M-arb-ellous Upcycled Bench

Posted on November 15, 2022 by Vikki

We have a strong sustainable and biodiversity ethos within the University and the Grounds Team arboristrists practise this as much a possible by regularly creating habitat piles, building bird and bat boxes and protective fencing for new saplings from fallen branches and timber and leaving tree stumps as sanctuaries for insects and wildlife.

Their latest sustainable project was handcrafting a bench from a Quercus rubra (Red Oak) tree that failed in one of our valleys recently. This upcycled bench has been placed by Reed Pond under a Cupressus macrocarpa tree, which provides all day shade, and where it also has great views of the pond.

Upcycled bench

View of Reed pond from the upcycled bench

Upcycled bench is in all day shade, making it a cooling calming spot to relax

Reed Pond Island Works

Posted on February 26, 2020 by Vikki

We have been busy clearing and thinning the vegetation on the island at Reed Pond – before, during and after works photos.

Reed Pond island – before thinning and clearing works

Clearing and thinning vegetation on the Reed Pond island, with the use of our boat!

Reed Pond island – after thinning and clearing works

It’s Go Green Week!

Posted on March 19, 2019 by Vikki

It’s Go Green Week – head over to The Forum where you can find out how to boost your sustainability skills and learn how to make practical green changes. There are loads of activities and events going on until Friday 22nd March.

New St Luke’s Campus Biodiversity Trail

Posted on December 15, 2017 by Vikki

The St Luke’s Campus continues to provide a wide range of habitats which help support birds, insects, reptiles, mammals and aquatic life. The habitats should not be viewed in isolation, as they help form important links and wildlife corridors to other areas of open space not owned or maintained by the University. In this respect, the campus spaces make an important contribution to biodiversity in Exeter and the wider county of Devon.

We have developed a St Luke’s Campus Biodiversity Trail which can be downloaded from our website. Please do take a walk around the campus and see the species supported throughout the year and the techniques we use to support wildlife on campus.

Update – Improvements Works to Hoopern Waterways

Posted on November 2, 2017 by Vikki

We are happy to confirm that the improvement works have started on the top pond and leat at the Hoopern Waterways. The works, funded through donation, aim to improve water quality and biodiversity of the pond network including:

Silt removal and control
Vegetation control
Planting marginal and water plants
Improving water flow and aeration

Improvement Works – Hoopern Waterways

Posted on September 28, 2017 by Vikki

The University of Exeter will shortly be carrying out work on the top pond at leat at the Hoopern waterways. The works, funded through donation, aim to improve water quality and biodiversity of the pond network including:

Silt removal and control
Vegetation control
Planting marginal and water plants
Improving water flow and aeration

If you require further information, please contact the .

NEW Streatham Campus Biodiversity Trail

Posted on June 16, 2017 by Vikki

The Streatham Campus continues to provide a wide range of habitats which help support birds, insects, reptiles, mammals and aquatic life. The habitats should not be viewed in isolation, as they help form important links and wildlife corridors to other areas of open space not owned or maintained by the University. In this respect, the campus spaces make an important contribution to biodiversity in Exeter and the wider county of Devon.

We have developed a Streatham Campus Biodiversity Trail which can be downloaded from our website. Please do take a walk around the campus and see the species supported throughout the year and the techniques we use to support wildlife on campus.

We are in the process of developing a St Luke’s Campus Biodiversity Trail, which will also available to download.

Front Cover – Streatham Campus Biodiversity Trail

Jubilee Water Walk – Guided Tours 22nd & 29th November 2016

Posted on November 18, 2016 by Vikki

This is an opportunity to have a guided tour of the newly developed Jubilee Water Walk. These walks will be led by the Arts and Culture Co-ordinator, Environment and Sustainability Adviser or the Grounds Team and will provide an insight into the waterways and water features on the Streatham Campus.

22nd November 2016 (Route B) – Art, History and Stories

29th November 2016 (Route B) – Biodiversity and Horticultural Highlights

12.15pm to 1.15pm, meet at the bottom of Stocker Road / Rennes Drive near the roundabout, point 8 on the map

Arb-Ex tree spade helping to extend life of mature Oak tree

Posted on October 28, 2016 by Vikki

One of our arborists, Nathan, has been using an Arb-Ex tree spade to decompact the ground, using compressed air, around the roots of a mature Oak tree by Reed pond. This will help extend the life of the tree by improving air and water uptake.

Diamond Jubilee Water Walk

Posted on September 29, 2016 by Emma

If you are coming onto campus do have a look at our new walks, taking in some of the amazing water features, both natural and man-made, that we have on the Streatham Campus.

Budding News

University of Exeter Grounds Team blog

Tag Archives: ponds