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Click to expand - stakeholder views visualisation - credit to Natalie Ganpatsingh.
Local Nature Recovery Strategy endorsed
We have endorsed Berkshire’s new Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), a plan to protect, restore and connect our natural habitats.
This took place at a meeting on 6 January. Wokingham Borough and the five other Berkshire councils have all formally approved the strategy and the lead authority, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, has now submitted it to the Government.
LNRSs are a national requirement created to help local areas identify where nature is struggling and where targeted action can make the biggest difference.
They guide investment, shape planning decisions and support communities, landowners and organisations to work together for wildlife.
Watch a video to find out more.
This marks a major milestone as the strategy can now begin shaping how we enhance biodiversity across the borough.
 Got a pun? Our new vehicles need them
We are inviting residents to help name our brand new waste collection and street cleaning vehicles, arriving this summer.
Get involved and submit your creative ideas by Friday (30 January).
Your idea could be seen on our new bin lorries every day so do not miss your chance to make it happen.
This is part of our new waste collection and street cleansing contract with Biffa which begins in June 2026.
There are prizes for winning entries and visits to schools with the named vehicle for youngsters who submit a winning suggestion.
Sophiya (L) and Jonathan (R) helping us all make the most of our food waste bins.
Meet the waste and recycling engagement team
They are visiting more than 7,000 flats across the borough to help make sure everyone has a food waste caddy and a red wheeled bin (in flats) for food where they live.
The majority of houses now recycle food waste but the numbers are lower in flats.
We are helping by delivering caddies to doors and dropping off information with hundreds of containers handed out already.
More and more people are recycling food waste now but there’s still about 30 per cent of what goes in your bin is food.
Is your building missing a food bin?
If you live in a flat and don’t have a red food waste recycling bin in your bin store, contact your managing agent.
We are following up with all residential buildings where a food recycling bin or resident caddies are missing but any help residents can give is appreciated.
 Will your heating keep up? Check for an RTS meter
Some older electricity meters rely on a radio signal to switch between peak and off peak rates. This signal is being switched off soon.
As this happens heating or hot water in affected homes may stop working properly or run at the wrong times.
You may have a Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meter if:
- There is a separate switch box near your meter labelled ‘Radio Teleswitch’
- You use electric heating or storage heaters at your property
- There is no gas supply in your area (common in rural locations and some flats)
- You have cheaper energy at certain times through tariffs such as Economy 7, Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control
If you think you have an RTS meter or you are unsure, contact your electricity supplier now to arrange a smart meter upgrade.
Smart meters are the only technical replacement and can provide similar off‑peak benefits along with accurate bills and usage tracking.
We have reduced RTS meters from 994 in March 2025 to 188 in October 2025 but we need every remaining household to act promptly.
 Wokingham Lions inspire young eco-readers
Children across the borough now have a vibrant new way to explore nature and climate issues thanks to a generous donation from Wokingham Lions.
The volunteer‑run community group, known for championing local causes and organising some of the borough’s biggest fundraising events, has donated Wild Tribe Heroes books to Wokingham Library.
The Wild Tribe Heroes series has become widely recognised. Each illustrated story follows a real animal facing modern environmental challenges from ocean plastics to melting ice and deforestation.
The series has even been recognised with personal letters of congratulations from Sir David Attenborough.
Families can discover these books at Wokingham Library where they are on display and ready to loan. Anyone who wants to explore further can sign up for free library membership on the Wokingham Libraries website.
Celebrating three years of community climate action
More than 60 residents recently came together to celebrate the third anniversary of Wokingham's People Planet Pint (PPP).
PPP is a local sustainability meet‑up that connects people interested in reducing carbon, saving money and supporting the community.
The special event brought together groups from Wokingham, Reading and Windsor with short talks on nature recovery, community energy and local repair and reuse projects. A family‑friendly quiz also encouraged younger residents to get involved.
Attendees left with practical ideas they can use at home including ways to cut food waste, understand their energy use and learn about low‑carbon technologies such as heat pumps.
PPP meets on the first Thursday of every month at The Rose and is free to attend. Residents can find upcoming dates by searching “People Planet Pint Wokingham” on Eventbrite.
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