On the University's campuses
The University of Orléans has made biodiversity and the preservation of natural areas on its various campuses a strategic focus of its sustainable development policy.
In an urban environment, the impact of greenery and good biodiversity is vital, as it helps to maintain the balance of an ecosystem, provides areas of shade and thus reduces the temperature during periods of high heat, as well as reducing our carbon footprint.
Between fauna and flora: the lake on the la Source campus
For several years now, the University of Orléans has opted for late mowing, leaving tree branches on the ground in the undergrowth, and practising zero pesticide use, all of which are positive actions to preserve and promote biodiversity and reduce its environmental impact. However, it is now necessary to promote biodiversity on our campuses, with positive repercussions for the quality of life of staff and students.
This change in practices is helping to develop refuge areas for small animals and pollinating insects.
Reforestation plan
The National Forests Office (ONF) regularly evaluates the UO’s forest park to make an inventory of dead or diseased trees and to identify pruning areas for security reasons, which leads to cutting sessions each year. After the intense droughts of the past few years, 2021-2023 has seen the cutting of numerous trees.
The UO has started a reforestation plan based on the expertise of our green spaces maintenance staff and professional nursery owners to choose tree species that are compatible with global warming.
Since 2021, more than 150 trees of deciduous and evergreen tree varieties (oak trees, birch trees, lime trees, cedar trees…) as well as fruit trees (apple trees, pear trees, cherry trees…) were planted to create an orchard in front of the University Library of Science.
In 2023, about 50 trees were planted at the Bourges IUT campus.
These trees are biodiversity actors, but also provide shaded and convivial zones with the laying of wooden picnic tables.
Flowering Plan
Daffodils blooming in spring 2023 in front of the Faculty of Human Sciences
Since 2021, more than 100,000 flower bulbs (narcissus, crocus, irises...) have been mechanically planted on the Orléans campus. With a blossoming period of more than 18 weeks between spring and summer, this plan continues every year with the creation of more than 1,000 m2 of small flowering fallow plots. This massive increase in our flowered surfaces will be a new food source for insects and will attract a larger biodiversity.
In spring 2023, the covered walkway adjacent to the Science lecture halls was transformed into a pathway of scents with the planting of star jasmine, honeysuckle and wisteria.
Looking forward to spring 2024!
In November 2023, the green spaces department planted around thirty varieties of shrubs and perennials around the Law, Economics and Management library: lavender, rosemary, perowskia, sage, etc.
To be discovered in spring 2024!
Planting in front of the University Library of Law in November 2023
Eco-pasture at the University: sheep on the La Source campus!
The University of Orléans has chosen to use eco-pasture for the clearing of brushwood and the lawn mowing.
Ouessant sheep grazing in the grounds of Château de la Source
It is a natural maintenance technique using the pasture of herbivorous animals, which makes it an alternative solution to the mechanical maintenance of green spaces.
Many advantages are associated to this practice since il helps reducing green waste caused by mowing and it contributes to the natural fertilizing of the ground, which benfits both the fauna and flora. In an environmental perspective, eco-pasture also enabls to reduce the use of fuel and the pollution that comes with it.
The flock, made up of around twenty sheep, is regularly moved by shepherds to identified areas of the campus.
Permaculture Garden
The Tribu-Terre association, which gathers students and staff from the departments of the UO, handles the permaculture garden. The aim is to provide a framework for learning and practicing permaculture techniques, in an easily accessible and open-to-all space (next to the Bouillon). Activities vary: preparation and maintenance of the terrain, cultivation of seasonal fruits and vegetables, and organisation of educational and cultural events on themes linked to permaculture.