THE UNIVERSITY of Reading is marking National Meadows Day with a public event next week.
The annual day takes place on Saturday, July 1, and sees events around the UK celebrating Britain’s meadows and providing members of the public with a chance to visit meadows.
It also raises awareness of the necessity of a vanishing but vital habitat for animals.
The university is observing the occasion with its own public event also celebrating the official opening of The Ridge, a new recreational green space in west Shinfield.
Residents are invited to learn more about the restoration of Langley Mead, owned and managed by the university, as well as the wildlife which calls the meadow home and future plans for the space.
There will be a number of walks and learning sessions taking place, including the Bovine Buddies guided walk, the Wild about Flora & Fauna walk, and the history of Langley mead session.
Langley Mead covers 18 hectares of land along the banks of the River Loddon, featuring walking loops, areas of natural beauty, and a wide array of wildlife, which is open to the public year-round.
Both Langley Mead and The Ridge are part of a planned development in the Shinfield area, with The Ridge recently named by the university following a public consultation drawing on the history of the area and its colloquial name in the community.
It derives from the prominent ridge along the 15-hectare space which provides long-distance views to the north.
The university has set out plans to introduce new planted areas such as woodland and hedgerows, providing further wildlife habitats, and information boards and waymarkers for visitors.
Molli Cleaver, Community Engagement Manager at the University of Reading, said: “We are pleased to be able to unveil the new name, chosen by the local community and in consultation with Shinfield Parish Council, for The Ridge.
“Many people already use and enjoy this public green space and we hope that further improvements over the next year will make it even more attractive.
“Our annual National Meadows Day event is always a fun day and a chance to explore how our wildflower meadows, hedgerows and wetlands are creating new habitats for wildlife to flourish.
“We hope lots of people from the local community can join us on the day.”
More information about Langley Mead is available via: reading.ac.uk/shinfield-community/langley-mead
More information about The Ridge is available via: reading.ac.uk/shinfield-community/ridge-sang
Full details of National Meadows Day are available via: meadows.plantlife.org.uk/national-meadows-day/
The University of Reading’s National Meadows Day event takes place at Langley Mead from 10am-4pm on Saturday, July 6.
The Bovine Buddies guided walk takes place fom 10am, the Wild about Flora & Fauna walk from 1pm, and the history of Langley mead session from 3pm.
