Growing from strength to strength!
It has been eight months since we planted the community orchard at Shaw Park.
Members of the local community braved the freezing temperatures in January 2023 to plant 25 fruit trees to create a new orchard. The orchard trees are growing well and are regularly checked by local residents and Council Officers. The trees have been watered over the summer months and a Council working party has added mulch to the base of each tree.
Mulch helps the soil retain moisture in summer, allows rain to penetrate the soil in winter and prevents weeds from growing. We have left the grass long to create extra habitat for wildlife and to protect the soil and trees from high temperatures.
Each tree now has a smart new label to identify the species, its use (eating or cooking) and when it should be harvested. We have planted a number of trees that are native to West Berkshire, including the Charles Ross apple. Charles Ross was the Head Gardener at Welford Park, Newbury.
Planting orchards is one of the ways we can combat the impacts of climate change and the biodiversity crisis.
Thank you to the local Shaw community for making the project such a success.
With only 200 chalk streams on the entire planet, we are lucky to have several in West Berkshire. Chalk Streams and their habitats are very sensitive to plastic pollution. The Marine Conservation Society estimates 80% of litter found in the ocean starts its journey in villages, towns and cities miles from the coast - travelling via our ditches, streams and waterways on its way out to sea.
In West Berkshire, any litter dropped onto a road or left in our parks and walkways, can easily travel into a nearby river or ditch. Ditches are often connected to our streams and rivers, (especially during episodes of heavy rain and flooding) which leads to litter easily flowing downstream, reaching the Thames at Pangbourne or Reading, and eventually flowing out into the North Sea.
 Storm drains found in roads also usually drain straight to rivers, with no interception or treatment to clean the water. These drains are there to take rain water away when we have sudden downpours. Remember, whatever you put down the storm drain could end up in our rivers and oceans too. Only Rain Down the Drain!
Plastic waste found in West Berkshire rivers is on its way out to sea and threatens the unique freshwater wildlife, (just as it does with marine wildlife), through entanglement, chemicals and ingestion. Plus, the plastic litter also breaks down into smaller pieces along its journey, creating harmful micro plastics.
No matter where we live, we can all help our rivers and our seas to become litter free by putting litter in a bin or taking it home to dispose of responsibly - but don't ditch it outside! 🐟
 The Tree Council’s ‘Branching Out Fund’ is now accepting applications! You can apply for funding to support planting projects (trees and hedgerows) up until Sunday 3 December 2023. Applications for amounts ranging from £250 through to £2,500 will be welcomed. You will find everything you need to know on the Tree Council’s website, from the types of trees that qualify, to recommendations around protection. There are also some success stories highlighting planting projects that have benefitted from ‘Branching Out’ funding in the past….these may give you some ideas!
The fund is specifically for community groups, schools, charities and town and parish councils.
Do let the Environment Delivery Team know if you apply as we’d love to follow the journey of your planting project and maybe feature it in a future newsletter. Email us on: environment@westberks.gov.uk
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The Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham now has an outdoor mobility scooter, the Tramper, available to borrow free of charge.
This allows anyone who has difficulty exploring the reserve by foot to still see around the site.
Due to popular demand, they have created a booking system for the Tramper, so you can book prior to your visit.
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Solar Together Berkshire is a solar panel and battery storage group-buying scheme.
It enables householders and small businesses to install Solar PV systems and batteries at a competitive price with a trustworthy, pre-vetted installer.
Although the Solar Together Scheme is now closed for registrations the response from our West Berkshire community has been overwhelming, with a total of 1,669 registrations, making it the second-highest number of all registrations in the entire Solar Together Berkshire scheme!
The scheme is now moving forward with these installations within our district and they represent a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. Stay tuned for our next update when we will provide progress on these installations and any upcoming opportunities to participate in sustainable energy initiatives. Thank you for the incredible support which is driving us toward a greener and more eco-friendly community!
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The aim of the Countryside Society is to promote an understanding, appreciation and conservation of the West Berkshire countryside.
Although the Society has 250+ members, they are looking to increase their membership especially amongst young people, who have a growing concern for the environment and may like to learn new skills and gain experiences in countryside skills.
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Volunteer work parties operate on Tuesdays throughout the year. The tasks can include woodland and common management, coppicing, hedge-laying and hedge/tree planting, No experience necessary! There's also a Barn Owl Group installing barn owl boxes throughout West Berks and is licensed by the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) to carry out survey work to monitor them. Membership is £15pa. Enquiries: membership@westberkscountryside.org.uk
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Tuesday 12 September marked a remarkable milestone – the West Berkshire Cycle Forum turned 20!
In September 2003, a group of individuals, including our current Executive Member for Planning and Community Engagement, Councillor Tony Vickers, gathered to establish what would become the driving force behind cycling progress in our district.
Over the years, it has achieved significant milestones: from being recognised as 'Most Improved Highway Authority at implementing Cycling Measures' in 2004 to introducing the transformative Bikeability cycle training program and creating traffic-free routes like the Eling Way link.
We owe our success to the tireless efforts of our members, Officers, dedicated partners like West Berkshire SPOKES, and the support of organisations such as Newbury Road Club, Sustrans, Newbury VELO, Canal & River Trust, PAWS (Pangbourne and Whitchurch Sustainability Group) and Reading Cycle Campaign.
We are pleased to announce that the availability of appointments at our Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) across the district will increase in order to improve the service for all.
This collaboration with our waste contractor, Veolia, will provide more flexibility and capacity during the most popular time slots for residents.
With a total of 628 daily appointments now available at Newtown Road and 488 at Padworth Lane, we aim to accommodate more residents and make recycling more convenient than ever before.
The second Green Weekend in the Lambourn Valley kicks off on Friday 13 October at 6pm in East Garston Village Hall, with a Carbon Footprint Workshop and optional ‘pot-luck’ veggie supper. There's a full weekend of FREE events scheduled:
Saturday 14 October East Garston Village Hall & Meeting House, RG17 7EX
10.30am Eco Walk: wildlife hedge, bungalow retro-fit, produce growing
11am - 2pm Apple Pressing & Seed/Produce/Plant Swap
11am - 4pm Electric Vehicle Display: The Pros & Cons
12pm - Scything Demonstration
12pm - 4pm Repair Cafe, Tool Sharpening & Bike Repair
1pm - 4pm Home Energy Demonstrations including: Thermal Imaging Camera (to book & use to check heat leaks in your home)
4.15pm Citizens Climate Lobby
5pm Hungry for Change film, discussion & pre-booked supper from Priscilla’s Kitchen
Sunday 15 October St James Eco Church, Eastbury
10.30am - 1pm Apple Pressing
10.30am - 12pm Eco Display including River Management, Solar-powered Scalextric & Thermal Imaging Camera
12pm Talk: How to Maintain Sustainable Waterways by Andrew Gorton
1pm Book a table for lunch at The Plough or bring a picnic to the church
2pm Guided Foragers Walk
3pm Talk: Richard Jerreries, the First & Truest Nature Conservationist by Dr Mike Pringle
4pm Afternoon Tea with homemade and seasonal cakes.
All events are FREE, (except Saturday’s pre-booked supper).
There will be a collection point for: aluminium foil & cans, unwanted or broken electronics for Green Machine Computers, and donations for Ukraine see list required here.
For more information, including how to book for Saturday’s film and Sunday's talks and walk, please contact ecoeastgarston@gmail.com, visit this webpage or follow facebook.com/lambournvalleyecocommunity
On 18 September, West Berkshire Council’s contractor Volker Highways started constructing a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists from Stockcross village towards Newbury.
This initial stage of the Stockcross Linkway will be constructed alongside the B4000, between Stockcross and the A4. The scheme is a first step in creating an off-carriageway route for walking, wheeling and considerate cycling, between Stockcross village and the quiet road called Speen Lane that connects onwards into Newbury.
The plans have been developed with the involvement of Active Travel England, Speen Parish Council and Ward Councillors for Newbury Speen.
- Reconstruction and widening of short existing sections of footway near to the A4 roundabout
- Construction of a shared path for walking, wheeling and cycling, parallel to the B4000 on its north side between the A4 roundabout and a point opposite Stockcross Post Office
- Creation of a marked crossing at the side turning to Rookswood and Snake Lane
- Alterations to the existing crossing immediately east of Stockcross Post Office
- Installation of raised kerbs at key bus stops to make it easier to board and alight from local buses, including at the main stops in Stockcross.
View the location plan here. The detailed design drawings can be seen here.
Construction will take place in sections, with temporary traffic signals in operation on the B4000 to protect the work and excavations alongside the road.
Using funding from Active Travel England, we are carrying out initial design work on proposed next Stage 2 of the Stockcross Linkway, crossing the A4 and A34 towards Speen Lane. This is in anticipation of further external funding becoming available in the near future for detailed design and construction.
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PAWS (Pangbourne & Whitchurch Sustainability) has purchased a thermal imaging camera for use by people living in the local community.
The aim of the project is to allow residents to see where their property is losing heat and provide information as to how to reduce heat loss, increase thermal comfort, cut energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.
Two launch events are planned where details will be provided on how the camera can be borrowed and used.
Saturday 28 October 10:30-12:30 - Outside Garlands Organic, Reading Road, Pangbourne, RG8 7LY
Saturday 11 November 10:30-12:30 - The Art Café, Old Stables, Whitchurch, RG8 7DF
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🕷During October half term, learn about poisonous & carnivorous plants and bugs when the Living Rainforest's ‘Creepy Crawly Rainforest‘ has a daily learning program from 10am – 3pm.
This event includes animal feeds, plant, bugs and animal walks, quizzes, crafts incl. Halloween mask & decoration making, bug tasting and a pumpkin trail around the Living Rainforest - don't forget to explore the rainforest's dark side!
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ARK (Action River Kennet) are encouraging people from West Berkshire to get involved in the Big River Watch.
This is an invitation for everyone to love their local river and be a part of the movement demanding better for them. Wherever you are, you can get involved. By spending a little time watching your local river and completing a simple survey (within the free Big River Watch app) on the wildlife and pollution you see, you will contribute to a UK and Ireland-wide dataset that can be used to create and demand positive change.
Although The Big River Watch took place over the weekend of the 22-24 September coinciding with World Rivers Day, you can still download the app and contribute any time this year and your information will still be useful.
Learn more – The Big River Watch | The Rivers Trust Share your experiences & photos on social media using #ARK #BigRiverWatch #westberkshire
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Earlier this year, West Berks Council worked in partnership with iChoosr, on our most recent Big Community Switch auction.
The scheme aims to empower residents to collectively switch their energy provider, fostering greater sustainability, cost savings and community engagement.
All the tariffs offered during our last Big Community Switch were 100% green.
We have participated in 12 auctions since 2017, with a couple of years off due to energy market volatility. These efforts have led to 2,937 switches and total savings of 2,890 tonnes of CO2.
We are committed to helping our residents to reduce their carbon footprint, with a strong emphasis on promoting renewable energy solutions.
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 Curridges' very own Eleanor Gilbert, also known on social media as @Berkshirefarmgirl, is a young person on a mission to help bridge the knowledge gap between farmers and the general public. Having won the BBC Countryfile Countryside Young Champion 2022, becoming a NFU Farming Hero Area Winner and taking part in the 'Straw Wars' at Newbury Show this year, Berkshire Farm Girl has just launched her first Pick Your Own Pumpkins business venture at Rookery Farm in Curridge, near Newbury.
On 21 and 22 October, Eleanor will be back from her studies in Crop Management to welcome her Pumpkin Patch ticket holders. There's also a Ploughing Match at Rookery Farm with free entry after 1pm on the Saturday and you will be able to see this working arable farm and learn how farmers grow food for the nation.
You can follow Eleanor's farming journey on You Tube, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @Berkshirefarmgirl
In September 2023, Newbury & District launched a late 1e evening service on Fridays and Saturdays between Newbury and Thatcham. Additionally, Reading Buses’ Lime 2a service now extends to Mortimer every 2 hours on Sundays, enhancing the service from Burghfield to Reading, which has not been available for some years.
(L-R) Cllr Lee Dillon, Leader of West Berkshire Council, and Robert Williams, CEO of Reading Buses
You can catch a movie, go on a shopping spree in the Oracle, enjoy the vibrant Corn Exchange, savour a meal out, connect with friends and family at local bars and eateries, or explore new job prospects - all with the convenience of the bus.
For timetable information for these and other bus services in West Berkshire, please see our new Travel Guide.
These service enhancements are part of West Berkshire Council's longstanding commitment to boosting late evening and Sunday bus services throughout the district and have been provided with financial support from HM Government. For more details, please see our bus services launch.
September's Sheepdrove Eco Show featured produce growing and harvesting and trying to make the most of what we grow locally so we don't have to transport and import so much food from further afield. Click here to listen.
Rosie Kindersley from Sheepdrove Organic Farm near Lambourn explains what the start of the farming year is like, where their grain harvest goes, the benefits of companion cropping and a 'Farm Start' market gardening course being run at the farm. Presenter Penny Locke also catches up with some local producers at the monthly Hungerford Food and Artisan Market.
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