Biodiversity Survey

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Biodiversity Survey BIODIVERSITY SURVEY July 2010 fpcr fpcrJ:\4300\4363\BIODIVERSBirmingham CityITY UniverSURVEYsity DOC.cdr Biodiversity Survey 1 C O N T E N T S 1 I N T R O D U C T I O N 5 M O O R L A N E S P O R T S C E N T R E 8 S U M M A R Y & C ON C L U S I O N Background Context Summary Assessment Objectives Desk Study Baseline - Habitats Conclusion The Campuses - Species Site Survey Baseline - Habitats - Species 2 M E T H O D O L O G Y Analysis - UK and Local BAP Habitats - UK and Local BAP Species The Site - Biodiversity Enhancement Recommendations Planning Context 3 C I T Y N O R T H C A M P U S 6 B O U R N V I L L E C A M P U S Desk Study Baseline - Habitats Desk Study Baseline - Habitats - Species - Species Site Survey Baseline - Habitats Site Survey Baseline - Habitats - Species - Species Analysis - UK and Local BAP Habitats Analysis - UK and Local BAP Habitats - UK and Local BAP Species - UK and Local BAP Species - Biodiversity Enhancement Recommendations - Biodiversity Enhancement Recommendations 4 C I T Y S O U T H C A M P U S 7 S C H O O L O F J E W E L L E R Y Desk Study Baseline - Habitats - Species Desk Study Baseline - Habitats Site Survey Baseline - Habitats - Species - Species Site Survey Baseline - Habitats Analysis - UK and Local BAP Habitats - Species - UK and Local BAP Species - Biodiversity Enhancement Recommendations Analysis - UK and Local BAP Habitats - UK and Local BAP Species - Biodiversity Enhancement Recommendations Birmingham City University Biodiversity Survey 2 I N T R O D U C T I O N B A C K G R O U N D C O N T E X T T H E C A M P U S E S ( N O T T O S C A L E ) Birmingham City University has a duty under the Natural England and Rural Comminutes Act to conserve and promote biodiversity within property which it owns and manages. The University is implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) under the EcoCampus Scheme, with a view to taking a holistic M O O R L A N E S P O R T S C E N T R E approach to improving its overall environmental performance. As part of the EMS, the University has stated an objective to: C I T Y N O R T H C A M P U S “conserve and promote biodiversity across our campuses”. A S S E S S M E N T O B J E C T I V E S S C H O O L O F J E W E L L E R Y In order to work towards the objective stated within the EMS, FPCR Environment and Design LTD were commissioned to undertake a survey of the habitats and species on five properties owned and managed by Birmingham City University and to compile an appraisal of Local and UK C I T Y S O U T H C A M P U S Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Habitats and Species present within and local to each property. This document also sets out recommendations on how to conserve and protect existing areas of nature conservation value including UK and Local BAP habitats and species, and ways in which additional habitats and species of value to nature conservation can be created and encouraged to enhance UK and Local BAP targets. B O U R N V I L L E C A M P U S Birmingham City University Biodiversity Survey 3 M E T H O D O L O G Y D E S K S T U D Y S I T E S U R V E Y : H A B I T A T S The Birmingham Biological and Geological Records Centre; Ecorecord and The sites were surveyed on the 7th and 8th June 2010 using standard the Birmingham bat group; Brumbats were consulted regarding any Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey methodology, as recommended by Natural relevant ecological information within the local area of the site. England, to identify specific habitats and features of ecological interest. The Natural England mapping website www.magic.gov.uk was also Habitats were marked on a base plan and where appropriate, target notes searched for information regarding the location of statutory nature were made. An inspection of the sites for the presence of any invasive weeds conservation sites. present was also carried out. Features such as trees were considered with regard to their ecological value and potential to provide suitable habitats for protected species. S I T E S U R V E Y : S P E C I E S During the surveys, observations, identification and signs of any species protected under Part 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Conservation (Natural Habitats & c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) were noted. Any sightings, evidence of, or suitable habitats for other protected fauna, in particular UK or local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) were recorded during site visits. Birmingham City University Biodiversity Survey 4 C I T Y N O R T H C A M P U S : D E S K S T U D Y D E S I G N A T E D S I TE S & P R O T E C T E D S P E C I E S R E C O R D S H A B I T A T S The River Tame SLINC flows past the site, a short distance to the west, though the the A453 forms a Tame Valley Canal SLINC physical habitat barrier between the two. The River, the Tame Valley Canal SLINC and the Canal with grassland and broadleaved woodland. Bird Wolverhampton - Gravelly Hill Railway form viable wildlife corridors through an otherwise urban records include turtle dove, environment. Perry Hall Playing Fields SLINC house sparrow and starling. Non designated sites including Perry Park, Perry Hall Playing Fields and Witton sports ground immediately to the east of the site boundary set the site within a relatively low density urban Land at Kynoch environment with more naturalised habitats than expected for an inner city location. Works SLINC Neutral grassland with scrub. Bird species recorded here include house martin, starling and kestrel. S P E C I E S A number of bird records within the area were provided through consultation with the ecological database for Birmingham and the Black Country (EcoRecord). This indicated a number of notable species in the vicinity of the site including following species which are either UK or Local BAP species: - black redstart River Tame SLINC - starling Watercourse with common - house sparrow toad and water vole records - dunnock - turtle dove - kestrel Smooth newt, common frog (local BAP species) and hedgehog(UK BAP) are recorded to the north west of the site. Common pipistrelle and Noctule bats are recorded locally though only one roost location was identified through consultation. Hedgehog Badger Black redstart Watervole Common Pipistrelle Kestrel Common frog Smooth newt Common toad Birmingham City University Biodiversity Survey 5 C I T Y N O R T H C A M P U S : S I T E S U R V E Y H A B I T A T S IMPR OVED GRASSLAND, HEDGES & ORNAMENTAL PLANTING The faculty buildings were in the west of the site together with associated car parking, seating areas, Areas of improved grassland were recorded in seating areas and walkways and roads with landscaped ornamental planting, hedgerows, trees and woodland. Two associated with walkways and ornamental planting. A large area of accommodation complexes also occurred within the site boundary, separated by a new sports facility. improved grassland was recorded in the north of the site utilised as a recreational facility associated with the sports centre. This grassland BUILDINGS comprised low diversity, managed sward of common grassland The faculty buildings were in the western part of the site and were multi storey species. Well maintained, dense hedgerows mainly comprising brick built structures, largely with flat roofs. In general they were of mixed beech subdivided car parking areas. Ornamental planting was construction with large sections of steel framed, glass frontages (right). The generally recorded at the peripheries of seating areas and walkways accommodation blocks were modern, three to four storey, brick buildings set comprising of non native species. about courtyards (below, middle). The sports hall was a new building which was being completed at the time of survey. Again this was a modern design, brick built TREES AND WOODLAND structure with steel and wooden board sections (below, right). Semi-mature trees were recorded throughout the site, including the following species: small leaved lime, London plane, Norway maple, Scots pine, wild cherry, rowan, silver birch and common alder. A narrow band of woodland habitat was also recorded between the main car park and the eastern edge of the faculty buildings (Kenrick and Galton Buildings). This habitat differed from clusters of trees in that a typical woodland shrub and ground flora structure was present. No veteran or near veteran trees were recorded. A series of three gate houses (above left) stood on Wellhead Lane, at the perimeter of a derelict area of ephemeral vegetation. The gate houses were disused rendered brick structures built in 1915, which are locally listed.
Recommended publications
  • Birmingham Botanical Gardens Ikon Gallery
    B i r m in gh am Ca na l O ld BIRMINGHAM L in e Escape to the City JEWELLERY QUARTER Discover one of Britain’s most exciting cities located in the heart of England. A destination bursting with unrivalled culture Wolverhampton and heritage, all connected by our historic canals. The city is 45 min drive THE a hot spot for great shopping, vibrant restaurants and world- ROUNDHOUSE BIRMINGHAM class attractions. The waterways provide the perfect route to MUSEUM & experience our regional culture and meet our friendly locals. ART GALLERY Bullring Shopping Centre Click the icons below to get to know some of the great places you can visit whilst you are here. We look forward to welcoming you. Edgbaston Reservoir Gas Street Basin IKON The Mailbox GALLERY Chinatown JEWELLERY QUARTER BRINDLEYPLACE BRINDLEYPLACE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS IKON GALLERY l THE ROUNDHOUSE a n a C EDGBASTON m a h VILLAGE g n EDGBASTON VILLAGE i m r i B & er WALK/CYCLEBIRMINGHAMWINTERBOURNEEDGBASTONTHEIKONBRINDLEYPLACEJEWELLERY ROUNDHOUSE GALLERY QUARTER VILLAGE FROMBOTANICALMUSEUM HOUSE CITY & & ARTCENTRE GARDENS GARDENS GALLERY st WINTERBOURNE ce or TO EDGBASTON W HOUSE & GARDENS TheWinterbourneEdgbastonWithBrindleyplace40% Birminghamcity’sIkon ofits all redbrick Gallery leadingBritish Village is House a is exteriorBotanicaljewellery vibrantart isone a gallery and thriving of destination, andBirmingham’sGarden isGardens ismade cobbled foodielocated is in ancover Theand with courtyard, inEdwardian most a Jewelleryleisure 15 stunningthe acres loved city’s destination.the home of Quarter.modernVictorian National garden and EnjoyinbuildinggardenThisRoundhouseartSeaWith leafy galleries. Life green more a Edgbaston.ontranquil inCentre, the thanand Itis middleUniversityis aleafy stroll100 tree-linedregularlyGrade The diamondarea orof II*garden leisurelythe ofboasts homelisted squares Birmingham city.
    [Show full text]
  • Birmingham City Council Planning Committee 14 March 2019
    Birmingham City Council Planning Committee 14 March 2019 I submit for your consideration the attached reports for the South team. Recommendation Report No. Application No / Location / Proposal Approve - Subject to 9 2018/05638/PA 106 Legal Agreement Warwickshire County Cricket Ground Land east of Pershore Road and north of Edgbaston Road Edgbaston B5 Full planning application for the demolition of existing buildings and the development of a residential-led mixed use building containing 375 residential apartments (Use Class C3), ground floor retail units (Use Classes A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5), a gym (Use Class D2), plan, storage, residential amenity areas, site access, car parking, cycle parking, hard and soft landscaping and associated works, including reconfiguration of existing stadium car parking, security fence-line and spectator entrances, site access and hard and soft landscaping. residential amenity areas, site access, car parking, cycle parking, hard and soft landscaping and associated works, including reconfiguration of existing stadium car parking, security fence-line and spectator entrances, site access and hard and soft landscaping. Approve-Conditions 10 2019/00112/PA 45 Ryland Road Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2BN Erection of two and three storey side and single storey rear extensions Page 1 of 2 Director, Inclusive Growth Approve-Conditions 11 2018/06724/PA Land at rear of Charlecott Close Moseley Birmingham B13 0DE Erection of a two storey residential building consisting of four flats with associated landscaping and parking Approve-Conditions 12 2018/07187/PA Weoley Avenue Lodge Hill Cemetery Lodge Hill Birmingham B29 6PS Land re-profiling works construction of a attenuation/ detention basin Approve-Conditions 13 2018/06094/PA 4 Waldrons Moor Kings Heath Birmingham B14 6RS Erection of two storey side and single storey front, side and rear extensions.
    [Show full text]
  • C Re Strategy 2026 a Plan for Sustainable Growth
    INTRODUCTION • CORE STRATEGY Birmingham c re strategy 2026 A plan for sustainable growth Consultation Draft • December 2010 theBirminghamplan birmingham’s local development framework Birmingham c re strategy 2026 A plan for sustainable growth Consultation Draft • December 2010 Closing date for comments 18th March 2011. Contact: Planning Strategy PO Box 14439 1 Lancaster Circus Birmingham B2 2JE E-mail: [email protected] Telephone: (0121) 303 3734 Mark Barrow Strategic Director of Development theBirminghamplan birmingham’s local development framework Foreword I am very pleased to be endorsing this emerging Core Strategy. It will play a key role in helping to shape the future direction of this great city. Birmingham is a diverse, dynamic and forward thinking city of over a million people. It is the regional capital of the Midlands and is strategically located at the heart of the United Kingdom. The city has seen constant and progressive change throughout its history, embracing new cultures and the challenges of shifting global economies and more recently climate change. Over recent years there has been a transformation of the city centre, including the rebuilding of the Bullring, development of concert/ conferencing and sporting facilities and the creation of attractive public squares and spaces all to the highest international standards. The city will continue to adapt to and embrace change, in order to enhance its position as a key economic and cultural centre regionally, nationally and internationally. Further expansion will see development of a state of the art ‘Library for Birmingham’ the new central library, the redevelopment of New Street railway station and expansion of Birmingham International Airport.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report No. 72 2005 the Birds of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands 2005
    West Midland Bird Club Annual Report No. 72 2005 The Birds of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands 2005 Annual Report 72 Editor D.W. Emley Published by West Midland Bird Club 2007 Published by West Midland Bird Club © West Midland Bird Club All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without permission of the copyright owners. The West Midland Bird Club is a registered charity No. 213311. Website: http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.com/ ISSN 1476-2862 Printed by Healeys Printers Ltd., Unit 10, The Sterling Complex, Farthing Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5AP. Price £9.00 The Birds of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands 2005 Annual Report 72 Contents 4 Editorial 5 Submission of Records 6 Birds and Weather in 2005 14 Systematic List 222 Ringing in 2005 228 Belted Kingfisher – a first for the Region 229 Aquatic Warbler in Warwickshire – a first for the county 230 The Farnborough Lesser Scaup – second record for the Region 232 County Lists 239 Gazetteer 247 List of Contributors 251 Index to Species Front Cover Photograph: Waxwing at Coleshill, Steve Valentine 3 Editorial A huge amount of work goes into the production of this Report so I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the production team for their sterling efforts in reducing the backlog to the extent that this year we have been able to publish two Reports – no mean task! It is encouraging to see the increase in the number of contributors (over 330), many of these now submitting records by BTO’s Birdtrack.
    [Show full text]
  • Ecological Assessment Edgbaston Central Campus Development Hybrid Planning Application Ecological Assessment
    Edgbaston Central Campus Development Hybrid Planning Application March 2012 Ecological Assessment Edgbaston Central Campus Development Hybrid Planning Application Ecological Assessment Sophie Smith BSc (Hons) AIEEM For: University of Birmingham Kevin Doidge MSc BSc (Hons) Estates West Jennifer Spelling BA (Hons) MSc South West Campus Edgbaston th Birmingham 27 February 2012 B15 2TT © RPS Willow Mere House Compass Point Business Park Stocks Bridge Way St Ives Cambridgeshire PE27 5JL Telephone: +44 (0) 1480 302751 Fax: +44 (0) 1480 466911 E-mail: [email protected] www.rpsgroup.com/ecology Notice to Interested Parties To achieve the study objectives stated in this report, we were required to base our conclusions on the best information available during the period of the investigation and within the limits prescribed by our client in the agreement. No investigative method can completely eliminate the possibility of obtaining partially imprecise or incomplete information. Thus, we cannot guarantee that the investigations completely defined the degree or extent of e.g. species abundances or habitat management efficacy described in the report. Document Information Report title: Edgbaston Central Campus Development Ecological Assessment Client: University of Birmingham Document ref: JPP2890_R_003j Project manager: Max Wade Author(s)/Surveyor: Sophie Smith, Jenny Spelling, Kevin Doidge, Dru Hall Report date: 27/02/12 Checked by: Matt Fasham 18/11/11 Authorised by: Max Wade 27/02/12 Edgbaston Central Campus Development: Ecology assessment CONTENTS
    [Show full text]
  • Copy of Bulletin MARCH 2004 For
    SANDNATS BULLETIN DECEMBER 2003 PAGE 1 SANDATS BULLETIN DECEMBER 2003 PAGE 2 SANDNATS BULLETIN DECEMBER 2003 PAGE 3 SANDATS BULLETIN DECEMBER 2003 PAGE 4 EDITORIAL Again a winter seems to be passing with insignificant cold spells and a good deal of mild wet weather. Much could have altered by the time you read this, but arguments on the topic of global warming don’t seem likely to go away during 2004. The bulletin has mentioned plenty of ‘firsts’ during its lifetime and should prove a fertile field for anyone researching first bird arrivals, first plant flowerings etc. Amongst its firsts would also appear to be the harvest mouse survey. SANDNATS mammal group, with Janet Granger and Paul Essex in the forefront, have been putting long hours into this project and have been awarded a certificate of merit by the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham & the Black Country. Unfortunately they have as yet been unable to recapture any of the released mice and it seems that this could well pose a national problem for those engaged in this work. Possibly all perished or maybe the recording methodology needs reviewing. What has been the fate of the animals? Were some recorded as prey of local owls? Many such questions and difficulties lie ahead and the team is very keen to hear from any workers who might provide insight on these matters and join them as this season approaches. There is an exciting prospect for significant and original scientific research here. Issues surrounding the bulletin such as the desired number per year and the costs of printing and production will not go away.
    [Show full text]
  • December 2006
    OE Ties and 450th Commemorative Gift Collection December 2006 Heraldic Shield £20.00 The Old Edwardians Gazette ‘Standard’ tie ‘Alternative’ tie Polyester – £7.00 Polyester – £8.00 450th Anniversary ties Silk – £15.00 Bow ties Limited Edition of 450 ‘Standard’ only Polyester only £8.00 Ready tied or Self tie – £8.00 Cufflinks ‘Quick Action’ – £15.00 Please add post and packing. Shield £2.00. All else £0.50. For more than one item include just one p+p at the higher value. Alternatively place your order and collect from Reception. Cheques to ‘OEA’. Enquiries and orders to Derek Benson at the school. (See page 1 for the contact details.) Presidents & Vice-Presidents 1887-1889 The Right Revd Joseph Barber 1925-1939 Sir William Waters Butler, Bt. The President Lightfoot, DD, Bishop of 1930-1939 R Cary Gilson, MA Durham 1934-1940 Sir Ransford Slater, J.A. Claughton, M.A. 1887-1891 Sir Arthur Blyth, GCMG, CBE KCMG, CB 1935-1963 Lieut.-General Sir EWC Vice-Presidents 1887-1888 Sir Francis Galton, Bradfield, KCIE, OBE FRS, DCL 1936-1976 Bertram C Ottey R. Edmonds, F.R.I.B.A. 1887-1889 George Frederick James 1939-1959 Sir Leonard Browett, KCB R.J. Garratt, D.F.C., LL.B. 1889-1935 OH Caldicott 1941-1969 FH Viney, MA A.C. Muffett 1894-1901 The Right Revd Brooke Foss 1942-1964 Commander AS Langley, M.B. Lloyd Westcott, DD, Bishop of CMG, MA M.J.W. Rogers, M.A. Durham 1944-1956 Sir AW Ibbotson, T.G. Freeman, M.A. 1894-1910 Sir Alfred Hickman, Bt.
    [Show full text]
  • Birmingham City Council
    Birmingham City Council Planning Committee 04 June 2020 I submit for your consideration the attached reports for the North West team. Recommendation Report No. Application No / Location / Proposal Approve - Conditions 6 2019/10518/PA 70-72 Handsworth Wood Road & land to rear Handsworth Wood Birmingham B20 2DT Erection of two storey rear extension comprising 13-beds to existing care home (Use Class C2) with alterations to existing car parking provision. Approve – Subject to 7 2018/09868/PA 106 Legal Agreement 1 Johnstone Street Lozells Birmingham B19 1SY Demolition of existing garage and erection of proposed 22 unit 3 and 4 storey residential development with associated boundary wall and parking Page 1 of 1 Director, Inclusive Growth (Acting) Committee Date: 04/06/2020 Application Number: 2019/10518/PA Accepted: 23/12/2019 Application Type: Full Planning Target Date: 05/06/2020 Ward: Handsworth Wood 70-72 Handsworth Wood Road & land to rear, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham, B20 2DT Erection of two storey rear extension comprising 13-beds to existing care home (Use Class C2) with alterations to existing car parking provision. Recommendation Approve subject to Conditions 1. Proposal 1.1. The application proposes the erection of a two storey rear extension, comprising accommodation for up to 13no. additional residents, to an existing private care facility, catering for adults suffering from illnesses relating to their mental health. 1.2. The proposed extension would be sited to the rear of the existing care facility, known as Dartmouth House; which, at present, has a large private rear yard and it is to this area that the current application relates.
    [Show full text]
  • King Edward's School Chronicle January 1955
    KING EDWARD'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE JANUARY 1955 Telephone MID 5209. 67a, NEW 8TREET, Telegrams BIRMINGHAM, 1. EDWARDIAN, BIRMINGHAM. O.E. MEMBERSHIP The Old Edwardians' Association exists primarily to maintain touch between the School and Old Boys and contacts between Old Boys of different periods. This purpose is served mainly through Honorary Membership, which carries with it the right to wear Old Edwardians' colours and to receive twice a year the Old Edward inns' Gazette, with news of the School and of Old Edwardians. The Association exists in the second place—a function whose importance has increased now the School is no longer in New Street— to provide a centre for Old Edwardians. The aim of the Association is that Old Boys living in Birmingham or passing through Birmingham may be able to meet friends in the Club Rooms—which provide all the amenities of the Ordinary Social Club. To attain this end there mutt be a large Membership, apart from Honorary Membership, a membership of Old Boys using the Club Rooms. To secure this, the cost of full membership is carefully graduated. The following is a list of the grades of Membership with the subscriptions : CLASSE8 OF MEMBERSHIP For Members residing within 25 miles of the Club Building ¿4 4 9 But until the expiration ot three years from the date of leaving School 10 and then for the next four years 3 Country Members 0 All University Members 10 Honorary Members not less than 10 NOTE.—These amounts are reduced by half to Members joining after 1st July in any year, except in the case of University Members and Honorary Members, whose subscriptions are payable in full at any time.
    [Show full text]
  • Birmingham City Council Planning Committee 23 November 2017
    Birmingham City Council Planning Committee 23 November 2017 I submit for your consideration the attached reports for the South team. Recommendation Report No. Application No / Location / Proposal Approve - Conditions 8 2017/07848/PA 149 Mulberry Road Bournville Birmingham B30 1SS Erection of single storey rear extension Refuse 9 2017/06779/PA Royalty Bingo Hall High Street Harborne Birmingham B17 9PU Variation of Condition No. 2 attached to planning application 2017/03785/PA to allow opening on Sunday from 0900 to 1700 hours. Approve – Conditions 10 2017/07151/PA Plot 5, Former Pebble Mill Studios Site Pebble Mill Road Edgbaston Birmingham Full planning application for the development of up to 19,000sq.m hospital (Use Class C2) with associated access, car parking, landscaping and engineering works. Approve - Conditions 11 2017/07187/PA Land off Bean Croft Quinton Birmingham B32 3TG Erection of 6 dwelling houses with associated car parking and landscaping Page 1 of 2 Corporate Director, Economy Approve - Conditions 12 2017/07188/PA Land off Fleming Road Quinton Birmingham B32 1ND Erection of 4 dwelling houses with associated car parking and landscaping Approve - Conditions 13 2017/06426/PA University House Edgbaston Park Road Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TY Erection of four storey extension with associated landscaping and works Approve - Conditions 14 2017/06482/PA University House Edgbaston Park Road Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TY Listed Building Consent for internal alterations and the erection of a four storey extension. Approve - Conditions
    [Show full text]
  • Old Joe Spring 2015
    OLDJOETHE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM’S ALUMNI AND FRIENDS MAGAZINE Spring 2015 Sew on and sew on Beneath Birmingham Comic chameleon Building futures Changing families’ fortunes 2 OLD JOE THE FIRST WORD The firstword or more than 100 years research at the University of Birmingham has had a major GUEST EDITOR Fimpact on the world; our researchers advanced transplant surgery, developed the use of microwaves, and created artificial Vitamin C. If there’s one thing to take out of this Finding innovative solutions that address big issue of Old Joe, it’s that Birmingham issues and benefit society is a key priority and alumni are out in the world, doing we continue to break new ground. incredible things. Discovering that The recent Research Excellence Framework fellow graduates are behind some (REF) showed that 87% of the University’s research of today’s most innovative and activity has a global impact, confirming our position among the world’s top research successful businesses (page 14), are universities in a broad range of areas from History and Education to Chemical providing medical support in the fight Engineering, Dentistry, Philosophy, and Psychology. The REF measures the quality against Ebola (page 40) and leading and impact of research conducted in UK universities against international standards new research into brain injuries (page of excellence, on the basis of the quality and volume of research as well as its wider 13), shows that Birmingham remains impact. The results ranked more than 81% of all research carried out by the a breeding ground for enterprise, and University as internationally excellent or world leading.
    [Show full text]
  • The Herbarium of Walter Henry Hardaker
    Birmingham Museums Birmingham Botany Collections The Herbarium of Walter Henry Hardaker Edited by Phil Watson © Birmingham Museums Version 1.0 September 2014 Birmingham Botany Collections – Herbarium of WH Hardaker 1 Birmingham Botany Collections – Herbarium of WH Hardaker Introduction Walter Henry Hardaker was born in Yorkshire in 1877. He studied for a BSc at Leeds University and after graduation went to teach at a school on the Isle of Man. He moved to Birmingham in 1902 and obtained an MSc from Birmingham University in 1910. He taught at Handsworth Technical School until his retirement in 1938. He lived at 451 City Road, Edgbaston from at least 1948 onwards on the basis of dated specimens listed as collected there. He died in 1970. His energy as a dedicated field collector, outpacing many younger students on his trips, and his contributions to local flora are reflected in his obituary ( Watsonia 9 (1972-73), 177). He presented his herbarium to Birmingham Museum in 1961 (accession number 1961B2). It comprises over 5,250 specimens all collected by Hardaker himself between 1897 and 1960. However, only about a quarter of the specimens are dated, most of these in the 1950s, so it is impossible to comment on his most concentrated period of fieldwork. This situation is reversed with findspots however as only 303 specimens have no location recorded. The museum inventory describes the collection as a “Flora of Worcestershire” although analysis shows that only 1224 specimens (23%) came from Worcestershire. There are an almost equal number of specimens, 1184, from Warwickshire. A further 286 samples from Staffordshire does indicate a local bias, these three counties accounting for 51% of the collection.
    [Show full text]