Pop up Labyrinth

The Grounds team have been asked to collaborate with members across the University to create a pop up Labyrinth on the lawn on outside the Harry Fairhurst building, as part of the University's mental health awareness week.

It was hoped originally to be cut out of the lawn area to create the pattern but unfortunately the grass has not grown as strongly as required so early in the season.  But not to be put off the team programmed our robotic line marker to put down the concentric rings in white pitch marker paint after which we could manually put in the ends and turns.

    

The design for the Labyrinth was provided by Peter Clark who came to campus to over see the process and to add the some of the finishing touches.  

Peter thinks that it maybe the first of it's kind to be created in this way using GPS and Robotic line marking technology!

So what is the meaning of a labyrinth? 

A Labyrinth is sometimes referred to as a maze. Strictly speaking a maze is a puzzle with numerous paths and dead ends and a Labyrinth is a single path leading to central point and then back out again. The idea is that the journey to the centre of the Labyrinth and then back out into the world, clears the mind, promotes relaxation and increases awareness, a practical way to 'unwind the mind'

The Library 'pop up' is a 5 pathway labyrinth, that is large in scale as a result of the “line” between each pathway, being much larger than needed, (because originally we were going to mow the design).

The genesis of the design is the original Shepherds Ring.

Until its destruction early last century it was located in the village of Boughton Green, Northamptonshire, having been built in medieval times on the village green. 

Like many others of that period it was known as a turf maze, despite being unicursal.  The term maze and labyrinth appeared interchangeably and still do. 

The Shepherds Ring had nine pathways of undulating turf so the flat library pop up labyrinth is an adaptation, created for the location.

Labyrinth locally

There is a small ‘turf maze’ near the village of Dalby 10 miles north of York with an interesting  history going back to the 19th C. 

https://www.worldwidewriter.co.uk/city-of-troy-dalby-turf-maze.html

An avenue of Hornbeam trees

As part of  this years winter works the grounds team have planted a 300 metre avenue of Hornbeam tree's along the roadside between Constantine college and the sports village and  interplanted  with a mixed species hedge between each one.  1500  Treebio  100% biodegradable spirals were used to protect the bare root plants from the 'bigger mammals'.

With very little to break up the landscape this area is renowned for being windy and eventually the hedge and the trees should offer some shelter along the path.

Once established the hedge will become not only a windbreak but a habitat, a feeding ground and wildlife corridor between the colleges for birds, mammals and insects.

The hedge comprises 6 native species with differing characteristics which have been chosen to offer a range of benefits to wildlife once established.
The dominant species used is Hawthorn which provides the sturdy backbone of the hedge with its flowers in May and berries into Autumn.  

The remainder of the hedge is made up of Hazel, Dog Rose, Holly, Cherry and Guelder Rose.

The mix of species also ensures a long flowering period, there will rarely be a time when something isn’t in bloom providing pollen and nectar.
Bats as well as Bumble bees will also use the linear nature of the hedge line for navigation too.

 

We are proud to announce that this year the University of York has earned Gold Award accreditation for it's work towards the conservation of Hedgehogs on campus. A huge thankyou to everyone involved.

Hedgehog Friendly Campus is a national accreditation programme funded by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS). Universities, FE colleges and primary schools across the UK are urged to take part, completing activities that help to bring hedgehogs back from the brink. 

Programme manager, Jo Wilkinson, says “Hedgehogs have declined by up to 50% in the UK since just the year 2000. They are now vulnerable to extinction in Britain, due to things like habitat loss, development, roads and garden hazards. Campuses, whether they’re urban or rural, can do great things to help hedgehogs and raise awareness of their plight.”

Since 2019, the programme has worked with over 150 universities, FE colleges and primary schools all working towards Bronze, Silver or Gold accreditation. Teams have been installing log piles and hedgehog houses, as well as litter picking and taking part in campus hedgehog surveys. 

Other activities include:

• Bug house building

• Pond ramps

• Hedgehog highways

• Teaching local youth groups about hedgehog decline

• Fundraising events for the BHPS

• Hedgehog first aid sessions

If you would like to take part at your campus, email info@hedgehogfriendlycampus.co.uk and follow the programme on social media @hogfriendly.

Some facts about hedgehogs:

• Since 2020, hedgehogs are listed as Vulnerable to Extinction on Britain’s Red List 

• They have declined by 50% in rural areas & 30% in urban areas since the year 2000

• Wild hedgehogs are one of 17 different species of hedgehog around the world

• The African Pygmy hedgehog (pet hedgehog) is an entirely different species 

• Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and shouldn’t eat bread – meaty pet food and fresh water is best if you want to feed wild hedgehogs

• Baby hedgehogs are called hoglets

• Strimmers and mowers can harm hedgehogs

• Hedgehogs hibernate in winter, from around November to March/April

• Contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society if you are worried about a hedgehog on 01584 890801