 Summer run at Dinton now open to children
Young runners can now take part in the finale of the Barnes Fitness Dinton Summer Series at Dinton Pastures Country Park.
You can sign up your children to 'Kids Fun Run', a relaxed, new 2km event created by Barnes Fitness for ages four to 14, so they can also enjoy the fun of running at our flagship country park.
'Kids Fun Run' will start at 6.30pm on 10 August (Thursday) before the final race of Dinton Summer Series kicks off. It is not a race, so it won't be timed. Every finisher will be given sweet treats and a 'lucky dip' medal.
Now in its 11th year, Dinton Summer Series welcomes runners of all abilities. Hundreds of runners have already joined the first three monthly races of the series during May to July.
 Hire a boat all week round for the holidays
Boat hire at Dinton Pastures is now available every day during the summer holidays.
A range of boats are available, including pedalos, paddleboards, giant paddleboards, canoes, or single or double kayaks, from as low as £8.50 for 30 minutes. We will provide all participants with a suitable buoyancy aid. All you need to bring is suitable clothing that you don't mind getting wet.
The youngest we can allow out on the water for boat hire is two, so it's for sure a relaxing activity for families during summer.
Remember to book online before you go!
Dinghy instructor training
If you want to become a dinghy instructor, look no further than the RYA Dinghy Assistant Instructor course offered by Dinton Activity Centre. Once completed, you will be able to assist as a volunteer on courses and events at the centre.
This course is also suitable for people working towards their Duke of Edinburgh, Queen’s Guide, or Queen’s Scout awards.
Find out more about the requirements for taking this course if you're interested.
 Explore green spaces on your doorstep
Whenever you want to get some fresh air or exercise with your family or dog, check out the 'Greenspace on your doorstep' guide.
Produced by our partners at Thames Basin Heaths Partnership, this online directory lists 62 dog-friendly, family-friendly country walks across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. A number of them are located in our borough, such as:
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May’s Farm Meadow in Shinfield (RG7 1EP) - a series of wildflower meadows including field poppy, yarrow, selfheal and musk mallow
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Hazebrouck Meadow in Arborfield (RG2 9LS) - it comprises hay meadow grasslands, habitat ponds and woodland, and a bat barn
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Old Forest Road Meadow in Wokingham (RG41 1LA) - a short walk along the Emm Brook and through wildflower meadows
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Rook's Nest Wood in Barkham (RG40 4EU) - the fen area has been designated as a Local Wildlife Site and is home to several plant species
These are just some of the great green spaces we have on our doorstep. We hope you will enjoy using the online directory to discover new places in the borough. You can also download a copy and use it offline when you are out and about.
 Be a Hedgehog Champion
You are encouraged to become a ‘Hedgehog Champion’ and add hedgehog-friendly features to your garden, such as a hole in the fence to help them pass through, log piles for them to breed or hibernate and more.
Over 120,000 people have joined this scheme, which was launched by British Hedgehog Preservation Society and People's Trust for Endangered Species in 2011 to reverse a long standing decline in numbers.
You can take part on the Hedgehog Street website, which also provides lots of information about hedgehogs and what can be done to encourage hedgehogs in your garden and neighbourhood.
Hedgehogs are an indicator species, meaning their habits reflect the health of the environment and nature as a whole.
Unfortunately, hedgehogs in Britain have been decreasing for many years. In 2020, hedgehogs were put on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as vulnerable to extinction in this country.
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