MBRA Spring Newsletter 2026
SPRING: a season of change marking the transition from Winter to Summer and so welcome this year. In January and February we experienced violent storms, relentless rain and mud which affected some of our planned walks. 
Many around the country have suffered flooded fields, roads and homes. February brought us the welcome signs of Spring with snowdrops, primulas and daffodils, then in March came hints of green buds on the bushes and trees. April has arrived with longer days, blossom bursting into life and a medley of fresh greens! The best way to witness these changes in nature is to get out and walk, stroll or hike whether it’s in a local park or the countryside only a short distance from the city centre. The health benefits to our minds and bodies are better than any drug. So put on your sturdy shoes or boots and head out there!
Guess what’s lurking in Brian’s trousers!?
See if you can spot the occupant in Brian’s (our website wizard) trousers!
About 4 weeks ago, a cheeky robin decided to build a nest on the shelves outside our back door, where we keep our walking boots and outdoor shoes. After a couple of windy days, he gave that up and decided to use the bike pannier hanging on the other wall instead.
This was taking such a lot of nesting material, besides being deep and dark, that he had a third go. This time, he chose Brian's allotment trousers, hung up by a belt loop and offering a very neat cup shape - and built a beautiful nest!
Early 2 weeks ago, there was 1 egg, then 2
days later a second one: by the end of the week, there were 5 (see photo) and an almost-permanent occupant of the nest. We're waiting until next weekend to see if there are any hatchlings!
In the meantime, Brian has found an alternative pair of trousers to wear for allotment work - but his keys to the trading shed aretrapped inside the original pair!
UPDATE: Although we've put mealworms out, the sitting robin doesn't seem to be eating them. We were concerned that she was not having much food in the short trips to the garden. This morning, however, as I went out of our back door (opposite the nest), I disturbed another robin (presumably Dad) bringing something for her: he flew away nearby until I returned to the house!
This article was kindly submitted by Jean Hackett, and we look forward to further updates!
MBRA/WALKS PROGRAMME
We are fortunate to have 180 Members, yet only a fifth of that number are participating in our holiday and social activities with only a tenth regularly joining our walks. We are reliant and grateful to a small number of walk leaders who have been offering Walks and Strolls on Thursdays only. Many walks now finish with a reunion at a local café which has been welcomed and beneficial to those members, unable to walk but keen to keep in touch with our MBRA Community. Perhaps now is the opportunity to approach our ‘Walks’ and Social Programme in a different way.
SOME SUGGESTIONS TO CONSIDER.
Short Strolls – We could consider including a regular programme of short strolls, of 1.5-2 mile length in local parks or linear walks along local rivers/canals accessible by bus or train, finishing in a local café.
History Walks – There are short history walks around Earley or perhaps take the opportunity to plan a walk to visit a local Museum or a site of historic interest such as a National Trust property. (e.g. Reading Museum, Museum of English Rural Life, Greys Court, Basildon Park etc.) Alternatively take a train or bus to visit properties in other locations e.g. Whitchurch Silk Museum, Wallingford Museum & City Walls.
Walks by Train or Bus: from Marlow, Maidenhead, Cookham, Henley on Thames, Bourne End, Oxford and more. Website: www.roundreadingwalk.co.uk
Simple Social Events Just meeting for Coffee; Afternoon Tea or a Pub Lunch
Quiz or Games Evening – This would involve cost of hiring a Room e.g. Earley Crescent Centre or similar.
Summer Picnic & Walk: Possible locations: Windsor Great Park or on the River Thames in Henley, Windsor, Reading. Basildon Park would be ideal for a short stroll and walk, followed by a picnic in the grounds.
NB: Most of these potential events would continue to be offered on Thursdays, but maybe offering the occasional Sunday walk in the Summer would target members who are working midweek. However, this would add more pressure on our limited number of Walk Leaders Our MBRA connections are important to those who’ve been part of this close community for decades hence the above suggestions to endeavour to maintain a programme to retain these links in the future. However, to action any of the above suggestions, we need more volunteers to act as Walk Leaders or Event Organisers!!
WALK ORGANISATION/LEADERSHIP
Ramblers - Walk Leaders, we need you!! There are MBRA Members and Walk Leaders who are happy to support and mentor new Volunteers to qualify as Volunteer Walk Leaders. Mentors can help with completion of the Ramblers’ training modules for Walk Leaders, checking strolls and walking routes and will act as your ‘Buddy’ on those first walks or strolls. Perhaps start with a short walk or event first!
JOIN A RAMBLERS’ WALK
Berkshire is blessed with a wealth of Ramblers Groups offering a wide-ranging selection of group walks from short strolls to medium and longer hikes which run most days of the week which as Ramblers you can easily join. Details of local walks can be found on our website: www.mbra.org.uk
Short Wellbeing (approximately one hour) walks are available locally.
Feedback -Share your thoughts and ideas to boost our programme. All would be welcome, in response to the above-programme suggestions and feedback can be expressed to: Email:
CURRENT AFFAIRS
As I write the situation in the Middle East is seriously affecting the cost of petrol/diesel and is likely to continue for some time. We already encourage car sharing where logistics allow and as necessary, we could design more walks to start with a bus or train journey – using bus passes, senior rail cards or group discounts as appropriate.
MBRA HOLIDAYS
SPRING 2026 23rd-27th March 2026 –Bembridge Coast Hotel, Bembridge, Isle of Wight
Thirty-four of our Ramblers have recently returned from a very successful holiday on the Isle of Wight. We stayed at the Warner’s Bembridge Coast Hotel. Needing to use the ferry made it even more of an adventure. This is a very comfortable hotel and a lovely setting. We were well fed and the evening entertainment was especially good. Even the weather was kind overall – despite a brief hail storm on Wednesday and a lot of brisk winds.
On the first day we were led by Ali on a 7 mile walk from the hotel. It was very windy, but mainly bright. We started along the coast at Bembridge, and due to coastal erosion, we headed a little inland. East of Whitecliffe Bay the walk went on to part of the Yar River Trail, up to Bembridge Down, the Beacon and Culver Down then back along the Coastal Path to the hotel. We made a stop-off at the Bembridge Windmill. 
We were told that a large group of ramblers, with a grey-haired man and a large camera, had just left --- wonder who that was?!! We stopped at the interestingly shaped Pilot Boat Inn in Bembridge on the way back to the hotel.
The medium walk was led by Liz. After a short drive, the walk took in Bembridge Down, Culver Down, and the Bembridge Windmill (National Trust), as well as part of the Yar River Trail.
On Wednesday and Thursday, we were hosted by the local Isle of Wight Ramblers Group, and inparticular Serena and Jackie, who ably led two great walks. An alternative choice was the shorter walk led by Robert on Thursday.
Together with some of the IOW Ramblers on Wednesday we traversed a section of the Charles Dickens Trail from Shanklin, making approximately 700 feet ascent onto the downs, and then down into Ventnor and the coast, with a short bus ride back to the start. This was a 7-mile option. The optional 2-mile extension went further along a section of the Coastal path to Bonchurch, before returning. Total ascent for this option was around 1,350 feet – which meant that it was very windy but gave wonderful views.
On Thursday 26th March the longer walk started at Godshill. We went on a circular walk, organised and 
led by Isle of Wight Ramblers – a 5-mile routewith around 700 feet of ascent. From the pretty village of Godshill, and the famous church of All Saints. Then passing the ruins of Appuldurcombe House, and then along a section of the old railway line at Wroxall on the way to the Donkey Sanctuary for a picnic stop. The optional extension went from Appledurcomb House before returning to the Donkey Sanctuary, and then a short walk back to the cars.
A shorter walk option for Thursday was led by Robert. It was 4.5 miles, around 300 feet of ascent, 
taking in Newchurch and Alverstone. This was a fairly flat route along part of the Yar River Trail (former railway line) and through the Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve where the inhabitants include red squirrels. Sadly, the squirrels were not on show this day, but below are the group on the walk and some views.
As usual there were some in the group who made their own entertainment – including the archery team, who were all winners!
Looking forward to the next holiday in October at Studley Castle in Warwickshire, with good weather and good walking!
Submitted by Maggie with some minor additions
PS: Go to website to see Terry’s Video Story of the Bembridge Holiday!
AUTUMN HOLIDAY 2026
19th – 23rd OCTOBER 2026 – Studley Castle, Studley, Warwickshire
This is a unique destination with its roots in its Victorian past, but its eye very much on the here and now. Nearby are attractions such as Kenilworth Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds, Shakespeare’s birthplace in Warwickshire. Surrounding areas include the Cotswolds, the gardens of Herefordshire, Cotswolds Farm Park, Hill Close Gardens Trust, and Worcester City. Studley Castle’s story began in 1834 when Francis Lyttleton Holyoake, High Sheriff of Warwickshire, enlisted architect Samuel Beazley to design and lavish it with Gothic Revival architecture. It was a grand family home for 70 years, then a women’s agricultural college and training camp for the Women’s Land Army during the two World Wars. In 2006, the building was converted to a country hotel, which was acquired by Warners in 2016. There is a spa consisting of swimming pool, bubble pool, sauna and steam room. The entertainment package for this break is Midweek Variety, featuring one of the UK's most inventive comedy talents, Ben Nickless, and the Warner Theatre Co.
For further details and availability:
Contact: Maggie on Email:
FOOTPATHS
Ramblers are encouraged to report any problems they find with footpaths, such as broken or dangerous stiles, blocked or overgrown paths, or fly-tipping. All problems will be dealt with by the relevant local authority. Nowadays, it's quite easy to report problems online with most authorities. A photo of the problem together with a grid reference or postcode usually helps. The local authority for Mid Berks Ramblers area is West Berkshire. Most of our walks take place in West Berks, Oxfordshire (which includes South Oxfordshire), Hampshire or Wokingham District. Click on a link to take you to the appropriate reporting page.
Maintaining public rights of way: You can report footpath problems anywhere in England and Wales through the National Ramblers or locally to the Mid Berks Footpath secretary (Robert) on
HEALTH & SAFETY
Whilst walking is generally a low-risk activity, the weather can prove to be a hazard !! Our walk leaders will have carried out a risk assessment on the route, but it is also up to us to act responsibly when joining a walk. So please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the weather conditions. Ensure you carry plenty of water, a snack and a completed Ramblers ICE Card (In Case of Emergency) which you can obtain from walk leaders. Statistics indicate that the main hazard are slips and trips, so please take care when negotiating muddy paths, with tree roots, ruts and stones, and by using a walking pole to assist as necessary.
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
SATURDAY – 1ST AUGUST - Earley Town Council Green Fair
MBRA will be there – so make a note to come and visit our stand for a chat. More details in our Summer Newsletter.
Meanwhile – Keep Walking!!
IMPORTANT LINKS & CONTACTS:
Our website: www.mbra.org.uk
Membership Email:
Holidays Email:
Footpaths Email:
Publicity Email: