Biodiversity FAQs

Green roofs are present on a number of Campus Building in both South Kensington and White City. You may not have spotted them as they are high up!

South Kensington:
- Eastside and Southside Halls of Residence
- Flowers Building

White City:
- Grad Pad
- Molecular Sciences Research Hub (MSRH) and Translation & Innovation Hub
(I-HUB)

In any development or refurbishment of an existing property, the biodiversity gains through developing a green roof are being considered, however they also need to be balanced against operational and other requirements.

A Biodiversity and Habitat Survey was undertaken by the College in 2021 to inform to college-wide greening efforts and sustainability plans.

A Biodiversity Action Plan will be developed and used as the basis for managing biodiversity improvements across the College’s Campuses.

In 2023, we took part in #NoMowMay to support our local insect life: Take
part in No Mow May - Plantlife

Many of the planters on Campus require watering by hand which is undertaken by
our landscaping contractors during summer months.

During development of future landscaping schemes, proper consideration will be given to automated water systems, making use of grey water wherever practicable.

The most recent ecological survey identified limited ecological value regarding the overgrown hedge and scrub adjacent to the Central Line cutting. The trees forming the planting that surrounds Scale Space will be retained to be transplanted elsewhere onsite.

The current infrastructure project will provide:
84 new deciduous and evergreen trees
785 m2 of UK native wildflower meadow
1485 m2 amenity grassland
63 m2 mixed ground planting
42 m2 mixed hedging
90 mixed climbing plants
25 bird boxes
7 insect hotels

All planting has been selected to enhance biodiversity whilst supporting bees, butterflies and other pollinators as well as local fauna. The planting that has been selected was chosen to be adaptable to the effects of climate change and includes species that will sequester carbon, whilst providing an attractive space with seasonal interest and biophilic effects for the campus users.

The Environmental Society runs a vegetable garden and beehive at South Kensington – more details here on where to find it and how to join in: Secret Garden – Imperial College Environmental Society

We also have allotments available at our Silwood Park Campus. Silwood Park has a rich history when it comes to food self-sufficiency ever since the first students arrived in 1947. Now staff and students can get involved in starting their own allotment plot. Hear from four staff allotment owners on their experiences.

Imperial recognises the concerns of local residents and campaign groups regarding the potential impact of Ealing Council building news sports facilities on the wildlife habitat of Warren Farm. We continue to work with Ealing Council to establish a Local Nature Reserve across land at Warren Farm.

We understand that Ealing Council’s Scrutiny Committee have accepted the recommendation to conduct an independent and comprehensive ecological survey of the site before any further action is taken. We look forward to further discussion and engagement when the survey is completed.