Biodiversity is blooming at Durham University

A year of monitoring the biodiversity of the Durham University Campus has revealed the rich diversity of wildlife that shares the University grounds with staff and students. Conservation initiatives over recent years are also helping to boost the number of species using the University. This summer saw the first successful breeding on the University grounds by Barn Owls, a pair of which fledged three young this year. At least eight Red-listed bird species - those UK species of highest conservation priority and which have suffered severe population declines nationally - occur on the grounds, along with around 14 Amber-listed species, which are also of national conservation concern. In addition, the University has at least 200 species of flowering plants, including four species of wild orchid and woodlands full of bluebells and other ancient woodland indicators, with many more plant species waiting to be discovered. The bird list for the University contains 100 species, including five birds of prey and three owl species. The campus is also a haven for mammals, with Roe Deer, Badgers and Foxes regularly sighted in the woodlands, though unfortunately the Red Squirrels that used to occur in the woods were replaced by Grey Squirrels over a decade ago.