Biodiversity
Biodiversity encompasses the full variety of life on Earth—from genes and microorganisms to entire ecosystems. It is the product of 4.5 billion years of evolution and is increasingly shaped by human activity. This diversity underpins the systems we rely on for food, water, medicine, climate stability, and economic prosperity; over half of global GDP depends on nature, more than a billion people rely on forests for their livelihoods, and land and oceans absorb over half of human‑generated carbon emissions.
The 2023 State of Nature Report shows that UK biodiversity continues to decline, with species populations down 19% since 1970 and nearly one in six species now at risk of extinction. Locally, the University sits within Charnwood, an area small in size but rich in ecological value, containing over half of Leicestershire’s SSSIs, 43% of its ancient woodland, and a third of its Local Wildlife Sites.
As a University, we have a vital role in protecting and enhancing biodiversity as:
- Our large campus provides important habitats for wildlife and plant species
- We have a responsibility to demonstrate environmental leadership
- Campus biodiversity supports research and teaching across disciplines
- Green spaces enhance staff and student wellbeing
- Nature‑rich campuses strengthen climate resilience through natural solutions
- This work contributes directly to the Sustainable Development Goals
This video demonstrates our campus within context of this role:
A Nature Positive University
Loughborough University is a founding member of the Nature Positive Universities Alliance, having signed the pledge in December 2022. This commits us to halting and reversing nature loss by addressing our impacts and restoring damaged ecosystems. The pledge requires baseline assessments, measurable time‑bound targets, bold action to protect and restore nature, and transparent annual reporting.
We are strengthening this commitment by taking part in the SOS UK Nature Friendly Grounds Trial (2025–27), which provides structured, audited actions. Our aim is to achieve the Silver standard by the end of 2027.
Managing Biodiversity on Campus
In 2023 we completed a Biodiversity Baseline Survey across our 523‑acre site to support our Nature Positive Universities commitment and meet Biodiversity Net Gain requirements. This survey, alongside others, forms the foundation of our baseline assessment and will be reviewed regularly.
About our biodiversity and our baseline assessment.
Our campus supports a rich variety of wildlife, including badgers, bees, butterflies, kestrels and bats. The University apiary hosts 3–5 honeybee colonies, helping to support declining bee populations and strengthen local pollination.
Species are regularly monitored by volunteers, the Gardens Team, and researchers. Recent records include:
- 7 bumblebee species
- 9 species of bats confirmed (2 more potentially)
- 17 butterfly species (345 sightings in 2022)
- 23 bird species in Holywell Wood
- over 30 species of freshwater macroinvertebrate
- 50 plant species in both Holywell and Burleigh Woods
Our specific, time limited and measurable targets for nature
To demonstrate our commitment to promoting biodiversity on our campus and in partnership with the wider community we have redeveloped two key plans taking into account our commitments and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy. These are our:
RAISE Nature Plan (LINK TO BE ADDED)
These are supported by our:
- Annual Nature Action Plan (Coming September 2026)
- Annual Nature Plan Report (Coming Ocotober 2026)
What are the wider benefits of a Biodiverse campus
Access to green, accessible open spaces supports health and wellbeing, and the Loughborough University campus offers a wide range of such environments. Our woodlands, wetlands, conservation areas, wildflower zones, formal gardens, fruit route and sports areas provide places to walk, relax and work, while supporting diverse wildlife. The campus hosts species of conservation interest—including bats, birds, amphibians, invertebrates and varied woodland and vegetation communities—and acts as a living laboratory that underpins learning and research for students, staff, and the wider community.
Our Gateway to Nature:
To help our community of staff, students, tenant partners and our neighbours find their way into the nature the campus has to offer we are creating a Gateway to Nature this physical structure within the Barefoot Orchard almost opposite the Library entrance.
How to get involved
We actively encourage student, staff and campus partner engagement in biodiversity on campus whether through organised activities or by simply enjoying the nature the campus offers. There are opportunities to get involved in both on and off campus activities including species transects, actions to support Nature Friendly Grounds or personal development through Biodiversity Literacy Training.
Our contribution to local wildlife is also evident in the opportunities for staff, students and campus partners to participate in wildlife activities, such as guided woodlands tours, harvest events, and conservation volunteering opportunities.
You can undertake a self-guided Interactive Woodland Walk through our Burleigh Wood. With a starting pointed located using what3words of jumps.beside.focus the walk is accessed via QR codes at 9 stations around the wood. The first (introductory) station is at the interpretation board on entering the wood. The following station signs are on hazel posts located by following the woodland walk in an anticlockwise direction from the interpretation board. All QR codes access a narrated view of the management, history and ecology of the woodland in that area. They can be accessed in any order. The interactive walk takes about an hour to do all at once.
Students can also join Loughborough Students’ Union’s Landscape and Gardening Society (LAGS) which has a garden with vegetables, fruit trees, and soft fruit bushes, as well as flowers and herbs, all grown in an environmentally friendly way to encourage wildlife and pollinators.
You can also get involved by simply enjoying the green campus whether for physical or health wellbeing.
