Biodiversity on the campus

The project involves collaboration between The Department of Biology (LU), Akademiska Hus and Peab and involves changing the way in which the management of the Science Campus grounds is carried out. The goal is to manage the area in a way that promotes biodiversity and is more sustainable. The emphasis is on long-term changes in management rather than on quick, cosmetic fixes. A reduction of soil nutrient levels in the grass areas will gradually provide ecological conditions that favour a diversity of plant species. An increased diversity of plants will in its turn, support an increased number of insects (many of which will provide ecosystem services such as pollination). One major change in management involves setting aside extensive areas of grass lawn as “meadows” that are mown once a year with immediate removal of the biomass to harvest nutrients from the system. Another change is to delay the first mowing of the recreational lawns, to make spring flowers available to early-flying pollinators, and thereafter mow only when required (not on a fixed schedule). Shrubs that provide pollen and nectar resources for insects are being planted, and nest sites for bees (insect hotels and areas with open sand) are being constructed.
The project is innovative in that it involves a direct dialogue between the landowner (Akademiska Hus), biologists with expertise in grassland ecology and restoration ecology, and the contractor (Peab) that is responsible for carrying out the campus management.

Projektet är en direkt länk mellan ekologisk kompetens, forskning och det praktiska i skötsel av marken runt campus.