The University of Manchester student action group RooTable has kicked off a new project, aiming to plant apple trees in South Manchester neighbourhoods. To date, the team has planted a dozen trees in the Gem Pocket Garden, nearby St. Kentigern’s Primary School, Fallowfield in May 2026 in collaboration with Manchester City Council and the school’s Eco Team. The apple tree saplings have been acquired from Prof. Simon Turner’s novel biofuel research project, whilst recycled woodchip is being repurposed from the redevelopment of the Fallowfield Campus. RooTable, hosted at the Firs Environmental Research Station, has been awarded provisional funding from the Steve Biko Sustainability Fund and the Student’s Union to expand to new sites, which will be selected to maximise community benefit.

The wider RooTable project aims to reduce food poverty and contribute to good health in communities by growing fruit and vegetables, whilst delivering food-orientated workshops to students and low-income communities in Manchester. So far, RooTable has grown around a tonne of organic produce, equivalent to 12,500 meals, for foodbanks such as Emmeline’s Pantry, Oldham Vegbag and Gorton Community Centre. The team was recently awarded at the Making a Difference Awards 2026, winning the Outstanding contribution to environmental sustainability and a zero carbon future category. 

• If you are interested in getting involved at the Firs Environmental Research Station, get in touch by emailing rootable@manchesterstudentsunion.com or firs@manchester.ac.uk.
• Right now, visitors can claim a complimentary tomato plant, while stocks last.