Estimated completion time is around 35 minutes – longer if you explore the Harris Gardens.
Choosing Fairtrade is a simple way to make a difference to the lives of the people who grow the things we love. The University of Reading, achieved a two-star status in the Fairtrade Foundation Schools and Colleges Award in 2023 and are about to submit our recertification for 2024-25. The award gives recognition to institutions that have embedded ethical and sustainable practices through our curriculum, procurement, research and campaigns.
If you would like to explore our beautiful campus, we have listed below some areas of interest that incorporate Fairtrade, ethical consumption, sustainability and trade justice.
If you would like to access the campus map on your phone please use this URL :
www.reading.ac.uk/essentials/campus-and-local-area/campus-maps or click on the links for Googlemaps.
The walk can be done in any order and you are welcome to visit all or just some of the points of interest.
1. The Globes – Can be found in the Palmer quad, Library, Parkhouse, URS garden
The globes were originally created for The World Reimagined art-education initiative in 2022, which gave the public the opportunity to learn from the past, understand the present and reimagine the future. More than 100 globes were displayed all over the UK. The University of Reading has acquired four of these globes which are permanently displayed across campus.
The globes explore different elements of the legacies of slavery, including remembering the thousands of enslaved people who lost their lives at sea during transportation and celebrating African music and culture.
From exploring the complexity of Britain’s relationship with Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean, to celebrating the spirit and culture of the African diaspora, each globe takes you on a journey of discovery.
Palmer Quad – Economic Biosphere by
Carol Sorhaindo Building
26 on the map
Carol’s design responds to the theme ‘Expanding Soul’, which celebrates the spirit and culture of the African diaspora that, even in the face of incredible suffering, has endured and found vibrant expression across the world in music, art, food and so much more.
URS garden – Tears by Susan Thompson Between building 10 and 49 on the
map
Susan’s design responds to the theme ‘The Reality of Being Enslaved’, which makes real the experience of those people who were enslaved, from their capture, captivity and voyage to lives and deaths enslaved in different contexts, places and generations.
Library – Toghu by Kialy Tihngang Building 2 on the map
Kialy’s design responds to the theme ‘Mother Africa’, which explores the richness and reality of Africa before the Transatlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans: the impact of the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and European colonialism on Africa; and considers and celebrates Africa’s present and future.
Parkhouse – Ancestral Connections Building 8 on the map
Lou’s design responds to the theme ‘Stolen Legacy: The Rebirth of a Nation’, which brings to life how Britain was transformed and enriched as a result of the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and the free labour of the enslaved. It explores the legacy of the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans in building the financial and trading power of Britain; strengthening the Church and the might of universities; and establishing dynastic influence and power.
Other things to explore:
2. FlavUoR garden – between Park House (8) and Eat at the Square (7) on the map
In June 2022 we created our FlavUoR garden to grow our own herbs, plants, and ingredients to enable us to educate our students and guests on what goes into our delicious meals. This is a student led and University funded sustainable food project which has transformed the green space between Park House and The Square into a flourishing oasis. Our goal was to grow a variety of herbs, plants, and ingredients on campus, not just for our own culinary adventures, but also to educate and inspire students about eco-friendly practices and sustainable living which we believe instils lifelong values that benefit both humanity and its environment.
Our own Tomatoes, mint, sage, parsley, thyme, oregano and chives all feature in our dishes across campus.
3. Harris Gardens (Glass houses) Enter the gardens by building 32
Harris garden map to explore further Harris Garden Tree Trail A3
The gardens were established as a teaching resource by our university’s botanist Professor Tom Harris 50 years ago. Today, it serves as an amazing source of education for our biological scientists. At 12 acres, it’s home to thousands of plant species, many butterflies and a whole host of other animal life.
To the north of the gardens are the university’s experimental grounds and glass houses used for growing plants for research and teaching. Since 1985, the glass houses have also been home to the International Cocoa Quarantine Centre which is the principle hub for transfer of cocoa vegetative material between countries and regions. To date, cocoa germplasm has been exported from the centre to over 30 cocoa-growing countries. The facility supports international cocoa research and breeding by enabling scientists to find out about and exchange planting materials, whilst minimising the risk of spreading devastating pests and diseases.
Excellent links with institutes in the tropics have resulted in joint projects to study and conserve the genetic diversity of the crop, to improve crop establishment, and to detect and control pests and diseases.
4. The Coop supermarket Building 55 on the map
The Coop on Whiteknights campus sells a range of Fairtrade products in the following categories:
Fruit, biscuits, cake, bakery, dairy, desserts, frozen, toiletries, home baking, tea & coffee, confectionary, wine & even charcoal
We hope you enjoy our beautiful campus!
(Written by Tracy McAuley)
