roof garden
Sustainable development and food security has always been one of the main themes of RISC’s work. In 2002 we took this further by creating an edible forest garden on the flat roof above the conference hall. Designed as an educational tool using permaculture principles, the garden has become an oasis in the centre of Reading, a demonstration of how a garden can support more sustainable lifestyles and provide a practical solution to the problems of ‘peak oil’ and global climate change. It has had international media coverage and was shortlisted for the Observer Ethical Garden Award, 2009. It has also inspired two related projects: Global School Gardens and Food4Families.
Food4Families was a project of RISC, which has engaged thousands of people across Reading, learning how to grow healthy fruit and veg in a sustainable way. Food4Families is now managed by Reading Food Growing Network who continue the good work alongside their other activities.
visit the risc roof garden
roof garden open days
The RISC Roof Garden is open to the public on select days throughout the year.
private tours
Private 1 hour guided tours are also available by arrangement.
- Tours cost £45 for one hour
- Maximum number of people 15 per tour