Biodiversity - we are part of the system

We pledge to exist in harmony with our biodiverse environment. We know the biological life forms on our campus from the micro to the mega and are caretakers. We add to the richness of this system that we are a part of.

We understand the different species, from micro-organisms to trees, animals and fungi, and the ecosystems they collectively form. We are committed to ensuring that the environment of the school site is rich in biodiversity by surveying and identifying all living things - building an environmental census. We use this knowledge to conserve and improve biodiversity by informing campus development decisions and the regeneration projects we deploy. We also seek to add to wild spaces and the biodiversity of species through the products we use and consume as a community.

Our Pledge in Action

Each year we add more data to our established campus biodiversity register and we upload this to international registers as citizen scientists. We add to, rather than diminish, the biodiversity of our campus. Protecting all that is here and healthy is the foundation. This means that any plans for campus development must consider the impact on biodiversity as the first protection point. Our principles in action are:

Knowing:  

• We know our ecosystem by identifying and cataloging living things on our campus, using a standard methodology and record-keeping system.

Protecting:  

• We protect what is here by fully understanding the implications of campus development, taking all reasonable steps to minimise our footprint.

• We make campus development decisions that prioritise conservation and protection of the natural system taking account of the health of all living things as well as soil, water and air.

Enriching:  

• We add to the biodiversity of our campus through knowledgeable and informed rewilding and improvements to the health of natural habitats. 

• We introduce and plant species that are native, only.

• We use natural pesticides and fertilisers.

Learning and Solutions Priorities: Biodiversity census and record-keeping project, harnessing the collective power of the whole community. Rewilding and biodiversity student projects and nature-centred site-zoning/Building and Procurement decisions and practices.