Johnsons of Whixley supplies leading science campus

Johnsons of Whixley has notched up another impressive plant supply in its centenary year, teaming up with Whiting Landscape Ltd to enhance outdoor areas at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Europe's leading science campus.

The Oxfordshire-based science, innovation and technology campus is the size of a small town and occupies over 700 acres. More than 200 organisations are based there; it is home to a scientific community of more than 6,000 people.

Many global firsts have been achieved at the campus, including the discovery of the world's largest prime number, the building of Europe's first energy-producing fission reactor and the first transistorised computer. The UK's first Vaccines Manufacturing and Innovation Centre (VMIC) is a recent ground-breaking addition to the site.

Harwell is now looking to expand, adding millions of square feet of new buildings, additional public areas and campus amenities - consolidating Harwell as one of the fastest-growing sites dedicated to science and technology in the UK.  At 48,000 sq. ft, Zeus is the latest building on campus to reach practical completion.

Landscape construction and maintenance firm Whiting Landscape Ltd has been responsible for the soft landscaping package across new areas of the site, such as the area surrounding Zeus since 2016 with further work still ongoing. 

Kevin Jarvis, buyer for Whiting Landscapes Ltd said:

Whiting Landscape have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Johnsons of Whixley for the past 40 years.  This relationship continues to flourish and is based on the quick response offered at tender stage through to the flexible and supportive approach at point of delivery. With future development opportunities at Harwell we look forward to working alongside Johnsons to offer the client the best in terms of value and quality available to the market.

Johnsons of Whixley has supplied thousands of plants across the campus including more than 4,000 to enhance the grounds of the Zeus building, a multi-occupancy R&D, laboratory, office and engineering hub. Varieties include Vinca minor, Polypodium vulgare, Ajuga reptens, Carex pendula and Hypericum androsaemum.

Outside space around the Cobalt building has been improved by the planting of more than 5,000 plants and trees, including varieties such as 114 Pinus Mugo' Mops', 337 Fagus Sylvatica, 373 Rubus 'Green Carpet' and 205 Mahonia 'Apollo'.

Eleanor Richardson, Marketing Manager at Johnsons of Whixley, said:

We're incredibly proud to see thousands of our plants enhance the grounds at Europe's leading science campus. Whiting Landscape Ltd has done a fantastic job of the soft landscaping and we look forward to working with them on similar projects in the future.

Johnsons is no stranger to campus plant supply, having worked with a number of universities including the Cambridge Medical Campus, Inverness Campus, University of Hull Campus, University of Newcastle Campus and Sheffield Hallam Campus.