May half-term activities at Dinton Pastures
The May half term break is fast approaching! If you're looking for things to do for your children, take a look at what's on offer from Dinton Activity Centre:
Wild Days Holiday Club (age: 8 to 13) - a variety of land and water activities like canoeing, kayaking and archery will be available in half day sessions. All will be led by our experienced instructors.
Teen Adventures (age: 14 to 17) - our popular land and water activities will be offered with an added twist, so young people can rediscover thrills and adventure.
Sailing Weeks (age: 8 to 17): our sailing programmes are designed for young people of different ages and ability levels. No prior experience is needed.
Boat Hire (age: two or above): a range of boats and watercraft are available for hire, such as pedalos, paddleboards and canoes. Children aged two or above can go on a boat with an adult.
Find out more on the Dinton Activity Centre website, if you're interested in any of these.
Open water swimming has started at Dinton Pastures. Book online to have a leisurely and picturesque swim in the Black Swan Lake at the country park. Minimum age is 14.
 Free Nature Day at Rooks Nest Wood
Save the date for the free 'Nature Day' at Rooks Nest Wood jointly hosted by us and Thames Basin Heaths Partnership on Saturday 8 June, from 12 noon to 4pm.
The highlight of the event is a 45-minute guided walk with warden Richard from the partnership starting at 1.30pm. He will explain how Rooks Nest Wood was transformed from former agricultural grazing land to a thriving nature reserve.
Free wildlife spotter sheets will be given out to help you explore the meadows and woodland of this lovely green space listed on the 'Greenspace on your doorstep' guide published by our partners. You can also take home a copy of the guidebook for free.
The event is suitable for all, especially families with school age children. No booking is needed, just drop in anytime.
 New fun day to celebrate Father's Day
Come along with your dad to celebrate Father's Day at Dinton Pastures!
For the first time, JL Events will be hosting a Father's Day fun day at our flagship country park on Sunday 16 June, from 11am to 4pm. Admission is free!
There will be a variety of activities for families, from classic cars to inflatables, delicious food and drinks, games, craft stalls and more.
Save the date and stay tuned, as more details will be shared closer to the date!
 Name a new green space in Shinfield
We now have a chance to name a new recreational green space in Shinfield.
Owned by the University of Reading, the parkland, described informally as 'the Ridge', is west of Shinfield, off Hyde End Lane. It has been planned as part of wider development in the Shinfield area.
The green space is already open for the public to use. It provides an enjoyable walk through semi-natural habitat, with long-distance views to the north from the prominent ridgeline.
It is readily accessible from Shinfield and has safe pedestrian routes to other areas of green open space, including Langley Mead, also managed by the University. A small car park is also available.
The University is inviting residents to put forward ideas of names to reflect the local community and mark the heritage and identity of the site. They will discuss them with Shinfield Parish Council to agree on a final name.
Send in your suggestions online or post them to the University's community engagement team (address: Room 301, Whiteknights House, Whiteknights, PO Box 217, Reading, RG6 6AH) by Monday 20 May.
 Beware of oak processionary moth
When you go out and about in summer, watch out for oak processionary moth (OPM)!
OPM caterpillars are a tree pest, and they’re dangerous to the health of people and animals. They’re most active from June to August, especially in London and the Southeast of England.
The caterpillars have thousands of tiny hairs, which can be blown about by the wind and cause itchy skin rashes, eye and throat irritations and occasionally, breathing difficulties in people and animals.
You will only find OPM caterpillars and their nests on oak trees or on the ground near infested oak trees. Next time when you’re walking in areas where there are oak trees, keep away from any caterpillars and their nests and teach your children not to touch them. Your pets shouldn’t go near them either!
Watch the video or read the leaflet by the Forestry Commission to find out more.
If you’ve seen any OPM in your area, report them to Forestry Commission online.
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