Lower Eliot Pond has been extensively monitored and is known to be a breeding pond for Great Crested Newts (GCNs) supporting a medium population. It is also recorded to support medium populations of native smooth and palmate newts, and occasional common frogs. Recent evidence also shows Upper Eliot as being a potential breeding site for the UK's three native newt systems.
The Quercus Genius is an outdoor teaching and learning space, nestling within woodland on the Canterbury campus, and one of the locations on the Wellbeing Map.
Upper Eliot pond is home to a protected species of Great Crested Newts. Growing up to 16cm long, females have distinct yellow and orange bellies, whilst males develop a conspicuous jagged crest on their back and tail during the breeding season.
Bluebells, also known as Hyacinthoides nonscripta, burst into life in this forest in late April. Coppicing the surrounding tress gives the Bluebells a source of light, resulting in them being able to spread down to Lower Eliot Pond in recent years.
On rotation across 15 years, trees around campus are 'coppiced' which involves being cut down at the base.
Although this may look damaging, it does not kill the tree, promotes longevity of life and regrowth, and allows species on the ground to thrive, promoting biodiversity which attracts new insects and animals .
Horse Chestnut Trees are just some of the trees coppiced in the Bluebell Woods. Blooming with white, cone-shaped flowers in April-June and producing brown, shiny Chestnuts as Summer ends and the first signs of cold emerge.
Mindfulness Activity
The previous and next stops
