JUST 1 HOUR UNIVERSITY OF GARDENERS GROUP JUST 1 HOUR Welcome to our guide, JUST 1 HOUR. The idea behind this guide came from the Gardeners group, a small community of staff who come together to share an interest in gardening, nature and the environment. Feedback from the group identified that staff appreciate the opportunity to meet others from different teams that they would not normally get a chance to meet. This has enabled new friendships to develop and bloom.

This guide hopes to build on the connections made, sharing the ethos and community of the University of Glasgow Gardeners group by providing ideas and suggestions for things to do, once a week on your lunch break. It is ‘just 1 hour’ a week, we believe that it is really important for staff to take some time, away from desks, to connect with each other, the community and nature. THIS BOOKLET IS SPLIT INTO 3 SECTIONS:

INTRODUCTION THINGS TO DO FINAL THOUGHTS

THIS PROVIDES MORE DETAIL A SELECTION OF 52 THINGS REFLECTIONS ON THIS ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF TO DO ON YOUR LUNCH BOOKLET AND HOW YOU GLASGOW GARDENERS BREAK AT LITTLE OR NO CAN TAKE PART. GROUP AND HOW TO USE COST AND ALL WITHIN A THIS BOOKLET. 60 MINUTE TIMESLOT. AS THE UNIVERSITY’S MENTAL HEALTH CHAMPION, I AM DELIGHTED TO WELCOME THIS SHORT GUIDE, PRODUCED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW GARDENERS GROUP. THE GUIDE CONTAINS SOME EXCELLENT IDEAS FOR THINGS TO DO AT LUNCHTIME WHILE WORKING ON THE GILMOREHILL CAMPUS. ALL OF US SHOULD TAKE ON BOARD THE ADVICE TO PACE OUR WORK AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE MANY OPPORTUNITIES THAT EXIST ON OR CLOSE TO CAMPUS; AND I HOPE THAT FURTHER GUIDES FOR COLLEAGUES AT GARSCUBE AND DUMFRIES WILL FOLLOW IN DUE COURSE.

DAVID DUNCAN CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND UNIVERSITY SECRETARY JUNE 2019 INTRODUCTION University of Glasgow Gardeners group is a relaxed group for University of Glasgow staff with an ethos of sharing knowledge, helping others to learn new things, enjoying nature and gardening. It was created to provide opportunities for staff to leave their desks for no more than an hour over lunch once or twice a month to find out more about biodiversity, the environment and how to cultivate and grow plants with or without a garden! This enables staff an opportunity to meet others across the University, make connections and take a break. We wanted to share the ideas and activities with the wider University community. This sparked the idea to create this booklet, a selection of 52 activities that you can dip into as and when you want to.

A little bit more about why How to use this guide JUST 1 HOUR is so important The activities in this booklet are centred around Most of us feel the pressure of deadlines, busy nature, wellbeing, mindfulness and developing a kind schedules and needing to do more with less. This and supportive staff community. Some are individual can cause us to lose track of time and before you activities, some can be done together. You may know it lunch becomes a ‘sad desk lunch’. We choose to do all 52, you may choose to do just a few. sit at our desks, quickly eating something, often Even if you just picked up this booklet out of curiosity completing work between bites. However, did you and nothing appeals, we hope to encourage you know that we actually become less productive to get away from your desk once a week to do something different and break your routine. when we don’t take a break? Studies have shown that working through lunch can intensify fatigue- This guide is split into seasons; spring, summer, who hasn’t felt that ‘foggy head’ feeling after an 8 autumn and winter. We are at the mercy of the great hour ‘deskathon’? So, we are challenging you to Glasgow weather so have tried to organise activities say NO to a sad desk lunch once a week and help that may match what is happening outside, we are us grow a community of staff who come together, mindful that it can snow in April and be balmy in for just 1 hour a week to appreciate nature, staff late September, but we have aired on the side of wellbeing and time out. Why not grab a colleague caution! You can do the activities whenever you too, or even get the whole team to join in. want to though and if you enjoy a specific activity you can do it more than once. You may also have activities to add and share, we really encourage you to share your experiences #UofGJust1Hour #UofGGardeners JUST 1 HOUR ACTIVITIES SPRING (MARCH-MAY)

It’s spring, the time when nature bursts into life. The weather is usually beginning to get better with the temperature creeping above the 10º mark (finally!!).

1. Walk around University grounds: Gilmorehill 5. Visit the University café: There are lots of is a beautiful campus. Our team of university local ‘institutions’, cafes, shops and restaurants that gardeners and grounds staff do a fantastic job have been part of the West End for many decades. keeping our gardens looking fantastic. Why not take One such institution is University Café, celebrating an hour to walk through University grounds, visit its 100th birthday in 2018. A much-loved café that the Wildflower gardens (16), the lush green Cloister recently faced the threat closure, so why not have lawns or many of the other pockets of wildlife a retro ice cream and visit the University café on wonder on our campus. your lunch break? The University Café, 87 Byres Rd, Glasgow G11 5HN 2. Cloisters for lunch: How many times have you thought, I must get some air at lunch and then 6. Public Lectures & University events: don’t? The Cloisters is a fantastic spot on a bright University hosts a range of events and lectures spring day to eat lunch al fresco whilst taking an throughout the year. Some of them are organised opportunity to pause, people watch and catch up during lunch hours (between 12-2pm). The University with colleagues. website, events section provides more details about upcoming events. A chance to lunch and learn, 3. Weekly mile: Walking is a great way to improve perhaps meeting new colleagues too! your general physical and mental health. Walking in nature can also reduce stress and get the feel-good 7. Kelvingrove Art Gallery: The Kelvingrove is a hormones released to give you a midday boost. fantastic gallery, within walking distance. There are Can you walk a mile on your lunch break? Perhaps often visiting exhibitions organised that are worth a a walk through the Kelvingrove or Botanics? Or even look. Add some culture to your lunch, taking time a wander through the local community to take in the out to visit the Art Gallery. Kelvingrove Art Gallery, atmosphere. Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8AG

4. Get active: Did the weekly mile inspire you? 8. Plan your garden/window box: Spring is a Would you like to improve your health and wellbeing? great time to start thinking about the gardening you Why not get active by committing to 30 minutes - need to do. If you don’t have a garden, perhaps you 1 hour of exercise every week? This could be a could start a small window box or plants within your walk or perhaps a gentle run around the local park. home. You could even consider joining the University gym and take part in some of the organised classes with some colleagues. University of Glasgow Gym, Stevenson Building, Glasgow G12 8LT

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9. Help out at one of the University gardens: At this time of year The University gardens are coming back to life. The Community Garden and Wildflower Gardens often have organised sessions where staff and students can help out with weeding and planting. Check out University Biodiversity web pages for more information.

10. Walk in : The park in spring is very pretty, beautiful blossoms and the park comes alive with the return of warmer days. A walk in nature can reduce stress and improve memory, so put on some comfy shoes and go for a walk around the park.

11. National Library of : A short walk from campus you can visit the ‘discovery centre’, located with the Kelvin Hall. An interactive exhibition that documents Scottish life, past and present. There is also a café located in the Kelvin Hall so you could treat yourself to some lunch too. National Library of Scotland, 1445 Argyle St, SPRING GARDENING TASKS Glasgow G3 8AW INDOOR SEED PLANTING, SOW VEGETABLES THAT CAN SURVIVE THE COLD, SOW SEEDLINGS, 12. Be thankful: Taking time out to reflect and PRUNE BUSHES AND FRUIT TREES, FERTILISE appreciate things (even the small things) can help PLANTS AND LAWNS, DEADHEAD PLANTS AS put things into perspective and promote general REQUIRED, PLANT HERBS, REPOT PLANTS THAT wellbeing. Gratitude on a sunny day for those around us who help and support us can help us NEED MORE SPACE FOR GROWTH. experience positive emotions. Why not thank someone today. JUST 1 HOUR ACTIVITIES SUMMER (JUNE-AUGUST)

Summer is here and this hopefully brings some better (drier??) weather. There’s plenty happening on campus and in the local community so it is a great time of year to go outside and explore a little.

13. Visit to the Botanics: A stunning botanical 14. Visit the Community Garden: The University garden, just 15 minutes walk from Gilmorehill. The has a community of students and staff who maintain garden includes several glasshouses, including and develop green space on campus. This includes the most notable Kibble Palace. There are plenty of a Community garden where food is grown and benches in the park too so a great location to eat then shared with the students and staff who have lunch on a sunny day. , cultivated the garden. It is a lovely space and worth 730 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 0UE a visit. Gardens to rear of 68-78 Oakfield Avenue (accessed via Viewfield Lane).

21 15. Visit the Sensory Garden and Beehive: Just along from the Community garden are some other hidden treasures. The University has a Sensory garden that is open to all staff and students who would like to some time out in a quiet, tranquil location. When you visit, don’t miss looking over the wall at the garden opposite, that’s where University bees live. Back garden of 65 Southpark Avenue.

16. Visit the Wildflower Garden: Another garden on campus is our Wildflower garden. The garden includes a pond and planting has focussed on indigenous species so that the garden encourages a natural habitat to attract insects and local wildlife. What might you spot when you visit? Located in the area between the rear of QMU and the rear of Lilybank House.

17. West End festival: The West End Festival normally takes place in June. The festival includes events, exhibitions and pop-ups that take place throughout the day and into the evening. A brochure is normally published each year and can be found in local cafes, libraries and shops and is also available online. Join in the buzz of the festival on your lunch break.

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18. Quirky West End: There are so many 21. Help at Graduations: Graduations are an interesting things in the West End. Perhaps a impressive and momentous event for our students. wander down or a visit to Tchai Ovna Often Registry is looking for staff to help at a tea house, located in a 19th century a stable... Graduation. This is a great opportunity to take in What might you discover if you go for a walk looking the atmosphere and be part of the final part of our for new things to see in the local area? Tchai Ovna, student’s learning journey. Just get in touch with 42 Otago Lane, G12 8PB Registry for more information.

19. Go for an ice cream/treat: Everyone likes a 22. Take in the Freshers’ week atmosphere: treat on occasion. So why not plan a treat to look Yes, it becomes very busy on campus during forward to? Whether that’s getting an ice cream Freshers’ week, but it is great to see our students to enjoy in the sun (and Byres Road has a great returning and new students joining our community. selection of cafes selling ice cream) or just a really A walk around University campus can be great fun good coffee people watching for an hour- go on, and you might even help out a lost Fresher looking what’s stopping you? for their first class!

20. Go window shopping: There are many interesting shops, boutiques and cafes along SUMMER GARDENING TASKS Byres Road and Great Western Road. All the PRUNE SHRUBS, THIN TREES, CUT BACK PLANTS local business owners are extremely friendly and AND FLOWERS (LAVENDER, PEONIES ETC), welcoming to people who want to visit them for DEAD HEAD AND FEED, WEED, a nosey. Are there any shops that you’ve always thought about visiting for a look around? A lunch SOW SPRING/LATE WINTER VEGETABLES. break is a great opportunity to go out and visit.

JUST 1 HOUR ACTIVITIES AUTUMN (SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER)

Venturing out at lunch becomes less of an option as the temperature drops and the wetter weather returns. The good news is that there are plenty of things to do on campus that enable you to leave your desk without needing to travel too far!

23. Hunterian Museum: Did you know that 25. Hunterian Zoology Museum: Did you know the Hunterian Museum is the oldest museum in that we had a koala on campus, or a small selection Scotland? The Hunterian includes a collection of living snakes, lizards and frogs? If that sounds of galleries and facilities. Why not visit them all? interesting plan a visit to the Zoology Museum to Starting with the main Hunterian Museum and then find out and see more! Hunterian Zoology Museum, visit the other locations over the next few weeks. Graham Kerr Building Hunterian Museum, University of Glasgow, Gilbert Scott Building, Glasgow G12 8QQ 26. Hunterian Anatomy Museum: The Museum houses a fantastic collection that is of incredible 24. Hunterian Art Gallery: The Art Gallery importance in the history and development of showcases the University art collection and also medicine. Although the collection is largely used includes a Sculpture garden. The Art Gallery is for research and teaching it is possible to arrange a an oasis of calm and a great place to visit if you visit. This can be done by calling the School of Life would like to get away from the hustle and bustle on Sciences on 0141 330 4296 or visiting the School of campus at the start of the new academic session. Life Sciences website. Anatomy Museum, Thomson Hunterian Art Gallery, University of Glasgow, 82 Building Hillhead St, Glasgow G12 8QQ 27. Organ recital at Kelvingrove: Every day at 1pm the Kelvingrove provides an organ recital that is free for everyone to attend. The setting is grand and the acoustics are fantastic. The genre tends to 23 be classical, but there have been occasions when a spot of David Bowie has been played! Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8AG

28. Visit Special Collections: University Library is home to a vast collection of rare and significant items. Even just exploring the collections online is fascinating, but did you know that you can also organise to visit the Collections and see items that are of interest? More information can be found on the Special Collections webpages. Special Collections, Main Library, Level 12

33. Start a ‘thoughts’ diary: Making time to reflect and become more mindful can help reduce stress, improve concentration and focus. Some people have found keeping a ‘thoughts’ diary can really help to provide clarity of thought. This is a private diary that you can write in whenever you want to and it is simply about writing down your current thoughts and feelings to help you understand them more.

34. Learn more about our Biodiversity strategy: There are some very exciting things happening on campus with a focus on biodiversity. From the beautiful wildflower planting to the student run 28 Glasgow University Environmental Sustainability Team (GUEST). Check Biodiversity webpages from 29. Ask a colleague if they’d like to join you more information. for lunch: Sometimes it can become a routine, bring in lunch, eat lunch, get back to work. However 35. Learn more about inclusivity and diversity what about breaking that cycle every now and on campus: University of Glasgow is a diverse then and asking a colleague to join you for lunch? and supportive environment. You can find out Whether that’s agreeing in advance and bringing in more about the groups, societies and university lunch or surprising a colleague and suggesting a inclusivity and diversity history on University web trip to a local café. It can be great to catch up. pages.

30. Check out what events are happening at 36. Learn something new: Have you been the weekend: Plan something to look forward to. planning to learn something new or is there There is a large selection of activities taking place in something that you have wanted to know more Glasgow from Farmer’s markets to live music, take about. There are a large selection of options such an hour to find something to do at the weekend! as ‘Future Learn’ or even just reading a journal article that you keep meaning to make the time to 31. Find a recipe you haven’t made before do. Use your lunch break to learn something new, and buy ingredients to make it: Fortunately we you could then share what you have learned with are close to a huge selection of supermarkets, a colleague. specialist food and local food sellers. Do you have a recipe that you’ve always wanted to make? Or do 37. Take a coffee to a colleague: If you did learn you want to try something new? Today could be the something new (36) then why not offer to buy a day you plan to make that recipe, or better still why colleague a coffee and share your learning. Or, just not agree a Friday lunch menu with colleagues and surprise a colleague by asking them if they want to everyone bring something in to share (especially if it go for a coffee and find out more about them. can be made from locally sourced produce!)

32. Treat yourself to lunch/cake and coffee: AUTUMN GARDENING TASKS With the nights getting longer and the daylight RAKE/SWEEP LEAVES, PULL UP ANNUALS, slowly reducing, autumn is a perfect time to get MAKE LEAF MOULD, TIDY HEDGES AND SHRUBS, away from your desk and admire the changing REMOVE DEAD PLANTS, colour of the trees. Both Kelvingrove and the FINAL HARVEST OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES, Botanic Gardens have a café in the park so a great ORDER SEEDS FOR NEXT YEAR. reason to go for a walk and a lunch treat.

JUST 1 HOUR ACTIVITIES WINTER (DECEMBER-FEBRUARY)

As the darker evenings draw in and the festive period is in full swing it’s important to make time for reflection and self-care. There are plenty of things to do indoors or close by that enable you to take some time out.

38. Time for you: As the festive period commences 43. Glasgow born enterprise: There are many it can be easy to become overwhelmed with things local businesses in the area that offer a selection that need to be done. So, take 1 hour out to just of unique and one-off items. Designers such as focus on you. Whether that’s just sitting somewhere Timorous Beasties and Paulin Watches are all within quiet and reflecting, catching up on things that are walking distance and great to visit. of interest to you or taking a walk through the park. 44. Finding hidden treasures: From the vintage 39. Take an hour to write down your to do list: and retro selection at Ruthven Mews to the Apparently writing lists can make you more efficient, abundance of local charity shops, take an hour to less stressed and less likely to forget things! Take go ‘treasure hunting’ in the local area. some time out to write down your to do list. This could be a work to do list or your personal to do list. 45. Read a few pages of a book: Have you a Notice how you feel after writing the list, notice how book that you’ve been wanting to start or are you you feel once all tasks are ticked off as done. currently reading something that is hard to put down? Take a break from your work and read a 40. University Memorial Chapel: The Chapel is few pages of a book, taking your imagination and a beautiful and peaceful space on campus that is thoughts somewhere else, allowing you to return worth a visit, especially if you haven’t been before. refreshed and ready to start your afternoon. There are often exhibitions on display and you might catch our University Choir having a practice. 46. Get creative: There is a community of makers at the University who are all welcoming and always 41. Music in the University: There are a variety looking for others to join them. If there isn’t a group of events that take place throughout the year that that you are able to join, why not start your own promote music making and opportunities for staff group to meet once a month to knit, draw, write or to take part in a range of music at the University. do something that is a shared creative interest. Events take place during the day and in the evenings, check out the University web pages for 47. Find out more about University of Glasgow more information. history: The University has a rich and interesting history. Much of this history can be accessed easily 42. The Lanes’ (Ashton Lane etc): At this time on University webpages. Taking a lunch break of year the local community is decorated for the to find out more is a great way to learn about our festive season. Ashton Lane and other local streets campus. Better still you could go on a campus tour and shops look very pretty making a stroll at lunch or venture out to visit the original lion and unicorn a lovely break to look forward to. staircase just beyond University Memorial Chapel.

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51 48. Find out more about Glasgow’s history: Spend an hour to find out more about the city of Glasgow. You could find out more about Hillhead and the local area or other parts of the city. There are also many photographs and items within Special Collections (28) if you would like to find out more.

49. Discover some of our famous Alumni: The University is fortunate to have many successful and interesting Alumni. More information about those who have attended University can be found on University webpages and is a great way to spend an hour to find out more about our University community.

50. Write a letter or postcard and post it: Is there someone that you have been meaning to get in touch with but haven’t had a chance to? Or is there someone you know who would like a surprise card? Although considered retro, there’s something special about receiving a handwritten note in the post. Take an hour to select a card and write a short note to someone you care about.

51. Listen to an audio book or music you like: Take some time out by listening to some of your favourite music or an audio book. You could find a quiet spot and listen using headphones or book a space and invite colleagues to join in and listen too. WINTER GARDENING TASKS WEEDING, COVER CROPS, 52. Add to this list: Is there something else that PROTECT YOUNG TREES/PLANTS, START WINTER you can share with others that isn’t on this list? SOWING, TIDY UP GARDEN AND FERTILISE. Take a lunch break to write it down and share with others #UofGJust1Hour #UofGGardeners FINAL THOUGHTS We hope that this booklet has been helpful and that you are inspired to do some of the activities that have been suggested. You don’t need to do all of them, but perhaps you could try a few?

We’d love to see and hear about any activities that you do, any new colleagues you meet and anything else that you discover by taking ‘just 1 hour’ out of your day. Please share with us: #UofGJust1Hour #UofGGardeners

Special thanks to the Ferguson Bequest fund. Funding enabled us to produce this document and run events for University of Glasgow Gardeners group.

Author: Jennifer Robertson DISCLAIMER: ALTHOUGH THE AUTHOR AND PUBLISHER HAVE MADE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION IN THIS BOOK WAS CORRECT AT PRESS TIME, THE AUTHOR AND PUBLISHER DO NOT ASSUME AND HEREBY DISCLAIM ANY LIABILITY TO ANY PARTY FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGE, OR DISRUPTION CAUSED BY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS, WHETHER SUCH ERRORS OR OMISSIONS RESULT FROM NEGLIGENCE, ACCIDENT, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE. USEFUL LINKS glasgow.ac.uk/explore/visit/attractions/tour glasgow.ac.uk/events/listings www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums glasgow.ac.uk/myglasgow/sustainability/biodiversity www.nls.uk/using-the-library/kelvin-hall www.glasgowbotanicgardens.com www.westendfestival.co.uk glasgow.ac.uk/hunterian glasgow.ac.uk/myglasgow/specialcollections glasgow.ac.uk/myglasgow/sustainability/biodiversity glasgow.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity glasgow.ac.uk/subjects/music/events glasgow.ac.uk/explore/history peoplemakeglasgow.com/discover/historic-glasgow glasgow.ac.uk/explore/history/fame

JUST 1 HOUR UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW GARDENERS GROUP

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