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Click to enlarge this map showing Barkham Solar Farm and improvements to surrounding green spaces.
Barkham Solar Farm work to begin in November
Construction of Barkham Solar Farm is set to begin in November after we signed a contract with Equans, with the site expected to start generating electricity next year.
Once operational the solar farm is expected to generate 31,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable electricity each year, enough to power around 9,400 average UK homes.
It is also forecast to provide more than £1 million annually for the council, helping to fund local services.
The 52-hectare site is on council-owned farmland off Barkham Ride, between Barkham, Arborfield and Finchampstead. Around 43,000 solar panels will be installed.
The project will also bring local improvements.
A new traffic-free Greenway will run through the site, linking towards California Country Park and the proposed Rook’s Nest Wood extension, with a signalised pedestrian crossing on Barkham Ride. View the map of planned improvements in the area.
Plans also include 2.66 hectares of new woodland, meadow grassland, hedgerows and tree planting, alongside approximately 1,000 fruit trees planted with local charity Freely Fruity.
Further updates, including information about any construction-related travel disruption, will be shared as work progresses.
Register with Switch Together to receive a personalised energy offer from vetted suppliers.
One week left to see if you could save on energy bills
The Ofgem energy price cap is set to rise from 1 October, meaning many households could see their energy bills increase.
If you're looking for ways to manage your energy costs ahead of winter, there's still time to register with Switch Together before the deadline on 28 September.
Switch Together is a free scheme that brings households together to seek competitive fixed-rate energy tariffs from vetted suppliers.
By registering, you'll receive a personalised energy offer that you can compare with your current tariff and other available deals before deciding what's right for your household.
There is no obligation to switch and, if you choose to accept the offer, the switching process is handled for you.
With just one week left to register, don't miss your chance to receive a personalised offer before the deadline.
Loddon lilies are among the species supported by the borough's rivers, wetlands and natural habitats.
New strategy for climate and nature
We've approved a new Climate and Nature Strategy, setting out how we will respond to climate change, while helping nature recover.
The strategy recognises the strong connections between climate action, adaptation, and the natural environment, and the wide-ranging benefits they deliver, including improved health and wellbeing, greater resilience to climate impacts, enhanced biodiversity and helping to reduce inequalities across the borough.
Alongside the strategy, councillors approved the latest Climate Emergency Action Plan, which outlines actions across areas including transport, renewable energy, building retrofit, nature, waste and recycling and new developments.
Read the strategy and find out more about climate and nature work across the borough.
St Nicholas CE Primary School pupils in Hurst meet Whitney the Wasteater during a Recycle Week visit.
Children take recycling lessons home with Whitney
Children at St Nicholas CE Primary School in Hurst are among the first to take part in a new challenge designed to help families waste less and recycle more.
Inspired by the popular "take a bear home" activities used by many primary schools, pupils take Whitney the Wasteater home for the weekend and complete a series of fun recycling missions with their families.
As part of Recycle Week, Whitney and Biffa's education team visited the school, giving pupils the chance to explore a recycling lorry, learn more about what happens to their recycling and discover simple ways to reduce waste at home.
If successful, the trial could be rolled out to more schools across the borough, helping more children become recycling champions both in the classroom and at home.
Join re3's free webinar on Friday 25 September to find out what happens to your recycling after collection.
What really happens to your recycling?
Ever wondered what happens after your bins are collected?
Visitors browse pre-loved items at the re3 pop-up shop held at Finchampstead Baptist Church.
Grandfather clock among finds at re3 pop-up shop
A grandfather clock, guitars and even a drone were among the items snapped up by residents at the recent re3 pop-up shop at Finchampstead Baptist Church.
The event gave unwanted items a second life while raising more than £700 for Berkshire Women's Aid, re3 Recycling's charity of the year.
Pop-up shops help keep usable items in circulation for longer, reducing waste and supporting local causes at the same time.
Thank you to everyone who donated items, volunteered or came along to support the event.
Ben and Hayley collect their prize beside Willowby at Dinton Pastures Country Park.
A winning name and a special connection to Dinton
This summer, residents chose Willowby as the new name for the living willow caterpillar at Dinton Pastures Country Park, near Hurst and Woodley.
Several people suggested the winning name, so Ben McLachlan was selected at random to receive the competition prize.
When Ben visited Dinton with Hayley and their son Austin to collect a handmade willow tree grown from Willowby's cuttings, Rangers discovered a special connection to the park.
Ben and Hayley had recently got married at Dinton Pastures and even completed the Dinton parkrun on the morning of their wedding.
Thank you to everyone who suggested a name, voted and helped care for Willowby.
 Eco Afternoon comes to Woodley
Looking for practical ways to live more sustainably? Visit St James Church in Woodley on Saturday 17 October for an afternoon of eco activities, information and inspiration.
Drop in any time between 2pm and 4.30pm to explore eco stalls, family activities, workshops, a recycling corner and more. Cakes and refreshments will also be available.
Whether you're looking for simple ways to reduce waste, save energy or learn more about local environmental initiatives there's something for all ages.
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