Caroline Jones, Records Centre Office from Devon Biodiversity Records Centre, guides University staff on the Biodiversity Bike Ride.
Birds, bees and bikes take University staff for a ride
Staff enjoyed a guided Biodiversity Bike Ride on Friday 24 June as part of a series of University events celebrating Team Green Britain Bike Week.
The route took staff from the University’s Streatham Campus on a six-mile route to the Riverside Valley Park.
Wildlife highlights were pointed out along the way by Caroline Jones, Record Centre Officer from Devon Biodiversity Records Centre, and Alison Spreadborough, University of Exeter Birds and Bees Campaign Manager.
The group visited Cricklepit Mill, home to Devon Wildlife Trust, and learned about the importance of the River Exe as a wildlife corridor as they meandered their way towards the Double Locks pub. Staff had the chance to ask questions about the variety of wildlife and habitats that can be found in and around the city, from otters and birds to allotments and woodlands.
The Biodiversity Bike Ride supported the University’s continuing efforts to encourage sustainable travel and highlighted the benefits of more sustainable means of transport, including the positive effect it has on health and well-being. It also raised the profile of the University’s Birds and Bees Campaign, which focuses on celebrating the biodiversity on the University’s campuses.
Karen Gallagher, Sustainability Manager at the University of Exeter, said “The Biodiversity Bike Ride is just one example of how the University actively promotes green travel and celebrates the rich biodiversity present on both our campuses and the beautiful city of Exeter. The majority of our students (93%) and staff (65%) use environmentally sustainable methods to travel to the University. Events such as this and the Exeter Green walks are excellent ways of bringing together the work of our Birds and Bees Campaign and our commitment to promoting sustainable travel.”
The University of Exeter is dedicated to enhancing biodiversity on its campuses and has been working with Devon Wildlife Trust to develop a Biodiversity Enhancement Plan.
Peter Burgess, Conservation Advocacy Manager for Devon Wildlife Trust, said “The University’s estate makes an important contribution to the richness and connectivity of the biodiversity network of Exeter, and we are pleased to be able to support the work of their Birds and Bees Campaign through sharing the specialist knowledge of our Devon Biodiversity Records Centre staff during this bike ride.”
The biodiversity bike ride represented the closing event to a whole host of activities for staff and students organised by the University to celebrate Team Green Britain Bike Week, including a Commuter Breakfast, Cyclist Lotto, Bike Fair with Dr Bike and a Bike Ride Picnic.
Date: 27 June 2011
