Loughborough University - Ecology and Development

Loughborough University has begun the development of a Science & Enterprise Park to the west of the main campus. This area of campus and the adjoining habitats are the most biologically rich of the University's holdings. Although the primary land use is arable farmland, the fields have many inter connecting species rich hedgerows. Several arms of the Burleigh Brook flow through the site which is bordered by the Ancient Woodlands and Local Wildlife Sites of Burleigh Wood (1400 CE) and Holywell Wood (1270 CE). A healthy badger population exists alongside Muntjac deer and foxes. Wild birds, fungi and over 200 species of moth are also abundant. A maternity roost for brown long-eared bats is being conserved as part of the development meeting planning requirements for our public art and ecological conditions.

The plan identifies not only features of ecological interest and how they should be conserved and enhanced but also encourages the creation of natural habitats and innovative thinking in the use of buildings and other structures to create “new” habitats. It will serve as a blueprint to protect and enhance biodiversity for the future during the course of development over the next 30 years.