Biodiversity on Campus

Marjon Campus. Plymouth Marjon University is located in the north of Plymouth city. The campus is approximately 17 ha in size and comprises of a variety of different habitats. To the south is Derriford Community Park, with Bircham Valley Local Nature Reserve the closest section of this to the university. To the west, on the other side of Marjon Hill, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest; Plymbridge Lane and Estover Road. This is designated for the presence of the only known wild population of Plymouth Pear Pyrus cordata, a species afforded special protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Plymouth has a number of Local Nature Reserves, three of which are within 2 km from the University campus. These are Southway Valley LNR (825 m), Whitleigh Wood LNR (1.7 km) and Woodland Wood LNR (1.7 km). With these areas nearby, Marjon campus is in a position to welcome wildlife onto campus.

Allotment

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Marjon University has a campus allotment located behind our student village houses. The plan is to re-launch this so that it gets more use. This can be done by the creation of a student society group that manages the allotment. Students and staff can grow fruit, vegetables and herbs and then learn a good recipe to cook with these items.

This will help teach students about seasonal cooking and eating and how to grow and care for fruit, vegetables and herbs.

The practice of using the allotment also acts as a way to socialise with others or could be a break in a staff member's working day to get some fresh air and move their body. Whatever the activity, getting staff and students outdoors will benefit their mental health and well-being.

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