Student-led project boosts biodiversity at University campus
105 native trees will bring back thousands of lost species to the University of Gloucestershire
Over a hundred new native trees have been planted by students and staff at University of Gloucestershire in efforts to boost biodiversity in its campuses.
The trees, which were donated by the Woodland Trust, will provide habitats for hundreds of insect species, as well as mammals and birds, including song thrush, lackey, nuthatch and jays.
The project was led by a third-year Geography student, after he recognised more could be done on campus to help with the biodiversity crisis.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, he told us more:
"It's been expected that 75% of species will be wiped out from the surface of the earth.
"If that's the case then biodiversity is important now more than ever.
"And that was why I wanted the University of Gloucestershire to be a leader in making positive action and positive change, in support of climate change and biodiversity."
He petitioned for action and, with the help of the University’s Estates Team, was able to secure a donation of 105 native trees from the Woodland Trust, including 15 hawthorn, 15 silver birch, 15 rowan, 15 wild cherry, 15 oak, and 30 blackthorn.
He told us about the importance of planting native trees, such as oak:
"2,300 species are supported by just that tree alone. So that includes fungi, mosses, lichen, insects, mammals, birds...
"If you imagine we have this amazing oak tree supporting that myriad of life and then you take it away, and plant a non-native tree there, that's a lot of life instantly gone.
With support from fellow students and staff members across two days, 75 trees were planted at Oxstalls Campus and 30 at Park Campus.
As well as hoping to leave a legacy at his university, Will is also encouraging people to plant native trees in their back gardens - he says everyone that can should do it:
"If anyone's got gardens, one big thing you can do is plant a native tree. Or, plant native shrubs or flowers, doesn't have to be anything massive.
"We also have a role to play in fighting the habitat loss crisis and climate change.
"Ultimately if we lose some species that's going to see a decline in other species, and a massive domino effect is going to come, and all of a sudden we'll be right at the end of that domino effect.
"So it's important for our own interests as well that we do something positive for climate change and biodiversity."