Biodiversity Action Plan
The Biodiversity Action Plan provides the framework for protecting and enhancing biodiversity across the University estate. Its twin aims are to increase the abundance and diversity of native plants, fungi, and animals, while ensuring that biodiversity considerations are woven into the University’s culture and decision-making.
Monitoring biodiversity is central to this work. Through annual surveys of species and habitats, led by students and interns, the University has built a detailed picture of ecological change across its estate. In 2023–24, 770 species were recorded across the University estate. By 2024–25, this had risen to 791, bringing the total number of native species identified to 1,343.
Two major externally funded projects have accelerated this progress. The Meadows in the Making project (2021–23) supported large-scale meadow creation, while the Restoring St Andrews Coastal Habitats Networks project (2023–25) focused on linking habitats across the University and into the wider landscape.