Occupational Therapy Students Plant Cumbrian Apple Tree on Fusehill St
Students from the Occupational Therapy course and society today planted an apple tree on the Fusehill Street campus, signifying the start of a new legacy created by students.
The idea to expand the University of Cumbria Students Union (UCSU) Garden behind the Calva Building started when students Georgia Osborne and Amy Drake took over tending to the site when they arrived as students at the university. Over time, they have grown tomatoes, carrots, runner beans, sweet peas, sunflowers, and more. Their work came to the attention of fellow Occupational Therapy student Daniel McHugh, who had spent the last year working at the National Trust. While discussing the garden and the desire to expand it with the Trust's Head Gardener, she suggested the 40 Shillings tree, as it is native to Cumbria, and donated it to the society.
Working with the University of Cumbria (UoC) Estates team, UCSU facilitated the tree being planted today, with the hope that, in the years to come, it will flourish and provide future students with beautiful apples.
UCSU Wellbeing Officer Aidan Dawson, who was on hand to help with the planting, was keen to highlight the other benefits of the tree, stating that 'Not only will the tree provide for the students in the future, but I hope that it will help current students with their wellbeing and the vibrancy of the campus'
The new tree can be visited at the side of the Calva Building, near the UCSU garden. UCSU asks that students, staff, and members of the UoC community take care of the tree.
