Following a recent visit to the Cambridge Campus to discuss the potential for research and development projects exploring biodiversity and eco-systems within the college, Dr Nicola Chapman at The Wellcome Sanger Institute and CRC Director of Supported Learning, Jeremy Lloyd, submitted a bid for funding to develop the Cambridge Campus green areas while providing learning opportunities to students.
The CRC team are celebrating the welcome news that the bid for funding has been successful, and they are now drawing up plans to develop a Nature Garden including a refresh of the campus pond areas. As the Nature Garden matures it will enhance biodiversity at the campus, the students will then be able to monitor species diversity. An accompanying package of learning activities to support college curriculum activities and works skills sets, will be developed and introduced as part of the ongoing project.
Jeremy Lloyd said, “We are thrilled to be working with the The Wellcome Sanger Institute on the creation of the Nature Garden, a project that will be open to all students. There is an abundance of wildlife on the college campus which will provide our students with an opportunity to explore science and biodiversity from a different perspective.”
“The first step will be to determine a baseline of species diversity and then investigate the best methods to promote biodiversity through the use of plants and microhabitat creation. As the Nature Garden matures it will enhance biodiversity and the students will be able to monitor species diversity on an annual basis.”
As the partnership develops, the college will work closely with Dr Chapman and her team at The Wellcome Sanger Institute to introduce workshops, talks and tours to further develop knowledge and understanding of biodiversity, marine biology, wildlife and ethics.
Dr Nicola Chapman said, “The Darwin Tree of Life project touches all aspects of the UK’s wildlife and their communities. I am pleased that Cambridge Regional College have been successful as they are a forward thinking, inclusive and innovative college.”
Find more details here www.camre.ac.uk
Image: Scotty Turner, unsplash
