University of Reading campus receives 16th Green Flag

Whiteknights campus has been awarded a Green Flag for the sixteenth year in a row, retaining its place among the UK's top green public spaces.

The Green Flag Award scheme recognises well maintained parks and green sites and aims to encourage community access to quality outdoor spaces.

The achievement reflects the consistent work of the University's grounds team, whose day-to-day efforts keep the campus looking its best for staff, students and visitors to enjoy. 

This award also recognises the work by volunteers who help in the Harris Garden each week.

Lucy Jellis, Head of Grounds Maintenance at the University of Reading, said: “Sixteen consecutive Green Flag Awards is a brilliant milestone, and one the whole grounds team should be proud of. It reflects the year-round effort that goes into looking after Whiteknights and making it such a special place for staff, students and the wider community to enjoy."

Set in 120 hectares of beautiful parkland, the Whiteknights campus features woodlands, meadows, a lake and a botanical garden. It is home to around 2,000 species of plant and animal life. It offers spaces for scenic walks and outdoor sports and activities.

Whiteknights was originally owned by the Marquess of Blandford more than 200 years ago and was purchased by the University of Reading in 1947.