We are pleased to announce that as a key part of our Woodland Management Plan, Lancaster University will have planted 7,000 new trees across our Bailrigg campus during the 2022/23 planting season. The Woodland Management plan, which provides a strategic level framework for the management of the existing and newly planted woodlands within the estate, ensures the protection, maintenance and enhanced visual interest and scenic value of the woodlands.

Tree planting on campus

New tree planting operations on campus include a recent successful initiative in relation to the construction of the new Engineering building, where more than 1,000 new British native woodland trees were planted within the existing woodland area close to the new building. This included the planting of Oak, Beech, Holly and hazel trees, which will help to enhance and increase the area size of these important areas of biodiversity on campus and will provide green corridors for wildlife movement as well shelter and food for birds and mammals.

Why we plant new trees

Once grown, this significant number of new trees planted across campus will combat global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide and removing and storing carbon, while releasing oxygen back into the air. The trees will also foster new and existing wildlife on campus, from birds and insects to squirrels and bats, providing a canopy and much needed habitat for many different species. Other benefits of expanding our on-campus tree population include the prevention of flooding and soil erosion, as the trees can absorb thousands of litres of storm-water.

How we manage trees on campus

While the University’s tree planting activities are ongoing, we are also undertaking the important practice of tree management across campus. Throughout January and February 2023, the Facilities team have been engaging in actions to treat and fell ‘poor condition’ trees across campus. Many ‘poor condition’ trees have been identified as suffering from Ash Dieback, a chronic fungal disease of ash trees characterised by leaf loss and crown dieback. If left untreated, trees suffering from Ash Dieback can produce spores that will spread to other healthy trees by wind, infecting them and causing them to die. Throughout this process we have identified and removed approximately 300 trees, the majority of which were found to be suffering from Ash Dieback. While unfortunate, this action must be taken to prevent the spread of the disease to other healthy trees, and all trees removed will be replaced as a part of the University’s Woodland Management Plan.

Find out more about tree management currently taking place across campus.