 A Forest of Imagination has grown at Dinton Pastures
Forest of Imagination Wokingham Borough is coming to Dinton Pastures this weekend.
Following workshops and sessions with hundreds of residents and students in the borough, installations will be finished over the next few days ahead of the showcase weekend (24/25 May).
It’s free and open to all to drop in and visit. Workshops will run throughout both showcase days, as well as selected schools sessions on Thursday and Friday this week.
Some weekend workshops can be booked in advance online, but there will be plenty going on for those who turn up on both days.
See the full events listings on the Forest of Imagination website, as well as a map of site and what art installations you’ll find on the day.
We’re looking for a few extra volunteers to help out this weekend to support the event running smoothly. Send us an email with times you’d be able to help on Saturday or Sunday.
 Get married at Dinton and win a wedding
Happy couples can now say ‘I do’ at Dinton Pastures Country Park as it has been approved to be a licensed wedding venue. Dinton is now taking bookings for marriage and civil partnership ceremonies and has its first lakeside wedding booked this September.
Dinton Pastures can accommodate both indoor and outdoor ceremonies and has three wedding packages available. Registrars fees are not included and would be additional on all packages.
Learn more about the wedding packages on the Dinton Pastures website. You can also book a visit to the venue by emailing the Events Team or calling (0118) 237 8095.
Win a wedding
Dinton Pastures is running a fantastic competition for one happy couple to hold their wedding reception at the country park’s conservatory and gardens.
The package is based on 50 guests and includes hire of The Coffee House from 4pm to 11pm, on-site team assisting on the day, glass of prosecco on arrival, a two-course set menu or BBQ, half a bottle of wine per person, tables and chairs, tablecloths, crockery, cutlery and glassware, table centrepieces and complimentary free car parking.
To enter, visit the Dinton Pastures website or click the button below. Terms and conditions apply. Entries close this Sunday (25 May). Good luck
 Be aware of oak processionary moth
When you go out and about in summer, be on the lookout for oak processionary moth (OPM).
OPM caterpillars are a tree pest and are dangerous to the health of people and animals.
They are most active from June to August, especially in London and the south east 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.
To find out more, watch the video or read the leaflet from the Forestry Commission.
If you’ve seen any OPM in your area, report to the Forestry Commission online. You can also email opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk or call 0300 067 4442.
 The Great British Food Festival returns
Food and drink fans are in for a treat as The Great British Food Festival returns to Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst over the weekend of Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June.
The event is expected to sell-out, just like last year, and residents are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance on The Great British Food Festival to avoid disappointment.
People attending the event can expect a mouth-watering mix of the finest local and regional artisan producers, sizzling street food stalls, top chefs cooking live, a bar, craft and gift stalls, children’s entertainment, foraging walks and live music – all amongst the picturesque countryside of Dinton Pastures.
To buy tickets and to see the food and drink suppliers attending, visit The Great British Food Festival website.
 Book an outdoor cinema screening
Get your picnic blankets and popcorn ready and bring your family and friends to the outdoor cinema screenings at Dinton Pastures, hosted by Go Cinemas. The film line up includes:
- Grease (sing a long) - Saturday 26 July at 7pm
- Mama Mia! (sing a long) - Friday 22 August at 6pm
- The Greatest Showman - Saturday 23 August at 6pm
- Wicked (sing a long) - Friday 29 August at 6pm
- Bohemian Rhapsody - Saturday 30 August at 6pm
Book your tickets by visiting the Go Cinemas website.
 Take part in wellbeing walks across the borough
If you're looking for a change of scenery and to meet new friends, you can attend a free, organised Wokingham Ramblers Wellbeing walk, managed by our Sport and Leisure Team. Everyone is welcome.
Walks take place Monday through to Friday and there's also a Sunday morning walk.
Monday walks:
- Redlands Farm at Evendons Lane in Barkham at 10am (one hour walk)
- East Park Farm in Charvil at 10am (one hour walk)
- Maiden Centre Walk in Lower Earley at 6.30pm (one hour walk)
Tuesday walks:
- Dinton Pastures in Hurst at 10am (two walks; 45 minutes and a one hour walk)
- Cantley Park in Wokingham at 10am (one hour walk)
Wednesday walks:
- California Country Park in Finchampstead at 10am (45 minute walk)
- Sonning Lane in Sonning (one hour walk)
- Finchampstead (one hour walk)
Thursday walks:
- Crescent Centre in Lower Earley at 10am (one hour walk)
- Henry Street Garden Centre in Arborfield at 10am (55 to 70 minute walk)
Friday walks:
- Cantley Park in Wokingham at 10am (one hour walk)
- Ashenbury Park in Woodley at 10am (one hour walk)
Sunday walks:
- Dinton Pastures in Hurst at 10am (one hour walk)
Interested in a walk? There is no need to sign up, just turn up 15 minutes before the start time.
Make sure you are dressed for the British weather for example comfortable shoes or boots, a raincoat, bottle of water, suncream and hat.
Find out where to meet on the Wokingham Ramblers website.
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