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.

Over the next 5 years we will expand the diversity of plants, focusing on pollinator friendly and drought tolerant species, increase the number and diversity of trees and hedgerows, and promote staff and student engagement in biodiversity action and greenspace satisfaction.

We are requiring a minimum of 25% biodiversity net gain per project as part of the South Kensington Campus transformation plan. Specifications also include measurable improvement in green space satisfaction, reduction of sealed surfaces, and implementation of nature-based solutions to combat heatwave impacts, assist surface water attenuation and build climate resilience.

These specifications were developed by Imperial’s Biodiversity Working Group, which brings together operational staff, academic experts and student representatives. 

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 at South Kensington – more details here on where to find it and how to join in: Secret Garden – Imperial College Environmental Society. The Chaplaincy runs weekly Garden Project drop-in sessions at South Kensington too.

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.

Warren Farm has been formally declared a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) by Ealing Council in March 2026.  

“As co-owners of land at Warren Farm, Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust are pleased to support plans for a Local Nature Reserve at Warren Farm, alongside new community sports facilities on the adjoining site. We hope this will support people’s health and wellbeing by creating more opportunities for residents to be active and help protect and enhance this important green space for local wildlife.” Alice Sewell, Investment Director, Imperial College London, and Professor Bob Klaber, Director of Strategy, Research and Innovation, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.  

Read more about Warren Farm’s nature reserve classification.