University of Reading opens learning garden
The garden will be available to local schoolchildren
Last updated 19th Jun 2026
The university of Reading has created a learning garden for local schools to gain knowledge about climate change and biodiversity.
It's been built within an old walled garden within the Harris gardens on the Whiteknights campus.
Described as a 'living laboratory' it's part of the university's commitment to promoting better climate and nature education.
Split into five zones the learning garden has been specifically designed for learners of all ages benefitting local schools, university staff and students and the wider community.
University vice-chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort said:
"What we're doing here is to give young people an understanding of climate change, hydrology, food growing so that they can find some ideas to take back home and to school to make this planet a better place.
“This remarkable space is designed to inspire curiosity, build understanding and empower young people to take action. It will benefit not only our own students, but also local schools and communities for many years to come. It’s a superb addition to our beautiful Harris Gardens.
"We are interested in raising their aspirations and if as a consequence these young people think of going to university, either here or elsewhere, then I think we're doing a good job."
The Learning Garden features five themed zones exploring:
climate change
biodiversity
water systems
food production
practical action to address environmental challenges.
The garden’s launch is part of the University of Reading wider Nature Park initiative and its newly announced affiliation with the National Education Nature Park programme. The National Education Nature Park programme is led by the Natural History Museum working with the Royal Horticultural Society and additional partners and is commissioned and funded by the Department for Education. It supports children and young people at schools, nurseries and colleges in England to connect with nature and enhance biodiversity on their grounds, with nearly 10,000 settings signed up so far.
The University is now encouraging schools and community groups across the region to book visits from the next academic year, as the Learning Garden begins its first full programme of educational activity.
Contact [email protected] to enquire about bookings.