Cardiff University Strengthens Biodiversity with Ground Control

Cardiff University is enhancing biodiversity across its campus and, with Ground Control, shifting its grounds maintenance approach to one that helps create richer habitats for wildlife while supporting the University's Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) ambitions. These efforts have contributed to the University's prestigious Green Flag Award, recognising the quality and sustainability of its outdoor spaces. 

The Green Flag Award recognises well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom. 

By moving away from traditional, high-intensity grounds maintenance practices and drawing on Ground Control’s specialist advice and commercial grounds maintenance expertise, the campus is being transformed into a network of nature-rich environments that benefit local wildlife, improve pollinator corridors, and create a greener, healthier setting for students, staff, and visitors. 

Creating Space for Nature 

Ground Control has introduced a series of changes, including reducing mowing frequencies in designated areas across the campus to allow grasslands to grow naturally and enable native wildflowers to thrive. This is complemented by a technique known as "picture framing", where neat, regularly mown borders surround areas of longer grass. This approach balances spaces for nature with attractive, usable green spaces for people. 

Key areas have also seen the introduction of native plants, shrubs, and wildflowers, which play a critical role in supporting the local ecosystem by providing food, shelter, and nesting sites for wildlife. 

By working closely with Cardiff University, Ground Control is helping to create interconnected habitats across the campus, delivering a stronger and more resilient biodiversity network that supports the University's BNG objectives. 

Darren Daly, Maintenance & Ireland, Managing Director, shared: