Biodiversity Policy
Introduction
In terms of this policy biodiversity is considered as:
‘Natural systems which support life on our planet including all living organisms and
ecosystems in which they occur.’
Northumbria University’s Biodiversity Policy aims to conserve biodiversity and where
possible create and enhance biodiversity.
Northumbria University’s activities should be managed in such a manner as to
safeguard and enhance the biodiversity connected with its estate. This should also
crossover to wider environments where biodiversity can be affected. This policy
compliments the University’s Environmental Policy, Environmental Strategy, draft
Sustainability Policy, draft Sustainability Strategy and forms part of a growing
portfolio of measures to maintain and improve our commitment to corporate and
social responsibility.
The University will:
1. Manage its land, buildings and activities to avoid loss of biodiversity
2. Manage its land, buildings and activities in a manner which could enhance
biodiversity
3. Manage and measure waste to drain and set reduction targets where
reasonably practicable
4. Support students’ learning in related subjects by allowing access to areas with
biodiversity
5. Where required invest in ecological competent professional people to advise
on achieving points one and two
6. Consider biodiversity in any estate development strategy or plan
7. Review this policy every two years and annually report on management of this
policy
Practical Biodiversity
Practical biodiversity relates to the measures, working practices and approaches the
University will undertake to fulfil its stated commitment to biodiversity. Such practical
measures will involve:
1. Protecting existing trees, grasses and shrubs and the natural wildlife they
support
2. Working with the Faculty of Engineering and Environment to carry out audits
of the biodiversity of the University
3. Reducing the amount of fertilizers used on our estates
4. Highlighting key areas for potential overgrowth of grasses at key times of the
year to encourage a wider range of biodiversity
5. Assessing and where practically possible reduce or remove risk to species
who may be breeding, nesting or feeding
6. Engaging as wide a community as possible in the promotion of biodiversity
7. Highlighting to staff the do’s and don’ts of feeding wildlife on its estate
Targets
This policy will ensure that biodiversity quality is not reduced with species protection
determined from on-going surveys and specialist advice and sets a target to
increase:


Biodiversity rich areas by 5% by 2020
Species by 5% by 2020
And to decrease or replace

Pesticide/fertilizer by 5% by 2014 and by 20% by 2020