The University of Orléans has made biodiversity and the preservation of natural areas across its campuses a strategic priority within its sustainable development policy.
The La Source Campus: A Biodiversity Hotspot
In an urban environment, the impact of green spaces and healthy biodiversity is essential. They help maintain ecosystem balance, provide shaded areas that lower temperatures during heatwaves, and contribute to reducing our carbon footprint.
Poppy flower (photo: Sophie Front)
Common viper's bugloss (photo: Sophie Front)
Forget-me-not (photo : Sophie Front)
Wild strawberries (photo: Sophie Front)
Promoting Biodiversity at UO: Creating Refuge Areas
For several years now, the University of Orléans has adopted practices such as late mowing, leaving tree branches on the ground in wooded areas, and maintaining a zero-pesticide policy. All these measures contribute to preserving and encouraging biodiversity while reducing the university’s environmental impact. However, it has now become essential to further enhance campus biodiversity, with a positive impact on the quality of life for both staff and students.
These evolving practices help create refuge areas for small animals and pollinating insects.
The University of Orléans has entrusted the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux du Loiret (LPO – "League for the Protection of Birds", Loiret branch) with a comprehensive ecological assessment of its La Source campus, as part of its commitment to biodiversity and the “LPO Refuge” certification.
This study, conducted throughout 2024, revealed an unexpected richness: 42 bird species were recorded on campus, including several protected heritage species such as the Common Kestrel, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker, and the elusive Firecrest.
Creating an LPO Refuge enables the La Source campus to:
- Play an active role in the “green and blue network” for biodiversity preservation;
- Join a national network of refuges that contribute to building ecological corridors;
- Enhance urban and peri-urban spaces as well as local heritage;
- Raise awareness among campus users about biodiversity and the importance of protecting it;
- Implement measures aligned with Agenda 21 and the Sustainable Development and Planning Project (PADD).
Discover the full report produced by LPO Loiret:
Eco-Grazing at the University: Sheep on the La Source Campus!
The University of Orléans has introduced eco-grazing as a natural method for clearing brush and mowing grass.
Ouessant sheep grazing in the park of the Château de la Source
Eco-grazing is an environmentally friendly maintenance technique that uses herbivorous animals, offering a sustainable alternative to mechanical green-space management.
This practice brings many benefits: it reduces green waste from mowing, contributes to the natural fertilization of soils—supporting both fauna and flora—and lowers fuel consumption along with the associated pollution.
The flock, made up of around twenty sheep, is regularly moved by shepherds across designated 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.