Celebrations in cultures across the world mark the first day of spring at the midpoint between the shortest day on winter solstice (21 December) and the spring equinox (around 21 March). We’ll explore this special time of year during this walk, when the very first signs of spring are being felt and share our hopes for new growth. 

The walk will take place on 31 January, 2pm-3.30pm, starting at the Barefoot Orchard located next to the Paddock and (almost) opposite Pilkington Library. Look for the Fruit Routes information board near the Geography Weather Station. 

This event is free and all are welcome (students, staff and the local community). We recommend booking in advance so we can keep you informed of any last-minute changes in the event of bad weather conditions. We will be walking along running routes and natural paths, so please wear suitable footwear and dress for the weather. 

This is the second in a series of walks following the seasons with our senses and connecting in embodied ways to experience nature. The next walk will take place on 7 March; details will be available on the Fruit Routes website closer to the date. 

The route is not always on structured paths but is mostly flat. Some parts of the route are not accessible for wheelchair users or buggies so we do not recommend attending if this applies to you. If you have any specific accessibility requirements that you think we should know about, please let us know in advance by emailing Sustainability@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk or LUArts@lboro.ac.uk and we will do our best to accommodate them.