News

University Takes Swift Action 

In Spring 2012, the University, working with Durham Biodiversity Action Partnership and the Durham Bird Club,  agreed to host a number of swift nest boxes at Josephine Butler and Grey Colleges as part of a national project to try to reverse a decline in numbers thought to be due to lack of suitable nesting sights.  We are very grateful  to the invaluable support of construction contractors Laing O'Rourke who provided access equipment to enable the boxes to be erected safely.  For more information visit http://dunelmbiodiversity.blogspot.co.uk/ and read the blogpost dated 5/4/12.

Baby Tawny Owl

This baby tawny owl (right) was spotted in the Botanic Gardens over the Easter weekend. All is well, as it is not unusual for birds at this stage to be found on the ground near the nest.  The parents will have been nearby keeping an eye on it.  (Photo: Mike Hughes)

Dragonflies

July: Our many ponds and lakes host a good range of dragonflies and damselflies.  The most impressive are the large 'hawkers'. These are beginning to be regularly seen now and are worth watching for. They will often be seen away from the ponds, flying strongly over grassland areas and hunting along the woodland edges.  Good areas to look include the botanic gardens, the pond and fields to the east of the Mountjoy buildings and the field below the reservoir (on the left as you go up the hill towards Mountjoy). Sightings sent in by staff include the impressive Emperor and the Southern Hawker.

Chancellor launches Biodiversity Project

In the International Year of Biodiversity, University Chancellor, Dr Bill Bryson, launched Durham University's Biodiversity Survey project on Tuesday March 9th 2010 at the Botanic Gardens.