Biodiversity

One method that can be used to improve biodiversity is the concept of rewilding, which involves leaving areas of grassland to grow naturally and not cut them back.

Doing so encourages land to recover naturally, allowing for wildflowers to grow and improving the habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. Rewilding encourages a balance between people and the rest of nature so that we can thrive together.

Did you know?

• The UK has lost over 97% of wildflower meadow habitat since the 1930s (Wildlife Trust, 2023). Gradually, USW aims to recreate such habitat in this area.
• Over 250 species of UK pollinators are at risk of extinction. Much of this is due to loss of hay meadows and over mowing of green spaces.
• Since 1950, the UK hedgehog population has reduced by 97%. Leaving areas like this allows them space to hunt for food.
• We use our conservation areas to train and educate our students in Conservation, Ecology, Sustainability and Management.
• Many UK-grown crops rely on wild pollinators (including bees, moths, butterflies, hoverflies, flies and beetles).