To mark our 60th anniversary in 2025, the University is planting – with the help of students and staff – 300 commemorative fruit and nut trees on our Canterbury campus.
The Diamond Anniversary Orchard project was launched this year as many undergraduates who have just started their studies with us will graduate in 2025. Until then, they will be able to watch the orchard grow and be part of its transformation from grassland to a flourishing space.
The project team selected the southern slopes of the University grounds to plant the trees as it provides a complex habitat that will boost biodiversity in the area. As fruit trees age quickly, they create the perfect habitats for invertebrates and birds, such as the lesser spotted woodpecker and the rare noble chafer beetle.
This unique habitat also provides a beautiful where students, staff and community members can come together to relax and socialise. Once mature, the orchard will also provide future students with fruit and nuts that they can harvest and enjoy.
Catherine Morris, Sustainability Manager at Kent said: ‘The orchard is a beautiful space and within it we hope to create a central point that marks the six academic divisions that make up our learning community. The planting of the trees is a unique way of celebrating all the students that will be our class of 2025 and beyond, on Kent’s 60th birthday. We are so excited about this project, and we’re planning a series of events, including workshops, talks, guided walks for students to get involved. This is just the beginning of the journey, with many memories yet to make.’