RGU launches vast 55-acre biodiversity project

Plans are in place to restore Waterside Farm into an area of biodiversity, enhancing the already high carbon-holding capacity of the site, and demonstrating an exemplary approach to land stewardship in a sustainable and ecologically positive manner.

Lying directly opposite RGU’s iconic library tower on the other side of the River Dee, the site offers the University a chance to showcase its green credentials by acting as custodians to a large, carbon-rich environment. 

The University aspires to become exemplary conservationists with its plans for a habitat for a range of threatened species, whilst safeguarding this area for the future. RGU is working alongside environmental consultancy firm The Habitat People to bring it back to its more natural state. The SRM Foundation has also generously donated £100,000 to help the vision for Waterside Farm become a reality.

Veronica Strachan, University Secretary, and Vice-Principal Corporate Services said: “RGU has a strategic commitment to playing its role in creating a more sustainable future through minimising our environmental footprint and realising our moral purpose for the common good. Waterside Farm is a great example of the University actively working towards these important environmental goals.  

“We are delighted to be working closely alongside The Habitat People on this exciting biodiversity project, which really is a fantastic opportunity to create a site where all kinds of animals and plant life can prosper in the coming years.

“As custodians of this unique site, it is of vital importance that we are proactive and ensure that the area can thrive and inspire the next generation. Furthermore, I would like to thank the SRM Foundation for their donation which can only help us move forward.”

David Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of The Habitat People, said: “There are some great assets at Waterside Farm already, in terms of the plant life and in terms of the bird life. We've got several nationally endangered bird species that are breeding here, but there's an awful lot more we can do. 

“We've learned that this site used to be part of the river, so we're going to be establishing the wetlands and bringing back what this site may have used to look like 250 years ago, which is very exciting. 

“They key outcome for Waterside Farm will be when all manner of species of plants and animals make it their home and begin to thrive. This is a long-term project, and it is the future generations who will benefit the most from the efforts to make this patch of land a paradise for biodiversity.” 

Francesco Mazzagatti, Chief Executive Officer of the SRM Foundation, said: “We are proud to support RGU’s Waterside Farm project, which sets the tone for the kinds of innovative undertakings at the heart of the idea for the SRM Foundation.

“RGU’s vision for the Waterside Farm – to restore the habitat to its original form and bring back the native species and maintain it rather than try to improve it through methods that are not indigenous to the site – are aligned with the SRM Foundation’s overall approach to biodiversity.

“Being the first project for our foundation, we intend to be closely involved in order to document the measurable benefits of restoring a biodiversity site so we can showcase the immense importance of climate philanthropy in the transition to a clean energy economy.”

The restoration of the site includes reintroducing wetlands by adding reedbeds in specific areas of Waterside Farm as well as having controlled flooding in place to allow the reedbeds to mature.   

The Habitat People found two main invasive plant species at the site – Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed. The former can be removed simply by pulling it out of the ground while the latter requires specialist injection treatment.  

Further early groundwork includes the installation of bird boxes which has proven to be successful with a pair of owls nesting at an undisclosed location at Waterside Farm.

The University purchased Waterside Farm, which is just off the South Deeside Road, in 2006. The area has a long history with military maps showing that in the 1700s the River Dee was a two-stream waterway, while maps produced in the 19th Century show the river was diverted to a single channel as a result of agricultural activity on the site.  

In October 2024, RGU held a listening event for local stakeholders to outline the proposals and help strengthen links between the University and the communities around Waterside Farm. Those in attendance overwhelmingly support Waterside Farm as a natural space and the restoration proposals. 

There will be opportunities for people to volunteer at the site as plans develop, with events due to take place on Thursday 12 December and Thursday 19 December. Anyone who wants to register an interest can email: WatersideFarm@rgu.ac.uk

Main image: Waterside Farm sitting directly opposite RGU's Garthdee campus.