Bayer CropScience

The History

Bayer CropScience launched its biodiversity action plan in November 2002. NWS has been working with the company to support and enhance biodiversity on their large industrial complex in Norwich, involving the company's staff and local school children.

Habitats on the site have been greatly improved through planting and habitat management. For example, the mowing regime has been reduced around the industrial areas - there are over 30ha of long grassland on site and these areas are managed by cutting after the seed has set. This has been very beneficial for invertebrates - in 2005 there were 161 Bee Orchids recorded on site, these flowers are very delicate and can only survive where the grass is not too strong. Many butterflies are present on the site. On the banks towards the west of the site there is a colony of six spot burnet moths. This is the only colony in central Norfolk, the adults feed on flowers and the caterpillars eat herbs from the pea-family.

Pond creation

A large wildlife pond was created on the site in the winter of 2005-06. Species now living in and around the pond include Smooth Newts, Mayflies, Dragonflies, Damselflies, Water Bugs, Water Beetles and Water Snails.

Reptile banks have been created in the south of the site. The banks were created from spoil and rubble produced by building development work earlier in the year.The banks provide basking areas for slow worms and lizards during the summer, and rubble was incorporated into the bank to create hibernation spaces in the bank.

Tree / hedgerow / bulb planting with local school children

In 2003 local school children helped Bayer and Norfolk Wildlife Services to plant bulbs in the woodlands to increase biodiversity.

In 2007 local school children attended a hedgerow planting day, assisted by members of Norfolk Wildlife Services and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Education team. Species planted included Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Spindle.

Other wildlife on the site

Skylarks have become rarer in recent years. They nest on the ground in short grassland, where the young feed on small insects. In 2005 there were 2 pairs in the meadow at Bayer, which is as close as Skylarks get to Norwich City Centre.

An otter was spotted at Bayer in October 2007 by members of staff. Usually only signs of otters are seen, such as footprints or spraints, as they are shy, nocturnal creatures.

Sparrowhawks, herons, and a vixen with her cubs have also been observed around the site.