We’re buzzing to announce that during Bees’ Needs Week, we have been awarded the Bees’ Needs Champions Award from DEFRA and Nature Friendly Farming Network!
This award recognises exceptional initiatives that work to support pollinators, including bees. Rebecca Long-Bailey, Labour MP for Salford, commented on our Bees’ Needs Award achievement, saying:
‘Bees and other pollinators play such an important role in our environment, and it is brilliant to see your efforts to protect and improve habitats recognised nationally. Your work is not only helping nature to thrive in Salford, but also setting a great example of what can be achieved through practical action for the environment.’
Our Pollinator Principles and Guidelines have allowed us to map pollinators on campus and work with our Grounds Team in reviewing current practices. From this, the grass management plan was developed that marks campus areas as dedicated to nature which has been instrumental in our Let It Grow campaign, giving campus nature opportunity to thrive.
By adopting no mow and low mow strategies in areas and selectively planting nectar rich plants which provide year-round flowers, we’ve seen a notable increase in our campus pollinators. It has also allowed the rare Bee Orchid to flourish on campus. A beautiful flower which without a no mow and low mow approach wouldn’t have had a chance to bloom.
Alongside this we have provided additional habitat, including bee posts, to provide extra support to a range of bees. Since erecting the posts, we have confirmed the presence of 7 different bee species making use of these facilities and 11 bee species found across campus overall.
Our engagement programmes also help raise awareness about bees and their needs, such as our Campus Nature Walks. Our regular World Bee Day walk and talk gives staff, students and the wider community the opportunity to learn more about bees before finding them about on campus.
A massive thank you to Environmental Manger Emma Goodchild and Environmental Management Assistant Zoe Pegg and their work with the University Estates Team. Together we have developed a campus that provides for nature and people, supporting a biodiverse and accessible environment.
Learn more about biodiversity on campus and our landscape management and how you can get involved.