Students and staff at Hartpury University and Hartpury College joined wildlife experts to record more than 400 species during a 24-hour BioBlitz designed to bring learning beyond the classroom and into the natural environment.
Held from midday on 12 May to midday on 13 May, the BioBlitz saw more than 70 college and university students work alongside 21 Hartpury staff members and 10 external specialists to identify as many living species as possible across the Hartpury campus estate.
Participants surveyed everything from birds and mammals to fungi, mosses, insects, trees, and wildflowers, contributing valuable biodiversity data while gaining hands-on experience in species identification, ecological surveying, and conservation.
Despite cold and windy weather conditions, more than 400 species were recorded, with final figures still being confirmed.
Preliminary results included:
- 52 bird species
- 12 mammal species, including a polecat recorded on campus for the first time
- 27 fungi species, including one never before recorded in Gloucestershire
- 31 moss and liverwort species
- 76 invertebrate species
- 176 plant species, including trees
The event was conducted using the iNaturalist platform, allowing participants to digitally log sightings and contribute data to the Campus Biodiversity Network, a global initiative supporting biodiversity monitoring across educational institutions. Hartpury joined the network earlier this year.
The BioBlitz forms part of Hartpury’s wider “Wilder Campus” initiative, which aims to encourage more wildlife across the estate and evolve land management practices to create more space for nature. It also supports Hartpury’s commitment to the Nature Friendly Grounds project, led by Students Organising for Sustainability.
Importantly, the event provided a unique opportunity for FE and HE students and staff to work collaboratively while engaging directly with the wildlife found just outside their classrooms.
Ben Brilot, Head of Sustainability at Hartpury University said: “Events like the BioBlitz are a fantastic example of learning in a living classroom. Students were able to work alongside experts and staff to explore the biodiversity on campus, develop practical ecological skills, and contribute to meaningful conservation work.
“It was also brilliant to see FE and HE students and staff collaborating on something that so many people are passionate about, while supporting our wider vision for a Wilder Campus.”
The BioBlitz contributes towards Hartpury University and College’s long-term ambition to develop a biodiversity action plan that will embed consideration for wildlife across all areas of campus activity, supporting sustainability, conservation, and student learning opportunities for years to come.
