Well despite the aftermath of lockdown and the the erratic weather including high temperatures and drought the Grounds Department have managed to retain the Green flag award, this is a great achievement by the Team.This is a rare photo where all the Team are together in one place up at the sports park just prior to the preparation of numerous pitches in readiness for the London Cup.
Well done Team.
Wildflower and species rich grasslands play an important part in our ecosystem and biodiversity. They support a huge range of wildlife including bees, flies, spiders, butterflies, moths, reptiles, small mammals, bats, dragonflies, damselflies and birds to name a few.
Species rich grasslands also provide environmental benefits including carbon storage, water retention which helps to prevent flooding and a great habitat for crop pollinators.
Last week one of our badger cubs was found sleeping close to one of our fences but out in the open and vulnerable.She was carefully moved then briefly checked over.She was clearly dehydrated so given some water which she lapped up,however we were very concerned for her so she was taken to Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue where their expert staff could assess her more thoroughly. Hopefully more information will become available when she has had a thorough examination.
As the weather warms up it is good to see plenty of wildlife around on campus especially birdlife making nests ready for the new breeding season.The pond is well known for Moorhen,coot and mallard which all breed there but we also have plenty of activity on the river.Do look out for the Mandarin ducks which can be seen around close by usually under tree cover along the river being a shy bird. Did you know that the mandarin duck often makes its nest in tree holes often quite high up.
With the recent mild damp weather during December there was plenty of badger activity around campus. Favourite feeding areas are a good place to set up our wildlife cameras and monitor the different movements of a number of species including the muntjac deer regularly seen along Nursery Lane by site 4. This is one of our badger family using a regular trail path through to this feeding ground where there are plenty of earthworms.
For the 5th year running Brunel University has been given the Green Flag award .This is a great achievement given the many challenges this year the Team has had to face to keep the campus in such good shape. Well done to all,not forgetting the contributions from the Site Services and Security Teams.
Here is just a selection of butterflies and moths that can be found on our campus. Do keep your eyes open for them where they can be often found around our wild flower areas,grasslands and shrubberies. Why not take part in the ‘Big Butterfly Count’ recording your sightings.
Across the campus wildflower turf has been installed to identified areas not only to brighten them up with the wonderful mix of colours but also to provide essential food for our very important pollinators including bees, hoverflies and butterflies . The picture below is taken close to our pond and the Wilfred Brown building.
Ten top tips for helping our hedgehogs.
