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.
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!).
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.
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.
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