Sustainability
News about global warming and its impact on the environment is everywhere. As a College we take our responsibility to reduce our impact on the environment very seriously and sustainability issues are high on our agenda.
Steps are being taken to increase the biodiversity on campus by implementing a 5 year programme of tree, shrub and bulb planting, put up bird nesting boxes, bat boxes to existing wooded areas and increasing density of native woodland species together with hedgerows:
Tree planting near to building to provide shading
Work in partnership with the Durham Biodiversity project in association with the Local Agenda 21
Work in partnership with the “Marie Curie Field of Hope” project to build upon daffodil bulb planting
Encourage development programmes for students relating to environmental and countryside management
Incorporate awareness and conservation of biodiversity into lesson plans
Reduce the frequency of grass cutting to outer marginal areas that encourage wild flower and wild life corridors
Chip brush wood pruning in order to produce a mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeding to planted areas
Sign up to the “peat charter” to use peat alternatives
Use low maintenance locally grown perennial shrubs in planting beds to reduce maintenance
Use biodegradable herbicides throughout the estate or burn off with weed wand
Introduce and plant native butterfly and bee enhancing trees and shrubs
Investigate possible grants available from Durham Hedgerow Partnership for the creation of new hedges
Planting hedgerow trees restoration of boundary fences
Development, which sustains bio-diversity, not only protects the natural environment but it has proved to reduce stress and increase the quality of life.