This week, CCDT had the pleasure of welcoming 135 first-year students from the University of Reading for a field trip to Graylingwell Park, exploring heritage, sustainability, and community engagement. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the award-winning Graylingwell Park and demonstrate how it leads the way in conservation, regeneration, and sustainable development to inspire the next generation of industry professionals. The students were fully immersed in the day’s activities, which included:
A Welcome Presentation – The CCDT team introduced the heritage and conservation aspects of the site, detailing how Graylingwell Park blends history with modern community living. Discussions covered the charity’s strategy, asset management approach, and long-term vision for cultural sustainability.
A Guided Walking Tour – Exploring all of our historic and community-driven spaces, students visited key assets such as Graylingwell Chapel, The Pavilion, The Water Tower, Marchwell Studios, and The Chichester Shed. Each space tells a unique story of preservation, creativity, and social impact.
Community Engagement Talk – A deep dive into the tools and strategies used to engage residents, from consultations and events to integrating community needs into development projects. Students saw first-hand how thoughtful planning creates a thriving, inclusive neighbourhood.
Environmental Sustainability Tour – A hands-on look at Graylingwell Park’s commitment to green living, including a visit to The Vistry Biomass Energy Centre, which provides eco-friendly energy for the site. The tour also covered Woodland & Tree Conservation and our Food & Waste Programmes, tackling food sustainability through the Community Fridge and the UKHarvest bi-monthly Food Hub.
A Huge Thank You!
We were delighted to hear such positive feedback from the students and their lecturers:
“The experience was incredibly interesting and covered all the right topics for our course. Both the content and the level of all the presenters were excellent.”
A huge thank you to the University of Reading for choosing Graylingwell Park as a case study. We look forward to welcoming more students and professionals who are passionate about sustainable communities, heritage conservation, and innovative urban development.
And for those who call Graylingwell Park home, these aren’t just ideas—they are the everyday benefits of living in a beautiful, forward-thinking, and environmentally responsible community.
#GraylingwellPark #SustainableLiving #CommunityEngagement #HeritageConservation #UniversityOfReading #GreenLiving
