Fruit Routes
Fruit Routes was established in 2011 as a unique project and art installation made up of over 150 trees providing an enriched habitat for people, plants, insects and animals, as well as a location for cultural activities and outdoor learning as part of the campus’ living lab.
The vision of Fruit Routes is to plant fruit, nut trees and edible plants along footpaths and cycle paths across the university campus creating a spring snowfall of blossom and an autumnal abundance of fresh fruits and berries for harvesting, eating and distributing.
This project is funded by the University Estates & Facilities Management Service, in line with the Biodiversity Action Plan, and is managed by the Fruit Routes Steering Group consisting of staff, students and the local community, including project founder and artist Anne-Marie Culhane. In 2023 the University welcomed a new Fruit Routes Artist Co-ordinator, Mita Solanky to take over from Anne-Marie’s role.
The Fruit Routes has been recognised as an award-winning project by the Guardian Higher Education Sustainability Award in 2014. It was also awarded a highly commended in the Association of University Directors AUDE Reaching Higher category in 2019.
Produce from the Fruit Routes is made available for students, staff and the community to enjoy and we encourage people to harvest fruits from the route as they ripen. The University also hosts a range of cultural activities and walks in the Fruit Routes throughout the year including an annual harvest event, spring-time walks, bake-offs and foraging which are open to students, staff and the public.
Fruit Routes has a dedicated website where you can find information about past and future events, its history, maps, recipes, blog and subscribe to the newsletter. For further information please visit:
