Students and staff team up to showcase University grounds in aid of Hospiscare

The University of Exeter’s campuses are acknowledged as the most beautiful and botanically interesting of any UK university. The Streatham Campus is a registered botanic garden and displays examples of the University’s national collection of Azara (a South American evergreen shrub) and of the popular garden plant, Heuchera.

Between 10:00 and 15:00 visitors are invited to meet at the Forum Piazza where there will be a range of activities taking place, including floral and arboriculture demonstrations, craft stalls and plant sales. Visitors can pick up maps to help guide them around the estate while Students’ Guild volunteers will be on hand to assist. Organised tours, led by an experienced guide, will also be taking place at 10:30 and 12:30; pre booking is required through Hospiscare for this part of the day.

The Streatham Campus has achieved a Green Flag Award for the last three years and is ranked among the best parks and green spaces in the country. The University grounds and gardens are open for anyone to enjoy throughout the year, however this unique opportunity will provide visitors with a chance to learn a lot more about how the grounds have developed since the 19th century, from some of the expert grounds staff who tend to the grounds 365 days a year.

Iain Park, Director of Grounds said: “We are delighted to be supporting Hospiscare through our Open Garden Event and look forward to welcoming the local community onto the Streatham Campus. There will be lots going on throughout the day to keep everyone entertained. Our knowledgeable team will also be available to signpost visitors to areas of the campus they may not have discovered before such as our Acid and Alkali beds of Alpine Crevice plants”

Sara Bennett, Students’ Guild Activities and Volunteering Manager said: “Hospiscare is a charity close to many students’ hearts and they are delighted to be able to demonstrate their support for such a wonderful community organisation through their volunteering. Students will be serving in a number of roles throughout the day as well as providing some surprise performances to entertain our visitors.”

This year, Hospiscare is celebrating a decade of people opening their gardens to members of the public to help raise the vital funds needed to provide high-quality care and support for local people with a terminal diagnosis.

Hospiscare Community Fundraiser, Susie Healey said: “We are delighted the University is supporting our series of Open Gardens for the second time this year. The campus is the largest estate we have opening for us throughout the summer and is filled with a unique array of plants and trees for any gardener to enjoy.”

Anyone interested in booking onto an organised tour will need to call the Hospiscare Fundraising team on 01392 688020. Places are limited and cost £5 per person.