Local
Local Green spaces
Location of your Local Green Space
Find Your local park on this web site http://www.playengland.org.uk/nature-play-map.aspx
Harris gardens at the University of Reading http://www.reading.ac.uk/biologicalsciences/museums-facilities/biosci-harrisgarden.aspx description of the gardens http://www.friendsoftheharrisgarden.org.uk/garden_description.html
Friends of Harris Gardens http://www.friendsoftheharrisgarden.org.uk/ for open days, what's on in the garden.
The Reading university grounds ideal spot for feeding ducks in the lakes, walking the grounds, watching student life, with shops and coffee bars at the center, plus lots more.
Here is a free Tree walk at the Reading university for all to enjoy http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/fmd/Grounds_Tree_Walk_Brochure.pdf
Palmer Park
Large local park, with sports stadium, velodrome, bowling club, library Barty Bears Play ground at London rd side, plus Reading Playcafe at the other larger play area at Wokingham road side
Small park at Addington road, Play areas for yound children and out door seating.
Eldon Square Small park with bench's at Edon Square
Cintra Park
A flat open parkland which has recreational facilities and in a quiet location of Christchurch Road. Good panoramic views to the south that can be best appreciated during the winter months.
Childrens Club house Toilets Childrens Play area
Sports - cricket, football, bowls pavilion, open hard-surfaced basketball area.
Hard surfaced 5-aside.Wildlife Good specimen trees including oak and red chestnut avenue, and an avenue of pollarded lime trees.
Local places to have a picnic
1) Caversham Court Gardens, Caversham
2) Forbury Gardens, Reading
3) Thameside Promenade, Reading
4) Thames Valley Park, Reading
5) King's Meadow, Reading
6) California Country Park, Finchampstead
7) Mapledurham House, Mapledurham
8) Cintra Park, Reading
9) Palmer Park, Reading
10) Prospect Park, Reading
11) Cantley Park, Wokingham
12) Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst
Christchurch Meadows, Reading
http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/top-20-picnic-destinations-reading-6945916
RISC roof garden
An urban oasis in Reading is full of plants with a purpose at RISC gardens on London Street http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/gardening-blog/2013/mar/21/risc-roof-garden, The RISC Roof Garden holds several public open days throughout the year, via the NGS. For more details visit http://www.risc.org.uk/gardens/opendays.php
Ridgeline Trust local community garden at top of Hamilton rd http://www.ridgelinetrust.org.uk/community-gardening.html limited openings
The Old Cemetery at Cemetery junction Once over looked this green space at the heart is a haven of peace and quiet, local group are now, planting trees and removing years of over over grown shrubs and trees. Look out for monkjact deer, and the weeping beech tree was voted by the tree Network as being Readings Favourite tree in 2012! Why not join friends of Reading Cemetery face book group https://www.facebook.com/groups/158125341013738/?fref=ts
Thames Riverside walk. Take a walk along the Thames from Newtown to Sonning Lock. there is a cafe at the lock for refreshments http://www.bbc.co.uk/berkshire/outdoors/walk_through_time/index.shtml
Thames Valley Park (actually in Wokingham as its east of the railway line to wokingham, so not in reading at all). Large open space, for out door games, picnic's, kite flying etc, Water sports at the Wokingham waterside center by the Thames http://www.wokinghamwatersidecentre.com/
Reading warden tree Network
If you are interest in Trees why not join Reading warden tree Network, a group planting trees and looking after all over Reading http://www.reading.gov.uk/residents/naturalenvironment/trees/tree-wardens/ more detials from Chair of the Reading Tree Warden Network, Hoyte Swager. Email: rtwn2011@gmail.com
Urban Pollinators Ecology and Conservation Group at Reading University
The Urban Pollinators project is researching insect pollinators in urban habitats in the UK. The project is funded under the UK Insect Pollinators Initiative and runs from 2011 until 2014. The project is led by the University of Bristol, with academic partners at the University of Reading, University of Leeds,University of Edinburgh.
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/biology/research/ecological/community/pollinators
New Flower Meadows coming to Palmer Park and other flower meadows in Reading http://www.bristol.ac.uk/biology/research/ecological/community/pollinators/urbanmeadows/reading/readingflowermeadows.html
Community Orchards
Transition group reading are working on planting community orchards in Reading at Prospect park, and Waterloo meadows
http://www.transitionreading.org.uk/2013/02/04/one-orchard-planted-prospect-park-one-to-go-waterloo-meadows/#rdg #prospectpark There have been a couple of nut trees planted in Palmer park, but no community orchard as yet, sadly.
Wells hall site Upper Redlands Road.
Nature reserve, sadly to be redeveloped but until then, its a local wide life haven.
Further Away
Dinton Pastures Country Park has just over 335 acres.Its on the B3030 between Winnersh crossroads and Twyford, It is open daily throughout the year.
It offers a variety of habitats including 7 lakes, 2 rivers, and meadows. Three public bird hides provide secret viewing of the waterfowl, with one specially adapted for wheelchair users.
http://dintonpastures.co.uk/
Fobney island wetlands nature reserve http://thamesriverstrust.org.uk/friends-of-fobney-wetland-nature-reserve-new-volunteer-group-forms/
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=459113344144016&set=pb.451213678267316.-2207520000.1361540067&&theater
Earth Trust walks Whether a short hike up the clumps while watching red kites swoop and tumble, or a long meandering wander through woodland or meadow, accompanied by butterflies and birdsong... Perhaps a stroll around Thrupp Lake, Radley - there is the right walk for everyone at the Earth Trust!
http://www.earthtrust.org.uk/Explore/EarthTrustWalks.aspx
The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) is one of 47 Wildlife Trusts working across the UK to achieve the shared aim of securing a better future for wildlife.Our nature reserves provide havens for wildlife and places where people can experience our stunning natural world themselves.
The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust owns and manages 80 nature reserves in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. More than 1,700 hectares of land are managed specifically to protect wildlife. http://www.bbowt.org.uk/
Green Spaces for People
Welcome to the Green Spaces for People website. Here you'll find all the information you need about our plans to provide high-quality green spaces in over 70 neighbourhoods around England. http://www.greenspacesforpeople.co.uk/
Local National trust Properties
Here are some of the closest to Reading
Basildon Park http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/basildon-park/
Maidenhead and Cookham Commons http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/maidenhead-and-cookham-commons/?p=1356306222224
Ashdown hosue http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashdown-house/
The Vyne http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/vyne/
Cliveden http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/
Greys Court http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greys-court/
Location of your Local Green Space
Find Your local park on this web site http://www.playengland.org.uk/nature-play-map.aspx
Harris gardens at the University of Reading http://www.reading.ac.uk/biologicalsciences/museums-facilities/biosci-harrisgarden.aspx description of the gardens http://www.friendsoftheharrisgarden.org.uk/garden_description.html
Friends of Harris Gardens http://www.friendsoftheharrisgarden.org.uk/ for open days, what's on in the garden.
The Reading university grounds ideal spot for feeding ducks in the lakes, walking the grounds, watching student life, with shops and coffee bars at the center, plus lots more.
Here is a free Tree walk at the Reading university for all to enjoy http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/fmd/Grounds_Tree_Walk_Brochure.pdf
Palmer Park
Large local park, with sports stadium, velodrome, bowling club, library Barty Bears Play ground at London rd side, plus Reading Playcafe at the other larger play area at Wokingham road side
Small park at Addington road, Play areas for yound children and out door seating.
Eldon Square Small park with bench's at Edon Square
Cintra Park
A flat open parkland which has recreational facilities and in a quiet location of Christchurch Road. Good panoramic views to the south that can be best appreciated during the winter months.
Childrens Club house Toilets Childrens Play area
Sports - cricket, football, bowls pavilion, open hard-surfaced basketball area.
Hard surfaced 5-aside.Wildlife Good specimen trees including oak and red chestnut avenue, and an avenue of pollarded lime trees.
Local places to have a picnic
1) Caversham Court Gardens, Caversham
2) Forbury Gardens, Reading
3) Thameside Promenade, Reading
4) Thames Valley Park, Reading
5) King's Meadow, Reading
6) California Country Park, Finchampstead
7) Mapledurham House, Mapledurham
8) Cintra Park, Reading
9) Palmer Park, Reading
10) Prospect Park, Reading
11) Cantley Park, Wokingham
12) Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst
Christchurch Meadows, Reading
http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/top-20-picnic-destinations-reading-6945916
RISC roof garden
An urban oasis in Reading is full of plants with a purpose at RISC gardens on London Street http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/gardening-blog/2013/mar/21/risc-roof-garden, The RISC Roof Garden holds several public open days throughout the year, via the NGS. For more details visit http://www.risc.org.uk/gardens/opendays.php
Ridgeline Trust local community garden at top of Hamilton rd http://www.ridgelinetrust.org.uk/community-gardening.html limited openings
The Old Cemetery at Cemetery junction Once over looked this green space at the heart is a haven of peace and quiet, local group are now, planting trees and removing years of over over grown shrubs and trees. Look out for monkjact deer, and the weeping beech tree was voted by the tree Network as being Readings Favourite tree in 2012! Why not join friends of Reading Cemetery face book group https://www.facebook.com/groups/158125341013738/?fref=ts
Thames Riverside walk. Take a walk along the Thames from Newtown to Sonning Lock. there is a cafe at the lock for refreshments http://www.bbc.co.uk/berkshire/outdoors/walk_through_time/index.shtml
Thames Valley Park (actually in Wokingham as its east of the railway line to wokingham, so not in reading at all). Large open space, for out door games, picnic's, kite flying etc, Water sports at the Wokingham waterside center by the Thames http://www.wokinghamwatersidecentre.com/
Reading warden tree Network
If you are interest in Trees why not join Reading warden tree Network, a group planting trees and looking after all over Reading http://www.reading.gov.uk/residents/naturalenvironment/trees/tree-wardens/ more detials from Chair of the Reading Tree Warden Network, Hoyte Swager. Email: rtwn2011@gmail.com
Urban Pollinators Ecology and Conservation Group at Reading University
The Urban Pollinators project is researching insect pollinators in urban habitats in the UK. The project is funded under the UK Insect Pollinators Initiative and runs from 2011 until 2014. The project is led by the University of Bristol, with academic partners at the University of Reading, University of Leeds,University of Edinburgh.
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/biology/research/ecological/community/pollinators
New Flower Meadows coming to Palmer Park and other flower meadows in Reading http://www.bristol.ac.uk/biology/research/ecological/community/pollinators/urbanmeadows/reading/readingflowermeadows.html
Community Orchards
Transition group reading are working on planting community orchards in Reading at Prospect park, and Waterloo meadows
http://www.transitionreading.org.uk/2013/02/04/one-orchard-planted-prospect-park-one-to-go-waterloo-meadows/#rdg #prospectpark There have been a couple of nut trees planted in Palmer park, but no community orchard as yet, sadly.
Wells hall site Upper Redlands Road.
Nature reserve, sadly to be redeveloped but until then, its a local wide life haven.
Further Away
Dinton Pastures Country Park has just over 335 acres.Its on the B3030 between Winnersh crossroads and Twyford, It is open daily throughout the year.
It offers a variety of habitats including 7 lakes, 2 rivers, and meadows. Three public bird hides provide secret viewing of the waterfowl, with one specially adapted for wheelchair users.
http://dintonpastures.co.uk/
Fobney island wetlands nature reserve http://thamesriverstrust.org.uk/friends-of-fobney-wetland-nature-reserve-new-volunteer-group-forms/
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=459113344144016&set=pb.451213678267316.-2207520000.1361540067&&theater
Earth Trust walks Whether a short hike up the clumps while watching red kites swoop and tumble, or a long meandering wander through woodland or meadow, accompanied by butterflies and birdsong... Perhaps a stroll around Thrupp Lake, Radley - there is the right walk for everyone at the Earth Trust!
http://www.earthtrust.org.uk/Explore/EarthTrustWalks.aspx
The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) is one of 47 Wildlife Trusts working across the UK to achieve the shared aim of securing a better future for wildlife.Our nature reserves provide havens for wildlife and places where people can experience our stunning natural world themselves.
The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust owns and manages 80 nature reserves in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. More than 1,700 hectares of land are managed specifically to protect wildlife. http://www.bbowt.org.uk/
Green Spaces for People
Welcome to the Green Spaces for People website. Here you'll find all the information you need about our plans to provide high-quality green spaces in over 70 neighbourhoods around England. http://www.greenspacesforpeople.co.uk/
Local National trust Properties
Here are some of the closest to Reading
Basildon Park http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/basildon-park/
Maidenhead and Cookham Commons http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/maidenhead-and-cookham-commons/?p=1356306222224
Ashdown hosue http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashdown-house/
The Vyne http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/vyne/
Cliveden http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/
Greys Court http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greys-court/