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The grass on a large part of the campus of the Estonian University of Life Sciences was left unmowed in the spring in order to thoroughly examine the nearly 30-hectare area. The aim was to find out which species live in the campus and which areas has the most biodiversity. The results were presented at the biodiversity seminar in early October.

The campus` biodiversity was assessed several times this spring and summer, and the main species counting day was during the nature observation marathon on June 10, when all interested parties were invited to the campus to identify species.

A total of 304 species of invertebrates were counted, among the most noteworthy were the carabid beetle Dolichus halensis, a recent invader in Estonia, and the fungus gnat species Exechia macula, marking a new country record. Additionally, the invasive and synanthropic Zygentoma species Ctenolepisma longicaudatum was found inside buildings. Fifteen different bumblebee species were recorded, representing 50% of Estonia's bumblebee diversity. Eleven of these species have been listed in the Estonian wildlife protection system under the third category. Moreover, one bumblebee species – Bombus confusus – has been classified as vulnerable (VU) according to the IUCN Red List.

In the assessment of vertebrates, five amphibian species, 14 mammal species, and 106 bird species were recorded.

230 native herbaceous plants grow in the university campus. The biggest number of herbaceous plant species (124) grow around Metsamaja. There are areas of different light and shade, dampness and drought. The surroundings of the veterinary building complex with 120 species and the main building follow in biodiversity.  

An important finding is the broad-leaved helleborine (Epipactis helleborine), which belongs to the third protection category. This orchid flowered in large numbers both near the D-corpus of the Metsamaja and on the grassland next to the veterinary buildings. In addition, an Eurasian wild garlic (Allium ursinum) , belonging to the third protection category, also grows around Metsamaja.

In the campus area, 80 taxa of lichenized fungi (lichens) were found, the majority of which were growing on trees. Five lichen species typical of Woodland Key Habitats were found in a small fragment of old manor park. Furthermore, on a few old trees, the protected and red-listed species Biatoridium monasteriense and Sclerophora pallida were discovered. 64 species of fungi were determined, including mycorrhizal rooting bolete (Caloboletus radicans), which belongs to the second protection category. Wood decaying fungi Trametes gibbosa and coral tooth (Hericium coralloides) belong to list of endangered species.

There are a total of 417 individual trees in the campus, representing 110 wooded plants and 73 tree species. European white elm (Ulmus laevis), belonging to the protection category III is also represented. There are 22 domestic tree species in the campus, only the common yew (Taxus baccata) is absent. The analysis of the results shows that there could be more bush species in the university campus and that proper maintenance of the trees is important.

Biodiversity assessment was planned in order to design the proximate surroundings of the university as smartly and environmentally friendly as possible, taking into account people's wishes. A campus should support learning, working and leisure while being diverse, beautiful and functional.