Nature & Wildlife
Wolfson College sits amongst thirteen acres of gorgeous green countryside and gardens. This gives Wolfson a uniquely natural feel whilst still benefiting from being in the heart of Oxford and close to all its amenities. Here you’ll find everything from mature trees to colourful blooms in summer. You might even spot an otter or two.
Gardens
Wolfson College comprises of a number of different planted areas and gardens spread across its campus. These serene corners of college provide the perfect place to relax or escape the hustle and bustle of university life.
The Formal Garden features a variety of plants from the East and in the center sits the Oxford sundial. It flows seamlessly into the Winter Garden which brings vibrancy and colour to the College year-round. Beyond this you’ll find the Damp Garden, a calming rockery next to the River Cherwell.
More recently, the College opened the Bishop’s Garden, a professionally designed, Edwardian garden with pathways leading you to its many wonders. The Garden features a green house, flower beds and benches, allowing you to enjoy many a tranquil moment among the flora and fauna.
Meadows
Cross the River Cherwell and you’ll find yourself in the ancient meadows. Not only do they provide picturesque walks, but they play a fundamental role in the biodiversity and sustainability of the College. Protected as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI), these meadows boast a rich diversity of flora, thriving through traditional farming practices spanning over 500 years.
They also play a major part in decarbonising the College. Recent findings revealed that these meadows are potent carbon sinks, helping to store at least 918 tonnes of carbon in combination with the trees and marshes around the College.
Bees, birds & biodiversity
Wolfson college stands as a beacon of biodiversity within the University of Oxford. In 2021, a comprehensive biodiversity audit involving students, Fellows, and the community highlighted the college’s vital role in environmental health and climate change mitigation. It revealed substantial natural carbon removal and the crucial role of biodiversity in mitigating climate change.
With 475 trees representing 128 species across 3.3 hectares, Wolfson’s green cover stores over 98% of their carbon. Surveys of the earthworm population demonstrated excellent soil health, while satellite data mapped diverse land use across 14.27 hectares. Insect and bird assessments showcased the college’s rich biodiversity, fostering 49 bird species and 1394 insects. Wolfson even contributed to an Oxford-wide bee habitat campaign with a recent ‘Bee Hotel’ installation in the Bishop’s Garden.
