MBRA Winter Newsletter 2024/25

 
Happy New Year Everyone!

As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025, January’s third Monday, “Blue Monday”, is thought to be the most depressing day of the year, but it is a myth, a false calculation based on things like the gloomy weather, post-Christmas debt, disappointment from not keeping New Year’s resolutions, dissatisfaction about going back to work and general doom and gloom.  However, it has since become a PR event, often designed to promote spurious things that are vaguely linked to improving our well-being, with little evidence.  No actual scientific studies have ever backed up any claims about Blue Monday, but it is a great stunt dreamed up to sell holidays!

Meanwhile winter reminds us that everything and everyone needs some quiet and restful time.

Membership

Mid-Berks current membership on 1^st Jan 2025 is 185.

Sadly, in October, our long-standing member and friend, Jean Hall, who had made such a great contribution to MBRA, died.  Jean had been ill for some time and was receiving palliative care in a Reading Nursing home. Jean was an active member and walk leader, who led and shared many interesting and lovely walks with us over the years.

 Annual General Meeting

 The Mid Berks AGM was held on 21^st October at The Earley Crescent Resource Centre.

Several members of the Committee stepped down and were gratefully thanked for their long services by our chairman.  Rita and Chris B had served for many years on the Committee, magnificently handling the Walks programme through its many phases.  Brian H is stepping down from his role as Footpath Secretary, which he is handing over to Robert W. Shirley M has handed over her role as Health and Safety officer to John O, and Liz H relinquished her role as holiday walks co-ordinator. Refreshments were served and Mike N organised a visual quiz which was enjoyed by all.

Mid-Berks Website

Our Mid Berks website www.mbra.org.uk shows activities and our current walks programme.  There you will also see slide shows and photographs which Terry has kindly taken/co-ordinated on our walks and holidays from 2020 onwards.  If you would like to submit an interesting photograph from one of your walks, just forward to Brian H or the walk leader, but please ensure that anyone in the photo doesn’t mind it being published on the website/in the newsletter.

There is now a growing section of archived group walks too, showing details of walks in addition to the archived holiday walks.  These can be used by new walk leaders or anyone new to the district.

Mid-Berkshire Walks Programme

 As we welcome in the new year and the fresh start that it brings, we’re celebrating the amazing mood-lifting effect of spending time in nature.  The walks programme is continuing its struggle despite the valiant efforts of our remaining walk leaders and, consequently, most walks have been posted quite late, although we are endeavouring to extend the programme to cover 3 or 4 months. Despite this, the walks have generally been well attended.  If you can contribute, please let a member of the committee or any of our walk leaders know; we would offer guidance and mentoring, plus full support.

Footpaths

Brian is handing over to Robert as Footpath secretary, after many years of service. He has given Robert briefing notes as an introduction.

Ramblers Head Office have written formally to West Berks Council asking them to publish a diversion order at Broadview Farm, so that we can object and go to a public enquiry.

The right of way which the landowner of Broadview Farm wants us to use runs alongside an existing path.  At the moment, assuming the disputed path was available, there's a good circular walk using the 2 paths.  We would lose that.  We have suggested alternatives, rejected out of hand, and asked for other possibilities to be considered, which have been refused.

On the attached map, the path at issue is the black line A-X-Y.  It goes right through the middle of a building, along X-Y, which was erected over 30 years ago.  The red dotted line shows an unofficial diversion.  The diversion proposed is the black dotted line E-D-C-B-A, which follows the existing purple dotted line, which was an agreed diversion, as it used to go through the middle of three ponds!

The blue line is our suggestion for an alternative, compensating route along an existing track, but rejected by the landowner. We have also suggested a route made through Salts and Roundhill Copses, to the west of the farm, but this was deemed impossible. Therefore, our grounds for objection are at least loss of amenity.

The Government has withdrawn the 2030 deadline for claiming. historic rights of way, mainly because local authorities have such a backlog of claims and little funds to process them.

You can report footpath problems anywhere in England and Wales through the Ramblers or locally to the Mid-Berks Footpath secretary, with details, for onward forwarding to the relevant authority.

There is growing concern about the dangers of walking near rivers and other waterways with the increasing heavy rainfall that we experience these days. River levels continue to rise across the borough, and flood alerts and warnings have been in place for parts of the rivers Thames, Loddon and Blackwater at various locations.

Health and Safety

Did you know that being in nature for as little as 20 minutes a day can do wonders for your well-being?  We are lucky that in Berkshire we have areas of natural beauty close to home.  Keeping them thriving with wildlife helps not only our world but also our own well-being.  Nature can boost our mood, help us cope with stress, reduce anxiety and even raise our confidence. 

A daily walk is a great way to move your body and help clear your mind.  Walking provides many benefits such as improved mood, increased oxygen to the brain to reduce the impact of brain fog, and to improve sleep quality.  It is said to reduce joint pain, decrease cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, improve circulation, and allows for a more effective endocrine system, which includes the body’s cooling systems and circulatory systems.”

January is a time for making changes for the better, but the dark and dreary weather means that getting out in nature isn’t often at the top of our to-do lists. Spending time outside is so good at helping us feel well. January 18th is Winnie-the-Pooh Day and celebrates Optimist Day!

Crisp frosts, tingling cheeks, dragon’s breath … and something warming afterwards banish the seasonal blues and highlight the many benefits of venturing out during the coldest, darkest, wettest months as we celebrate the wonders of winter wanders.

Please be careful when walking near flood water and keep children and pets away from it too, as it can contain hidden dangers and health hazards.

Waterproofing

Even the trustiest waterproof kit needs regular care and attention to help keep you dry throughout the year. If you are noticing your waterproofs are becoming a bit soggy, it might be time to reproof them.

South American scorpion

A lady in Arborfield Green spotted this creature sitting in the skirting of her front door.  The Berkshire Reptile Rescue (https://berkshirereptileencounters.co.uk/berkshire-reptile-rescue) has warned others to be mindful following recent reports across the country, including a university student in Bristol finding a scorpion crawling inside a Shein parcel!!

For more information, visit the National Centre for Reptile Welfare: https://www.ncrw.co.uk/

Holidays

The Mid Berks group holidays are held in Spring and Autumn and have been managed by Maggie Hills. The residential holidays are well appreciated, not only for the chance to have extended social interactions in pleasant surroundings, but to experience the landscape in totally different places. Sometimes the weather is wet but, underneath the wet-weather gear, we enjoy the warm atmosphere and satisfaction of yet another walk together in the countryside.

Our Autumn 2024 holiday was held in Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, North Wales, staying in Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel.  Twenty-seven walkers enjoyed the holiday with walks led by Liz, Robert, Ali, Paul and Mike R. The walks were around the reservoirs of Llyn Brenig and Alwen, The Great Orme, Aber Falls and Conway town and Mountain. There were also independent excursions and strolls. The weather was kind to us, and the hotel looked after us well.

If you want to see more photographs from the walks from this exciting holiday, and other holidays and walks, check out Terry’s photos on our website https://www.mbra.org.uk/photos/terry-s-photos.html Other submitted photos of walks and events are available by following this link: Photos

Our Spring holiday, (Monday 31^st March – Friday 4^th April 2025) will be held before Easter at Warner’s Nidd Hall, Harrogate, close to Knaresborough.  North Yorkshire’s grandest 18th century property, this is rumoured to be the location of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson’s first encounter and is close to Mother Shipton’s Cave.  Single and double rooms are available.

Harrogate and Ripon are both just a few miles from the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales, and both allow easy access for memorable and breath-taking day trips into the history and heritage of this evocative landscape, whether it be a day tour in the car, or your own adventure on foot. 

Our Autumn holiday in 2025 will be at Warners Cricket St Thomas, Somerset, for 4 nights (Monday 6^th October to Friday 10^th). The hotel is just over 100 miles away from Reading.

The scene of much of the famous TV comedy, “To the Manor Born”, Cricket St. Thomas was also frequently visited by Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton in earlier times.  This classic 18^th century Georgian manor house is set in splendid parkland, with colourful gardens (designed by Capability Brown), lakes, and a unique woodland area. There is an indoor pool, sauna, and steam room. It even has its own church dedicated to St Thomas.

For more information see: Cricket St Thomas in Somerset | Warner Leisure Hotels

The holiday will include dinner, bed and breakfast with evening entertainment for four nights and the usual activities for non-walkers. We plan to offer a selection of long and medium walks, and there are plenty of sight-seeing options in the area including: Longleat House and Safari Park, Forde Abbey and Gardens, Lyme Regis, Wells, Beer beach, Exeter, Yeovil Country Park, Barrington Court and Montacute House. The entertainment package is Midweek Variety, with visiting artists the Warner Theatre Company. 

If you have never been on one of our breaks, you will be made to feel most welcome.
Generally, there are walks for most abilities, but even if you do not want to walk for any reason, there are many other activities and places to visit.
Contact Maggie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Recent local walks

A scenic, circular, moderately paced walk of 6 miles (9.7 km) along part of the Ridgeway through Ewelme Park in the Chilterns took in rolling countryside and parkland overlooking Swyncombe House and passing through Park Corner and Huntercombe End.  There was a short snack stop en route, and opportunity for refreshments afterwards at The Maker Space near Nuffield.

We caught the train in Reading for a leisurely, flat, easy walk around the north of Oxford, following rivers and crossing parks.  The full walk was around 6 miles, but there was an option to shorten this to 3 miles returning to the town centre via the Oxford Canal, rather than going on to parks and colleges. There was an optional stop at a café in the town centre after the walk before catching the train back to Reading.

Another circular walk of 6.2 miles, around the fringes of the Chiltern Hills in brilliant winter sunshine, took in Harpsden, the edge of Henley and Crowsley Park. The woodlands had lost most of their leaves giving more open views of the gently rolling countryside where we spotted a herd of fallow deer on the outskirts of a wood.  There were a few stiles, and we had a short snack stop half-way round, with the option for refreshments afterwards at the Herb Farm in Sonning Common.

 There was a short stroll along the Thames towpath from Remenham to Henley, for brunch at the Chocolate Cafe, before returning to Remenham.

The annual Christmas Lunch for MBRA was held at The Wheelwrights Arms with an optional stroll led by Thelma (1-2 miles) and walk led by Paul (2-3 miles) around Dinton Pastures beforehand.

Our leisurely 3 mile planned New Year’s celebration took place from the Black Barn at Rushall Manor Farm.  A celebratory drink with mince pies, sausage rolls etc. was enjoyed by all, but the walk itself was not done because of high winds and heavy rain. The strollers however were made of sterner stuff and, as the weather had improved after the festivities, they set off bravely for the stroll.

A leisurely circular walk of 5 miles around Arborfield and the surrounding farmland was mainly flat and on good paths in cold but bright sunshine. There was an optional café stop at Henry Street after the walk, which was attended by most of the walkers.

On a moderate 6.5-ml walk, crossing the fields from Ruscombe to Hare Hatch, we passed through the woods below Bowsey Hill and on through the back streets of Wargrave, returning to Ruscombe through the Sheeplands Farm estate.

Well-being Walks

More than 90,000 Ramblers walks take place across Britain every year, providing a setting for social connections to be made.  More than half of these group walks are Ramblers Well-being Walks. These short, free guided walks are often prescribed by healthcare professionals to improve physical health, but increasingly as a powerful way to combat loneliness and isolation.

 National News

 The National body have announced that we closed the 2023/24 financial year with 103,876 members – the highest membership since 2018.  There are now 500 groups across England, Scotland and Wales! Ramblers membership is bursting with great benefits – access these on the National web site: ramblers.org.uk/my-acccount.  There you will find….:

• A library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes. Online and exclusive to you on the app
• Unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks, guided by a walk leader along safe, accessible routes.
• Stories of places, people, and campaigns that matter to you in the Walk magazine.
• Savings on walking gear and more with exclusive offers from Cotswold Outdoor, Ordnance Survey, and other Ramblers partners

And that is not all, your will also help protect the places we all love to walk and the paths, tracks and trails that lead to them.

Member survey highlights

In September, the annual member satisfaction survey was held, to find out what’s working well and what could be improved.  Over 5,100 responses were received.  Check out the highlights, https://www.ramblers.org.uk/member-satisfaction-survey-2024-highlights   and see how your insights shape the future of the Ramblers on the National website.

Other news for your diary

Japanese Knotweed Update

The invasive species is currently thriving ahead of its usual growing period, due to warmer and wetter weather this winter.  It can grow up to four inches a day and forms dense thickets which can kill native plant species.  There are a total of 431 verified knotweed sightings in Berkshire, or 0.34 incidences in every 1km² and in the national Japanese knotweed hotspots list, Berkshire is the 15th worst-affected county in England, Reading topping the ranking in Berkshire with 166 occurrences within 4 km of the town.  Fewer cases were spotted in areas across West Berkshire, including Newbury, Hungerford.

Enhancing biodiversity at new public green space

An opening ceremony was held for Swallows Meadow recently, following improvements made by Earley Environmental Group (EEG) and the University of Reading.  The land, which is owned by the university, lies to the north of Lower Earley Way and has entrances on its east side at Meldreth Way and on its north side off Chatteris Way. EEG has helped the university with improving the accessibility to make it a pleasant space for all to enjoy. Other improvements have included a regular mowing regime, new kissing gates and proper signage.  In the long-term, the university aims to improve the biodiversity of the meadow as a natural green space for wildlife.

New green spaces help children explore the outdoors

 Most of the meadow next to St Mary’s Junior School in Chestnut Crescent (location?) is open to the public.  It was designed with input from the pupils, and Reading University will continue to maintain the area in the long term.

Prioritising green spaces with access for everyone

Wokingham’s new Local Plan proposes a large new country park to the south of the M4, on the banks of the River Loddon and Barkham Brook, most of which is not currently accessible to the public.  It would be a haven for wildlife and provide high-quality walking and cycling connections to the surrounding areas.  It is funded by developers building new homes in this area to meet future needs.

Dinton Pastures footpath

Work to make the footpaths at White Swan Lake in Dinton Pastures more accessible is now complete.

Welcoming wildlife to Charvil Country Park

 Work to increase the biodiversity of Charvil Country Park this winter was completed before Christmas.  Phragmites australis, also known as Norfolk or common reed, will be planted along the edges of Heronry Lake and Canberra Lake in the park.  These reeds will create a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including bitterns, a bird species that thrives in wet reed beds and feeds at the water’s edge where fish are abundant.  Creating these reed beds is part of an ongoing effort to enhance natural habitats in our countryside.

Bracknell has been added to the Bluetongue restriction zone.

Bluetongue disease is a notifiable non-contagious, arthropod-borne viral disease, primarily spread by certain species of biting midges and affecting ruminants, primarily sheep and other domestic or wild ruminants, including cattle, yaks, goats, buffalo, deer and dromedaries…
Temporary restriction zones brought in to help stem the spread of the bluetongue virus (BTV-3) now cover the whole of the Southeast after more cases were found.

 For livestock welfare concerns, the public is advised to contact 01635 519930.

 Bucklebury Estate tries to future-proof the Common

 Bucklebury Common is privately owned by the Bucklebury Estate and stretches over 900 acres from Cold Ash (Bucklebury Alley) in the west to Bradfield Southend in the east and is one of the largest commons in southern England.  Willie Hartley Russell is the Lord of the Manor, and the estate, including the common, was acquired by his family from Henry VIII in 1540.

With north-east Thatcham threatened with an extra 2,500 homes in the coming years, conservationists are thinking ahead to the impact of an extra 7,000 people using the nearby Common.  It is said that Bucklebury has the densest rights-of-way network of any parish in England. 

The land management scheme in parts of the common is about 100 years out of date, so a programme of tree clearance of the self-seeding birch saplings is under way this winter to allow a greater diversity of plant and animal life to thrive. 

The Common is home to the famous Avenue of Oaks at Chapel Row, ancient woodland at Holly Wood, and one of the largest areas of heathland in Berkshire.  In 2000 a new avenue of oaks was planted at Chapel Row to commemorate the Millennium.  In 2011 a further row of oak trees was planted at Chapel Row Green to mark the marriage of Catherine Middleton – whose family live just up the road – and Prince William, now the Prince and Princess of Wales.

A single healthy meadow can be home to over 100 species of wildflowers, which in turn supports other meadow wildlife, including bees, butterflies and other pollinators – insects that we rely on to pollinate our food. Established wildflower meadows can even help to mitigate floods and store carbon.

Local ornithologists are helping the estate team by building up a picture by way of a survey on what bird species are returning to the site.  Nightjars and woodlarks are among them. There are hopes for more. 

 Winged Watch

The Big Garden Birdwatch is the UK's largest garden wildlife survey and takes place this year over the weekend of January 26th to 28th. Spotting and counting birds in the world is increasingly crucial, as 38 million birds have disappeared from Britain's skies over the last 50 years, due to loss of habitat and climate change.  Helping to build up data about Britain's iconic birds is something that we can all do, and this citizen-led ecological project has happened every year since 1979.  The. RSPB invites you to take part and count the birds in your garden.  Some feathered friends to look out for include the house sparrow, the blue tit, the starling, the wood pigeon, the blackbird and the red-breasted robin