Notable sites of biodiversity in Cambridge

The University owns land which supports a variety of habitats, from lowland meadows to approximately 65 hectares of woodland. There are several notable sites for biodiversity, each playing a specific role to support the dynamic relationships between biodiversity enhancement, academic research and engagement with members of the university and the wider public.

• Areas open to the public:

The Botanic Garden contains various habitats managed in a wildlife-friendly manner where everyone can enjoy local biodiversity.
Madingley Hall Gardens: an area of 8 acres which is open for visitors to explore.
800 wood: adjacent to Madingley Wood, the largest planting project ever undertaken by the University of Cambridge. It contributed to 50% towards the county’s Local Habitat Action Plan which aimed to create 20 hectares of new woodlands by 2010 to link up to ancient woodland clusters.
Cambridge City: there are 12 Local Nature Reserves in Cambridge that provide an important contribution to the UK’s biodiversity whilst offering the opportunity to its citizens to enjoy such spaces.

• Areas for engagement: 

Various University sites and departments have implemented enhancements for wildlife, and these provide a great opportunity for members of the University to become involved in helping to boost biodiversity onsite. An example is Greenwich House. The building is situated in a wooded area on Madingley Rise and in the last few years has carried out a number of actions to improve biodiversity, including installing bird and bat boxes and planting a wildflower meadow.

• Areas for research: