RGWN reaches out to families and adults at Reading’s community events over the summer

Julie, RGWN’s green engagement worker, continues to reach out to families and adults in Reading, telling them about the many opportunities for nature engagement offered by RGWN’s member organisations. During May, Julie attended both the Reading Children’s Festival held in Forbury Gardens and the University of Reading Community Festival, held on their main campus which this year celebrates the centenary of the university. Over the two events, Julie spoke to more than 350 people, many of whom were keen to participate in the RGWN activity – sowing sunflowers, chives or basil seeds. In addition, adults and children alike enjoyed decorating the pots. People were interested to hear about upcoming events being organised by the RGWN members, such as the Ridgeline plant sale and family activities run by MERL. There is clearly an interest in growing plants, but many people were not aware of the many community gardens and nature engagement activities going on in and around Reading or RGWN as a source of information for these events and activities.

May has been a busy month for many of RGWN’s member organisations, with some holding plant sales, open days and walks. Further events and regular session are occurring over the summer – see Sessions and events for more details. Julie plans to continue attending up-coming community events, such as Waterfest and the Better Health event at Rivermead, to help further the aims of RGWN, i.e. to spread appreciation of the benefits of nature engagement among everyone in Reading.