Promoting biodiversity

We make efforts to create habitats and environments that promote biodiversity on campus. We are conscious to manage and maintain existing habitats and species on campus rather than trying to encourage and introduce more that could ultimately unsettle the biodiversity that already exists here.

See a map of the walking routes through and around campus with descriptions of the landscaping and biodiversity you can see along the way.

Sculptures

There are four sculptures on display around the campus. Three of the sculptures are as a result of a sculpture competition organised for Bath Festival in 1985.

The four sculptures are:

• 'Pot of flowers' produced by Hilary Cartmel
• 'Figure in Space' produced by Janos Kalmar
• 'Fish Man' produced by unknown
• Commemorative column produced by the City of Bath College sculpture trainees to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the University's royal charter in 2006

Woodland walk

To create the woodland walk, the landscaping team thinned the canopy and felled trees to allow light to penetrate to ground level. This allowed dormant bulbs such as bluebells sitting under the soil to come through. The trees that were felled were turned into wood-chippings and recycled to create the paths.

The landscaping team manage the woodlands closely and carefully select and remove new competing trees. If left, these new trees could cause damage to themselves and surrounding plants.

Quaker Legacy Garden

As part of the Quakers' yearly meeting which was held here at the University of Bath in 2014, the 'Gathering of Friends' created a garden distinctive of the Quaker way, leaving a lasting gift for the enjoyment of staff, students and passers-by.

The Quaker Garden is behind Esther Parkin Residence.

Jubilee Garden

The Jubilee Garden was designed and created by Campus Infrastructure to commemorate 25 years of planting on the University’s Claverton Down site. Here you’ll find a rockery and seating area surrounded by a yew hedge. The garden is located in front of 4 East South.

Quiet Garden

The Quiet Garden is tucked behind 10 West and 8 West. It consists of long herbaceous borders planted with flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year. A three-tiered seating arrangement is provided for quiet reflection.

The lake

A central focal point of the campus grounds, the lake is not only visually impacting but is also a home for a variety of wildlife. The lake itself holds river fish species such as; Carp, Rudd and Dace. Bird species that can be seen include Heron, Moorhen, Mallard and even Goldeneye Ducks. The landscaping team constructed a floating island to provide safety for the ducks at night. Additionally, bulrushes are also managed to provide a nesting site for breeding ducks.

The stumpery

Located between 6 West South and the lake, the stumpery is a garden feature similar to a rockery but made from parts of dead trees. They have been described as 'Victorian horticultural oddities' and were popular features of the 19th-Century gardens.

The stumpery provides an environment rich in moisture and shade. These are ideal growing conditions for ferns, which grow and attach themselves in natural pockets of the stumps. The stumpery provides habitat for insects and small mammals, additionally broadening the biodiversity on campus.

Wessex House rockery

When the site for the future South buildings was excavated in the 1960s, large pieces of limestone were removed from the ground. These were intentionally left out in the elements to age and weather.

In the 1970s, the rocks were utilised to be made into two rockeries. These are situated to the side of the 6 West ramp and to the side of 10 West. The rockeries are now well established and help aid biodiversity on campus.

Wildlife pond

The wildlife pond is well established. It was constructed to enhance biodiversity on campus. Aquatics have been planted to attract water creatures. A practise of minimal maintenance has been adopted and it is largely left to nature to take its course. However twice a year the landscaping team ensure that there is sufficient clear water space. The location of the pond is kept secret, so that it is not disturbed.

Yew trees

The group of yew trees at the side of 4 East South were planted to replace the ones that stood on the site originally. This is a working example of the University’s commitment to maintaining the existing biodiversity as the campus develops.

The other collection of yew trees is located by the side of the grass amphitheatre. These trees were laid out about 30 years ago by the Landscape Manager at the time, Bill Bowen, with some subsequent additions by former Landscape Manager Peter Brown. Bedgebury Pinetum supplied some new specimens in 2009.

The collection had to be removed from its previous home, which was at the site of the new 10W building. Working with the University’s long term plan, former Landscape Manager, David Hunt re-planted the collection next to the amphitheatre. The hope is that they will be able to grow here, without interruption from future building projects.