You may or may not know that the University is home to many wildlife, notably geese and ducks, but did you know that there have even been sightings of otters?!
A pair of Otter residents have been spotted through night vision wildlife cameras, (picture from University of York Growing Places). It is thought to be a European Otter, which inhabit any unpolluted body of freshwater, and which has a strong supply of food. 
Some of the more common campus wildlife include, the Mallard duck, Barnacle goose, Canada goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Eurasian Coot, and the infamous Black Swan. Other campus animals include campus rabbits which can commonly be spotted around Vanbrugh, Biology buildings and Campus East.
If you want to fill your Duck fix but don’t want to venture into the wild, have a look at Duck of the Day!!
Alternatively, the Campus East nature walk is a brilliant way to immerse yourself into the wildlife of campus. There are lots of things to keep an eye out for, ranging from a pike, common terns, reed buntings, oystercatchers, willow warblers, dragonflies and meadow flowers to name a few.
The University want to understand more about the biodiversity on the campuses so if you fancy recording your sighting, please do so on the University’s Wildlife website.
Changing Colours
With Autumn coming, 23rd of September to be precise, the many campus trees and flowers will be changing their colours.
Why not complete the campus tree trail, which will take you on a spectacular and colourful tour of the campus trees in the peak of Autumn.
Green Flag Award
The University has achieved another Green Flag award for the 7th year running! This award marks the quality of green spaces and is given in recognition of achieving the International standard for parks and green spaces. The Green Flag award helps to ensure that everyone has access to a green and open space of a great quality, amongst other aims.
The University of York has also been accredited a Green Heritage Site.
So why not go and explore our award winning campus and wildlife!
Want to write for us or have any wildlife sightings of your own email us at sustainability@york.ac.uk
Written by: Kaity Eames
UoY Sustainability 