CCCU is a multi-campus University with principal locations in Canterbury, Chatham, Broadstairs and Tunbridge Wells. The University estate contains a range of habitat types (formal gardens to woodland). The challenge for the University is protect current wildlife value and enhance other areas within the estate to increase their biodiversity value. The university's ground staff currently manage key areas for wildlife. Even small areas of land can provide significant wildlife value, for example, a small bank behind the tennis courts at Canterbury campus, which was otherwise difficult to manage, is maintained as a wildflower area, providing food and cover for insects and birds.

The first step in devising a biodiversity strategy was the need for a base-line survey. This was undertaken during June and July of 2007. The whole of the Canterbury campus and other local sites (e.g. Hall Place Business Centre) were mapped in terms of basic habitat types. Mapping was undertaken using a Geographic Information System (GIS). This has the benefit that further analysis can be undertaken, for example, the area under any specific habitat type can be automatically measured, and provided in hectares or as percentage of the University estate. Such data will help to make strategic decisions on land devoted to formal versus informal, wildlife-orientated, plantings, etc.

A copy of the audit, undertaken as a work-placement project by a Spanish biological sciences graduate, Estibaliz Aguirre Gandariasbeitia, can be viewed at www.canterbury.ac.uk (About Us). The placement was organised by the University's Centre for Enterprise and Business Development (CEBD) linked to a Leonardo Grant, and based in the Department of Geographical and Life Sciences.The project was managed by Prof. Peter Vujakovic (Head of Geographical and Life Sciences). A new placement project, to build on this work, is due to commence in May 2008.

• The University now has base-line data and mapping that will allow a more strategic approach to estate management for biodiversity.
• The survey will help to raise awareness of biodiversity issues among staff and students and provide the basis for small scale volunteering projects (e.g. bird survey, bat boxes).