy Lane site host the John Henry Brookes building and a series of teaching, research and office buildings. A map of the site is available here. The key biodiversity features of the sites include: - areas of grass and ornamental planting - numberous mature trees - green roofs that have been planted on new buildings Headington Hill Site Headington Hill site is host to the Headington Hill Hall a 19th century Italianate mansion. A map of the site is available here. The key biodiversity features of the sites include: - managed park land - a variety of boarders and shubs - over-mature native and non-native trees - a pond - a beehive Marston Road site Marston Road is situated next to the Milham Ford Nature Park. A map of the site is available here. The central quad is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) situated in the central. There are 72 species of flowering plant on the Quad and 23 species of fungi and breeding colonies of Common Blue, Ringlet, Skipper and Meadow Brown butterflies, Six-spot Burnett moths and a variety of grasshoppers inhabit the Quad and the surrounding grounds. Of greatest note are rare species of wild orchids; the Bee Orchid and Pyramidal Orchid, which are found on the Quad. In order to maintain the biodiversity of this site, the Quad receives hay meadow management, so it is left long for Spring and Summer, cut and raked off in August and mown short all Autumn. The resulting Wild Flower Meadow is a riot of flowers and different grasses during Spring and early Summer. This management is in compliance with the requirements of the relevant officers at Oxford City Council. The site also hosts managed grass, ornamental planting and hedgerows. Headington Campus Halls: There are four halls in the Headington and Cowley areas of Oxford managed by Oxford Brookes University, Clive Booth, Warneford, Paul Kent and Crescent. The key biodiversity features of these halls are: - managed grass with mature and over mature trees. - flower and shrub boarders - ponds situated at Clive Booth Hall - Green roofs situated at Clive Booth Hall.

3 Wheatley Campus The Wheatley Campus is situated to the east of Oxford on the A40. A map of the site is available here. The key biodiversity features of the site are: - areas of park land and playing fields - a number of over-mature and mature trees - hedgrows - a area of two ponds and grassland managed for Great Crested Newts - woodland, hedgrow, pond and grassland habitats. Harcourt Hill Campus The Harcourt Hill Campus is situated to the West of Oxford above Rayleigh Park. The majority of the site is part of the Oxford Heights West Conservation Target Area. A map of the site is available here. The key biodiversity features of the site are: - decidous woodland - ponds - hedgrows and field margins - gardens - the arboretum - a network of bat and bird boxes. - mature and over-mature trees - playing fueld and a golf course. Ferndale Site Ferndale is a former school situated in Swindon. It is surrounded by car parks and hard standing. The key biodiversity features of the site are: - Border plants The Oxford Brookes University (OBU) Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) The OBU BAP is divided into Specifies Actions Plans which give actions to promote groups of species and Habitat Actions Plans which promote Habitats present across the campuses. The University is committed to maintaining it Green Flag Status on its campuses that are retained under the Estates Strategy.

4 Species Action Plan: Birds A wide variety of bird species are present on Oxford Brookes University campuses. The SAP aims to identify if UK BAP priority species are present and promote general measures aimed to support birds. Objective: To establish were relevant species baselines, preserve existing populations and implement actions to increase their numbers. Monitoring: Carry out surveys of species including UK BAP priority species that are likely to be on campus and use results to determine actions to encourage them. Engage Staff and Student Sustainability Champions to carryout surveys. annually. Sustainability Feeding opportunities Planting of Supplementary Fauna: Sow wild mixes designed to promote birds, bees and butterflies on a number of sites. Identify areas for planting of wildflower mixes annually. Plant fruit and nut bearing trees and shrubs to increase food sources for wildlife. Identify areas for planting shrub and tree species as part of the annual tree surveys Annually. Nesting sites During bird nesting seasons ensure that Hedgerow and tree cutting activities do not take place and areas of long grass are left undisturbed. Install bird boxes for a variety of bird species Plant this shrubs as part of the on-going tree planting programme Currently no hedgerows cut until July to prevent disturbance to nesting birds One: Maintain existing management Bird boxes currently in place at the Harcourt Hill and Wheatley Campuses Annually March 2016 One: Assess suitable sites for installation of additional bird boxes Maintain mature trees, particularly those with holes for nesting birds and bats. Two: Priority assessment for Headington Hill Hall and Clive Booth Student Village woodland areas One: Monitor trees on annual bases as part of the on-going annual tree surveys. Annually. Two: Maintain existing management

5 Species Action Plan: Amphibians and Reptiles Oxford Brookes University supports UK BAP priority species the Great Crested Newt. The Amphibians and Reptile SAP aims to support this species and the likely Amphibian and Reptile species on our campuses. Objective: To establish were relevant species baselines, preserve existing populations and implement actions to increase their numbers. Monitoring: Carry out surveys of species including UK BAP priority species that are likely to be on campus and use results to determine actions to encourage them. Engage Staff and Student Sustainability Champions to carryout surveys. annually. Sustainability Pretention of the Great Crested Newt At Wheatley, maintain the current management of ponds and long grass areas for the Great Crested Newts Ponds Maintain the current network of ponds Create habitat Increase the areas of liner hedgerows and shrubs on campuses and ensure that hedgerows are planted with native species. Over wintering and nesting areas Create areas of pilled dead leaves and soft vegetation. Existing management of leaving the area undisturbed to be continued. Ensure that the ponds are maintained on annual basis. One: Identify areas of grounds where new hedgerow and other wild life corridors can be put into place. One: Create piles in woodland areas where they are not already in place.. Dec 2015 Review annually.

6 Species Action Plan: Mammals The SAP aims to identify if UK BAP priority species are present and promote general measures aimed to support mammals. Objective: To establish were relevant species baselines, preserve existing populations and implement actions to increase their numbers. Monitoring: Carry out surveys of species including UK BAP priority species that are likely to be on campus and use results to determine actions to encourage them. Engage Staff and Student Sustainability Champions to carryout surveys. annually. Sustainability Feeding opportunities. Plant fruit and nut bearing trees and shrubs to increase food sources for wildlife. Identify areas for planting shrub and tree species as part of the annual tree surveys Annually. Create rousting and sleeping sites Install bat boxes and hedgehog boxes on each suitable campus. Plant this shrubs as part of the on-going tree planting programme One: Assess suitable sites for installation of additional bat (already in place at Harcourt Hill) and hedgehog boxes. June 2017 Maintain mature trees, particularly those with holes for nesting birds and bats. Two: Install boxes where suitable locations are available. One: Monitor trees on annual bases as part of the on-going annual tree surveys. Annually. Create areas of pilled dead leaves and soft vegetation. Two: Maintain existing management One: Create piles in woodland areas where they are not already in place. Review annually.

7 Species Action Plan: Invertebrates The SAP aims to identify if UK BAP priority species, pollinators and promote general measures aimed to support invertebrates. Objective: To establish were relevant species baselines, preserve existing populations and implement actions to increase their numbers. Maintain know species Continue with existing measures, at Marston Road Site, to promote breeding colonies of Common Blue, Ringlet, Skipper and Meadow Brown butterflies, and the Six-spot Burnett moths. One: continue with the management plan as outlined by Oxford City Council Feeding opportunities Planting of Supplementary Fauna: Sow wild mixes designed to promote birds, bees and butterflies on a number of sites. Identify areas for planting of wildflower mixes annually. Maintain the current 26 green roofs and review the potential of creating new ones. Encourage the development of native woodland ground flora: blue bells, snow drops and daffodils. Pollinators Promote Honey Bees. Install insect nesting areas e.g. bee hotels. Sunning locations Create hot spots in flower beds for insects to sun themselves e.g. logs, stones or bare soil. One: Maintain the Green Roof annually Two: Review each new build or renovation project to assess suitability for Green Roof installation Assess suitable areas for promoting plants One: Purchase new bees for the existing Beehive and add an additional beehive. Two: Extend the bee hive trial to another suitable site or roof top location. Assess suitable areas and install bee hotels where they are identified Leave suitable areas bare or move logs into place. Dec 2016 June 2017 Dec 2015 / Estates / Sustainability Habitat creation Leave dead logs in-situ and create log piles in suitable shady and sunny locations. Assess potential locations for logs and place in situ as logs and wood become available

8 Part burry large character timber to create log pyramids. Promotion of insect particularly Stag Beetles Leave standing dead wood e.g. tree stumps (where they do not pose a risk). Assess potential locations for logs and place in situ as logs and wood become available Current practice is to assess on a case by case basis. Habitat Action Plan: Hedgerows Hedgerows are important sources of food and shelter for insects, mammals and birds. Hedgerow s are key habitats; acting as wildlife corridors between otherwise isolated patches of other habitats. The Hedgerow Habitat Actions Plan aims to promote hedgerow maintenance to promote biodiversity and expand this import habitat. Objective: Conserve existing habitats whilst creating new ones. During bird nesting seasons ensure that Hedgrow and tree cutting activities do not take place and areas of long grass are left undisturbed. Currently no hedgerows cut until July to prevent disturbance to nesting birds Annually One: Maintain existing management. Increase the areas of liner hedgerows and shrubs on campuses and ensure that hedgerows are planted with native species. One: Identify areas of grounds where new hedgerow and other wild life corridors can be put into place. Dec 2015 Assess the potential for and cost of hedge-laying a management tool to maximise the long-term biodiversity value of hedgerows on campus. One: Assess this technique and review its cost effectiveness Two: implement technic where practically and commercially viable Habitat Action Plan: Wetland Wetlands habitats support aquatic species as well as providing important sources of drink water for many more. The Wetland Habitat Actions Plan aims to promote wetland maintenance to promote biodiversity and expand this import habitat. Objective: Conserve existing habitats whilst creating new ones. Ensure that the ponds are Maintain the current network of ponds maintained on annual basis.

9 Habitat Action Plan: Woodland and Trees The UK has one of the smallest percentage cover of woodland of any European Country. Trees and woodland are important habitats for many species of animal, plant and fungi as well as being an important carbon sink. Brookes has the potential to add the Oxfordshire BAP aims of increasing the area of Native Woodland through planting trees on one campus. The Woodland and Trees Habitat Actions Plan aims to promote woodland and tree maintenance to increase biodiversity and expand this import habitat. Objective: Conserve existing habitats whilst creating new ones. Creating habitat Identify sites for planting additional native trees species which are disease resistant. One: Identify suitable sites for individual native trees to be planted. Improve the standing structure and age class of the trees on campus. Encourage the development of native woodland ground flora: blue bells, snow drops and daffodils. Managing existing trees and woodland. Maintain mature trees, particularly those with holes for nesting birds and bats. Two: Identify an area where native woodland could be planted. Annual tree surveys are used determine measures each year. Assess suitable areas for promoting plants One: Monitor trees on annual bases as part of the on-going annual tree surveys. Dec 2016 Annually. Leave areas of ivy and other climbing species on trees where this does not pose significant risk of damage to the trees. Leave dead logs in-situ and create log piles in suitable shady and sunny locations. Two: Maintain existing management Review on a case by case bases Assess potential locations for logs and place in situ as logs and wood become available Part burry large character timber to create log pyramids. Promotion of insect particularly Stag Beetles Leave standing dead wood e.g. tree stumps (where they do not pose a risk). Assess potential locations for logs and place in situ as logs and wood become available Current practice is to assess on a case by case basis. Habitat Action Plan: Grassland Grasslands habitats throughout the UK support more priority species (1/5) than any other UK habitat type. The grassland Habitat Actions Plan aims to promote grassland maintenance to promote biodiversity and expand this import habitat.

10 Objective: Conserve existing habitats whilst creating new ones. Carry out Phase One Habitat Surveys Engage Students to deliver the August 2015 Sustainability of all sites. Phase One Habitat Surveys at the main sites.. Continue with existing measures, at Marston Road Site, to promote breeding colonies of Common Blue, Ringlet, Skipper and Meadow Brown butterflies, and the Six-spot Burnett moths. Planting of Supplementary Fauna: Sow wild mixes designed to promote birds, bees and butterflies on a number of sites. Explore options for Habitat Creation including replicating the meadow environments around Marston Road. One: continue with the management plan as outlined by Oxford City Council Identify areas for planting of wildflower mixes Identify areas where the same plant species can be planted. annually Other Actions: Education and Food Growing opportunities. Engaging students and staff in Biodiversity and food grow opportunities is vital in promoting the importance of biodiversity and ensuring that students and staff have an opportunity to enjoy the campuses. Objectives: Implement Biodiversity Index assessments to track annual progress in promoting biodiversity on campuses. Engage students, staff, and the local community by providing education, training, and encouragement in local initiatives and biodiversity programmes. Engagement Engage academic programmes with the aim of integrating biodiversity Index reviews into a curriculum programme annually. Engage academic colleagues to integrate the reviews into a curriculum programme. June 2017 Sustainability or Corporate Responsibility Create biodiversity maps of campuses and signage to highlight areas of wildlife interest. Promote the resources to staff and students on an annual basis. Food Growing Conduct research into locations and demand for food grow areas and create to meet demand" it requires an action to achieve Create signage and resources. June 2018 Sustainability or Corporate Responsibility One: Research the demand for food growing areas on Campuses and Halls Two: Create additional food growing areas where there is demand and it is technically feasible. Sustainability or Corporate Responsibility