Gardens: growing our futures

Our 3 main projects are: Schools Global Gardens Network - supporting the sustainable schools framework by creating environmentally friendly gardens. Food 4 Families - a unique project that aims to help a whole new generation of children and families in Reading to grow food. Growing our Futures - RISC's Edible forest garden on the roof, with 13 layers of vegetation and about 120 difference species. The roof garden enables full use of the local resources produced by our building.

Why they need our service

6Rs: Rethink, Refuse, Reuse, Reduce, Repair, Recycle. All garden projects are used as educational tools to support sustainable lifestyle. We help people to understand food security, climate change, history of growing and consuming food, using combinations of reused, renewable and recyclable materials.

Plan and expected results

The local community living more sustainably, growing their own food and living healthier lives as a result.

Final Results

Roof garden open days are organized on a regular basis for the general public. Our Roof Garden became one of three finalists of the Observa Ethical Garden award. We are in partnerships with the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens, Food for Thought, Garden Organic, Practical Action, RHS Campaign for School Gardening and Roehampton University School of Education.

Latest activities and projects

RISC Events and Education

There are many kinds of events held here but some examples are events that host a speaker talking about global issues. Or during Fair Trade fortnight, a producer talking about what Fair Trade means to them. The Global Cafe is used as an exhibition space displaying works by artists who have a focus on development issues. Throughout all of these activities we provide opportunities for people to volunteer and try to organise events that appeal to all members of the community. read more

Gardens: growing our futures

Our 3 main projects are: Schools Global Gardens Network - supporting the sustainable schools framework by creating environmentally friendly gardens. Food 4 Families - a unique project that aims to help a whole new generation of children and families in Reading to grow food. Growing our Futures - RISC's Edible forest garden on the roof, with 13 layers of vegetation and about 120 difference species. The roof garden enables full use of the local resources produced by our building. read more