White-clawed crayfish being held by a person from the Environment Agency

Estates team help to find new home for endangered crayfish 

Last updated on 3 July 2023

The Estates team working with the Environment Agency and colleagues in the Faculty of Biological Sciences have rescued endangered white clawed crayfish and moved them to a pond at Bodington Fields 

Last month, Environment Agency biodiversity specialists saved the population from Meanwood Beck in Leeds, where crayfish plague was detected during water sampling. 

The rescued fish, which included females carrying eggs, were kept for safekeeping in quarantine at York Gate Garden and in labs at the University before passing health checks to ensure they were plague free. 

Most have now been released into Bodington Pond where they can thrive and breed before being released back into the wild. 

White-clawed crayfish being held by a person from the Environment Agency

Working together to enhance biodiversity

The rescue and release is part of work by the Environment Agency and partners to carry out operations to rescue the native species after the invasive signal crayfish and a disease it carries – crayfish plague – moved through parts of the River Aire catchment.

James Wright, Senior Maintenance Manager in the Facilities Directorate, coordinated the move to Bodington Fields. He said: 

“Our balancing pond at Bodington provides the crayfish with the environment they need and so this was a perfect opportunity for us to step in and help. It’s great to be able to be able to work together to expand the ‘Living Lab’ work at the University too.” 

Ann Allen, Director of Campus Innovation & Development, University of Leeds said:

“Bodington Pond was originally constructed to reduce flood risk in the River Aire catchment, but it also enhances biodiversity and provides opportunities for students, academics and partners to collaborate on research projects.

“The Estates team have worked in partnership with the Environment Agency and colleagues across the University to welcome our brand new residents. It’s a wonderful example of how collaboration can make a real difference.”

James Wright from the Estates team, people from the Environment Agency and academics from the School of Biology stood in front of Bodington pond.

Endangered crayfish play vital role

Environment Agency biodiversity specialist Tim Selway, who is leading the project, said:

“With so few populations of native crayfish remaining, we must act to preserve what we can.

“The endangered white-clawed crayfish plays a vital role in keeping our waterways clean and as a source of food for other native species, so it’s vital we take action to ensure its survival.

“Those rescued from Meanwood Beck are now on the next step of their journey and will be cared for at the university before going back into the wild in future. We’ll be carrying out further operations to rescue more crayfish from the deadly invasive signal and the disease it carries in the coming months.”

 

Rare white-clawed crayfish are the UK’s only native, freshwater crayfish, and are most at risk from signal crayfish, which spread plague and compete for food.  They have struggled to survive after the more aggressive signal crayfish population has taken hold across the country.

How can you help?

The Agency and university is calling for people to play their part by making sure they “Check, Clean and Dry” to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Alison Dunn, Professor of Ecology at University of Leeds added:

“Invasive species and diseases are a growing challenge for native wildlife so it’s really important that everyone plays their part in reducing the risk.

“The good news is there are things you can do to help stop the spread if you’re near any rivers or lakes for recreation or work. Simple steps, such as checking, cleaning and drying your equipment and boots, makes a big difference to native species like the white-clawed crayfish.”

 

If you see crayfish or other species, leave them there. Do not move animals or plants to a new river or lake and do not use crayfish as angling bait as this could spread invasive species or diseases. Anything that has contact with the water and riverbank needs to be cleaned thoroughly, using hot water if possible. The use of an environmentally friendly aquatic disinfectant is also recommended. This will make sure all aquatic diseases and invasive species are killed. More information can be found on the Invasive non-native species website 

If you see any crayfish, alive or dead, leave it where it is and report it immediately to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060. If possible, take close-up photos of the crayfish to help identify the species. It is illegal to handle or remove crayfish from the water without the correct licences.

To get more updates from Estates and Facilities, visit our news section here and follow us on Twitter at @uolcampusdevelopment.

Natural gas supplies in Civil Engineering – July 2023

Last updated on 6 July 2023

On 3 July – 4 July, Northern Gas Network as part of their gas distribution improvement works will be interrupting the Natural Gas Service to Civil Engineering.

 

Services to be interrupted

Natural Gas supplies to labs/rooms in Civil Engineering.

Effects of this interruption upon building occupants

Loss of natural gas to bunsen burners/gas burning appliances. Potential smell of natural gas due to venting and purging following pipework modifications.

 

For enquiries please contact: Bob Douglass

Email: r.douglass@leeds.ac.uk

If the above member of staff is unavailable, you have any general queries about our services, please contact the Estate Services Helpdesk on 0113 343 5555 or e-mail: eshelp@leeds.ac.uk

Thank you for your patience and apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Possible low water pressure – June 2023

Last updated on 6 July 2023

On Thursday 29 June, 9am-4pm, there will be possible low water pressure due to a leak in the following buildings:

  • 0083 – Edward Boyle
  • 0082 – Social Sciences
  • 0077 – Ziff Building
  • 0073 – IT Services
  • 0073 – EC Stoner
  • 0069 – Physics Desk
  • 0084 – Maths/Earth & Environment
  • 0088 – Priestley Building
  • 0090 – Garstang Building
  • 0092 – Astbury Building
  • 0089 – Roger Stevens
  • 0091 – Irene Manton
  • 0093 – LC Miall
  • 0094 – Biological Sciences Teaching Block

Services to be interrupted

Water supply to buildings in the south area of campus.

Effects of this interruption upon building occupants

Water is back on but water pressure may be low in buildings while repair work is being completed.

 

For enquiries please contact: Lyndsey Gregory

Mobile: 07810 658 690
Email: l.gregory@leeds.ac.uk

If the above member of staff is unavailable, you have any general queries about our services, please contact the Estate Services Helpdesk on 0113 343 5555 or e-mail: eshelp@leeds.ac.uk

Thank you for your patience and apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Cemetery Road disruption

Last updated on 6 July 2023

On Tuesday 4 July, staff are advised that there will be periods of disruption throughout the day to access in and out of Cemetery Road.

This is due to contractors moving their site accommodation cabins from site, meaning vehicles will be moving in and out of position at the junction of Cemetery Road and Clarendon Road intermittently.

Services to be interrupted

Intermittent interruption may be caused to access in and out of Cemetery Road throughout the day.

Effects of this interruption upon building occupants

Periods of restricted access whilst vehicles move in and out of position.

 

For enquiries please contact: Adam Ives

Mobile: 07864 802 672
Email: a.ives@leeds.ac.uk

If the above member of staff is unavailable, you have any general queries about our services, please contact the Estate Services Helpdesk on 0113 343 5555 or e-mail: eshelp@leeds.ac.uk

Thank you for your patience and apologies for any inconvenience caused.

SCAPE bike shed temporarily closed

Last updated on 6 July 2023

On Wednesday 28 June, staff are warned that access to the bike shed to the rear of SCAPE will not be available for the majority of the day.

This is due to unforeseen complications with the installation of new gas main to SCAPE and Civil Engineering.

Services to be interrupted

SCAPE bike shed.

Effects of this interruption upon building occupants

Temporary loss of bike shed facility.

 

For enquiries please contact: Bob Douglass
Email: r.douglass@leeds.ac.uk

If the above member of staff is unavailable, you have any general queries about our services, please contact the Estate Services Helpdesk on 0113 343 5555 or e-mail: eshelp@leeds.ac.uk

Thank you for your patience and apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Construction works at School of English

Last updated on 26 July 2023

From Monday 26 June, staff are warned to expect slight light noise as scaffolding and external decoration is added to the School of English.

Works are set to last for four weeks, though services are to resume as normal without interruption.

Services to be interrupted

None

Effects of this interruption upon building occupants

Some slight light noise, potential for some window replacement.

For enquiries please contact: Matt Easton
Mobile: 07775 074 225
Contact telephone no: 0113 343 5251
Email: M.D.Easton@leeds.ac.uk

If the above member of staff is unavailable, you have any general queries about our services, please contact the Estate Services Helpdesk on 0113 343 5555 or e-mail: eshelp@leeds.ac.uk

Thank you for your patience and apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Barriers in place for Stead House works

Last updated on 26 July 2023

From Monday 19th June, works will begin to add scaffolding and external redecoration to all faces of Stead House – with works are expected to last for 4 weeks.

Services to be interrupted

Some external barriers in place for the duration of the works.

Effects of this interruption upon building occupants

None.

 

For enquiries please contact: Lee Bedford

Mobile: 07932 947151

Contact telephone no: 0113 343 5555

Email: wsdltb@leeds.ac.uk

If the above member of staff is unavailable, you have any general queries about our services, please contact the Estate Services Helpdesk on 0113 343 5555 or e-mail: eshelp@leeds.ac.uk

Thank you for your patience and apologies for any inconvenience caused.

HELIX Omnideck

HELIX: New space for digital innovation complete

Last updated on 25 October 2023

HELIX – a brand new innovative technologies hub to support student education – has been completed.

Working with fit-out specialists Overbury and the University’s Digital Education Service (DES), the Estates team managed the complex build and refurbishment of the space on Level seven of the Grade II-listed E.C Stoner building.

State-of-the-art

The space includes state-of-the-art equipment such as the only Omnideck in the UK (pictured) and users will have access to immersive technology, prototyping equipment and multimedia studios.

Flexible classroom/Helix

David Oldroyd, Interim Deputy Director of Development, University of Leeds, who oversaw the project said:

“I’m very pleased with the high quality finish of the space. The team have delivered a good quality space in a challenging building within a short space of time.”

Ann Allen, Director of Campus Innovation & Development said:

“HELIX encourages community and collaboration and is key to the University’s Digital Education Strategy. I look forward to seeing students and staff using it.”

Enterprise area/Helix

When will HELIX officially open?

Over the next few months, the HELIX team will encourage staff to visit the space ahead of the official opening in September 2023. Tours of HELIX will be advertised in due course.

To find out more about the project, please visit the DES webpage.

To get more updates from Estates and Facilities, visit our news section here and follow us on Twitter at @uolcampusdevelopment.

Campus Buildings

Last updated on 12 June 2023

On 10 June at 5am – 12pm, there will be isolation of steam to campus to carry out repairs on steam and condense main.

Services to be interrupted

Heating, domestic hot water and steam supplied autoclaves.

Effects of this interruption upon building occupants

There will be no heating to steam supplied buildings except for the CEU building. Autoclaves will be unusable for the duration of the works. All buildings will have no hot water unless they have backup systems.

For enquiries please contact: David Johnston

Mobile: 07946 004835

Email: esmechanical@leeds.ac.uk

If the above member of staff is unavailable, you have any general queries about our services, please contact the Estate Services Helpdesk on 0113 343 5555 or e-mail: eshelp@leeds.ac.uk

Thank you for your patience and apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Worsley Building – June 2023

Last updated on 12 June 2023

On 10 June – 11 June at 6am – 2pm, due to replacement of damaged isolation valves there will be no water to the building.

Services to be interrupted

No cold water to the whole building and no hot water to levels 4,5,6,7 & 8 from 6am on Saturday 10th June till 2pm on Sunday 11th June.

Effects of this interruption upon building occupants

Toilets will not flush on any floor and only hot taps will work on levels 9, 10 and 11.

 

For enquiries please contact: Lee Bedford

Mobile:  07932 947151

Email: wsdltb@leeds.ac.uk

If the above member of staff is unavailable, you have any general queries about our services, please contact the Estate Services Helpdesk on 0113 343 5555 or e-mail: eshelp@leeds.ac.uk

Thank you for your patience and apologies for any inconvenience caused.