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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.

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Pollinators 

Marjon has partnered with Pollenize CIC, a social enterprise which seeks to reverse pollinator decline. As well as keeping beehives across Plymouth, Pollenize uses technology to analyse honey and pollen to understand local habitats better and inform climate-resilient planting. Marjon is lucky to have it's very own hive of native honey bees on our campus allotment. Our students and staff have enjoyed various activities with Pollenize, from bee-hive inspections to biodiversity surveys (AKA the Bioblitz!). 

 

 

 

 

Bee keeper checking in on the bees on campus

Allotment

An image of a woman working on an allotment outside on the campus of Plymouth Marjon University. She is spreading a bag of farmyard manure into a vegetable bed, tending to plants. She has muddy wellington boots on, a blue puffer jacket, and a striped woollen hat with a pom pom on top.


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.


Wildflower Meadow

We recognise the importance of creating rich biodiverse habitats for pollinators to thrive in. We are creating a wildflower meadow in the centre of Marjon. Using native plants, this space will be a colourful, fragrant environment to encourage nature and spark conversations about the importance of climate-resilient urban ecosystems.

Get Involved 

If you would like to join the allotment or join Pollenize for a beekeeping session, please email sustainability@marjon.ac.uk or message us on Instagram 

Continue exploring how you can get involved here 

Wildflowers growing in front of a tennis court