Celebrating Biodiversity on International Day for Biodiversity
Today marks International Day for Biodiversity, commemorating the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity on May 22, 1992. It’s a moment to reflect on our efforts to improve and conserve biodiversity, protect the incredible species that form our ecological communities, and celebrate their diversity.
5th Anniversary of the Science Oxford Centre and Wood Centre For Innovation
As we celebrate the 5th anniversary of the opening of the Science Oxford Centre and the Wood Centre For Innovation this month, we also recognise the vital work happening across our 15 acres of woodland, ponds, and grassland. Our mission here at the Wood Centre for Innovation is to safeguard and enhance biodiversity, and we’re grateful for the support of our partners and dedicated volunteers who have made this possible.
Investing in Our Woodland
Over the past five years, The Oxford Trust has made significant investments in our woodland. We carefully manage it to benefit both ecology and education. We hope that it will inspire the children who visit our Centre, fostering a deep understanding of the natural world and nurturing the future stewards of our precious planet.
Recording Flora and Fauna
Our site has become a haven for diverse flora and fauna. Notable findings include:
- 42 species of moths
- 17 species of butterflies
- 9 species of dragonflies and damselflies
- An impressive 573 great crested newts (a significant increase since 2016)
Conservation Efforts
In addition to recording species, we’ve taken concrete steps to protect and enhance our environment:
- 1,133 trees planted
- 50 bird boxes installed
- 10 bat boxes installed
- 40,000 bees introduced to a hive
- 9 badgers vaccinated against TB
Follow Our Outdoor Learning and Ecology Manager
For more insights into our work, follow our Outdoor Learning and Ecology Manager, Roger, on Instagram: @scienceoxfordnature. You can also read his latest blog on the Science Oxford website (Home – Science Oxford), where he shares his experiences caring for our woodland, ponds, and outdoor spaces at the Science Oxford Centre.
