Mulberry (half) Marathon

Event Information

This walk explores the site of King James I’s original mulberry tree plantation underlying his project to start a domestic silk industry. 

It offers several opportunities to discover white mulberry trees – unusual in the UK today – which is the natural host for the Bombyx mori silkmoth.

The walk ends in a unique avenue of White mulberries and Black mulberries in Kensington Gardens.

Contributors

Peter Coles

Peter Coles is a freelance writer, translator (French to English), editor and photographer. He is Visiting Tutor at the Centre for Urban and Community Research, Goldsmiths, University of London, where he contributes to the Photography and Urban Cultures MA programme.  Mulberry, Peter’s latest book, is published by Reaktion Books (November 2019).

In 2016 Peter collaborated with the Conservation Foundation to set up  Morus Londinium, a project to document, preserve and raise awareness of London’s mulberry tree heritage. Hosted by  the Conservation Foundation, the project has been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Morus Londinium is winner of a European Heritage / Europa Nostra Heritage Award 2021. Visit the website to find Peter’s many blog articles revealing London’s heritage through its veteran mulberry trees. 

In 2018 Peter helped to set up the first Urban Tree Festival.  He is a member of the festival’s Steering Group and a regular contributor, giving talks and leading walks.

Location of event

Royal mulberries (St James’s church to Kensington Palace)

Meet at St James’s church Piccadilly.

Approx. 4 miles (2-3 hours)