secret gardens

The University’s environmental scientists have discovered evidence that Europe’s industrial zones are secret gardens of endangered flowers and animals.

The Biodiversity Action on Industrial Sites programme (BAIS) has been examining the eco-systems of industrial zones across Europe for the past three years and has discovered that nature is blooming in the most unlikely places.

Havens of peace
Many indigenous species that have vanished in the surrounding areas, due to urbanisation or modern agriculture, have found a haven of peace and tranquillity behind the fences of industry, says project co- rdinator Graham Nevin of the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences.

“We have demonstrated that industrial sites contain significant reserves of biodiversity: they have a uniquely broad range of plants and the animals that go with them. One reason for the survival of this kind of rich tapestry of flora and fauna is that they have been protected from modern farming practices” he said.

In its research, the team has found:

• A family of otters has established a holt at the oil loading terminal at Tarbert Power station in the Shannon estuary
• Over 25 kinds of dragonfly at Du Pont Asturias, Spain
• Skylarks, linnets, yellowhammers and falcons thrive at Texaco’s Pembroke oil refinery
• Rare bee orchids flourish at sites across Europe
• Nesting ringed plovers breed at Du Pont, Maydown

The University has developed a series of Europe-wide guidelines to help companies in their stewardship of the continent’s biodiversity.

international reputation

FireSERT consolidated its international reputation for fire safety research.

Construction of the new £5.7 million facility commenced on site at the Jordanstown campus. Occupation of the research centre is now set for mid- February 2002. Professor Quintiere visited for four weeks and Professor Pagni returned as visiting scholar in both summers, both from the United States of America. FireSERT over the last year has collaborated with NFPA, Universities of Berkeley (California); Maryland (USA); Kingston; Canterbury; Edinburgh; Cranfield; Central Lancashire, Greenwich and Leeds as well as  Marks and Spencer Plc.

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