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Objective 3: Implementing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to address the crisis
Our CECAP actions include identifying opportunities to support nature, encouraging staff and students to connect with nature and incorporating nature into education and research. We are embedding Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in our approach and are developing nature connection projects as well as planning an ecological survey to identify areas of improvement.
Rainwater harvesting
Fusion Building, Poole Gateway Building and our new Bournemouth Gateway Building (BGB) all have rainwater harvesting systems.
In 2020-21, 591,000 litres of rainwater were collected and re-used, equalling roughly 1.8% of our total water usage and a 94% increase since 2019-20, due to the addition of BGB.
Nature-based Solutions address societal problems in ways that benefit both people and nature.
BU academics played a leading role in the landmark report by the British Ecological Society: Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Change in the UK. The report identifies that Nature-based Solutions can strengthen our response to biodiversity loss and climate change if natural habitats sequester carbon (contributing to net zero targets) or support adaptation effects (for example, protecting coastline against sea-level rise or creating cool spaces in cities).
“Nature can be our ally in tackling both climate change mitigation and adaptation, through processes such as carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, flood risk reduction, ecologically connected landscapes and better urban environments. This report … makes a valuable contribution to this agenda by providing an authoritative review of the potential of NbS in the UK.” Professor Yadvinder Malhi CBE FRS President-Elect, British Ecological Society
We are embedding Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into our approach and, with the support of our academic expertise, have made it an important focus of our Sustainable Construction and Biodiversity Policies. It’s likely that BU’s approach to offsetting will include investments in research on local NbS to capture carbon locally with the support of students and staff. Our research
3D Printing Artificial Reefs
Natural reefs are one of the most varied ecosystems on the Earth, and are quickly disappearing due to overfishing, pollution and pathogenic diseases. The deployment of artificial reefs may offer a short-term answer. BU are part of an international projects to deploy 3D printed reefs across the Atlantic, including in Poole Bay. Their data monitoring the ecosystems will support mapping, design of varying materials, and the deployment of larger reef blocks across the partnership. Find out more here.
Marineff Project wins BIG Biodiversity Challenge Award
BU’s Marineff project has won the Habitat Creation Small Scale award at the CIRIA BIG Biodiversity Challenge Awards for its work on artificial rockpools. The BIG Biodiversity Challenge invites the construction industry to add biodiversity enhancements to construction sites, developments or existing buildings.
Connection to nature
Nature Health Network (NHN)
Formed in 2020 by BU, Public Health England and the New Forest National Park, the NHN has over 200 members from the NHS, countryside organisations, communities, academia and much more. Its monthly knowledge-share webinar explore practice and to make connections between those working in the health, environment and education sectors. In March 2021, the Network presented to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on National Parks, as part of a session on how protected areas can become better ‘healing landscapes’ following the effects on society of the global pandemic. Find out more about the Network here.
Human Henge
The Human Henge research project was run collaboratively by the Restoration Trust, BU, Richmond Fellowship, the National Trust, and English Heritage. It explored the relationships between people and place in the past and the present in order to open new ways of looking at the landscape, and at ourselves, to support our wellbeing. BU academics wrote the book Historic Landscapes and Mental Well-being as a result of the Human Henge project.
During Climate Month, we hosted an ‘Inspired By Nature’ art competition open to our students, staff and family members. We received over 30 entries of art pieces, from photography to sculpture to soundscape, with our winner being final year student Natalie Dear. You can view all submissions in our virtual gallery.
Permaculture Society
The Department of Life & Environmental Sciences continues to support BU students in the Permaculture Society to manage a local allotment at Slades Farm and poly-tunnel on Talbot Campus.
