SCORES of demonstrators took to the University of Reading to voice concerns over its plans to sell 580 hectares of agricultural land.
Members of Save Our Loddon Valley Environment (SOLVE) Hall Farm were campaigning against the plans, which could see the development of 4,500 houses in Arborfield.
The protest took place as prospective students attended the university’s first autumn open day on Saturday, October 8.
SOLVE member Andy Bailey believes the university’s actions are not consistent with its messaging.
He said: “If they are all about ethical approach, sustainability and developing solutions to help the planet moving forwards, then how on earth does concreting 580 hectares align [with that]?
“To me, it just looks like they’re taking profit. That’s what I see it as.
“There’s an awful lot of money at stake here. Sadly, I think that it’s treated as a business university, I appreciate it has to be treated as a business to balance the books, but I think this is just a step too far.”
Members of SOLVE stationed themselves at the university’s Shinfield Road entrance from 8.30am, before marching through the Whiteknights campus in the afternoon.
They brought banners and placards, one of which read: ‘R U green or R U greedy’.
Paul Stevens, a representative for the group, explained: “We’re not kicking up a fuss, we’re raising awareness. We’re talking to people and seeing if people are interested in signing our petition or finding out more about what we’re campaigning about.”
He added he was supportive of the university’s educational provision and attitude towards sustainability.
Hall Farm is currently home to a commercial herd of 550 Holstein dairy cows, which produces over 11,000 litres of milk per cow per annum.
The majority of the site is owned by the university and is shared with the Centre for Dairy Research (CEDAR), which conducts research in combating hunger, poverty and climate change.
Demonstrators speculated CEDAR could relocate, a decision they believe does not make sense given the longevity of its stay at Hall Farm.
The group also highlighted the importance of self-sufficiency, particularly considering the impact Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had on energy prices.
They also raised concerns over the distribution of housing developments across Wokingham borough, citing a 97 percent homes
At the end of September, SOLVE member Colin Watts penned an open letter addressed to the university, laying out the group’s concerns.
Besides the impact on the area’s infrastructure, it highlighted adverse effects on biodiversity and part of the site standing on a flood plain.
A spokesperson for the University of Reading said: “It was great to welcome members of the SOLVE group to our Whiteknights campus on Saturday. The group behaved impeccably throughout the day, and made their message clear to people on campus with banners and placards.
“Debate and protest are fundamental principles of university life, and it is heartening to see our neighbours putting these values into action on issues that are important to us all.
“We were pleased that members of the group were able to chat with university students and staff, including the Vice-Chancellor, Robert Van de Noort.
“Prof Van de Noort has asked for a follow-up meeting to understand some of the group’s specific concerns in more detail. We look forward to continuing conversations with our neighbours about this, and any issue that we can work together on.”
