Text & photos Ananya Doraswamy & Marieke Enter
The Lumen nature garden
Follow the paved path on the right of the building, walk through the gate and turn right to get to the garden. There, nestled among the wild flowers, is a cosy bench for two. Enjoy your meal with a gorgeous view of the lake. Surrounded by nature, you have only the breeze listening to your conversation. You’re also in the perfect place for a scenic, post-lunch stroll.
+ The garden hosts some rare and vulnerable plant species, such as dragon’s teeth and the marsh helleborine.
– You can only walk on the paths so as not to disturb the nature.
The Forum waterfront
If you’d prefer to picnic closer to water, the wooden steps by the bridge between Forum and Impulse may be more to your taste. On a clear day, it’s ideal for basking in the sunshine as you munch on your meal and watch swans gliding lazily and rays of sunlight transform into glittering diamonds as they hit the water.
+ Since it’s a popular lunchtime spot, even if you start your picnic alone, you are likely to run into a few familiar faces before you’re done.
– At times, it can get very busy.
Under the oak tree next to Impulse
At the entrance of Impulse, walk past the stone sculpture towards the grassy patch on the left of the building. You will find yourself in a lovely picnic spot, shaded by an oak tree. You can take your pick of seating: the big boulders shaped as seats, the wooden furniture or the grass.
+ The AH to Go is easily accessible if you didn’t have time to bring a picnic from home.
– The place is not that peaceful because of the many passers-by between Forum and Aurora.
The amphitheatre
A simple design with a concrete bench around the circumference, leaving it wide open to nature. A partial covering on one side offers some shade without shutting out the rest of the world.
+ If you’re lucky, there will be a concert playing on the grass nearby and you get a musical afternoon.
– There are lots of cigarette butts lying around.
By the willow tree opposite Zodiac
In front of Zodiac, there is a charming pond that hosts ducks, coots and an occasional heron. Make your way toward the Man with Bull statue and stop at the cheerful blue bench. Suddenly all you can hear is the gentle swish of willow branches in the wind and the water rippling in the breeze.
+ The view: a spectacular backdrop of sky. If you run out of conversation, you could always lie back and cloud-gaze.
– Watch out for duck droppings when you spread your blanket on the grass.
The hidden garden behind Unilever
If you’re looking for something offbeat, this is definitely a spot to consider. Is it a legit picnic spot? Let’s put it this way, there aren’t any signs that say it isn’t! Tucked away behind the Unilever building is a little patch of fruit trees, wild flowers and bird boxes. There’s plenty to observe, and at this time of year you can enjoy the sweet scent of roses as you picnic. Tip: rather than walk on the paved footpath, take the grassy path on the hillocks past the building; it’s lined with daisies and other wild flowers.
+ Easy walking distance between Orion and Lebo, so it’s a true meeting place for members of the natural and social sciences.
– When the grass is tall, there isn’t much room to spread out a blanket.
The NL2120 Landscape Garden, behind Atlas
A cute space designed by Landscape Architecture students. They got inspiration from the ‘Netherlands in 2120’ project, WUR’s perspective on what the Netherlands might look like if we opt for future-proof, green solutions in spatial planning. Besides a selection of flowers that are in bloom right now, there are picnic benches!
+ With solar panels embedded in them, the tables have charging points so your devices can recharge while you take a break.
– It is not the most vibrant place on campus.
