Biodiversity

The word 'biodiversity' was originally coined as a contraction of the term 'biological diversity', and may be defined as the variety of all forms of life: from genes to species and the habitats and ecosystems of which they are a part.

There is growing concern over the loss of biodiversity due to human impact. Following the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, the UK Government signed up to the Convention on Biological Diversity committing it to adopt ways and means of conserving biological diversity. In practical terms, this has led to the development of biodiversity action plans for species and habitats considered to be at risk in the UK.

The University's estate covers approximately 30 hectares and contains a variety of habitats of wildlife value including woodland, scrub, hedgerows and ponds. Woodland at Park Campus has been recognised by Northampton Borough Council as being a Site of Nature Conservation Value and an area at Avenue Campus, the St George's Avenue Conservation Area, has been set aside as a nature reserve in conjunction with the St George's Avenue Community and Wildlife Group.