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This is the last issue of your Countryside newsletter in 2023.
We are pausing our email newsletters for the festive break, so there will be a slightly longer gap before our next update. You will get the next issue on 9 January.
Meanwhile, we'll still be sending updates on rubbish and recycling, so you can keep track of bin days and recycle as much as possible this festive season. Sign up now, if you are not receiving our rubbish and recycling newsletter.
We hope you enjoy the festive break!
 Festive break closure notice
Dinton Activity Centre will be closed for the festive season from Saturday 23 December, and will re-open on Tuesday 2 January.
Our two country parks, Dinton Pastures and California Country Park, will remain open to public during the festive break.
Cafés in Country Parks
Jacksons' Café at California Country Park will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25 and 26 December). Opening times of other days may vary. Please check Jacksons' website or Facebook page before you visit.
Coffee Deck and Coffee House at Dinton Pastures Country Park will be closed on Christmas Day (25 December). The two cafés will close earlier on some days. Please check the Dinton Pastures Cafes website for opening times.
 Festive fun for everyone
There is still time to sign up to these fun and jolly activities at Dinton Pastures Country Park before the festive break.
Santa Paddle (10 December)
Santa Paddle is a guide activity suitable for aged eight and above, and no experience is needed. Booking is now available online.
All you need to do is to grab your Santa or festive costume, and decide what boat you want to use - a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
Our instructors from Dinton Activity Centre will be there to help you get started and have a great time. The paddle will be finished off with a hot chocolate and a mince pie.
Christmas crafting (16 to 22 December)
For just £2.50, you can get a DIY pack for your young ones to create two festive decorative pieces - a Grinch and a tree or a Santa and a snowman - for your Christmas tree.
Book a 30-minute slot online before you go, so we can reserve for you a table space at The Coffee Deck to do the crafting.
Santa Dash (16 December)
Registration is closing on 14 December midday.
This festive run organised by Barnes Fitness will give you a chance to dress in a Santa suit and run with your children or friends on a beautiful path around the country park for 2km or 5km.
A Santa suit is included in the registration fee, but if you want to wear your own or just anything red, you can save £3 on your entry.
The organiser will be donating £2 of every entry to First Day's Children's Charity for giving out warm beds to children in need.
Winter Wild Days (18 to 22 December)
Booking is still open for the Winter Wild Days holiday club, which is best for aged eight to 13.
The holiday club features festive-themed activities, such as Christmas crafting, Santa's treasure hunt and fire lighting, and will be held on land only.
You can sign up your child for either a morning or afternoon session.
Storytime (19 December)
Come join the last Storytime session for the year, with your young children aged two to five, at The Coffee House at 11am. Entrance is free and no booking is needed.
The session will be jointly hosted by our library services colleague and Tony Knight, a Wokingham rail station platform announcer famous with local commuters for his poetry and story readings.
 Ancient woodland preserved for the community
Recently, Barkham Parish Council and Arborfield and Newland Parish Council have jointly acquired 60 acres of The Coombes Woodland that sits along the boundary between the two parishes.
The partnership ensures the rare area of ancient woodland will remain a vital hub for biodiversity, and be accessible to residents for years to come.
The parish councils will work with conservation organisations to ensure the health of the woodland. They will also look into including it in local schools' curriculum.
Meanwhile, the parish councils are planning to set up a volunteer group, so residents will have the opportunity to get involved in maintaining, improving and protecting the woodland.
The woodland was acquired using funding received from developers building homes across the parishes.
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