Action, Research and Engagement for Biological Diversity

Biodiversity Strategy

Action, research and engagement for biological diversity

David Russell Halls Environment Team Version 3 September 2018 Biodiversity Strategy 2019 – 2029 Biodiversity Policy Working Group

Executive Summary

Aim and Scope The overarching aim of the University of St Andrews Biodiversity Strategy is to proactively conserve and promote the biodiversity of St Andrews, so enhancing the University and town as a desirable place where staff, students and the local community can live, work and learn and in which wildlife may thrive.

This Biodiversity Strategy aims to provide a comprehensive framework to undertake biodiversity conservation on University-managed property and land. This can be achieved by following the Strategy’s recommendations for three principle foci: Habitats and Areas; Species; Teaching, Research, Communication and Engagement (extensive SMART targets for each foci are outlined in the University’s separate Biodiversity Action Plan). This Strategy and associated Action Plan is intended to cover a temporal scope from 2019 – 2029 (after which it should be revised and renewed). However, what is undertaken in this crucial decade will lay the foundations for a biodiversity ethos which will continue for the next 600 years and more.

Rationale This Biodiversity Strategy is essential to:  Ensure the University meets basic legal requirements  Meet BREEAM Excellent building standards  Aid in the achievement of the University’s Strategic Plan 2015 – 2025 and Sustainable Development Strategy  Develop a reputation for biodiversity and sustainability excellence, which could be recognized through a number of national awards and accreditation schemes  Enhance and safeguard staff, student and local community quality of life and wellbeing  Create a desirable and prosperous natural environment for all

Objectives This Strategy defines the University’s biodiversity objectives as to:  Develop and maintain a record of species and habitats existing within University grounds  Conserve and enhance biodiversity to comply with national legislation and regional plans  Ensure biodiversity conservation and enhancement is at the forefront of development decisions  Provide and promote hands-on teaching about biodiversity and sustainable ecosystem management within the University  Raise staff, student and the local community’s awareness of and positive engagement with local wildlife and the immediate environment  Become a leader in biodiversity management, therefore increasing the reputation of the University

Key Recommendations To meet the above objectives, key recommendations have been proposed for the Strategy’s three principle foci (for SMART targets see the UStA Biodiversity Action Plan 2019 – 2029):

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Habitats and Areas  Implement evidence-based conservation methods with proven success in specific habitats and areas  Conduct and maintain baseline surveys for all key habitats and areas  Maintain current supportive habitat; identify habitat that requires no management  Create new desirable habitat  Connect fragmented areas of habitat through the creation of wildlife corridors  Safeguard important habitats when pursuing University Estate expansion or undergoing changes

Species  Conduct baseline surveys and maintain an up-to-date database of local biodiversity  Identify key species of conservation interest and areas of conflict and potential solution during University development  Implement key species action plans, predominantly through habitat and area conservation as above

Teaching, Research, Communication and Engagement Utilise the University estate and biodiversity for educational purposes by:  Promoting Living Labs biodiversity projects throughout the academic and non-academic community  Collaborating with local stakeholders for biodiversity teaching and learning  Compiling a portfolio of potential biodiversity Living Labs projects available to undergraduate and postgraduate students  Promoting the implementation of this Strategy itself as a Living Labs case study for wellbeing  Improve awareness of existing wildlife among staff, students, visitors and the local community  Involve staff, students, and the local community in monitoring biodiversity, setting targets and habitat management

Monitoring Progress The Biodiversity Strategy and Biodiversity Action Plan’s progress will be monitored through the following actions:

 The Biodiversity Policy Working Group (BPWG) will form a new group termed the ‘Biodiversity Core Group’ (BCG) who will be responsible for monitoring the Strategy and Action Plan  The BCG will feed progress reports back to the SDWG.

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Preface

Much of the value of the University of St Andrews stems from the high quality of life here, a significant part of which arises from the green and pleasant natural environment which surrounds the University. Maintaining and enhancing the University’s natural environment – for wildlife and so for people – must therefore be a priority.

Biodiversity – or biological diversity – is the variety of life. This variety is fundamental in promoting healthy, resilient and productive ecosystems, and providing the invaluable life- supporting services which underpin our daily lives. In addition to enabling us to live, biodiversity undeniably creates a world worth living in – as wildlife and natural places enrich our lives in a multitude of irreplaceable ways.

St Andrews, with its rural location on the East Coast of Fife, boasts a wealth of natural habitats and many of Scotland’s estimated 90 000 species – from the grey seal to the Scottish bluebell. This pleasant natural setting makes the University environment a wonderful place to work and study, from the obvious to the more subtle: dappled shade on a hot day, the hope of swallows returning in early spring, or the uplift of a breaching dolphin glimpsed on a cold winter’s walk into work. But the fate of this extraordinary natural environment - for the present and next 600 years – is a consequence of how we live in it now and choose to develop it for the future.

As a centre of academic excellence which endeavours to be a leading figure in sustainability research and action, it is imperative the University recognises biodiversity conservation among its very top priorities. What we achieve (or neglect to achieve) here in St Andrews sets a precedent not only to our staff and students but to all who look up to us as a leading institution. St Andrews must provide the best example to the world of how sustainable development leads to a better quality of life for us all.

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Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 2

PREFACE ...... 4

1 BACKGROUND ...... 6

1.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 6 1.2 THE BUSINESS CASE FOR BIODIVERSITY ...... 7 1.3 BIODIVERSITY AS PART OF WIDER UNIVERSITY STRATEGIES ...... 9 1.4 LOCAL BIODIVERSITY GOVERNANCE AND STAKEHOLDERS...... 10 1.5 THE UNIVERSITY’S CURRENT BIODIVERSITY EFFORTS ...... 11

2 THE STRATEGY ...... 13

2.1 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 13 2.2 ACHIEVING OBJECTIVES AND MONITORING PROGRESS ...... 14 2.3 ACTIONS: HABITATS AND AREAS ...... 14 STRATEGY SCOPE ...... 14 THE UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS ESTATE ...... 14 HABITATS ...... 17 2.4 ACTIONS: SPECIES ...... 20 2.5 ACTIONS: TEACHING, RESEARCH, COMMUNICATION & ENGAGEMENT ...... 21 TEACHING AND RESEARCH ...... 21 LIVING LABS ...... 22 COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT ...... 23

APPENDICES ...... 24

APPENDIX 1: HOW THE ST ANDREWS BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY FITS INTO GLOBAL, NATIONAL AND LOCAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGIES AND LEGISLATURE ...... 24 APPENDIX 2: DETAILS OF GENERIC HABITAT RECOMMENDATIONS AND SOME EXAMPLES OF THEIR POTENTIAL IMPLEMENTATION ...... 28 APPENDIX 3: POTENTIAL SPECIES AND POTENTIAL ACTIONS ...... 34 APPENDIX 5: POTENTIAL AREAS OF IMPLEMENTATION ...... 46 APPENDIX 6: RELATED DOCUMENTS ...... 51 APPENDIX 7: KEY RESOURCES ...... 52

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1 Background

1.1 Introduction

“The Earth's biodiversity, which Darwin described as 'these endless forms most beautiful', provides sustenance and inspiration. The decisions that each of us makes in our daily lives will determine whether future generations share these benefits.”

– Professor Anne Magurran, Centre of Biological Diversity, St Andrews

What is biodiversity and why conserve it? Biodiversity is a contraction of biological diversity, a term defined by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) as “the variability among living organisms… this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems”. Biodiversity is crucial to existence in numerous ways. At the individual level, biodiversity enriches species’ populations through increased genetic variation which enhances their adaptability to changing environments. At the ecosystem level, a multiplicity of flora and faunae sustain the web of life by allowing for the complex and varied interactions that regulate an ecosystem’s functioning. Finally, at a global level, an array of interconnected ecosystems govern the complex earth system processes which regulate services such as nutrient cycling and climate regulation. Within a local environment such as St Andrews, biodiversity upholds ecosystem services and natural capital, providing amenities such as clean water, air and fertile soil, protecting regions from harsh weather, and diminishing the occurrence of disasters such as erosion and flooding. These processes work together to increase an area’s resilience to external pressures.

With the current intensity of human impact and the looming consequences of climate change, upholding environmental resilience is becoming increasingly significant. However, the rate of species loss is increasing worldwide, largely due to human-induced habitat loss and degradation from agriculture, deforestation and development in urban and rural areas as human populations increase.

This Biodiversity Strategy This Biodiversity Strategy aims to conserve biodiversity at the local level and so to contribute to conserving biodiversity at national and global levels. The Strategy expounds the responsibilities outlined in the University’s Biodiversity Policy and provides the essential context and rationale for a University-wide biodiversity effort. A companion document: the UStA Biodiversity Action Plan 2019 – 2029 provides specific actions and/or targets.

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1.2 The Business Case for Biodiversity

Although the intrinsic value of nature and wildlife (and our obligation to ensure future generations benefit from them) is a sufficient argument for conserving biodiversity, there is also a strong business case to do so.

Legal compliance The University is duty-bound to comply with much legislation relating to land management, habitats and species. Applying good practice ensures compliance and will help the University avoid potential fines, prosecutions, and negative publicity. Below is a list of some of the important biodiversity-related legislature the University must comply with:

UK-wide legislature:  The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)  Forestry Act 1967  Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006

Scottish legislature:  The Protection of Badgers Act 1992  Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004  Environmental Liability (Scotland) Regulations 2009  The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 and Conservation of Habitat and Species Regulations 2010  Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 and The Town and Country Planning (Tree Preservation Order and Trees in Conservation Areas (Scotland) Regulations 2010  The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011  The Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (WANE Act)

Details of the wider biodiversity strategies the UStA Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan align with, and the legislature they must adhere to are in Appendix 1.

University development Planning for biodiversity can increase the success of planning applications, particularly when a proposed development site is on or nearby a designated protection area. Building for biodiversity may also preempt future conservation legislation that the University will need to comply with. Furthermore, the University has set a standard that all new builds must be BREEAM Excellent; building for biodiversity will help contribute towards BREEAM targets.

Reputation and awards Enhancing biodiversity will further the sustainability reputation of the University and sharpen the University’s competitive edge. Biodiversity projects are often visually conspicuous and necessitate interaction with local stakeholders, which will increase knowledge and dissemination concerning the University’s sustainability achievements.

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Furthermore, biodiversity projects will be eligible for competitive awards such as the EAUC’s (Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges) Green Gown Awards, as well as accreditation and benchmarking schemes. Accreditation and benchmarking schemes include the Sustainability Leadership Scorecard, and the LiFE (Learning in Future Environments) self- assessment scoring tool. LiFE enables the University to assess its biodiversity score calculated from a range of areas including ‘Policy and Strategy’; ‘Action Planning’; ‘Stakeholder Engagement’; ‘Measurement’; ‘Communication’; ‘Training and Support’; ‘Implementation’; and ‘Link to the Curriculum’. The combined scores for these areas give the University a total score for Biodiversity. The University currently scores a total of 27/100 via the LiFE tool.

Cost savings Many biodiversity initiatives are extremely cost-effective and will help the University save money. For example, green walls and roofs provide natural cooling and insulation, whilst wildflower meadows and corridors will save lawn maintenance costs.

Sustainability in the curriculum The University is world-leading in having a well-established undergraduate and postgraduate Sustainable Development programme within the department of Geography and Sustainable Development. Biodiversity initiatives will foster hands-on sustainability learning and skill-building for these students, as well as for students studying biodiversity, ecology and conservation within the School of Biology. Furthermore, biodiversity initiatives will help disseminate sustainability within wider academic faculties, through the Living Labs approach to research and learning (see below). The study, research, and volunteering opportunities enabled by this will provide the essential skills needed to further students’ career prospects. The University consistently produces world-leading, far-reaching alumni; students’ involvement in biodiversity initiatives while enrolled at the University will produce influential, environmentally-minded ambassadors of which the University can be proud.

Outreach and partnerships Biodiversity initiatives provide ample opportunities for University collaborations both within and across institutions. The transdisciplinary partnerships that can be formed while working on a biodiversity project will increase professional and personal networks and foster a stronger sense of community both within the University and beyond. Even in projects which do not call for wide local involvement, displaying active investment to enhance the quality of life in the local area will enhance relations between town and gown.

Wellbeing and quality of life Mental health is a crucial concern for the University’s Student Services. Regular engagement with the natural environment has been shown to boost mood, concentration and overall quality of life. Biodiversity initiatives and their associated partnerships will enhance opportunities to connect with wildlife, and thus increase staff and students’ wellbeing.

Recruitment and satisfaction Many staff and students choose to apply to St Andrews due to the abundance of local natural spaces and the opportunities for recreation, relaxation and research that they provide. Thus, biodiversity plays an important role in the student and staff experience. Conserving and

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promoting biodiversity will uphold these experiences and increase St Andrews’ desirability as a place to work and study.

The business case and rationale for biodiversity conservation as part of sustainability in UK Universities is further covered in detail by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (the EAUC Biodiversity Guide).

1.3 Biodiversity as Part of Wider University Strategies

This Biodiversity Strategy adheres to and will contribute to the delivery of objectives within broader University strategies such as the University’s Strategic Plan 2015 – 2025 and Sustainable Development Strategy 2012 – 2022 (see also Related Documents section).

UStA Strategic Plan 2015 – 2025 The plan notes the history and natural beauty of the town and surrounding areas of St Andrews, recognising the excellence of experience of University of St Andrews is partly built on the success of the town. The plan also states, “In delivering growth, we will take care to do this sustainably, adding to the magic of St Andrews as a place”.

Further, the plan declares “We will also continue to enable local groups and societies such as the St Andrews Botanic Garden Trust in maintaining a tranquil space for townsfolk and the Pilgrim Trust in improving the natural amenity of the town centre by enhancing our own open spaces and enabling public access to them.”

Sustainable Development Strategy Underpinning the overall strategic plan are several subject-specific strategies, including the Sustainable Development Strategy. While ‘biodiversity’ is not directly referenced in the current version of the University Sustainable Development Strategy, it is advisable this be revisited at the next strategy update in 2022. The current strategy aims to improve the delivery of sustainable development across the four areas of: Teaching, Research, Operations, and Community Engagement.

The ‘Operations’ category includes an aim of ‘living within our environmental limits’. This includes measures to address environmental impacts arising from the impacts of the University’s core business of teaching and research. The document includes several aims and objectives including:  To prevent pollution and ensure full compliance with relevant environment legislation now and in the future;  To ensure prudent use of natural resources;  To develop solutions that reduce travel and transport impacts generated by the University  To achieve effective communication of environment and sustainability issues to all staff and students

Under ‘Community Engagement’ the University aims to contribute to a ‘healthy and just society’. This includes measures to “build on the existing proposals to bring sustainable

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development awareness as a core part of the first-year student experience with the University” and to “develop an action plan that will support community engagement and the sustainable development vision”.

Lastly, under ‘Advocacy and Civil Leadership’ the University aims to “to act as an exemplar of sustainable development practice and to promote the principles of sustainable development at a local, regional, national and international level”.

1.4 Local Biodiversity Governance and Stakeholders

Internal Governance and Stakeholders The University has multiple staff working on biodiversity across the estates, guided by various strategy documents (see Appendix 6: Related Documents). Table 1 outlines the current staff positions and academic departments which incorporate elements of biodiversity management within their remit. Policy on biodiversity is usually passed through the University’s Sustainability Development Working Group (SDWG), formed of a selection of senior staff, chaired by the University’s Quaestor and Factor, every two months.

Table 1: University Departments and Staff Positions Incorporating Biodiversity Management Position/ Department Current Holder of Position Principal’s Office Quaestor and Factor Derek Watson FCCA (quaestor@) Estates Director of Estates Mark Simpson (director.estates@) Strategic Asset Manager Jill Williamson (jsw25) Trades and Grounds Manager Stephen Mercer (sm2342) Grounds Team Leader Donald Steven (ds46) Head Groundsman Playing Fields John Reid (jjr3) Estates Environment Team Sustainability Manager David Stutchfield (ds51) Environment Officer Sustainability Intern Anya Kaufman (ak246) Transition Project Manager Alistair MacLeod (am296) Edible Campus Project Officer Andrea Roach (ar252) Edible Campus Project Officer Helena Simmons (hks3)

Academic Departments and allied External Institutions St Andrews Botanic Garden James Hearsum School of Biology Centre for Biological Diversity Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling Scottish Oceans Institute & Sea Mammal Research Unit

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School of Geography and Sustainable Development

Integral to success will be the formation of a strong partnership with the St Andrews Botanic Garden – the University’s own Botanic Gardens from the 1880s until 1982, now managed by the St Andrews Botanic Garden Trust.

External Stakeholders In addition to internal stakeholders, the Biodiversity Strategy’s will necessitate working closely with external stakeholders such as the St Andrews Community Council, Fife Council, St Andrews Links Trust and Fife Biodiversity Partnership.

Figure 1: Stakeholders involved in planning and implementing a biodiversity strategy

Source: diagram provided by Molly Harvey and Tara Chalmers

1.5 The University’s Current Biodiversity Efforts

It is important to acknowledge that the foundations for this Biodiversity Strategy have already been laid by several University biodiversity efforts – the existence of which will undoubtedly aid in this Strategy’s success. However, many of these actions are isolated and sporadic and will therefore benefit from the guidance of a Strategy and Action Plan. Thus, this Biodiversity Strategy will provide a common purpose to unify the existing actions outlined below, whilst providing a vital framework to promote and organise future biodiversity efforts.

Habitat and landscape management 11

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The University currently supports biodiversity by maintaining important habitats such as various patches of native woodland and the 14 existing community gardens, as well as regenerating habitats such as the Eden Estuary saltmarsh. The University Grounds Team have also been adapting their land management strategies to better support biodiversity, for example by leaving certain areas unmown and seeding in wild flowers and grasses.

Biodiversity surveying There are currently few ongoing measures to monitor and research biodiversity in St Andrews, and most are independent and irregular. Local biodiversity is surveyed each year during the BioBlitz. BioBlitz is a 24-hour community event where varied specialists lead biological public surveys of different taxonomic groups including bats, birds, insects and vegetation, and record all the species encountered. Some undergraduate Geography and Biology labs also survey local ecosystems and biotic communities, such as marking plant species around St Andrews for a GPS assignment and having students conduct intertidal or bird surveys for ecology labs.

Biodiversity research Biodiversity is an active area of research in St Andrews. BioTIME, the world’s largest biodiversity time series database, was started by several researchers at the University. Undergraduate and Postgraduate students can study biodiversity through biodiversity- related degree courses such as BSc Biology, BSc Ecology and Conservation, BSc/MA Geography, BSc/MA/MSc Sustainable Development, and MSc Conservation Studies. Such degree programmes have led to many biodiversity-themed projects in the local area.

Communication and Engagement There have been several events in recent years aimed towards encouraging community members to engage with local biodiversity. For example, the student-led Wildlife Society (WildSoc) and Transition University St Andrews (TUSA) have organised wildlife walks, tide pooling days and bat surveys. There are also several sustainability-centric societies, initiatives and events which do not currently focus on biodiversity engagement but could be encouraged to do so by the existence of a Biodiversity Strategy. Examples of these include Sustainable Development Society (SDSoc), TUSA SkillShare and TUSA Green Film Festival.

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2 The Strategy

2.1 Aims and Objectives

Overarching Aim To proactively conserve and promote the biodiversity of St Andrews, so enhancing the University and town as a desirable place where staff, students and the local community can live, work and learn for generations to come.

The University of St Andrews is duty-bound to conserve biodiversity by the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. The University of St Andrews recognises the local and global significance of biodiversity for promoting healthy and resilient ecosystems and providing invaluable ecosystem services. As a leading institute in sustainability, we believe our responsibilities extend beyond those which are duty-bound and thus we aspire to be at the forefront of biodiversity engagement, research and action.

Specific Objectives  Develop and maintain a record of species and habitats existing within University grounds through systematic and long-term surveying  Conserve and enhance biodiversity to comply with national legislation and regional plans  Ensure biodiversity conservation and enhancement is a priority during development planning  Provide and promote hands-on teaching about biodiversity and sustainable ecosystem management within the University through carrying out biodiversity surveying, planning and management  Raise staff, student and the local community’s awareness of and positive engagement with local wildlife and the immediate environment  Work with all relevant local stakeholders and other bodies working towards biodiversity conservation at the local, national and global level  Become a leader in evidence-based biodiversity management, therefore increasing the reputation of the University

The objectives outlined in this Biodiversity Strategy will be enacted through the UStA Biodiversity Action Plan 2019 – 2029. The UStA Biodiversity Action Plan outlines specific timescales for each target, the measurement of success for each target, and the persons/departments responsible for ensuring achievement.

Specific actions are focussed in three areas: 1. Habitats and Areas 2. Species 3. Teaching, Research, Communication and Engagement

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2.2 Achieving Objectives and Monitoring Progress

The Biodiversity Policy Working Group (BPWG)* have been responsible for presenting the University’s Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Following the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan’s endorsement by senior University management, the BPWG will form a new group termed the ‘Biodiversity Core Group’ (BCG) who will be responsible for monitoring the Strategy and Action Plan, as well as answering biodiversity enquiries, providing biodiversity consultation, and assessing and evaluating new developments for impact on biodiversity. The BCG will collaborate with the University’s Sustainability Development Working Group (SDWG)** in monitoring the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

The Biodiversity Strategy and Biodiversity Action Plan’s progress will be monitored through the following actions:

 The Biodiversity Action Plan is a working document which will be continually updated with additional targets. Ideally, the document will be web-based and subject to revision as and when required by those managing and enacting the plans.  The Biodiversity Strategy is a static document which can be revised when needed (e.g. with relevant legislature when the UK leaves the EU).  The BCG will meet regularly (at least quarterly) to monitor the Biodiversity Action Plan’s progress.  The BCG will feed progress reports back to the SDWG.  Both the Biodiversity Action Plan and the Biodiversity Strategy will be reviewed during biennial meetings of the BCG and SDWG.  A new Biodiversity Strategy, Biodiversity Action Plan and Biodiversity Policy will be formed at the end of the current documents’ temporal scope (2029).

*The BPWG is chaired by Professor Will Cresswell, School of Biology **The SDWG is chaired by Derek Watson, Quaestor and Factor

The Biodiversity Core Group will be organised in Autumn 2018 with first priorities to allocate or confirm individual or group responsibility for Action Plans, and a timetable and mechanism for monitoring and reporting progress.

2.3 Actions: Habitats and Areas

Strategy Scope This strategy pertains only to the University’s owned and managed Estate and does not include for example Links Trust or Fife Council managed land. However, the University envisions and encourages collaboration with non-University managed areas.

The University of St Andrews Estate The University’s estate is thoroughly integrated within St Andrews town, with University buildings and halls of residences interspersing community buildings and residences.

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Therefore, actions to improve biodiversity will often be site specific rather than a campus wide strategy as is more common with other campus-based Universities.

The University is also a prominent land holder in the East Coast of Fife, owning and managing an extensive estate that stretches beyond the St Andrews town boundary. University-held land amounts to approximately 85ha of land in the town of St Andrews and an additional 373ha of farmland. Thus, the University’s management choices have far-reaching consequences for ecosystem health.

Figure 2A: University lands - Total Estate

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Figure 2B: University lands - St Andrews Town Centre

Figure 2C: University Lands – North Haugh

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Figure 2D: University Lands – Guardbridge

A key consideration for any site-based biodiversity strategy is what occurs for land earmarked for future development (as is likely with several areas such as the North Haugh and St Katherine’s Lawn). Such sites may remain unused for years and even decades. Consequently, these sites should not be left simply as low diversity lawns, but instead should be regarded as an opportunity to create interesting early successional habitats such as wildflower meadows, willow scrub or shallow ponds.

Habitats Figure 4: University Land Cover Percentages Managing habitat is integral to (excluding supporting biodiversity. In farmland) managing habitat, the University should aim to maintain current supportive habitat as well as creating new desirable habitat. The University should also endeavour to connect fragmented areas of biodiverse habitat through the designation and creation of wildlife corridors. Figure 4 displays current University land cover percentages (excluding farmland which amounts to 89% of University-owned land). A large proportion of University land is currently

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designated for amenity grassland, which is a species-poor habitat. The University should aim to increase the overall percentage of desirable habitat such as woodland and ponds.

5A. Beehives, Boxes and Bug ‘Hotels’ 5B. Formally-planted Areas

Beehives in the apiary near Andrew Melville Hall (St Planted flowers at St Salvator’s Quadrangle (St Andrews) Andrews) © Connie Dawson © Connie Dawson 5C. Grassland 5D. Green Roofs and Walls

Low-species amenity grassland near Andrew Melville Hall Green Roof at David Russell Hall (St Andrews) © Connie (St Andrews) © Connie Dawson Dawson 5E. Hedgerows 5F. Marine, Coastal and Intertidal

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Low-species leylandii hedge bordering David Russell Hall The Eden Estuary Local Nature Reserve and the coastal Sports Field (St Andrews) © Connie Dawson town of St Andrews © David M Paterson 5G. Ponds and Rivers 5H. Soil and Compost Heaps

David Russell Hall Pond (St Andrews) © Connie Dawson Observatory Community Garden compost heaps (St Andrews) © Connie Dawson

5I. Wooded areas 5J. Corridors

North Haugh Arboretum (St Andrews) © Connie Dawson Observatory Woodland shelter belt (St Andrews)

Generic habitat improvement recommendations are: 1. Increase planting of native and habitat diversifying, invertebrate resource rich species 2. Reduce mowing intensity and create wildflower meadows, strips and corridors 3. Increase native hedgerow length 4. Increase the proportion of woodland and abundance of native trees 5. Create green roofs and walls 6. Increase number of bird/ bat boxes and bug hotels on University property 7. Increase organic matter in soil and create open compost heaps 8. Retain and increase the amount of dead wood (entirely compatible with academia) 9. Manage coastal habitats to reduce erosion, disturbance and improve access for wildlife viewing 10. Manage riparian habitats to reduce erosion, disturbance and improve access for wildlife viewing 11. Increase the number of ponds 12. Reduce the amount of sealed surfaces and paths

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13. Increase connectivity between University areas and habitats through corridor creation and integration into existing habitats throughout St Andrews

Further details are provided in Appendix 2 along with examples of potential implementation in several areas of the University.

2.4 Actions: Species

The University should aim to increase overall native species richness and abundance of individuals within species, as well as functional richness. Species targeted will depend on species occurrence, or potential occurrence with favourable management, and identification of these will arise from the survey and monitoring we will do as part of this strategy. Initially, we focus on known and potential high conservation priority species and include all of the Fife LBAP priority species, as well as several UKBAP priority species. Which species are targeted or prioritised is subjective, or might be a consequence of a particular opportunity, special interest or even because an expert or passionate species advocate is present at the University or in the local community. Ultimately, species action plans are secondary to habitat and area plans that effectively conserve many species, and these plans will take precedence over single species plans, although in many cases there will be sensible compromises available.

Invertebrates Pollinating and herbivorous invertebrates (multiple species) Mycetophagous (fungi-eating) and detritivorous invertebrates (multiple species) Aquatic invertebrates (multiple species) Soil invertebrates (multiple species)

Amphibians Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus) *

Reptiles Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara) * Slowworm (Anguis fragilis) *

Birds European Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) & Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra) *

Mammals European Badger (Meles meles) Bats (multiple species) * European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) * Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) * Water Vole (Arvicola amphibious) *

Fungi (multiple species)

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Native Trees (multiple species): European Aspen (Populus tremula) 

Wild Flowers (multiple species): Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) 

Control and replacement of Invasive Plants (multiple species): Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum); Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica); Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum & hybrids)

Control and replacement of Invasive Animals (multiple species): American Mink (Mustela vison); Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

* If UK BAP priority  If Fife LBAP priority

2.5 Actions: Teaching, Research, Communication & Engagement

Teaching and research Managing a range of biodiverse habitats within and around the University provides an opportunity for practical teaching, student research projects and engagement with the local community. Communication and engagement is vital to the long-term success of any biodiversity strategy, and both are achieved through teaching, involvement in survey and research, and practical implementation of management actions that arise. St Andrews already has strengths in biodiversity research in the Centre for Biological Diversity, the Scottish Oceans Institute, Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, in the School of Biology and in the School of Geography and Sustainable Development. The School of Biology has research specialists in species identification, monitoring biodiversity and in conservation of biodiversity. The School of Geography and Sustainable Development has strengths in all aspects of sustainability research and in monitoring awareness and engagement. Both schools also teach all aspects of biodiversity conservation: the rationale for it, the theories behind its occurrence and conservation, the monitoring of it and the economic, social and political considerations that are involved in valuing and conserving biodiversity. Teaching occurs at all levels from all undergraduate years, more than three directly conservation-related Masters programmes, and up to around 40 PhD students directly working on conservation-related topics. Student topics and researchers at St Andrews come and go, but at any one time there are over 50 post-docs at St Andrews, over 100 post-grads and several hundred undergraduates with direct biodiversity conservation experience: we therefore have a huge pool of expertise that could be engaged in local biodiversity conservation and involved in the process of communication and engagement.

We aim to fully utilise the University’s personnel and estate for practical teaching to undergraduates and the local community about: a. Species identification

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b. Biological monitoring methods c. Conservation management methods d. Monitoring of opinions and impacts on human stakeholders including health and mental wellbeing. e. Community involvement, Citizen Science methods and organization of monitoring

Teaching and subsequent survey and research can feed into management through recommendations to Estates and also through involvement of Fife Conservation Volunteers who undertake lots of woodland and habitat management across Fife. We plan to establish a group at the University and run a practical conservation programme that could include woodland management and habitat creation.

A key approach will be undergraduate and post graduate student-led local research projects and dissertations, arising from the research interests and expertise of staff within the traditional academic departments. This already occurs, but greater linkage and continuity between projects can be achieved to add value to the research experience for the students and to the University in monitoring and managing their biodiversity. One way to achieve this is through the Living Labs approach.

Living Labs The St Andrews Living Lab is an interdisciplinary, collaborative platform that aims to foster innovation and community engagement by addressing sustainability issues in a real-life context. The University of St Andrews’ Living Lab programmes address local sustainability issues, as well as those with global significance; encourage research and teaching that breaks down traditional disciplinary divides; and promote improved communication, knowledge exchange and learning between academics, students, professional staff and the wider community.

Living Lab programmes are implemented through academic projects, formal extracurricular projects, and informal extracurricular activities. Academic projects include any work conducted by a student or academic that contributes to their research or degree – such as dissertations, coursework, fieldtrips and all research papers and publications. Formal extracurricular refers to organised undertakings such as internships which are not part of staff and students’ compulsory research, teaching or coursework, yet are still formal projects. Informal extracurricular refers to optional activities that individuals can engage in as and when they desire, with no expectation of taking on roles of responsibility – such as voluntary conservation projects1.

Key Recommendations for Living Labs:  Compile a portfolio of potential biodiversity Living Labs projects available to undergraduate and postgraduate students  Collaborate with local stakeholders on biodiversity teaching and learning

1 For more information on Living Labs see Greig, A. (2018) The University of St Andrews Living Lab. St Andrews: University of St Andrews Environment Team 22

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 Promote Living Labs biodiversity projects throughout the academic and non- academic community  Promote the implementation of this Strategy itself as a Living Labs case study for wellbeing

Communication and engagement Communication and engagement are key to fulfilling the promise of the Biodiversity Strategy. To ensure that our communication and engagement is effective as possible, the University must strive to be inclusive and thought-provoking. In order to reach the broadest audience – from students and staff to the wider community – a number of methods must be used. Communication methods will range from a biodiversity website and other online/mobile resources to a physical biodiversity trail with the purpose of educating individuals about the wildlife of St Andrews. In order to engage the St Andrews population in biodiversity action there are plans for skill-share sessions on building habitats for wildlife, the implementation of a Biodiversity Week, and a long-term collaboration with the St Andrews Botanic Gardens. Another potential way we can increase local community engagement is via citizen science projects as typified by initiatives by the British Trust for Ornithology, RSPB and Butterfly Conservation Scotland; a potential project – where engagement and education are actually the solution to the problem – might be householders monitoring gull nesting in St Andrews. By communicating and engaging in this way with a wide variety of individuals and stakeholders the overall strategy will be enhanced as the larger community begins to more highly value and respect St Andrews’ biodiversity.

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Appendices

Appendix 1: How the St Andrews Biodiversity Strategy fits into Global, National and Local Biodiversity Strategies and Legislature

The University of St Andrews’ Biodiversity Strategy and associated Biodiversity Action Plan are nested within wider national and global Biodiversity Strategies. In addition to being informed by wider strategies, actions, research and case studies at the local scale also feedback to and transform national and global initiatives (see Figure 6). Thus, the University has a crucial opportunity to influence national and global biodiversity governance from the ground-up. The following section outlines the wider biodiversity strategies the UStA Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan align with, and the legislature they must adhere to.

Figure 6: Current Global, National and Local Biodiversity Strategies

Global: CBD Strategic Plan 2011 - 2020

EU: EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 Global

UK: UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework

National: 2020 Challenge Feedback for Scotland's Biodiversity

Local: Fife LBAP 2013 - 2018 Local

Institutional: UStA UStA Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2019 - 2029

Global Strategy In 1992, during the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) treaty was formed. The CBD is a legally-binding treaty, of which the UK is a signatory; countries (‘parties’) that join the CBD are legally obliged to implement the treaty’s provisions. The primary three goals of the CBD are “the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources”. As of 2016, the CBD has 196 parties. In 2010, CBD parties revised and updated a CBD Strategic Plan for Biodiversity, for the 2011 – 2020 period. This includes the 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets which were formed under five goal headings:

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 Strategic Goal A: Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society  Strategic Goal B: Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use  Strategic Goal C: To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity  Strategic Goal D: Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services  Strategic Goal E: Enhance implementation through participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building

These goals are implemented through National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), such as the 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity.

Legislature The UK contributes to global networks of protected sites created under the Ramsar, World Heritage and OSPAR Conventions.

Europe Strategy The European Union (EU)’s current biodiversity strategy is the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, to which all EU member countries must align. The Strategy outlines six key targets: to fully implement the Birds and Habitats Directive; maintain and restore ecosystems and their services; increase the contribution of agriculture and forestry to biodiversity; ensure the sustainable use of fisheries resources; combat Invasive Alien Species; and step-up action to tackle the global biodiversity crisis.

Legislature Although scheduled to leave the EU in March 2019, the UK is still currently a member of the EU. As a member of the EU, the UK is signatory to the EC Birds Directive (2009) for the conservation of wild birds and to the Habitats Directive (1992) for the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. Under these two directives the UK is required to designate Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for birds and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), forming part of a larger European network called Natura 2000.

UK Strategy The UK was the first nation to produce an NBSAP following the CBD in 1994. The UK does not currently have an overarching NBSAP as this responsibility was devolved to the English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish parliaments following the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework, published in 2012. The Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework was created to align with the CBD’s Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011 – 2020 and Aichi targets. Prior to this Framework, the UK had a Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP), which listed UK priority

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species. The prior UKBAP priority species list2 is still used as a guide for each of the UK’s nation countries’ NBSAPs.

Legislature Within the UK sites that are nationally important for biodiversity are protected by law as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Marine Nature Reserves (MNRs) and Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ). This system provides the underpinning statutory protection for all sites, including those which are also of international importance.

Scotland Strategy Scotland’s current NBSAP is the 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity: A strategy for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in Scotland, which was published in 2013. The strategy urges local governments and public bodies to ‘step up to their ‘biodiversity duty’ by following the main three aims of the strategy: to protect and restore biodiversity on land and in our seas, and to support healthier ecosystems; to connect people with the natural world, for their health and wellbeing and to involve them more in decisions about their environment; and to maximise the benefits for Scotland of a diverse natural environment and the services it provides, contributing to sustainable economic growth. The Scottish biodiversity strategy guides the Scottish local authorities’ Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPS), such as the Fife LBAP.

Legislature Scottish Ministers have the power to designate Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010. This complements the MPA power introduced through the Marine and Coastal Access Act for offshore waters around Scotland. The Act also allows the Scottish Ministers to designate MPAs for demonstration and research and for historic/cultural conservation.

Fife Strategy The current Fife LBAP for the period 2013 – 2018 is Fife’s fourth LBAP edition. A fifth edition LBAP is currently undergoing revision as of 2018. The present and future fifth edition was and will be assembled by the Fife Biodiversity Partnership, which is formed of members from numerous key stakeholder organisations in Fife. The Fife LBAP aims to support and direct individual and institutional-level biodiversity action, such as this UStA Biodiversity Strategy. The Fife LBAP outlines the context of biodiversity in Fife and presents strategies for each key ecosystem type. The priority species and habitats identified by the Fife LBAP are listed in Section 2.4 (for a comprehensive list of priority species across the whole of Scotland, please see the Scottish Biodiversity List and the UKBAP Priorities List. For more information about protected species, see the Scottish Natural Heritage website).

Legislature

2 see JNCC (2016) 26

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Fife has nine internationally designated protected areas: four SPAs, two SACs and three Ramsar sites. It is also home to 56 nationally designated areas (54 SSSIs and two NNRs) and 11 locally designated areas (seven Local Nature Reserves (LNR), one Regional Park and three Country Parks). It also has around 100 important sites with non-statutory designations, including 10 Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserves, 82 Wildlife Sites (areas of land that are especially important for wildlife, identified and selected locally using scientifically- determined criteria and surveys) and 7 Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) (Fife LBAP, 2013).

The Eden Estuary is a highly protected conservation area and arguably one of the most extensively researched estuaries in Scotland (through bird interests, seals and coastal habitats). It has been designated as an SSSI and a local nature reserve, as well as an SAC, an SPA and a protected site under Ramsar (for a reference please search under ‘Designated Sites’ on Scottish Natural Heritage map). With the acquisition of the old Guardbridge Paper Mill (located adjacent to the estuary) and the establishment of a new campus on this site (Eden Campus), the University is now subject to compliance with all of the above-listed conservation legislation. This impacts all building and infrastructure developments on site. All works on the Campus require an appropriate ecological assessment to be carried out prior to commencement (flora and fauna) and suitable mitigation to be put in place. Examples of this include 1) Work on the north area of the site where a replacement bridge was built across a designated stretch of the Motray Water river to serve the Biomass plant. Mitigation for this development included the installation of a kingfisher nesting box, replacement of lost scrub, and seeding of newly created bare areas; 2) Work carried out on the eastern side of the campus to replace the seawall which forms the west boundary of the designated area has also required a sensitive approach – the work was subject to a Marine Scotland Licence and limited to the summer period (the site designations are for bird species over winter, not summer). In addition to compliance, it is the University’s ambition to enhance the Eden Campus site for biodiversity, by providing an additional buffer and foraging habitats for species currently using the Estuary.

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Appendix 2: Details of generic habitat recommendations and some examples of their potential implementation

1. Increase planting of native and habitat diversifying, invertebrate resource rich species

Formally-planted areas are spaces planted for maximum visual appeal. The University has a number of formally-planted areas, such as the St Salvator’s Quadrangle flower borders, and the various flower beds that can be found at the entranceways to most University buildings.

It is important the flowers prioritised for these planted areas are nectar-rich species, or those known for providing resources (e.g. as larval host plants) to invertebrates. Native, nectar-rich species should be made a priority; choosing native species will not necessarily detract from aesthetic potential; in fact, many native, nectar rich species make for incredibly attractive flower displays. Examples of such flowers are common valerian (Valeriana officinalis), common poppy (Papaver rhoeas), common honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) and primrose (primula vulgaris). However, some non-native, southern-hemisphere species should also be considered to extend the flowering season and maintain a constant nectar supply.3

In addition, the University could consider turning some formally-planted areas into ‘sensory gardens’. Sensory gardens are therapeutic spaces planted with species specifically chosen to stimulate all 5 senses. Sensory gardens provide numerous benefits and could be used as a possible area of research on the benefits of nature for people with mental health conditions and disabilities.

Key recommendations:  Choose mostly native species that diversify the habitat and provide resources for invertebrates (nectar, galls, fungi etc.)  Choose a variety of species which will mature and flower at different times of the year, thus maintaining a constant nectar/resource supply  Consider window boxes and hanging baskets to maximise space  Consider planting sensory gardens for therapeutic benefit

2. Reduce mowing intensity and create wildflower meadows, strips and corridors

Mown grassland is a species-poor habitat which offers very little benefit for biodiversity. Much of the University estate is covered in mown-grassland: from the manicured, high- visibility Rector’s lawn to the functional Sports Centre playing fields. These grassland areas require an intensive and costly management regime yet provide very little environmental benefits in return.

Where possible, a reduction in the frequency of mowing will allow grassland species to flower and seed, providing nectar and seed for invertebrates and birds. This could be achieved without comprising the recreational function of the grassland, for example by reducing mowing around the borders of amenity grassland or designating permanent ‘no-mow’

3 For a list of suitable species please consult: www.rhs.org.uk/plantsforpollinators 28

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patches. Low-mow borders will also act as biodiversity corridors, reducing habitat fragmentation and providing mobility cover for invertebrates, reptiles and small mammals. Lower-priority grassland could be restored to species-rich meadow, with mowing of edges and paths used to give a ‘managed’ appearance. If soil is nutrient-poor a perennial meadow should be established; if soil is nutrient-high a native annual flower meadow should be planted.4 In addition to large grassland spaces, there are also many small patches of grassland (such as embankments, road verges and building edges) which offer no amenity nor visual value; these small, unused spaces are prime areas to plant native, nectar-rich flowers.

Key recommendations:  Relax mowing regimes on all but essential-to-maintain grassland  Maintain a ‘managed’ appearance in low-mow areas by mowing paths and edges  Allow spaces of perennial wildflower meadows to flourish across lower-priority lawns and higher-priority lawn borders  Reduce chemical inputs on grassland and promote organic management

3. Increase native hedgerow length

Hedgerows are an important resource for many species. As well as being a habitat in their own right, hedgerows also act as wildlife corridors allowing species to move between fragmented habitats. The University currently maintains many hedgerows. However, many of these are non-native hedge species such as Leyland Cypress (Cupressus × leylandii).

Native, diverse-species hedgerows are of greatest importance for biodiversity. The more diverse a hedgerow is the more species it is likely to support (for specific information on how hedgerows support different species, please see Hedgelink UK5). Native species such as buckthorn (Prunus spinosa), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyny), Beech (Fagus sylvatica) and hazel (Corylus avellena) should be considered over non-native species.

In addition, less-managed hedgerows are more attractive to bird, mammal, amphibian and invertebrate species than frequently cut hedges. Relaxed management will encourage a dense hedge to develop and allow the production of flowers, fruits and seeds. A cutting cycle of two-three years should be considered for all hedges to allow species to benefit from such products.

Key recommendations:  Relax hedgerow management where possible, with two/three-year cutting-cycles  Use hedgerows instead of fences where possible  Choose a diverse mix of native species for all new hedgerows

4. Increase the proportion of woodland and numbers of native trees

4 For more information on perennial and annual meadows see: https://www.womansweekly.com/gardening/start-perennial-meadow-14893/ 5 Hedgelink UK (2018). About Hedgerows: Hedgerow Biodiversity. [Online] Available at: http://www.hedgelink.org.uk/index.php?page=21 29

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‘Wooded areas’ encompass any area containing multiple trees, for example woodlands, forests, orchards and arboretums. Wooded areas support and encourage a variety of different species (including the trees themselves that constitute the wooded area). For example, trees provide nest spaces, food and shelter for various birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates; fallen bark and leaf litter also creates hibernacula for wildlife, before it ultimately decomposes and increases soil organic matter. Trees also provide many services to humans such as climate sequestration, water regulation, temperature regulation, shelter and food. The University should therefore agree to only remove trees in the following circumstances:

 If posing a safety hazard to people  If growing in unsuitable areas or damaging services (e.g. root damage to pipelines)  If need to be cleared for new development and no other option exists

If a tree meets the criteria above and thus has to be removed, care should be taken to replace or replant it elsewhere. When planting new wooded areas, a variety of native species is preferable to support the maximum number of species.

The University manages several wooded areas such as the woodlands near the Observatory and the North Haugh Arboretum. TUSA’s 2017 University Woodland Proposal identified potential sites both within and outside of the University estate for the creation of a new University woodland (for more information refer to the TUSA team).

Key recommendations:  Carry out regular tree surveys to maintain the health and biodiversity value of trees  Maintain existing wooded areas for biodiversity  Replant or replace any trees needing removal  Increase wooded areas by planting a variety of native trees

5. Create green roofs and walls

The University should consider green roofs and green walls on all new developments. Green Roofs provide a sustainable urban drainage system mitigation measure, but also a habitat for flora and fauna. Green walls should also be considered where appropriate. If possible, these should consist of a framework and ground mounted planting with climbing plants rather than a proprietary green wall system.

The University has already established a successful green roof above the main David Russell Apartment building, which helps to reduce rainwater runoff and supports nesting oystercatchers.

Key recommendations:  Consider green roofs and walls on all new developments  Consider mounted, climbing-plant green walls where appropriate

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6. Increase number of bird/ bat boxes and bug hotels on University property

Man-made habitats such as bird and bat boxes, bug hotels, and beehives have an important role to play in increasing available habitat and supporting species.

Changes in habitat, land use and building designs have limited the nesting, habitat and roosting opportunities for bat and birds within the UK. The loss of suitable habitat sites has been suggested as a key reason for the decline in UK bird and bat species. Bird and bat boxes provide a suitable alternative nesting site for birds and roosting site for bats. Over 60 species of UK birds, including blue tits and nuthatches, and 11 of the UK’s bat species are known to use these artificial nesting and roosting sites. Bug hotels and habitat piles have potential to support a wide range of insects and smaller animals. They provide food and shelter for many insects, fungi, mosses, lichens, birds, mammals and amphibians. For example, birds can feed on insects found in big hotels and hedgehogs often use habitat piles for hibernation sites. Solitary bee boxes likewise increase habitat available for solitary bees.

The University has already installed a number of bird and bat boxes around campus. However, as these boxes and bug hotels are inexpensive and low-maintenance they should be increased in every suitable area. The University provides space for apiaries near Andrew Melville Hall and North Haugh Arboretum and at the Newton Bank Nursery.

Key recommendations:  Increase number of bird/ bat boxes and bug hotels on University property  Hold skillshare workshops and outreach sessions to encourage staff, students and local community to build their own man-made wildlife habitats

7. & 8. Increase organic matter in soil and create open compost heaps; increase the amount of dead wood

Soil biodiversity regulates soil fertility and upholds ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling and climate regulation. Soil in St Andrews consists of a mixture of mineral gleys, mineral podzols, alluvial soils, and brown soils. Threats to soil include erosion, structural damage (e.g. compaction), pollution, reduced soil carbon, loss of organic matter (SOM), and loss of soil biodiversity.

Composting helps increase SOM in localised areas such as gardens, which in turn enhances the conditions for numerous soil biota. Compost heaps themselves, as well as dead wood and log piles also create a favourable habitat for many invertebrates, amphibians and small mammals. All but one of the University’s community gardens currently have compost facilities. However, many of these are green waste composting bins which cannot be accessed by wildlife.

Key recommendations:  Minimise use of herbicides, pesticides and artificial fertilizers on land  Enhance soil organic matter content (SOM)  Increase number of open compost heaps (instead of green waste composting bins)

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 Retain dead trees where possible  Create conservation log piles

9. Manage coastal habitats to reduce erosion, disturbance and improve access for wildlife viewing

St Andrews is a coastal town boasting award-winning beaches and coastal sand dunes, intertidal mudflats and saltmarshes, strandline and shingle communities, and maritime cliffs, slopes and islands. Few staff and students at the University will not be familiar with one or more of these habitats, whether dog walking, bird watching, kayaking or kite flying. As a coastal university town, we have strong personal and professional links to the surrounding marine and coastal world.

The Eden Estuary in particular, is arguably one of Scotland’s most extensively researched estuaries, and the University leads in the education and prevention of plastics and microfibre pollution in the marine environment, and spearheads innovative strategies regarding coastal carbon storage and green engineering techniques.

With the Eden Campus development well under way, and the university hosting MASTS – the UK’s largest marine research consortium (Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland) and SMRU (the Sea Mammal Research Unit), it is important the University is seen to help conserve and protect key coastal habitats to support a wide variety of species.

Key recommendations:  Support and protect marine and coastal habitats  Manage university boundaries with coastal areas for biodiversity  Greater involvement in helping to conserve coastal habitats and species

10. & 11. Manage riparian habitats to reduce erosion, disturbance and improve access for wildlife viewing; increase the number of ponds

Ponds and rivers are extremely useful habitats for supporting and encouraging a variety of wildlife.

The University manages large ponds such as David Russell Apartment and Andrew Melville ponds. However, ponds do not necessarily have to be large to support wildlife; small ponds such as the Observatory Community Garden pond can provide proportionally-large benefits for wildlife. Ponds need to be at least 60cm deep to allow wildlife to lie dormant under a frozen top-layer. Within and surrounding the pond should be a mixture of native emergent, submerged and floating plants.

Rivers such as Motray Water, Swilken Burn and Kinness Burn run through University- managed land. It is important the University maintains riparian habitats to support a variety of species, for example by planting tall herbaceous vegetation to provide cover for invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles and small mammals.

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Key recommendations:  Manage riparian vegetation for biodiversity  Increase number of freshwater ponds and manage existing ponds for wildlife

12. Reduce the number of sealed surfaces and paths

Water run-off due to increasingly impermeable surfaces in urban areas contributes to flooding and erosion as well as the increased need for irrigation.

Key recommendations:  Replace solid surfaces with gravel or permeable paths where possible

13. Increase connectivity between University areas and habitats through corridor creation and integration into existing habitats throughout St Andrews

Habitat fragmentation is one of the key threats to biodiversity. Much of the St Andrews University estate is scattered through St Andrews and separated, although garden and farmland habitat can provide stepping stones for many species to facilitate connectivity. Where possible we can add hedgerows, trees and less managed grassland habitat to connect habitats. For example, along the back of the North Haugh and particularly along the cycle path between Guardbridge and St Andrews.

Key recommendations:  Consider management of habitat at the landscape level, so that patch size and connectivity is maximized.  Create and promote hedge and woodland corridors – or other appropriate linking habitat - between areas where possible.

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Appendix 3: Potential species and potential actions

Invertebrates The key threat to local invertebrate biodiversity is undoubtedly our own ignorance - of the species found in and around our estate lands, their life histories, and their associations with other organisms. The majority of invertebrate species found in Fife and St Andrews have little information available on their specific ecologies, and even less of this information has been collected or tested locally. What is known more broadly however, is that invertebrates can be found in almost every environment on earth, utilising a vast array of resources from plant, fungal and animal material, to faecal matter, bacteria, and even human-made substances such as paints and adhesives.

In the face of such diversity, species-specific approaches are feasible for only a small subset of the UK invertebrate fauna. Instead, modern invertebrate conservation approaches typically consider specific habitats, resources (e.g. larval stage host plants) or functional groups (e.g. pollinators, detritivores, etc.), and focus on maximising their quality and community resilience more broadly. At this macro scale, the key threats to invertebrate biodiversity arise from habitat loss, fragmentation, and reduction in habitat or resource quality.

Our conservation efforts should therefore focus on increasing the provision of known (and suspected) habitats and resources for major functional groups of invertebrates. As monitoring progresses and more complete species and life history inventories are assembled, more nuanced conservation actions can be incorporated to target specific taxa of interest. There remains however, much work to be done.

Key facts:  There are approximately 5,700 invertebrate species known to occur in Fife, including 770 beetle species, 250 species of spider, and 350 species of macro-moth  1138 invertebrate species in the UK are currently included on the British habitats and species priority list  Fife is home to only a small fraction of these UKBAP species, although this may be due to under-recording  Threats to invertebrates include habitat fragmentation and alteration, loss of habitat resources (such as larval host plants), pollution via manufactured substances, and climate change

Key recommendations:  Conduct baseline surveys of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates on University estate land  Incorporate survey data into relevant national recording schemes and consult pre- existing species-specific action plans (e.g. spider recording scheme)  Update local management plans to incorporate national recommendations  Where specific ecologies are unknown, assign local species to habitat or functional groups and base management decisions in relation to previously published best practices

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Amphibians Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus)

Great Crested Newts are the largest native newt species in the UK. Great Crested Newts spend the majority of their life on land (usually within 250m of a freshwater pond) and return to freshwater ponds to breed. They are a nocturnal species, hunting invertebrate prey at night and hiding in damp grassland or leaf litter during the day. Breeding occurs during March to June; egg larvae spend approximately three months developing in freshwater ponds before moving to land. It is therefore of utmost importance that freshwater ponds are maintained in newt-friendly conditions over the crucial summer months. An area containing multiple ponds connected by long-grass habitat is ideal for the Great Crested Newt.

Great Crested Newt have been sighted in wider Fife according to the NBN Atlas citizen science database6. However, there is no known data on distribution in St Andrews. There is a need for a formal baseline survey to establish current data.

Key facts:  European Protected Species  Protected species under Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981  UKBAP priority species  Fife LBAP priority species  Threats include fragmentation, destruction and pollution of terrestrial habitat and breeding ponds; introduction of fish to breeding ponds; pond vegetation succession

Key recommendations:  Conduct baseline surveys and continual monitoring to improve accuracy and availability of Great Crested Newt data  Manage existing ponds to minimize vegetation overgrowth  Increase number of suitable ponds available, surrounded by long-grassland habitat  Minimise use of chemical fertiliser and pesticides on land

Reptiles Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara)

The common lizard is the UK’s most widespread and common reptile. Common lizards can be found in a variety of habitats including woodland, brownfield sites and large gardens, providing they have opportunities to bask in sunny, open spaces in proximity to nearby cover. During night they hide beneath piles of rocks and logs or in small burrows and hibernate in such places during the winter. Adults mate during April and May and produce multiple young in July. Unlike most other lizard species, the common lizard incubates its eggs internally and gives birth to live young (hence it is often called the ‘viviparous’ (live young) lizard). Common lizards feed on a range of invertebrates. Thus, efforts to encourage invertebrates also encourage the common lizard.

6 NBN Atlas Partnership (2017) 35

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Common lizards can be found across Fife. They have been sighted in St Andrews according to anecdotal accounts and the citizen science database NBN Atlas.

Key facts:  Native to UK and wider Eurasia  Protected species under Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981  UKBAP priority species  Threats include loss and fragmentation of heathland, grassland and woodland habitats through human activity, and the domestic cat

Key recommendations:  Conduct baseline surveys to improve accuracy and availability of common lizard data  Increase long grass cover by reduced mowing  Create habitat piles near to basking spaces  Avoid disturbing potential common lizard hibernacula during hibernation and incubation months Plant native, nectar rich flowers to attract common lizard prey

Slowworm (Anguis fragilis)

Slowworms are semifossorial (burrowing) reptiles, favouring warm, humid and enclosed hibernacula such as compost heaps. Slowworms hibernate underground from October to March and are active during April to September, when they can often be found hiding in gardens, woodland, pastures, heathland, scrubland and railway and motorway embankments. Hence, common threats to slowworms include destruction and interference of such habitats. After breeding in May, slowworms incubate their eggs internally until late August/early September when they give birth to live young. Slowworms feed on a range of invertebrates. Thus, efforts to encourage invertebrates also encourage the slowworm.

According to the citizen science database NBN Atlas, slowworms have been sighted in central-north and south-west Fife. There have been no recorded citizen science sightings of slowworms in St Andrews, which is supported by a reported lack of sightings by UStA Edible Campus volunteers. However, as slowworms are a secretive species and spend most of their time burrowing, casual sightings are unlikely to occur.

Key facts:  Protected species under Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981  UKBAP priority species  Threats include loss and fragmentation of heathland, grassland and woodland habitats through human activity, and the domestic cat

Key recommendations:  Conduct baseline surveys to improve accuracy and availability of slowworm data  Increase long grass cover by reduced mowing  Create available hiding spaces, particularly in gardens

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 Avoid disturbing potential slowworm hibernacula during hibernation and incubation months  Plant native, nectar rich flowers to attract slowworm prey

Birds European Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) & Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus)

European Herring gulls are present across the UK all year round, with additional individuals arriving from Scandinavia during the winter months. They are resident in coastal areas and are increasingly common within urban towns and cities. They have an omnivorous diet which typically consists of fish, carrion and human refuse, with many individuals feeding opportunistically. Pairs will typically breed for several seasons and demonstrate a bi-parental care system in which both the male and female share incubation and chick-rearing duties. On average three eggs are laid and chicks will fledge after approximately 35 days. Lesser Black- backed Gulls are similar to Herring Gulls but are less common. Their global stronghold is in the UK and we have a statutory obligation for their global conservation. They are mainly summer migrants to St Andrews. They nest with Herring Gulls at a ratio of about 1:10.

Traditionally they are colonial breeders in rural areas. However, there has been an increase in the number of individuals occupying nesting habitat within towns and cities. They show a preference for artificial nesting habitats such as flat roofed buildings and take advantage of anthropogenic food sources. This proximity to humans has consequently led to increasing reports of disturbance and conflict across many areas of the UK.

Herring gulls are widespread in Fife and can be regularly seen feeding on refuse within St Andrews all year round. Several pairs breed across University-managed properties during the summer months. This is documented the St Andrews’ Gull Survey 2016 Report (Smith & Cresswell unpublished). Key findings from this report were:

The presence of gulls in St Andrews may not be such a significant problem as first thought. We estimated a minimum of 108 gull nests across central St Andrews including most University buildings, which represents about 10% of all buildings in the survey area. We found that using the hessian gull-proof bags provided by the local council prevented bin bags being attacked by gulls, however, these had to be tied up and secured correctly. Untied hessian bags containing rubbish were attacked almost as often as bin bags. Permanent bins were seen to be attacked less than bin bags and untied hessian bags, however, the observer noticed that as permanent bins became fuller they were attacked by both gulls and carrion crows in the town. Very few incidences were recorded in which gulls attacked people for food. However, everyone seems to have a “gull story” to tell. It is likely that this is as a result of these events being very significant and memorable when they do occur rather than reflecting their frequency. However, one site in particular, The Scores, saw a considerably higher number of incidences than the rest of the town.

A number of recommendations can be made to reduce the conflict between those using the town and gulls:

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1. Bin bags should not be left out overnight – in many cases attacked bags were seen in the early hours of the morning between 6am-7am. 2. Where bags are used, these should be secured within the hessian gull proof-bags provided by the council and tied up properly. 3. More permanent bins would reduce the number of bins that became full quickly and limit the availability of waste to gulls. In addition, a different style of permanent bin which is inaccessible to wildlife by having an opening and closing mechanism to dispose of waste (as seen locally in Anstruther) could be used. 4. Specific locations were shown to be more susceptible to gull attacks than others. Warnings about eating in these places could be issued to members of the public purchasing food in St Andrews.

Key to solving this problem is breaking the culture of having food accessible to gulls, this requires a multifaceted approach applying the recommendations above to make accessing waste and food more difficult for gulls.

With respect to gulls nesting in St Andrews. There is never likely to be a solution that could remove or even reduce nesting gulls in the town because there are so many available nesting sites and the gulls will nest somewhere. Removing nests or preventing the gulls from building nests through netting may solve the problem for one building but the gulls are likely to simply move to an adjacent, currently vacant building. As noise, pollution and rubbish scavenging occurs over a much larger scale than individual buildings this will not solve the problem.

Key facts:  Protected species under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981  Classified as a red listed species by the IUCN

Key recommendations:  Identify key areas occupied by nesting gulls during the breeding season  Identify ‘sacrificial’ roofs for gull nesting  Engage public so that the “gull problem” can be perceived realistically and tolerance of gulls increased

Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra)

Corn Buntings are one of the UK’s fastest declining bird species and for several decades have been in long term decline in Northwest Europe and in the UK. They are a ‘poster’ species for the RSPB and a good example of how rural landowners can work with conservation to save iconic farmland bird species. Initiatives in recent years by the RSPB, sympathetic farmers and other organisations are helping to recover corn bunting populations in Eastern Scotland, and especially North East Fife. Farmers are engaged to set aside land and sow crops to provide suitable winter seed as food source. Rural land owned by the university could provide additional sites and funding opportunities through the Scottish Rural Development Fund may be realised to help initiate and develop projects.

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Currently the long term monitoring of corn buntings in Fife (28 years) by many local bird watchers is being coordinated by Professor Cresswell in the School of Biology and Yvonne Stephan of the RSPB. There is evidence in the last two years that corn buntings are reoccupying areas at Kenly Farm and at Strathkinness close to University land held on the west of St Andrews. Habitat management in both these areas to increase the amount of wildflower seeds are likely to lead to further gains in corn buntings.

Provisional map of corn bunting territories as of end of July 2018 showing re-appearance on the edge of university land compared to 2017 maps

Key facts:  Red List species of high conservation concern & a high priority species under the UK BAP  EU Birds Directive (European SPEC Category 2; Unfavourable Conservation Status in Europe)  Threats include intensive farming practices and specifically loss of winter stubble and feeding grounds

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Key recommendations:  Join RSPB initiative which includes Fife farmers and local organisations  Establish corn bunting populations on university farmland  Farmland management options include: late cut set-aside, leaving wide field margins, not harvesting some crops and leaving over-winter cereal stubble

Mammals European Badger (Meles meles)

The European Badger is the largest native land predator in the UK. Badgers are a nocturnal species, spending the day sleeping in underground setts. Badger setts consist of an intricate web of tunnels and chambers which can cover a vast space underground. Setts are protected under UK law. Badgers forage for food mostly at night, occasionally traveling more than 2 miles from their setts to find food. Their omnivorous diet depends on availability, eating for example acorns, wild fruit, roots, invertebrates and small mammals. Badgers usually mate during the spring and experience a long implantation period, giving birth in late winter the following year to litters of up to 5 cubs. Due to their wide foraging radius, it is important the University manages land for badger clans which both directly and indirectly inhabit the University estate.

Badgers are known to be present on University land due to the existence of setts near the North Haugh and Langlands areas. However, it is unknown whether the setts belong to one badger clan or multiple clans. It is anticipated that badgers will also be present on University farm land.

Key facts:  Protected species under Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981  Protected under the Protection of Badgers Act, 1992  Threats to badgers include badger-baiting, road traffic, habitat destruction and development.

Key recommendations:  Conduct baseline surveys and continual monitoring to improve accuracy and availability of badger data  Ensure that badger trails remain clear of obstructions throughout their routes so that badger clans have unimpeded access to foraging and water sources  Provide suitable protective cover and enhanced feeding around setts, foraging/watering areas, and along wildlife corridors (e.g. plant elderberry, hawthorn, blackthorn, rowan and other native fruit-bearing species), leaving a margin at the edge to allow badgers to dig for earthworms etc.  Remove existing impediments around setts and along foraging/watering routes, such as the wire fencing around the South Sett. (Obstructing access to a sett is a criminal offence under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.)  Implement traffic-mitigating infrastructure such as badger tunnels, green bridging, slow signs and road bumps near badger setts

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 Steps should be taken to minimise disturbance from lighting and noise, which can adversely impact upon the safety of the badgers and their willingness to leave their setts

Bats Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus); Soprano pipistrelle (P. pygmaeus); Nathusius pipstrelle (P. nathusii); Brown long eared bat (Plecotus auratus); Daubenton’s bat (Myotis daubentoniid); Natterer’s bat (M. nattereri); Noctule (Nyctalus noctula)

There are as many as 17 bat species living in the UK, 9 in Scotland. They are nocturnal predators, using echolocation to hunt for insects in the dark. Bats are highly sensitive to changes in land-use practices. As such, their populations are considered excellent biodiversity and environmental quality indicators7. Both bats and their roosts are protected by UK law.

A 2006 report8 indicates five bat species have confirmed roosts in Fife: Common pipistrelle (widespread and common), Soprano pipistrelle (widespread and common), Brown long- eared bat (widespread and scarce), Daubenton’s bat (widespread and uncommon) and Natterer’s bat (widespread and scarce). Occasional flight records of further three species exist but no roosts have been confirmed: Nathusius’ pipistrelle (rare), Noctule (rare) and Whiskered bat (unconfirmed). A more localised baseline survey is needed in St Andrews to establish current roosts.

Key facts:  European protected species  Protected in Scotland under Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended)  Noctule, Soprano Pipistrelle and Brown Long-eared Bat are UK BAP priority species  All species (except Noctule) are Fife LBAP priority species  Threats include loss of foraging habitat, roost destruction/loss of potential roosts.

Key recommendations:  Conduct baseline surveys and continual monitoring to improve accuracy and availability of bat data  Maintain and enhance the provision of foraging habitats for bats  Assess all current and future developments for impact on bat foraging habitat

European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)

European hedgehogs are nocturnal mammals, identifiable from the thousands of spikes that cover their bodies. The hedgehog can be found largely in hedgerows, grassland and gardens, feeding on a variety of invertebrate prey. Hedgehog birth litters of up to 5 young between May to September and hibernate from November to April. To prepare for hibernation season,

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hedgehogs build hibernacula (refuge nests) in small, warm spaces such as piles of leaves or compost heaps. Hedgehog numbers have been steadily declining in the UK since the 1960s9. Threats implicating their decline include secondary poisoning from chemical pesticides, increased road traffic, and reduction/fragmentation of habitat.

Hedgehogs are known to inhabit St Andrews and are widely distributed in Fife according to the NBN Atlas citizen science database. However, there is a need for a formal baseline survey to establish current data.

Key facts:  Protected species under Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981  UKBAP Priority Species  Threats include Loss of habitat through development/ over management, reduced habitat quality due to over management, habitat fragmentation due to infrastructure development and loss of hedgerows, increased exposure to hazards such as traffic, predation from and competition with badgers

Key recommendations:  Conduct baseline surveys and continual monitoring to improve accuracy and availability of hedgehog data  Minimise use of chemical fertiliser and pesticides on land  Avoid destruction and fragmentation of hibernacula such as hedgerows

Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)

Red squirrels are one of Scotland’s five biologically and culturally significant wildlife species. Fife is a particularly important stronghold in lowland Scotland and Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve, only 10 miles or so from St Andrews, is a key conservation site. Red squirrel numbers on the East Coast of Fife however, are generally low, with populations restricted to small areas of suitable habitat. Small, local woodlands in East Fife therefore are important satellite sites for the Tentsmuir population. Local pockets of University-owned woodland, e.g. the North Haugh, can be managed to attract this species, whilst management tactics employed to dissuade the spread of the grey squirrel.

Key facts:  Listed IUCN Red List and Appendix III of the Berne Convention.  Protected under Schedules 5 & 6 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act, 1981  UK and Fife BAP priority species  Threats include competition from grey squirrels, loss/fragmentation of habitat and the parapox virus (not yet recorded in Fife)

Key recommendations:  Manage existing woodlands to discourage grey squirrels

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 Plant woodland species favoured by Red Squirrels  Create wildlife corridors between satellite sites by planting berry-bearing shrub species  Install red squirrel nest boxes and trial the use of squirrel bridges

Water Vole (Arvicola amphibious)

Water voles are the largest of the UK vole species. Scottish water voles are genetically different to the water voles found in England and Wales. Both the Scottish and English/Welsh water voles are threatened, having seen a dramatic decline in the 20th century due to habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, and predation by the invasive American mink. Water voles usually live beside freshwater bodies, rivers and wetlands, where they feed on grasses and herbs growing on the banksides. During winter, water voles escape cold temperatures by burrowing underground and becoming sedentary, feeding on stores of tubers, bulbs and rhizomes. For this reason, water voles cannot often be sighted during winter months. Water voles are an important species to protect as they act as ecosystem engineers along water ways; their tunnels improve soil conditions for micro and macro organisms, therefore increasing soil biodiversity.

Water voles have been sighted in St Andrews and wider Fife according to the citizen science database NBN Atlas. However, they may not currently be present in St Andrews. Even if water voles are currently absent, maintaining land to support water voles will help encourage the species and enable the success of a human-managed reintroduction.

Key facts:  Protected species under Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981  Threats include development alongside waterways; littering in streams; over- management of riparian vegetation; development of pathways along the water edge; predation by cats and American mink; disturbance by dogs

Key recommendations:  Conduct baseline surveys and continual monitoring to improve accuracy and availability of water vole data  Maintain tall grasses and limit scrub growth in riparian habitat

Fungi

Fungi are important to the health and welfare of the planet. They contribute to nutrient cycling and soil fertility, act as a source of medicines (e.g. penicillin), produce valuable chemicals and sustainable materials, and are used as a food source and in food processing methods. Fungi represent a substantial part of the Earth’s biodiversity. It is difficult to write action plans for fungi: instead we should focus on actions to improve and increase supportive habitat - which will be clearer once a baseline fungi survey has been conducted.

Key facts:

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 Preferred habitats include mixed forests and dead wood  According to the database NBN Atlas, 329 species recorded within a 10km radius around St Andrews

Key recommendations:  Conduct baseline surveys to describe St Andrews’ fungi community  Important habitats and actions for fungal abundance and diversity can then be identified with expert input: Tayside and Fife Fungal Group have already expressed a willingness to help

Native Trees European Aspen (Populus tremula)

Aspen is an important woodland species partly because it is associated with a wide range of bryophytes and lichens; it is therefore ecologically significant. Aspen woodlands are scarce and have a poor distribution, mainly because dispersal and therefore successful reproduction is limited by being a dioecious species (males and female pars are on separate and, i.e. cross- pollination can be low). The long-term aim of national and regional Action Plans is to develop new sites. Thus, there is good potential here for the University to be at the forefront of newly created, protected sites around St Andrews to help the wider strategy.

Key facts:  Priority habitat in UK, Scottish and Fife Biodiversity Plans  Threats include overgrazing, fragmentation and low fertility

Key recommendations:  Ensure Aspen stock is sourced from local genetic origin  Include Aspen in woodland mix during tree planting on university ground  Create small Aspen rich woodlands

Wild Flowers Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)

Bulbs of the invasive species, the Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides variablis) are commonly planted in gardens and often this species finds its way into the wild, which leads to hybridisation with our native species. Good management practices and guidance can make a difference ensuring that the University’s woodlands host only the native species, which can be used as stock for other recovery efforts.

Key facts:  The UK has 30% of the global population  Classed as species of conservation concern (not priority) in the UK BAP  So1 Species in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy (of importance to the Scottish Public)  Threats include inappropriate management of woodlands, cross-pollination with the Spanish Bluebell and trampling

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Key recommendations:  Survey the Bluebell stock of University woodlands to ascertain origin  If necessary, develop a Bluebell Recovery project in University owned woodlands  Use the Landlife model for the above  Work with Fife Biodiversity Partnership to ensure only bulbs of local genetic origin are planted  Educate and inform university staff about the differences between the native and invasive species

Invasive Species Invasive Plants (multiple species) Including but not limited to Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum); Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica); Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum & hybrids)

Invasive plants threaten our native plants by outcompeting them for resources. Some invasive plants such as Giant Hogweed also pose a health and safety risk to humans. It is important the University actively seeks and eradicates invasive plants which threaten native species and human wellbeing.

It is important to acknowledge that invasive plant species can also provide a habitat for wildlife. Thus, invasive plant species should be removed with due caution and replaced with a suitable native plant species to continue habitat provision. An example of this is the Giant Hogweed found bordering Castlecliffe which was supporting an Eider duck population.

Key recommendations:  Actively seek and eradicate invasive plant species  Replace invasive plant species with an alternative native species

Invasive Animals (multiple species) Including but not limited to American Mink (Mustela vison); Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

Invasive animals threaten native plant and animal species by outcompeting and over-preying on them. It is important the University actively controls invasive animals. Methods to do so include fostering habitats which are preferable to native species (such as planting Red Squirrel-suitable trees) and promoting the conservation and reintroduction of native predator species to control invasive populations (such as supporting White-tailed Sea Eagles which prey on American Mink).

Key recommendations:  Foster habitats and conditions which support native species  Encourage biological control by promoting native predator species

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Appendix 5: Potential areas of implementation

St Salvator’s Quadrangle

 Plant native, nectar-rich flowers in formally-planted areas  Install two bird boxes on ivy walls  Install a wall-mounted bug hotel near Schools 1 – 6, with a descriptive plaque

Plant native flowers instead Install bird boxes

Plant native flowers instead

Install wall- mounted bug hotel with plaque

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St Katherine’s Lawn (Outside the main library, opposite St Katherine’s Lodge, The Scores)

 Create no-mow wildflower borders around trees  Install two bird boxes on trees  Create >60cm deep pond (dependent on future development)

Install bird boxes

Create pond

Create wildflower no-mow borders around trees

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Castlecliffe (School of Economics, The Scores)

 Create no-mow, wildflower corridor  Plant aspen tree area  Plant native hedge  Install two bird boxes on trees

Plant an aspen tree Plant native area hedge

Create no-mow wildflower corridor

Install bird boxes

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DRA Playing Fields (In between David Russell Apartments and the Observatory, Buchanan Gardens)

 Replace Leylandii hedge with native hedge  Remove dead trees and replace with aspen  Plant native hedge next to Buchanan Road fence  Create no-mow, wildflower corridor along existing hedge  Install bird boxes

Remove dead trees Create no-mow, and replace with wildflower corridor aspen alongside hedge

Replace Leylandii hedge with native hedge

Install bird boxes

Plant native hedge next to roadside fence

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Careers Centre Garden (Behind the Careers Centre, 6 St Mary’s Place)

 Install bird boxes  Create rock/log piles  Create no-mow wildflower corridor  Create open compost heap  Create wildlife pond

Install bird boxes

Create rock/log piles

Create no-mow wildflower corridor

Create open Create pond compost heap

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Appendix 6: Related Documents

University documents relating to this Biodiversity Strategy:

 UStA Biodiversity Action Plan 2019 – 2029  UStA Estate Strategy 2007 – 2027  UStA Sustainable Development Strategy 2012 – 2022  UStA Strategic Plan 2015 – 2025

The following document (written by former UStA postgraduate Benjamin Ong) provides a rationale for biodiversity conservation in St Andrews:

 Rewilding St Andrews: a concept paper for landscape, biodiversity and conservation (2017)

Two previous UStA students have written their thesis papers on the topic of biodiversity in St Andrews (for more information, please enquire at their relevant schools):

 Harvey, M (2018). Working Together towards a Shared Future: A whole-of-university approach to biodiversity policy formation at the University of St. Andrews. Undergraduate. University of St Andrews: Department of Geography and Sustainable Development  Ong, B (2017). The reinvention of nature: Conceptualising urban rewilding on the frontiers of campus sustainability. Postgraduate. University of St Andrews: Department of Geography and Sustainable Development

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Appendix 7: Key Resources

Below are the key documents referred to in this Strategy, along with useful and inspiring resources:

Bat Conservation Trust (2018). Bats as Indicators of Biodiversity. [Online] Available at: http://www.bats.org.uk/pages/bats_as_indicators.html Berman, M., Jonides, J. and Kaplan, S. (2008) The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science, 19. pp1207-1212. Cohen, K. (2006). Chiroptera: Bats. Published by beautiful.fife.scot. [Online] Available at: https://beautiful.fife.scot/wp- content/uploads/sites/6/2016/11/c64_BATSNOFI20061.pdf Convention on Biological Diversity (2018). Aichi Biodiversity Targets. [Online] Available at: https://www.cbd.int/sp/targets/ EAUC (2018). Biodiversity Guide. [Online] Available from: http://www.eauc.org.uk/biodiversity_guide European Union (2011). The EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2011 Fife Council (2013). Fife Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2013–2018. Glenrothes: Fife Council Greig, A. (2018) The University of St Andrews Living Lab. St Andrews: University of St Andrews Environment Team Hof, A.R. (2009). A study of the current status of the hedgehog (Erinaceous europaeus), and its decline in Great Britain since 1960. PhD thesis, University of London, Royal Holloway JNCC and DEFRA (2012). UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. July 2012. [PDF] [Online] Available from: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-6189. JNCC (2016). UK BAP Priority Species. [Online] Available at: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page- 5717 Loughborough University (2015). Biodiversity Action Plan (LUBAP): Review and Update 2015– 2020. [PDF] [Online] Available from: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/sustainability/biodiversity/plan/ NBN Atlas Partnership (2017). NBN Atlas ‘Search for taxa’ tool. [Online] Available at: https://species.nbnatlas.org/ Nisbet, E. and Zelenski, J. (2011). Underestimating nearby nature: Affective forecasting errors obscure the happy path to sustainability. Psychological Science, 22. pp1101-1106. Rockström et al. (2009). A safe operating space for humanity. Nature 461(24), pp.472-475 Scottish Government (2004). Scotland’s Biodiversity: It’s In Your Hands – A strategy for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in Scotland. [Online] Available from: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2004/05/19366/37250

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Scottish Government (2013a). 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity: A Strategy for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in Scotland. [PDF] [Online] Available at: http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0042/00425276.pdf Scottish Government (2013). Scottish Biodiversity List. Available from: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Environment/Wildlife- Habitats/16118/Biodiversitylist/SBL Scottish Natural Heritage (2017). Protected species A-Z guide. [Online] Available at: https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/safeguarding-protected-areas-and- species/protected-species/protected-species-z-guide Smith, G. & Cresswell W. St Andrews’ Gull Survey 2016 Report. Unpublished report to the St Andrews Business Improvement District (BID) available from [email protected] United Nations (1992). Convention on Biological Diversity. [PDF] [Online] Available at: https://www.cbd.int/doc/legal/cbd-en.pdf University of Oxford (2016). Biodiversity Strategy 2016–2020. [PDF] [Online] Available at: http://www.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/oxford/field/field_document/EMS_S_0006_Biodiversit y_Strategy.pdf University of Worcester (2016). 2016–2019 Biodiversity Strategy. NetSustain Ltd. [PDF] [Online] Available from: https://www.worcester.ac.uk/discover/biodiversity.html University of Worcester (2018). 2016–2019 Biodiversity Action Plan. [PDF] [Online] Available from: https://www.worcester.ac.uk/discover/biodiversity.html Van den Berg, A. (2005). Health impacts of healing environments: A review of evidence for benefits of nature, daylight, fresh air, and quiet in healthcare settings. Environment and Behavior, 33: pp343-367