New scheme to boost wildlife numbers in Carlisle

Bird, bat and hedgehog boxes have been placed around the campus at Fusehill Street. Credit: University of Cumbria

A new scheme is underway in an effort to boost wildlife numbers in Carlisle city centre.

Students at the University of Cumbria have installed bird, bat and hedgehog boxes at Fusehill Street to support rare species of wildlife.

Remotely operated camera traps have also been set up to record the number of species present.

The project was the brainchild of students Hannah Dover and Sophie Gibson.

The plan is set to continue into the future and will benefit iconic species like the swift whose population in the UK has dropped by almost 50% in the last 20 years.