The head gardener at Durham University’s Botanic Garden has launched a photo blog which allows nature lovers to see spring coming into bloom while the attraction is closed to visitors

The botanic garden, a 24-acre beauty spot on the southern outskirts of Durham City, is closed until further notice, along with all the university’s museums and attractions, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, head gardener Mike Hughes is posting photos every day on the Friends of Durham Botanic Garden website, along with a daily email commentary on how the garden is changing while it remains behind closed doors.

The Northern Echo:

Mr Hughes said: “It’s a great shame that we can’t welcome visitors to the garden right now as it’s a beautiful time of year but, of course, it’s absolutely the right decision.

“I thought that by posting a few photos online I might share the life and colour that spring has brought with our regular visitors and help people who can’t enjoy parks or gardens at the minute to stay in touch with nature and the outdoors.

“I hope it will lead to us welcoming new friends when we’re able to reopen.”

To read the blog or sign up to receive it, visit friendsofdurhambotanicgarden.org.uk.

The Northern Echo:

The blog is one of a range of ways the university is supporting local communities to continue learning, be creative and connect with the outside world during lockdown.

Medieval history Professor Giles Gasper has launched a podcast titled Narratives of Resilience, exploring how nations have responded to crises and disasters through history.

The Museum From Home website launched last month, offering free learning resources for all ages inspired by its museums and collections, is being added to constantly; and preparations are now well underway for Onstage: Online, an online theatre festival planned for June, with the deadline for applications having passed yesterday.

The university is also continuing to support local health services. It recently donated iPads to the University Hospital of North Durham to allow patients to keep in touch with their loved ones and, aware that Covid-19 has meant an increased demand for oxygen, returned an oxygen cylinder not currently in use so that it can be used in a hospital.

The Northern Echo:

University technician Amy Tate designed an adjustable clip to make face masks more comfortable, which is now being used by some North-East Ambulance Service staff; and Haughton House, at St John’s College, was lit blue for an evening in gratitude to health workers.

The Northern Echo:

Meanwhile, university researchers are applying their expertise to thinking how society might look once the pandemic is over.

Prof Fred Robinson, of St Chad’s College, has written for The Northern Echo about the virus’ potential impact on social cohesion and anthropologist Elena Miltiadis is considering how emotional memories of the pandemic may affect our future behaviour.

Also, Durham University sociologists want to hear the lockdown experiences of young people and young adults aged 14 to 30 in the North-East, so that they can help organisations that work with young people better plan for their needs in the future.

Outside of their work and study, university staff and students are raising thousands of pounds for good causes that are supporting individuals and communities through Covid-19.

A student netball club challenge to run 1,407km – the distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats – was completed in six days and has raised nearly £4,000 for NHS Charities Together; while a tennis club fundraiser to run 1,000km – the distance from Durham to Wimbledon and back – has raised nearly £2,000, which will be split between the NHS charity and Durham Foodbank.

The Northern Echo:

Finally, Grey College’s “Greyt Race”, which saw students run 1,000km, has raised nearly £2,000 for the Albert Kennedy Trust, which supports homeless LGBTQ+ young people.

For more information on how Durham University is supporting the effort to defeat Covid-19, please visit: www.durham.ac.uk/community/covid19support