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New Ecological Management Plan launched

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Posted on Friday 29 May 2026

The new University of York Ecological Management Plan is structured around interacting pillars of monitoring and management of biodiversity, education, research and wellbeing.

It is a University commitment to considering the more-than-human impact of decision making on campus, to help all members of the university community reach their potential regardless of their role, background or species. Building on the previous plan, we have broadened the scope and included input from a wide range of campus users, including estates planning, staff, students and local communities, to recognise and connect the importance of biodiversity to core university business. 

The new Ecological Management Plan provides inclusive, sustainable and actionable recommendations to enhance biodiversity, sustainability and wellbeing at the University. 

Led by LCAB Director Lindsey Gillson and Professor Pen Holland, from the Department of Biology, LCAB members Kian Hayles-Cotton, Jack Hatfield, Rosie Bibby, and Chris Thomas, colleagues in Archaeology, Environment and Geography, Education worked with the Directorate of Estates, the Environmental Sustainability Academy at York (ESAY), and the Sustainability Steering Group (SSG) to deliver a plan that is inclusive, actionable and forward looking. We considered the views and suggestions of over 200 campus users who took part in a campus survey, as well as participants of numerous stakeholder engagements over the course of a year. 

With the plan as a guiding ethos, we will work together across students, staff, teams, faculties and the blue, green and built environment, to identify problems and opportunities, pool resources and co-create nature-positive solutions for the University and the wider public good. 

Staff, students and visitors can explore the two-page summary or full version of the plan to find out more, and sign up to the LCAB mailing list for updates on events, opportunities and activities connected to biodiversity and sustainability on campus.