Heritage Sundays turn spotlight on DMU herb garden

Students are on a mission to introduce more people to the herb garden at the heart of De Montfort University Leicester (DMU)’s campus this weekend after discovering it for themselves.

Three Fine Arts students are supporting DMU Museum’s team with the launch of this year’s series of Heritage Sundays, when historic places across the city not normally available to visit are open to the public.

Caitlin Bray, Tom Tredray and Sophie Rymarz will be serving up herbal teas, introducing people to the herb garden and giving away pot plants to help people get their own collections started between 12 noon and 2pm.

Caitlin explained: “We have been studying here for a few years now and we kind of stumbled upon the herb garden. We love plants and nature, and it’s a space that we really enjoy spending time in and we feel more people should know about it.

“It’s kind of hidden away a bit so we thought it would be a nice idea to have an event so people could enjoy the space and promote growing your own produce.”

Heritage Sundays run every month between May and October, clustered around DMU’s campus which are home to remarkable buildings that tell the story of Leicester from its Roman origins to its manufacturing heyday.

Curated by DMU Museum’s Elizabeth Wheelband, the events are run in partnership with Leicester City Council’s Visit Leicester tourism team, which offers tours led by Blue Badge guides around venues including Newarke Houses Museum, and St Mary De Castro Church.

This Sunday’s events include:

• Herbal teas and free plants as well as a chance to learn more about DMU herb garden
• DMU venues including Leicester Castle Great Hall, Trinity Chapel, and the DMU Museum which features the ruins of the medieval Church of the Annunciation
• The chance to find out the latest about the multi-million pound transformation of Roman site Jewry Wall from the Friends of Jewry Wall Museum, who will be at St Nicholas Church

St Mary De Castro Church, Newarke Houses Museum and the Magazine will also be open. Heritage Sunday takes place on Sunday, May 26 between 11am and 3pm.

Elizabeth said: “Heritage Sundays are some of our favourite events of the year and we’re thrilled they’re back for 2024. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to interact with visitors of all ages and invite them to learn about Leicester’s ancient quarter.  

“We’re also excited that our students are encouraging people to engage with our spaces, and look forward to Caitlin, Tom and Sophie’s event.”