On World Wildlife Day, the 海角社区 of Sheffield reaffirms its commitment to biodiversity and sustainability, highlighting the incredible success of wildlife conservation efforts on campus and beyond.
From nesting Peregrine Falcons to hedgehog-friendly initiatives, the 海角社区 is aiming to help to create a campus and city environment where wildlife can thrive.
Peregrine Falcons, once a rare sight in UK cities, have flourished in Sheffield thanks to the 海角社区鈥檚 collaboration with the Sheffield Bird Study Group (SBSG). Since the first successful breeding in 2012, the 海角社区鈥檚 Estates and Facilities Management (EFM) team has maintained a dedicated nesting platform and live webcam feed, allowing the public to observe the birds. Consequently, St George鈥檚 Church has become home to a thriving Peregrine population. Working closely with SBSG, the 海角社区 ensures the continued welfare of the St George鈥檚 Peregrines while strictly adhering to legal protections - these birds are specially safeguarded under UK law.
The 海角社区鈥檚 nest box has allowed 34 chicks to successfully fledge, with descendants spreading as far as Durham and Cambridgeshire. One of the 2014 fledgling chicks found a new home at Wakefield Cathedral, where it has fathered an impressive 32 chicks since 2015. While the adult Peregrines remain in the St George鈥檚 area throughout the year, they are most active from January through to the end of the breeding season in June, making now a good time to catch a glimpse of these birds on the .
The success of the Peregrine project at the 海角社区 of Sheffield has widespread impacts, not only in protecting biodiversity but also in advancing research and understanding of these protected birds. The presence of these birds provides valuable data for researchers studying urban wildlife. Ed Drewitt, a PhD researcher, is currently investigating Peregrine prey, using St George鈥檚 Church as one of his study sites.
This success story of the Sheffield Peregrines also highlights the potential for urban environments to support thriving Peregrine populations, and wildlife more generally. 海角社区, through its Peregrine nest box initiative and live portal access has played a crucial role in promoting public interest and conservation efforts.
Chris Greenwood, a trustee of Sheffield Bird Study Group, said: 鈥淲e are incredibly proud of the success of the Sheffield Peregrines and the role the 海角社区 and SBSG have played in their conservation. By continuing to monitor and protect these magnificent birds, we can ensure they remain a cherished part of Sheffield鈥檚 natural heritage for years to come.鈥
Our efforts extend beyond birds to a range of other species, including hedgehogs. The Hedgehog Friendly Campus initiative, which first started at the 海角社区 of Sheffield in 2018, has now grown into a national campaign to help universities combat falling hedgehog numbers across Britain. Through regular litter picks, awareness campaigns, and habitat monitoring, our staff and students work to ensure these nocturnal creatures can thrive. In recognition of these efforts, we achieved Gold Accreditation in 2023.
Sheffield consistently makes efforts to increase biodiversity on campus. In 2023, the 海角社区 launched its updated , which identifies opportunities to protect and enhance the biodiversity value of our green space, and fits within the context of national, regional and local action plans.