 Mother's Day Fair this Sunday
Come along and have some fun at a Mother's Day Fair at California Country Park in Finchampstead this Sunday (30 March) from 10am to 3pm.
This free event is hosted by JL Events and there will be plenty of activities on the day including:
- Family photography mini shoots
- Free mini pamper treatments
- Craft stalls
- BBQ
- Children's entertainment
Whilst you're at the country park, don't forget to take a leisurely stroll or bike ride around the lake. Jackson's Café is also open for food and drink.
We look forward to seeing you at the fair and would like to wish every mum a wonderful Mother's Day.
 Join a wellbeing walk at Dinton Pastures
Did you know every Tuesday and Sunday there is a Wokingham Wellbeing Walk at Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst? This programme is supported by our Sport and Leisure Team.
The walk starts at 10am and is just under three miles at a modest pace. You will walk around the beautiful lakes at Dinton Pastures.
On Tuesdays, there are two walking routes to choose from. The 'stroll walk' takes approximately 30 minutes and the 'easy walk' which takes 50 to 60 minutes to complete. On Sundays, there is one route, the 'easy walk'.
There is always a leader and a back marker to ensure everyone is looked after during the walk. Everyone is welcome - it is a perfect opportunity to get fresh air, stay active and meet friends.
If you would like to take part in the wellbeing walk, the meeting place is at The Coffee House at 9.50am. Make sure you wear appropriate clothing and shoes for all weathers. We recommend you bring a water bottle.
For more information, you can send an email to the team.
 Wild Days holiday club open for Easter holidays
Are you looking for fun activities for your child or children to do this Easter? Dinton Pastures is running a series of activities on their Wild Days holiday club (Monday 7 to Thursday 17 April).
Each Wild Days session offers young adventurers a chance to explore thrilling sports on land and water, set against the beautiful backdrop of Black Swan Lake.
There are two unique activities each morning and afternoon where children can enjoy a mix of water and land-based adventures tailored to challenge, entertain and inspire. Activities include:
- Monday morning: Jacob's ladder and fencing
- Monday afternoon: Indoor climbing and stand up paddle boarding
- Tuesday morning: Leap of faith and team challenges
- Tuesday afternoon: Archery and rafted canoes
- Wednesday morning: Crate stack and fire lighting
- Wednesday afternoon: Low ropes and kayaking
- Thursday morning: Outdoor climbing and orienteering
- Thursday afternoon: Team challenges and stand up paddle boarding
- Friday morning: Leap of faith and archery
- Friday afternoon: Shelter building and rafted canoes
Each activity is thoughtfully crafted to ensure safety, excitement and skill-building, making it the perfect place for kids to learn, grow and make lasting memories.
 Highwood's heather flourishing after restoration
Our Country Parks Team have completed a phased project to clear a substantial area of heathland (approximately 0.27 hectares) at Highwood Nature Reserve near South Lake in Woodley. The purpose of the project was to restore the valuable heathland, which is a declining habitat nationally and protect the species such as common lizards which reside on site.
Highwood Nature Reserve has a mixed lowland woodland with an attractive heathland area. It includes areas of ancient woodland, including parts which were planted with exotic trees such as giant redwoods and monkey puzzle.
There are surfaced and non-surfaced paths around the woodland and heathland, making it a popular route for everyone.
Changes to the heath
Over the past 40 to 50 years, the heath had suffered from tree leaf litter which enriched the soil, allowing the scrub and brambles to outcompete the rarer heathers.
Our team originally started this project back in 2017 by scraping areas of heathland, removing the leaf litter and soil, and taking the ground back to the sandy conditions the heather loves. These early scrapings proved to be extremely successful with large areas of heather regenerating successfully.
Last September, more clearance took place at the heath to remove the scrub and vegetation. Careful attention was given to ensure nesting wildlife were not affected during these works.
The soil removed from the heath will be graded and reused across the borough as topsoil.
We're expecting the heather to germinate in the heath naturally over the coming years. This will make a suitable habitat for all kinds of wildlife including birds, insects, mammals and reptiles. Maintaining a mix of habitats is important for biodiversity. The heath will create a warm area that is nectar rich, beneficial for invertebrates.
 Attend Dinton's first Wedding Fair
Dinton Pastures Country Park will be holding its first Wedding Fair in collaboration with Berkshire Wedding Fairs on Sunday 11 May. The event will bring a festival vibe to the country park and will take place in a large stretch tent opposite the Dinton Activity Centre from 11am until 3pm.
Berkshire Wedding Fairs was founded in 2006 and supplies wedding venues in the area with top quality wedding exhibitors.
Visitors can meet wedding suppliers experienced in working at festival-themed events from catering to floristry, hair and make-up to photography, marquee hire to live music, and much more.
The council’s registrars team will also be there to guide you through everything you might need from them for a wedding. There will be live cooking shows plus the opportunity to walk around with onsite coordinators to show you options available to you on your special day.
To register for free tickets, visit The Berkshire Wedding Fairs website. For more information, email the Countryside Events Team.
Find out more about Dinton Pastures applying for a wedding venue license.
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