This summer sees an action packed day of events for the Loughborough University Fruit Routes project.

Staff, students and members of the local community are all invited to a series of free activities that take place throughout the day on Wednesday 19th June.

At 12.30pm to 1.30pm there will be a lunchtime walk where attendees can learn about the wild food growing on campus and the planting that took place on the first University Fruit Route with project artist Anne-Marie Culhane.

Following this there will be wild tea and scones available from 2.00-6.00pm. Participants at this session will be able to learn about the art of tasseography- reading tea.

In the evening there will be a bat walk with ecologist Ed Darby at 9.30pm. Drinks will be available in the candle lit orchard prior to the walk at 9.00pm.

The meeting point for all the events will be the small orchard opposite the University lodge, a one minute walk from Pilkington Library.

The Fruit Routes project, designed by artist Anne-Marie Culhane and the University’s Sustainability Team, aims to develop the University grounds as an edible and sustainable landscape. It’s supported by the University Landscape Master Plan and Loughborough Students’ Landscaping Our Society group and was officially launched in October 2011.

Providing an enriched habitat for people, plants, insects and animals, the Fruit Routes scheme aims to leave a lasting legacy on the campus, boosting foraging opportunities for years to come.

Fruit Routes project manager Jo Shields said:

“Following the successful planting initiative in  February 2012, we wanted to continue the good work of engaging students, staff and the local community with the project.  As this is a legacy project it is really important to share the route with our community and for people to become friends of the route getting involved with and to know  the wild food and habitats we have on campus.

“This is a free event and we hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to come and join us on the day for either part or all of the activities.”

For more information either telephone Jo on 01509 222110 or visit the website www.fruitroutesloughborough.wordpress.com. You can also follow the project on twitter @fruitroutes.

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