This Welsh Government’s initiative recognises the work undertaken by Swansea University to encourage wildlife to thrive on its campuses. The initiative, believed to be the first of its kind in the world, aims to encourage people to help pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Ben Sampson, the University’s Biodiversity Officer said: “For many years now, Swansea University has been working to improve its campuses for wildlife. The gardeners have done a wonderful job planting areas with flowers rich in pollen and nectar, leaving areas of grass uncut and creating piles of logs and branches for insects to make their homes in. Bug hotels have been put on many of the buildings and beehives have been introduced, so it is fantastic to have this work officially acknowledged.”

‌Dr Dan Forman, senior lecturer in ecology at the College of Science said: “Honeybees declined by a quarter in Wales between 1985 and 2005. Many butterflies, hoverflies and moths are also declining as their habitats are lost and become more fragmented. Humans rely on the work these insects do in pollinating our food crops, so their loss is our loss. It is vital not only that universities research the causes and solutions to these declines, but that they show a lead by demonstrating what can be achieved on the land they manage.”

The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to Swansea University on becoming the first university in Wales to gain Bee Friendly status.  This is the first national scheme of its kind in the UK. I hope more of our universities and education institutions are inspired to follow Swansea University’s lead and become Bee Friendly soon.”

Future projects include creating new wildflower areas, bringing beehives to the Bay Campus and improving the meadows at Singleton.

Learn more about Singleton Campus Nature Trail