United Kingdom

National Coordinators
Timothy George, Gabriela Toldeo Ortiz
James Hutton Institute
Carmen Hermida Carrera
Lancaster University
Fascination of Plants Day

The seventh international “Fascination of Plants Day” around 18 May 2024 will be launched by plant scientists across the world under the umbrella of the European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO).

The goal of this activity is to get as many people as possible around the world fascinated by plants and enthused about the importance of plant science for agriculture and sustainable production of nutritious food, as well as for horticulture, forestry and the production of plant-based non-food products such as paper, timber, chemicals, energy and pharmaceuticals. The role of plants in environmental conservation is also a key message.

Downloads
May 16
May 19
10:30
16:00
Fascination of Plants Day Aberdeen
Fascination of Plants Day Aberdeen
David Welch Winter gardens Duthie Park, Aberdeen
All
Outdoor
External
openday handsonactivities guidedtour presentation seminar exhibition

A series of events across Aberdeen will highlight the importance of plants to society.

Activities range from plant sales to workshops exploring the impact of plants on our senses from testing your sense of smell in ‘a herb identifying challenge’ to identifying whether you are a super-taster and might have the bitter-tasting version of the TAS2R38 gene.  Visually an open lecture will view gardens through the senses of the Impressionists from Europe, North America and Australia.

The programme is part of the annual Fascination of Plants Day, which encourages people to learn more about the importance of plants and plant science from providing the air we breathe to the sustainable production of nutritious food.  In our workshops we will explore the huge range of biodiversity that depends on our plants and how plants themselves interact with animals and fungi to improve the diets and health of humans and animals.

 

Robert Gordon Univeristy, University of Aberdeen, SRUC, The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen City Council (Duthie Park Rangers) and the Friends of the Cruickshank Gardens.
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/about/campus/fascination-of-plants/
Dr Morag McFadyen
m.mcfadyen@rgu.ac.uk
May 18
May 18
10:00
16:00
How do Forests Grow?
How do Forests Grow?
University of Leeds
All
Indoor
External
openday handsonactivities presentation

Launch your seed helicopter from our balcony and discover how trees spread in the wild, as well as how we plant and identify tree species around Leeds. This stall is part of Be Curious, the University of Leeds’ annual family open day. Each year we turn the campus into a hive of free family-friendly activities. Come along and get hands on with the research that happens right here in Leeds.

University of Leeds
https://www.leeds.ac.uk/becurious
Celine Roblin-Robson, Public Engagement Officer- University of Leeds,
c.roblin-robson@leeds.ac.uk
May 18
May 18
12:00
15:00
Strawberry Tea
Strawberry Tea
Lindy's Tea Room, Hansel, Broadmeadows, Symington, KA1 5PU
All
Indoor
openday handsonactivities presentation

Come along and enjoy a Strawberry Tea at Lindy’s tearoom at Hansel on Saturday 18th May, which is Fascination of Plants Day 2024 🍓

Arrive for lunch at 12 noon followed by a hanging basket demonstration by our Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, Sheena at 1pm. Sheena’s demo will have a positive environmental theme on how to plant a basket to encourage nature into your garden🐝

There will also be a raffle on the day.

Tickets are only £15, (£12 if purchased before 1st May 2024) and can be purchased directly from Lindy’s tearoom or by calling 01563 831437.

Hansel Foundation
Murdoch House, Broadmeadows, Symington, Ayrshire, KA1 5PU
https://www.hansel.org.uk/
Alyson Reid
alyson.reid@hansel.org.uk
May 18
May 18
10:00
16:00
Fascination of Plants Day Lancaster
Fascination of Plants Day Lancaster
Lancaster
All
Outdoor
handsonactivities guidedtour presentation exhibition

Visit us in Lancaster Market, this Saturday, May 18th to discover fascinating aspects of plants! There will be exciting activities, and we will show you a trail with green areas and parks in Lancaster that you can visit at your own pace during the day. So bring comfortable shoes!

Lancaster University
Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YW
https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/
Carmen Hermida Carrera and Tamara Hernandez Verdeja
c.carrera@lancaster.ac.uk