1. + Managing Biodiversity on Campus University of Glasgow 28 April 2010
Michelle Dixon - Director

2. + Workshop Objectives Context and introduction
Preparation of a business case
Planning habitat surveys
Project planning
Producing environmental interpretation
Ground maintenance specifications

3. + What is biodiversity? The variety of life on Earth
All living things that we share our planet with, us as a major influence and integral part
Not just wild places – cities, gardens, farmland, universities, colleges

4. +
Our natural heritage
The UK has a highly diverse and important biodiversity. The UK is international important for many species and habitats, for example:
Heathland
Blanket and lowland bogs
Veteran trees
Chalk rivers and grasslands
Estuarine habitats, fresh and seawater lochs
Seabirds, wintering waders and wildfowl
Bats

5. + Threats to biodiversity Habitat loss and degradation Development .
Agricultural changes
Changes in woodland and forestry
Water abstraction, drainage or inappropriate river management.
Inappropriate coastal management
Sea fisheries practices.
Environmental pollution and Climate Change
Other factors e.g recreation and
disturbance, invasive species,
overfishing

6. + Opportunities for biodiversity
Conventions, Strategies, Action Plans etc
Habitat designations and species protection
Legislation, regulation and planning policy
Monitoring and reporting
Conservation bodies, programmes and initiatives
Increased awareness and appreciation

7. +
The UK approach
Following the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992, the UK became the first country to produce a National Biodiversity Action Plan:
Description of the biological diversity resources of the UK
A detailed and targeted 20 year plan
Habitat Action Plans (HAPs) – 65 now listed
Species Action Plans (SAPs) for the most threatened species – 1150 now listed
Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs)

8. + ‘Conserving Biodiversity: The UK Approach’, DEFRA
Vision and approach to managing biodiversity in the UK, 2007
Shared commitments by administrations in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the UK Government
Approach to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010
Interconnections between all living things central to the vision
“Our vision is that in our countryside, towns and seas, living things and their habitats are part of healthy, functioning ecosystems; we value our natural environment, a concern for biodiversity is embedded in policies and decisions, and more people enjoy, understand and act to improve the natural world about them.”

9. + ‘Conserving Biodiversity: The UK Approach’, DEFRA
Complementing Habitat and Species Action Plans, an emphasis on ‘Ecosystem Services’ and human reasons to conserve biodiversity
Life support services (Food, Water, Soil)
Economic products and services e.g. timber, pharmaceuticals, oils, fabrics etc
Flood attenuation
Carbon sequestration
Wellbeing and recreation
Morals and ethics

10. + ‘Scotland’s Biodiversity: Its in Your Hands’
A vision for Scotland’s biodiversity for 2030:
Halt the loss of biodiversity
Responsibility, stewardship and awareness
Attractive and diverse landscapes
Integrated planning, policy and design
Learning opportunities.
Publications/2004/05/19366/37239
“Its 2030: Scotland is recognised as a world leader in biodiversity conservation. Everyone is involved, everyone benefits. The nation is enriched.”

11. +
Biodiversity indicators

12. +
Biodiversity indicators

13. +
Biodiversity indicators

14. + Biodiversity indicators In Scotland, between 1998 and 2007:
Improved ecological condition of streams
Broadlands and mixed woodland increased by 9%,
Less intensive habitat management - some net species loos
headwater streams plant species richness was shown to have increased by 9%
number of ponds also increased by 5%, mainly in the lowlands.
Surface soils less acidic
scientifically reliable evidence about the state or ‘health’ of the UK’s countryside today
This evidence is used to help form policies that influence management of the countryside,
The general picture in Scotland across the past decade is of improved ecological condition of streams, recovery from acidification in soils and restoration of broadleaved woodland.
Between 1998 and 2007 upland habitats remained stable to an extent. Grasslands, woodlands and arable areas showed larger shifts with the area of broadleaved and mixed woodland increasing by 9%, reflecting new planting and the diversification of felled plantation forest.
Across the same period, changes in habitat condition indicate less intensive management of many habitats and increases in tall, fast-establishing species resulting in net loss of species across many upland and lowland habitats.
In headwater streams plant species richness was shown to have increased by 9%. The
Surface soils (less than 15cm deep) became less acidic indicating a gradual recovery from acid deposition in the past.
Wildlife challenge: England’s lost and threatened species
11 March 2010
First ever audit of all of England’s lost and declining native species
Centuries of conservation records go under the microscope
Natural England has launched the most complete audit of hundreds of years of England’s wildlife winners and losers to an audience of leading conservationists at the Zoological Society of London today (11 March).
Lost Life: England’s Lost and Threatened Species identifies nearly 500 animals and plants that have become extinct in England – practically all within the last two centuries. On top of this, nearly 1,000 native species have been given conservation priority status because of the severity of the threats facing them.
Dr Helen Phillips, Chief Executive of Natural England, said: “Coinciding with the International Year of Biodiversity, this report is a powerful reminder that we cannot take our wildlife for granted and that we all lose when biodiversity declines. Every species has a role and, like rivets in an aeroplane, the overall structure of our environment is weakened each time a single species is lost. Biodiversity matters and with more and more of our species and habitats confined to isolated, protected sites we need to think on a much broader geographical scale about how we can reverse the losses of the recent past and secure a more solid future for our wildlife.”
The Lost Life report highlights how habitat loss, inappropriate management, environmental pollution and pressure from non-native species have all played a part in the erosion of England’s biodiversity. All of the major groups of flora and fauna have experienced losses, with butterflies, amphibians, and many plant and other insect species being particularly hard hit – in some groups up to a quarter of species have been become extinct since 1800.
Despite these pressures, conservation efforts have achieved many notable successes in protecting priority species and habitats – including the return of the red kite and the large blue butterfly. Nevertheless, losses continue and 943 native species are now classed as a conservation priority, while the numbers of several hundred more are in significant decline. Some of England’s most familiar species – including the red squirrel, common toad, and European eel – face an uncertain future.
To provide long-term support for our wildlife, Natural England is working with a range of partners in the England Biodiversity Group to adopt a “landscape-scale” approach to conservation which goes beyond the conservation of small protected sites and individual species and embraces the management of entire landscape areas and the ecosystems that operate within them. Wide-scale restoration of habitats and ecosystems and linking of habitat areas are seen as key to taking the pressure off the biodiversity hotspots of individual sites and reserves and giving broader support to wildlife in the wider countryside.
Dr Helen Phillips continued: “Current conservation programmes have been central to supporting England’s biodiversity and they show that we can reverse some of the losses of the past. But firefighting to rescue species in severe decline can never be a long-term solution. We need a step-change in conservation that goes beyond the targeted work that has gone on to protect individual sites and species, and which focuses on restoring the health of ecosystems across entire landscapes. We have to give wildlife and habitats more room to thrive and only by tackling the problems of environmental decline in this co-ordinated way, and at this sort of scale, can we succeed in halting and ultimately reversing many of the recent declines in biodiversity.”
UK Headlines
Natural England Latest Report:

15. +
Government conservation bodies

16. +
Species and habitat designations

17. + Legislation and regulation
Rare species are protected regardless of where they are found. These include:
bats
badgers
great crested newts
otters
water voles
wild birds.
Causing damage to a protected site or species may result in prosecution.
Implications for
Practical conservation activates
Grounds Maintenance
Construction/demolition and other estates work
Obtain advice from you local conservation body if in doubt!
Refer to:
The Planning and Policy Guidelines (October 1994, Nature Conservation, DoE, PPG9)

18. + Species and habitat designations
There are a wide variety of protected sites in the UK. These include:
Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)
Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites)
National parks
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) - England, Northern Ireland and Wales, National Scenic Area (NSA) – Scotland
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or, in Northern Ireland, Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI)
National Nature Reserve (NNR)
Local Nature Reserve (LNR)
Local Wildlife Sites

19. + Legislation and regulation
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) - main UK wide Act that protects wild birds, plants, animals and some protected areas
Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act, 2004, Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, a general duty on every public body to further the conservation of biodiversity consistent with the proper exercise of their functions. 
The Badgers Act 1991 and Protection of Badgers Act 1992 – Illegal to disturb badgers
Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, Town and Country Planning (Trees)
Regulations Protection of individual trees from removal damage
Control of Pesticide Regulations – restrictions of type, use, storage of pesticides. Forthcoming regulations on pesticide application registers.

20. + The business case for biodiversity in Universities and Colleges?
One of the first things you will probably need to do in preparing you biodiversity management programme is to gain senior management commitment to ensure effective funding, staff time and campus planning.
In groups prepare a business case for undertaking your programme to present to senior managers.

21. + The business case for biodiversity in Universities and Colleges?
Legal requirements
Planning requirements
Part of EMS requirements
Costs
Contribution to local and national biological conservation
Attractive working and study environment
Educational and volunteer resources
Awards and marketing
Wider themes e.g. carbon sequestration
Group discussion. Additional considerations:
Cost reduction can be achieved through reduction in costs of maintenance. Land managed for biodiversity is generally ‘low cost’
Community engagement and CSR issues
Contribution to BREEEAM points
Links to wider strategies and programmes e.g. Universities that Count and the Green League
‘Quick win’ sustainability projects

22. + How can we protect and conserve biodiversity?
Understanding the species and habitats present
Ensuring inclusion in policy, management systems and other and decision making e.g campus estates plans
Protection and designation – nationally, locally, institutionally
Application of management plans and sensitive management techniques
Engaging people, raising awareness and changing behaviour
What makes a good policy?

23. + Policy What makes a good Policy?
Relevant to the organisation, perhaps with an introductory paragraph on the nature and scale of the organisation.
An overarching vision statement.
Clear and realistic commitments made, non- ambiguous
A succinct, one-page document
Written using clear, direct language that is accessible to a wide variety of audiences.
Endorsed by senior management
Regularly reviewed
Group discussion. What commitments should a Biodiversity Policy contain?
Production and implementation of a campus BAP
Compliance with legislation
Practice low intervention horticultural methods
Reduce pesticides and herbicides
Management informed by LBAP priorities
Identify, manage and monitor important habitats on campus
Undertake habitat creation projects
Ensure campus planning does not have a detrimental impact on habitats and species
Training of grounds maintenance staff
Engagement with grounds maintenance contract
Consulting with experts
Policy review by a responsible committee
Communication, awareness and engagement

24. + FHE Resources Refer to the EAUC website EAUC Biodiversity Guide
Scotland Resource Map
Case studies and examples
Also refer to
Joint Nature Conservancy Council and independent government bodies
DEFRA
Netregs
UKBAP
Wildlife Trusts
BTCV handbooks

25. + Undertaking habitat surveys Objectives:
To ensure well informed management
To identify habitats and species with any specialist management requirements
To identify interactions with the surrounding ecosystem
To identify any other biodiversity threats and opportunities
To identify time and resource requirements

26. + Phase 1 habitat surveys
A standardised system and methodology for classifying and mapping habitats
Devised by the Joint Nature Conservancy Council, dating back to the 1970’s
Initially used to map large areas of British habitats
Aim to understand of their history, composition, extent and condition of habitats
Uses habitat mapping and target notes
Extended phase 1 surveys and/or adapted methodology may be most appropriate for University and College Campuses
You may want to follow up with Phase 2 surveys

27. + Planning your survey Start with a desk based study:
Existing maps and aerial photos – identify areas to visit
Previous surveys and their records
Any historical management records and information on ownership history – identify historic management techniques
Maps and any descriptions of surrounding habitats and species – what are the interactions between your campus ecosystem and those surrounding
Local Biodiversity Action Plans and Species Action Plans – any habitats of species of particular importance in the area?
Current grounds maintenance operations
Estates master plans – what are the plans for construction projects?

28. + Undertaking the survey Basic considerations
Consider the time of year – generally April to October but some habitats are best surveyed at more specific times - woodlands in spring, grasslands in mid-summer, heathlands in autumn, open waters between mid-June and the end of September.
Work with local experts and/or grounds maintenance staff
Use a map 1:10,000 scale if possible or smaller
Think about equipment you will need e.g. clip boards, plastic bags, correct clothing etc
Any access issues?
Can you involve students?

29. + Compiling habitat maps
Record each habitat unit using colour or codes. These are listed in the Phase 1 habitat survey handbook. Some codes include:
BW – Broadleaf woodland
SI – Semi Improved Grassland
A – Arable
Codes are likely to be easier to use in the field
Final outcome should be a fully coloured map
Once mapped you may want to compile brief statistics on the extent and distribution of each habitat i.e the areas of each habitat type as a percentage of the total area.

30. +
Target notes
Habitat maps should be supplemented by target notes – mark according to red target symbol, recording numerically (or by grid reference)
Target notes will inform your management plan and may include:
Location of any historical features such as wood banks and boundaries.
Notes on any topographic variation of interest.
Additional information on vegetation composition and condition within the designated habitat classifications.
Notes on any evident historical or current management techniques, for example cutting mowing or historical coppicing.
Notes on important habitat features such as woodland glades, rides and edges.
Notes on any perceived threats e.g invasive species, surrounding land management, pollution or fly tipping.

31. + Compiling habitat maps
Record each habitat unit using colour or codes
Codes are likely to be easier to use in the field
Final outcome should be a fully coloured map

32. + Adapting the methodology
Adopting this nationally recognised methodology has benefits for comprehensive utilisation of the survey information and survey replication/ site monitoring
You may feel that the classifications require specialist knowledge that you do not have
You may want to undertake pre-planned simplification of the coding system
Numerical not grid reference target notes

33. +
Extended Phase 1
Extended phase 1 habitat surveys provide additional information on vegetation and/or protected species.
Suitable for Universities and Colleges as they are relatively small sites
You may want to include:
Botanical species lists
Tree species list
Notes on rare plant or animal species e.g. birds, bats, badgers, ancient woodland indicators
Recommendations for any Phase 2 surveys
Local wildlife experts may be able to assist you free of charge.

34. + The survey report You need to summarise and interpret your findings
Include:
Description of methodology and any variations from the standard
Overview of the desk based study findings
Interpretation and description of habitats found in order to evaluate the site – character, distribution, importance, current and historical management threats
References to previous surveys, other sources of information

35. + Desk based study: group exercise
Using the information you have brought on your site or the information provided, Make notes on:
Historical management techniques
Previously recorded habitats and species
Areas of interest for the survey
Potential interactions with surrounding habitats
Important habitats and species in the local area
Current management techniques
Any likely threats or opportunities
Any other information that you feel is relevant for the survey

36. + Biodiversity Action Plans
Once you have undertaken your survey the next stage is to put in place a Biodiversity Action Plan
Senior Management/Committee Support and Ground Level Champion is important
A small budget allocation will probably be required
The aim should be to improve biodiversity on campus and also contribute to the objectives of national and local biodiversity action plans

37. + Biodiversity Action Plans Include in your action plan:
Context – general information about biodiversity, national and local biodiversity action plans
Habitat descriptions and some headline information from your survey
Details on important habitats/ species found on campus
Management objectives
Management and monitoring schedule
Targets and performance indicators
Monitoring and reporting process

38. + Objectives and targets
Think:
Specific - e.g undertake coppice management in the campus woodland
Measurable - e.g coppice compartment B, 1ha
Accountable - e.g environment project manager in partnership with grounds maintenance supervisor
Realistic - what technology, finance and time is available?
Time bound – by 2011

39. + Use of performance indicators
How will you measure performance against your targets?
Management Performance Indicators – e.g. Production of BAP, budget allocation, undertaking a management technique
Environmental condition levels – e.g. Nitrate levels in local brook, changes in number of protected species.
Identify methods of data collection, management and reporting e.g. Annual species and habitat surveys

40. + Group exercise: BAP Review
In groups review the three University BAPs. What are their strengths and weaknesses in documenting the following:
Context – general information about biodiversity, national and local biodiversity action plans
Habitat descriptions and some headline information from your survey
Details on important habitats/species found on campus
Management objectives
Management and monitoring schedule
Targets and performance indicators
Monitoring and reporting process
Group discussion. BAPs should:
Include an overview of aims and objectives
Be based on up-to-date survey information
Be easy to read – no jargon, use of bullet points, indexed
Categorise information – for example the use of HAPs and SAPs
Include photographs
Refer to the survey map and specific locations
Include SMART targets – possibly as an appendices of ‘pull out’
Include a management and survey schedule

41. + Project ideas, guidance and tips
The most common habitats found on campuses in the UK are:
Formal grounds/gardens
Buildings and structures
Wildflower areas/ meadows
Ponds
Hedges
Woodland and trees
Refer to the EAUC biodiversity guide

42. +
General guidance
Ensure you survey first and get any specialist advice (possibly in-house)
Preference to native species of local provenance –
Preference to drought resistance plants, if possible
Ensure management work at correct time of year – woodlands in winter, ponds in autumn
Create interlined habitat mosaics
Take into account LBAP, HAPs and SAPs
Take before and after photos

43. + Formal grounds Do all areas need to look tidy?
Introducing wild areas practicing low intervention gardening now more fashionable
Reduce chemical use and use sustainable material
Look to simulate natural habitats wherever possible – plant with native species found elsewhere on campus, habitat mosaic, food sources, nesting sites

44. + Buildings and structures
Identify any current nest/roots sites - cavities, eaves, barns etc
Engage with capital projects programme
Ensure protection of habitats on campus
Ensure rare species are protected during and works, especially bats
How can habitats be incorporated into developments? – green roofs, wildflower areas, soft landscaping, native borders, bat and bird bricks
Artificial structures on existing buildings

45. + Wildflower habitats/meadows
Perhaps the easiest and cheapest habitat to create on campus
Any species rich grassed areas where you can adjust mowing?
Supplement with patch seeding – native mix
Create new by removing topsoil soil and seeding - rabbit fencing?
Cut late autumn and make sure you remove all the cuttings
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46. +
Ponds
Can be a tricky habitat to create - health and safety, excavation, lining, planting
Any currently wet/damp areas on campus that can be improved?
Carefully manage existing ponds – no goldfish, reduce dominating species, don’t over manage, de-silt in winter only when vital

47. + Hedges Can you adjust cutting regime on existing hedges?
Every 2-3 years is best
The base and surrounding area is important
Leave some hedge tree to grow
Trim in rotation
Any older hedges on campus – laying
Planting new hedges
Hedge whips are cheap to buy
Choose a good variety, species with berries
Encourage dense growth through trimming
Consider laying as well as cutting
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48. + Woodlands and trees Woodland Grants http://www.forestry. gov.uk
A specific management plan based on survey for existing woodlands
A wide range of management techniques may apply – coppicing, thinning, non-intervention, invasive species control, planting, deadwood preservation
Identify any old or veteran trees on campus – manage public access, protect from root damage
New tree planting
Whips and younger trees are more likely to survive
Are the soil conditions suitable?
Reduce surrounding competition
When planting new trees add watering pipe
Woodland Grants
gov.uk

49. + Discussion What habitats do you have on campus?
How are they currently managed
How could the management be improved?

50. + Environmental Interpretation and Communication
Interpretation and communication is a vital part of all projects:
Raise awareness of what you are doing – esp. high impact projects and those that will restrict access
Get support and possible involvement
Provide educational interpretation
Make links to the wider agenda

51. + Environmental Interpretation and Communication
Use a variety of communication and interpretation
methods :
Website, s, leaflets, newsletters
Onsite boards
Launch event – media, local celebs
Wildlife trails
Green maps
Species/seasonal events
Health walks
Think about your audience
Plain English
Test material out
Illustrations and layout

53. + Environmental Interpretation and Communication
Have you come up with any creative ideas for communication and interpretation?
What have you found to be most useful?
Group discussion. Useful approaches:
Link to wider programmes e.g. green impact. Green league
Videos and podcasts
Fresher’s fair
Staff inductions
Champion networks
Giveaways
Communicate in ‘student language’
University publications
Seasonal activities and photos
Get to know habitats and species e.g tree of the month, naming species found on campus

54. + Grounds maintenance contracts
It is very important that you engage with the management and award of your grounds maintenance contract
Ongoing contract management:
Attend quarterly meetings
Negotiate changes in management regimes and application of specialist management
Provide information on native, drought tolerant species
Work in partnership on habitat management and creation
When is your Grounds Maintenance contract up for renewal?

55. +
The tender process
Identification of need – low intervention areas, specialist areas
Supplier selection/sourcing – ensure procurement team area are aware of legislation and policy, what biodiversity management experience should be specified?
Production of specification – ensure all biodiversity and sustainability requirements are included and related to the subject matter, include details in advert.

56. Pre-qualification – general questions and those tailored to the specification and overarching objectives, site visit?
Tender issue and evaluation – relating to your specification: apply sustainability minimum standards, evaluation criteria and weighting with pre-defined scoring methodology, sustainability staff part of interviews/site visits
Contract award and implementation– good news stories, inform unsuccessful suppliers in relation to sustainability, KPI’s and action plans
Manage performance – review meetings, balanced scorecard methodology

57. + Tender specifications
Full details of significant habitats and species with management requirements
Reduce chemical fertilisers and pesticides, use cultural methods such as mulching and hand weeding. Requirements for application and storage
Spring /autumn cutting in designated areas
Maintenance of hedges for biodiversity – cutting regimes, no pesticides, no disturbance of nesting birds
Priority given to using native, drought tolerant in border areas
Native trees only
Sustainable sources of peat and mulch - UK sources, peat free
Conservation of deadwood in designated areas
Water efficiency – watering in evening and morning only
Litter recycling
Onsite composting
Consultation with Sustainability representative

58. + Help and assistance Delivering Sustainable Resource Solutions
Michelle Dixon – Director
Tel: Mob: Web: