Queen Mary students and staff have begun an orchard project to bring more nature to our Mile End Campus
Early December saw the start of an exciting long-term project to enhance biodiversity on our Mile End Campus through the creation of a community orchard. 20 student volunteers joined staff from the Grounds team to plant 60 apple and pear trees and 190 gooseberry and wild raspberry shrubs in the areas surrounding student accommodation including Pooley House, Maurice Court and Beaumont Court.
It is hoped that the plants will be fruit bearing within 2 years, providing support for local wildlife, colourful blossoms and free fruit for those living and working on campus.
Grace McMeekin, the student Sustainability representative who came along to the planting day said, ‘It’s a really exciting project and it was amazing to see so many people helping to make it happen. The orchard will be brilliant for increasing biodiversity on campus and allowing students to enjoy in years to come.’
The planting session formed part of a wider scheme of volunteering opportunities arranged in partnership between the University and Students’ Union which are due to continue into 2021.
Those wishing to get involved should keep an eye on www.qmsu.org/events and the Sustainability Instagram & Facebook @QMULSustain or contact Sustainability Coordinator Tom Stockton on t.stockton@qmul.ac.uk