 Pumpkin Fair returns for second year
The Pumpkin Fair is back for its second year at Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst, offering a day of autumnal fun for families and children.
The event features a children’s costume parade with prizes from Jack Pumpkin, alongside seasonal food and drink, craft stalls, rides, bungee trampolines, soft play and more.
Visitors can also meet the Pumpkin Witch Stilt Walker and enjoy a variety of games and activities. It's taking place on Saturday 26 October, from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Entry is £1 per adult, with no booking required. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on leads in the event area.
Please note: This is not a pumpkin patch, though some pumpkins may be available to purchase.
And there's lots more Halloween activities going on across our country parks later this month if you're looking for half-term activities.
 Join the Eco Open Afternoon in Woodley
You are invited to the Eco Open Afternoon at St James Church in Woodley, on Saturday 18 October, from 2pm to 4.30pm.
There will be cakes and refreshments, eco stalls, family activities, recycling corner, workshops and more.
The Climate Emergency and My Journey Wokingham teams will also be there with a market stall. Visit us to find out about:
- top tips to reduce your carbon footprint
- ways to lower energy bills at home
- thermal imaging camera demonstrations
- the Big Community Switch
- sustainable and active travel options
It's free to attend and everyone is welcome at the church in Kingfisher Drive (RG5 3LH). Come along to learn, take part, and enjoy an afternoon focused on practical ways to live more sustainably.
There’s a community conservation and volunteer recruitment meeting at South Lake pond in Woodley on Saturday (4 October), from 10am to 1pm. They’re looking for more volunteers to work alongside our countryside teams to improve the area.
 Countdown is on until Wokingham Walk
The Wokingham Walk is back on Sunday 12 October, offering a scenic and inclusive day out for all ages and abilities.
Starting from Elms Field, participants can choose from a range of walking routes while helping raise funds for local good causes. There are five, 10 or 15 mile routes available.
Organised by the Wokingham Lions Club, the event welcomes everyone, from seasoned hikers to families looking for fresh air and fun.
Sign up now via the Wokingham Walk website to take part.
 Volunteer fair chance to give back to your borough
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre is holding a volunteer recruitment fair on Saturday 11 October from 10am to 1pm at Wokingham Town Hall.
There will be a variety of different organisations, looking for all kinds of volunteers; there will be something for everyone.
Charities attending include ABC to Read, First Days Children's Charity, Wokingham Foodbank, Citizens Advice Wokingham and Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue - among many more.
The event is free and there is no need to book. If you are considering volunteering, turn up and have an informal chat with some of the amazing local charities and see how you can get involved.
If you would like to find out more about the fair or discuss volunteering in general, please visit the Wokingham Volunteer Centre website, call 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk.
Paulo’s Circus continues to run most nights at Dinton Pastures Country Park until 12 October. Tickets are from £9 and follows a sell-out run at the country park in Hurst last year.
 Two community events coming to Arborfield
There’s a Community Clean Up happening in Arborfield and Arborfield Green on Sunday (5 October).
It runs from 10am to 1pm with meeting points at Arborfield Park (RG2 9JR) or Arborfield Green Community Centre (RG2 9NP).
Wear gloves, strong footwear and suitable clothing. Bring your own litter picker and hi-vis if you can, otherwise they’ll be provided.
These events are organised by Arborfield & Newland Parish Council and supported by Barkham Parish Council.
There’s also a celebration of the 94th anniversary of Arborfield Village Hall (RG2 9PQ) on 11 October, from 12 noon to 4pm. It’s a community fun day and chance to show off newly refurbished facilities at the hall.
 Go for a bath in the forest this autumn
Have you heard of a Forest Bathing walk?
The sessions consist of a two and a half hour gentle walk under the canopy of trees, amongst the beautiful woodland at California Country Park in Finchampstead.
You will be guided through a series of sensory exercises designed to develop a deeper connection with nature, calming body and mind, before we conclude with a guided relaxation.
These events are organised with The Forest Bathing Institute. For more information on their work, including their university research programmes, visit their website.
Tickets cost £36 which includes three and a half hours of car parking. The next sessions take place on:
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