Hutton scientists to host public workshop at Duthie Park for Fascination of Plants Day 2025
Scientists from The James Hutton Institute will join other academics and nature-lovers at Duthie Park this weekend for a public event celebrating Fascination of Plants Day 2025.
Hutton researchers will deliver family-friendly, hands-on activities at the David Welch Winter Gardens – one of Europe’s largest indoor gardens – on Sunday 18 May.
Titled ‘Fabulous Forests’, the Hutton stall will explore Scotland’s spectacular native woodlands and the incredible range of biodiversity found within them. Visitors can look forward to learning about mosses and microhabitats, what lichens tell us about the air we breathe and the different ways in which forests benefit us all.
Dr Andrea Britton, a plant ecologist from the Hutton, said, “Sunday’s event is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about plants and the plant science happening at a range of organisations right here in Aberdeen.
“Our Hutton stall will focus on forests and the key role they play in supporting Scotland’s biodiversity.
“We want to show that there’s far more to our native forests than just trees – they contain an incredible variety of plants, animals and other organisms which benefit us in ways you might not even realise.
“It’s great to be part of such an exciting event, and we’re all looking forward to sharing the wonder of our forests with everyone that comes along.”
“We want to show that there’s far more to our native forests than just trees – they contain an incredible variety of plants, animals and other organisms which benefit us in ways you might not even realise.”
Dr Andrea Britton, The James Hutton Institute
Other stalls at the event will include:
- Duthie Park Ranger Service – The Power of Seeds
- Friends of Duthie Park – The Science of Nature
- Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) – Plant Diversity in Agricultural Systems
- University of Aberdeen – What’s the Point of Plants?
The event will run from 10:30am to 12pm. Admission is free, and more information about the activities taking place can be found on the University of Aberdeen website.
Dundee based event : Plant Power
Plant Power, part of the 7th international Fascination of Plants Day, returns to the Dundee Botanic Garden this Saturday. What started as a showcase of plant science has grown into a vibrant event featuring a wide range of activities, workshops and exhibitions for all ages.
Scientists from The James Hutton Institute and the University of Dundee’s Division of Plant Science will be offering hands-on activities to showcase the fascinating plant research happening in the city.
Other highlights include
- Art and craft workshops inspired by the natural world
- A microbiology themed art exhibition
- Moth and bird detector demonstrations
- Pond dipping
- Forensic science
- Medicinal plants
Plus, of course, the chance to explore the garden and take something home from the Friends of the Botanic Garden plant sale.
