HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY
BIODIVERSITY POLICY
March 2007
Policy Statement
Heriot-Watt University recognises the value of biodiversity and the importance of
protecting and enhancing the diverse range of species and habitats present on
campus. It is the University’s ongoing responsibility to conserve this heritage, for the
benefit of the whole university community, as well as the city and beyond.
Heriot-Watt University is very fortunate to have its campus in the Edinburgh Green Belt
at Riccarton, which covers 152ha of land, with a legacy of high quality landscape
features, both natural and designed. The campus landscape supports a rich and
diverse range of plant and animal life, which help make Riccarton such an attractive
university environment.
A Wildlife Study of Riccarton Campus was conducted in March 1998, which compiled the
results of an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey of the site, and identified key species.
This has informed subsequent management and identified conservation priorities.
Certain critical areas have been monitored by University scientists, amateur naturalists
and specialists associated with Weddle Landscape Design since 1973. These areas
include the Lawn, Loch and Woodlands.
The 1998 campus wide Wildlife Audit demonstrated the success of ecologically
sustainable development over a twenty-five year. Campus development has resulted in
a more diverse landscape than sterile farmland, and supports a wider range of habitats.
Overall the development of the campus has been a positive improvement to the quality
of the landscape.
The responsibility for delivery of this Biodiversity Policy lies with the Estates Office. The
Estate Strategy for the long-term care and development of the biodiversity of the
Riccarton campus includes:
Site Planning

Control of development by advance site planning to protect existing trees and
wildlife from all future developments.

Designation of building sites, freeways, access and working areas

Continuous review of potential development plots and their specific advantages
and disadvantages, including impact on biodiversity.

Continuous management of areas of established amenity landscape and woodland

The retention and reuse of topsoil from campus development sites.
Development Projects

Advance planning for protection of existing trees by Tree Survey in accordance
with BS 5837:2005 and assessment of potential for long term retention.

Ensure adequate tree protection fencing is erected on site prior to commencement
of excavation/construction works, and remains on site until all construction works
are complete.

Services and utilities installation to closely adhere to NJUG10 Guidelines to work
around trees.
New Landscape

New planting and habitat enhancement with each development project.

All development projects submit detailed soft landscape proposals to Estates
Office for approval before any work starts on site.

The University seeks to maximise biodiversity by using a wide range of species.

New planting will provide green links throughout the campus, encouraging birds
and other wildlife to co-exist within the built-up environment.

Plants used to include those which produce flowers and berries attractive to
insects and birds.

Seek to situate new developments where they are buffered by tree belts.
Landscape Maintenance

Continuous protection and management of high priority diverse areas e.g.
woodlands and watercourses.

Longterm Woodland Management Plan. The best of the old trees have been
carefully conserved, including the lime avenue which welcomes visitors to the
campus. A particular success has been the retention of the rare Hungarian oak in
the Central Area.

Restoration of Historic Garden

The use of sustainable practices in the maintenance of the grounds and
environmentally friendly techniques.

Leave fallen timber and decaying logs where possible to provide habitat for wildlife.

The use of appropriate chemicals in fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides etc,
where necessary, in accordance with current legislation.

Control of invasive species
Watercourse Protection

Maximise natural infiltration systems such as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems
to slow water return to water courses.

Petrol interceptors are installed in all car parks.

The Loch and watercourses are periodically cleaned to prevent the build-up of silt.
Future Biodiversity

The Estates Department actively seek to enhance the vegetation and habitat
biodiversity on campus so that the campus continues to be an example of best
practice in supporting biodiversity.

Habitat creation and management will continue to guide development to ensure
environmental quality and sustainability. The University, though its Site
Conservation Committee, will consider opportunities for implementing SEPA’s
Habitats Enhancement Initiative
These management plans and procedures are used on a day to day basis to enhance
the campus grounds as an education resource and enjoyable green sanctuary for
current users and those in the future.