Biodiversity is a complex term with a range of definitions and contestations and a powerful reach across environmental work, legislation, and popular culture (Callaway, 2020). Understandings of the concept include the variety of different species in an ecosystem, the nature and intensity of their interactions, and the roles each species plays. These understandings are complex […]
Biodiversity loss is advancing at a rapid rate, the Living Planet Report (2020) outlines five prominent threats to biodiversity: Newcastle University undertakes multiple actions to protect and enhance biodiversity on campus as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability. If you would like to learn more about Newcastle University’s commitment to biodiversity you can read […]
The biodiversity conference occurs every two years and took place last month in Montreal, Canada. Within this summit an extremely important discussion surrounding a potential international biodiversity framework was the centre of goals and targets regarding biodiversity. The importance of thriving biodiversity and the significance of the biodiversity crisis has been summarised succinctly here: “Nature […]
Hedgehog numbers in rural areas have been dropping for many years and, according to the State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2022 report, have declined by 30-75% since 2000, depending on the area of the UK. Some of the challenges they face include: What action is the University taking? Biodiversity is one of the Sustainability Teams areas of work and the University […]
The Sustainability Team, based within Estates and Facilities, lead on environmental management and operational sustainability initiatives at Newcastle University. Established in 2006, our team’s remit has grown significantly over time, reaching across university activity and working with a range of colleagues to embed positive change. Key areas of work in our day to day include: The teams’ work focuses on eight key themes including: waste, travel, biodiversity, and carbon. So, who’s behind […]
The City Nature Challenge is a global event that takes place every year at the end of April, it consists of two parts: Part breakdown Dates for the 20206 City Nature Challenge Recording 24 – 27 April 2026 Identifying 28 April – 10 May 2026 The North East of England is registered to partake in the 2026 City Nature Challenge, and our project has been set […]
On the last Friday in January, Newcastle University joined in with households, schools, and parks for the UK’s biggest citizen science survey, the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. Despite the wind, cold and the threat of rain, participants met in Drummond Quad. We were armed with layers, binoculars, bird ID sheets and patience. The Quad is […]
Veganuary is a global movement that encourages people to commit to a vegan diet for 31 days in January. Started in 2014 by the UK charity Veganuary, people from over 228 countries have participated in the challenge over the last ten years, and over three-quarters of people in the UK have heard of Veganuary. This […]