# data[].attributes.headline
Would you like to be part of St Andrew's church Harvest Eco-Fest? Its on Saturday 2nd October at St Andrew's church in Caversham and we are inviting people who are interested in the environment, recycling, growing and harvesting. It will be a family event with stalls, competitions and activities. If you would like to be involved, please let me know! Thanks, Jasmine.

# data[].attributes.subject
Would you like to be part of St Andrew's church Harvest Eco-Fest? Its on Saturday 2nd October at St Andrew's church in Caversham and we are inviting people who are interested in the environment, recycling, growing and harvesting. It will be a family event with stalls, competitions and activities. If you would like to be involved, please let me know! Thanks, Jasmine.

# data[].attributes.body
f

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.facebook.com/groups/eastreadingcommunity/permalink/2244153828984112/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
East Reading Community Group has 1,729 members. This is a group for all residents of East Reading, Berkshire UK. It encompasses everywhere east of town including Newtown, Redlands & University area,...

# data[].attributes.body
A wildflower meadow would look lovely and help pollinators. It would also save the council money as no need to cut grass. Increased lighting along the path all the way passed Tesco too would be great and increase use and feeling of safety. Fitness and Exercise machines could be installed, similar to the ones you see in parks.

# data[].attributes.body
All good! I'd like to see more wild flowers, big 'uns, like the Foxglove and Early Evening Primrose that we found on the Coal during a site inspection for Doris' Birthday Party back in '85.

...and it says Commonly found around site are “Teasels, Elderberry bushes, Dog Roses, Hawthorne, Horse Chestnut, Alder, Ash, Evening Primrose, Silver Birch, Willow, Woody Nightshade, Rose Bay Willow Herb and Buddleia”, and the one I’ll add is Aquilegia in abundance!

# data[].attributes.body
Summary below, click on link for full report.

Objectives
a. increase use of the area by people from Newtown creating a destination for walks
b. increase scrub areas for birds, mammals, insects to breed
c. provide water through larger part of the year for amphibians, dragonflies etc.
d. increase plants for pollinators and breeding sites.

1. Talk with university before September meeting.
a. What is the area of the wayleave and would they chat to electricity people about
putting power lines underground?
b. Whatever the area of current wayleave is, would they stop cutting the grass between wayleave and railway fenceline.
c. Can SOAR plant some climbers adjacent to the fence, possibly enhance shrub planting on the unmown area, dig a shallow pond in this area.
d. Please would university increase grass cutting in two semicircles (approx) coming off
the towpath where there are big gaps in the hawthorn tree line. This is to make
picnic/leisure areas. Would they take mowing away (or dump them in the brambles at western end). If they are not willing to do this, do they mind if SOAR does this
(need to invest in a rechargeable mower)
e. Can SOAR plant wildflowers on this site?
f. What to do with the mound? Would university accept a bmx track?
g. Would they be happy for SOAR to try and revitalise the little copse and area behind it?
h. Plans for the old pub????

# data[].attributes.body
Any checking of bat boxes must be carried out by someone with the appropriate licence as all bat species are protected.

# data[].attributes.body
To improve bio diversity along concrete river banks

# data[].attributes.body
Click for details on initiative to support declining pollinators

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Bee Roadzz – (Bee Craft) joining up landscapes forpollinators and people.docx

# data[].attributes.headline
Direct the Caversham traffic across the river past Sonning to reduce the traffic at Junction and Centre?

# data[].attributes.subject
Direct the Caversham traffic across the river past Sonning to reduce the traffic at Junction and Centre?

# data[].attributes.body
Communal vegetable & Herb growing in tubs or beds

# data[].attributes.body
Collect some on e.g. recreational use, air quality, wildlife, traffic volumes, trees etc

# data[].attributes.headline
Try to get a trust to take over the Horseshoe Bridge

# data[].attributes.subject
Try to get a trust to take over the Horseshoe Bridge

# data[].attributes.body
English Heritage

# data[].attributes.headline
Get Reading University students to brainstorm ideas

# data[].attributes.subject
Get Reading University students to brainstorm ideas

# data[].attributes.body
And clear up rubbish regularly

# data[].attributes.body
To help maintain it

# data[].attributes.body
Needs regular cleaning and re-painting. It is owned by Network Rail

# data[].attributes.body
Provide a safe hygienic place for drug users to take injectable drugs to reduce the problem of people using needles and discarding them in the bushes

# data[].attributes.headline
Information boards informing people what to feed the swans

# data[].attributes.subject
Information boards informing people what to feed the swans

# data[].attributes.body
Clear - Easy to Read / Understand

# data[].attributes.body
Link to local schools to teach about growing veg

# data[].attributes.headline
Display board commemorating Reading's first written reference

# data[].attributes.subject
Display board commemorating Reading's first written reference

# data[].attributes.body
The first written reference to Reading was in the Anglo Saxon Chronicles relating the battles that ensued between the Anglo Saxons and the Vikings when they came to Reading in 871. The location of the Viking camp was said to be where the Kennet and Thames were joined. They were said to have reinforced the western side with a bank 800 paces long between the two rivers. This puts the likely area of the camp and battles very close to Kennet Mouth.

"This year the army came to Reading in Wessex; and three days after this, two of their earls rode forth
Then Ethelwulf the ealdorman met them at Englefield, and there fought against them, and got the victory: and there
one of them, whose name was Sidrac, was slain. About three days after this, king Ethelrod and Alfred his brother led a large force to Reading, and fought against the army, and there was great slaughter made on either hand. And Ethelwulf the ealdorman was slain, and the Danish-men had
possession of the place of carnage."

# data[].attributes.body
Link with their Practical Activity Programme so that their students can practice their new found skills to provide education tracks / zones / paths etc

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
To view our COVID-19 Impact - Site reopening risk assessment, please click here. To view our COVID-19 Lateral Flow Testing Activity risk assessment, please click here. To read our most up-to-date communication with students, parents, carers & guardians, please click here.

# data[].attributes.body
On slopes on east end of site.

# data[].attributes.body
Made the following suggestions:
Alder, White Poplar, Black Poplar, Grey Willow, White willow and others to act to soften the landscape against the railway and other obstructions, as well as provide a platform  for a riverside ecology and help contain any  flood waters. Click on the link below to go to their site.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to the Reading Tree Wardens website
The Tree Warden Network in Reading is run in partnership with the Tree Council, Trees for Cities and Reading Borough Council.
The importance and benefits that trees will provide for Reading's future cannot be underestimated. In partnership the Tree Warden Network is committed to raising the profile of Reading's trees and working with partners and the wider community to achieve maximum effectiveness.
The Tree Warden Scheme has its origins in the early 1980s in East Sussex and Leicestershire. The object of the Scheme was to create a network of informed people who could co-ordinate local tree based environmental improvements on behalf of the County Council. In 1989 there were 173 Tree Wardens in East Sussex and Leicestershire. In that same year in the wake of the Great Storm the Tree Council initiated a National Tree Warden Scheme, based on the East Sussex model. It grew and spread with enormous speed and 20 years later, the scheme has around 8,000 Tree Wardens volunteering in 150 local networks.
Our purpose:

A Tree Warden Network aims to provide:

A proven method of Community engagement

A co-ordinated force of volunteers who are committed to the care and awareness of trees in their neighbourhoods

This plan will support the aims of the Network with clear objectives to raise the awareness of the benefits of trees and undertake a wide range of tree related activities.

Objectives

Aim

To develop the Reading Tree Warden Network as a recognised well organised community group, working to raise the awareness of importance of trees in our community.

Objectives

To focus on the benefits of working in partnership

Increase and encourage public and business participation in the care and awareness of the importance of trees

Support the Tree Warden Network through effective and efficient communications and consultation

To produce a quarterly Reading Tree Warden Network newsletter

To develop a Reading Tree Network Website

To ensure local media have up to date information on the Tree Warden Network

To communicate the work of the Tree Warden Network

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Tree Warden Network in Reading is run in partnership with the Tree Council, Trees for Cities and Reading Borough Council. The importance and benefits that trees will provide for Reading's future cannot be underestimated. In partnership the Tree Warden Network is committed to raising the profile of Reading's trees and working with partners and the wider community to achieve maximum effectiveness.

# data[].attributes.body
The health advice is that we all need to walk more! So can we publicise the health benefit of walking. The Thames Path is a nationally known long distance path, we are privileged that it runs through Reading and could we emphasise that. Walkers don't want to go along a bit that is covered in concrete.

# data[].attributes.body
- Cycle Lane
- Walking Lane

# data[].attributes.body
On the open area trees between the bridge and Dreadnought

# data[].attributes.body
Between Hawthorns

# data[].attributes.body
Record bird sightings on Bird Track. Click on the link below to go to the British Trust for Ornithology App

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Please enter your user name and password below

Not yet got a BTO Username? Register by clicking here Non-UK residents should registerhere.

Already have a BTO Username? Set up access to BirdTrack by clicking here

For other problems, contact us via our support pages

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Please enter your user name and password below Not yet got a BTO Username? Register by clicking here Non-UK residents should registerhere. Already have a BTO Username? Set up access to BirdTrack by clicking here For other problems, contact us via our support pages

# data[].attributes.headline
Birds seen or heard on May 11th near the Kennet Mouth

# data[].attributes.subject
Birds seen or heard on May 11th near the Kennet Mouth

# data[].attributes.body
Blackcap
Whitethroat
Chiff Chaff
Garden Warbler
Those above use the brambles or scrub to nest
Domestic Duck
Wren
Blackbird
Bluetit
Long-tailed tit
Robin
Swan
Mallard
Manadarin Duck
Canada Goose
Wood Pigeon
Black- Headed Gull
Sand Martin
Grey Lag Goose
Egyptian Goose
Swift
Songthrush

# data[].attributes.headline
Come to the TVERC conference 28th September 2018 @ Oracle

# data[].attributes.subject
Come to the TVERC conference 28th September 2018 @ Oracle

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
TVERC organises two wildlife recording conferences each year in spring and autumn

These events are designed to provide support, training and networking opportunities to our recording community. They are a great way to meet people with similar interests and find out what is happening across the two counties.

Our next conference:

Our next Recorders' Conference will be online on Friday 15th & Saturday 16th October 2021! Find out more here.

Click on the links below to find out about previous TVERC recorders' conferences:

We are very grateful for the support of various individuals and groups who help to organise these events, including the Ashmolean Natural History Society of Oxford, the Berkshire Local Nature Partnership, Shotover Wildlife, BBOWT, Wild Oxfordshire and Dr Judy Webb.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
These events are designed to provide support, training and networking opportunities to our recording community. They are a great way to meet people with similar interests and find out what is happening across the two counties. Our next Recorders' Conference will be online on Friday 15th & Saturday 16th October 2021!

# data[].attributes.headline
Enhance grassland adjacent to railway with wildflowers and management

# data[].attributes.subject
Enhance grassland adjacent to railway with wildflowers and management

# data[].attributes.body
Click on link below to Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre for details

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The easiest way to make sure your records are used in local-decision making is to submit your records direct to us at tverc@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

How to share your records?

All wildlife sightings are important and we welcome records of any wildlife that you have observed in Berkshire or Oxfordshire. There are several ways in which you can share these with us.

TVERC has its own online recording activity in iRecord here.

Entering sightings via this acitivty allows us to quickly and easily add the data to our database. If you never used iRecord before, we've made a quick guide on adding a record through the app or the

We also download data from LivingRecord to add to our database so if you've entered records into this website, we will receive the records.

If you use a different online recording website or app, please download the data in a .csv file and email it to us at tverc@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

Remember to take photos too as this will help verify your records.

In order to create a useful record that we are able to import to our database, please make sure to include all essential information. FSCBiolinks have worked with EcoSapien to produce a series of films offering guidance on various aspects of biological recording including this handy video on How to submit a biological record?

Downloadable forms

We have an Excel spreadsheet that you can use to collate your records:

Species records spreadsheet (.xlsm)

Guidance notes for data entry (.pdf)

Or if you prefer, you can use a Word document:

Incidental sightings diary with instructions (.docx)
Please don't enter records into more than one online recording tool or submit them to us in more than one format, as that could result in us having multiple copies of the same record in our database.
Contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss sharing your records with us.

Why record wildlife?

By collecting together all the information for Berkshire and Oxfordshire in one place we can help people make sound, effective decisions about how to develop and manage land sustainably and where to direct wildlife conservation.

Even the common and widespread species are important to record so that we can develop a picture over time and across the region of what is happening to our wildlife, particularly in time of changing climate and policies.

Why share your records?

We are a 'not for profit' organisation so rely on receiving data from every source possible to improve our database of environmental information.

Your wildlife records will help protect and enhance our environment by increasing the quality and quantity of data we hold.

In order to create a useful record that we are able to import to our database, please make sure to include all essential information. FSCBiolinks have worked with EcoSapien to produce a series of films offering guidance on various aspects of biological recording including this handy video on How to submit a biological record?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
All wildlife sightings are important and we welcome records of any wildlife that you have observed in Berkshire or Oxfordshire. There are several ways in which you can share these with us. TVERC has its own online recording activity in iRecord here.

# data[].attributes.headline
RBC management plan for the Thames Woodlands including the Coal

# data[].attributes.subject
RBC management plan for the Thames Woodlands including the Coal

# data[].attributes.body
Click on the link below to see the existing management plan

# data[].attributes.body
And get rid of the Himalayan Balsam

# data[].attributes.body
100s of Apples for everyone to eat!

# data[].attributes.body
For nesting Birds, so we need to keep some scrubby areas

# data[].attributes.body
Between Horseshoe Bridge and Dreadnought

# data[].attributes.body
Or a formal group including RBC / WBC etc, to maintain whatever is decided.

# data[].attributes.body
Local Breweries

# data[].attributes.body
More bins and empty them

# data[].attributes.body
Not across Kennet or Grassland

# data[].attributes.body
Love Clean Reading App

# data[].attributes.body
Next to Waterside Centre, could be run by volunteers

# data[].attributes.body
Maybe in the Cafe

# data[].attributes.body
Maybe launch design competition in local schools

# data[].attributes.headline
Preserve and Restore Kennet Mouth plaque

# data[].attributes.subject
Preserve and Restore Kennet Mouth plaque

# data[].attributes.body
It was commissioned by Newtown Globe but the other one got stolen or vandalised.

# data[].attributes.body
Annually

# data[].attributes.body
and clean up and mow the area around it.

# data[].attributes.body
e.g. Kennet and Avon

# data[].attributes.body
for bird identification and other wildlife

# data[].attributes.body
As in various trails in the Lake Ddistrict, e.g. Grizedale Forest

# data[].attributes.body
Hilary Smart - Could there be an "outdoor classroom" (a wooden structure with open walls) set up somewhere with suitable access, to be made available to local primary schools and community groups to take groups along to. Art, geography, sport are obvious things that could be done using that as a base, but even taking an English or maths class outside would be doable.

There are several hurdles to consider, such as
- preventing graffiti (unless there is a locked fence around the structure, which somewhat defeats the point - and removes part of the land from the rest of the community)
- river safety (though I often see school groups on Christchurch meadows)
- logistics of getting classes there

But if it could be made to work it could bring a lot of joy to a lot of people.

# data[].attributes.body
I would like to suggest the use of the land - a small free inner city farm .

The basis that it’s a multi agency activity that would generally look after the farm and take ownership.

By multi agency I’m talking about the councils, local housing, residents, the hippies living on the derelict boat, neighbourhood policing team , schools etc . That way The area is flooded with a  high interest of people that will want to help maintain the area attractive. This in turn will push the drugs and fly tipping further away as it will create an area were it will be visited and an area invested by the local neighbourhood policing team.

If we get on board the key players in the community to help support this project and keep the momentum going it will produce a major difference.

Animals do make a difference in people’s lives. Especially in an area like Newtown where there is a massive mental health /drug and violence problem. The demographics of the area being a concrete jungle doesn’t help.

There will always be the minority that will spoil it for the majority but I believe with the powers of social media and a solid team of all the different agencies working together - anything can be fixed.

We could create something quite amazing for the locals residents and neighbours.

# data[].attributes.headline
Speak to national trust or conversation organisations for advice

# data[].attributes.subject
Speak to national trust or conversation organisations for advice

# data[].attributes.body
Phil Mitchell speak to national trust or conservation organisations for advice. If developed with wildlife areas etc it could be a good educational resource for local schools.

# data[].attributes.body
Erica Evans Clearing up horseshoe bridge area, litter pick and revamp around ground mural and brick bench. Sharps removal. Cctv put in to deter crimes like recent stabbing and public drug use. I am keen to help out with cleaning up the area by the big willow

# data[].attributes.body
Andrew Butler How about a nice mural under the big bridge? The bit of the corner needs a bit of a tidy up to be fair, though it's clearly someone's stuff that's there. Could we have a nice nature trail in broken Brow?

# data[].attributes.body
Graham Bates No car park alongside would be a start

# data[].attributes.body
Chris Sansum Not a lot required really, although maybe getting that stretch recognised as nature reserve or whatever the equivalent is for a small but valuable natural habitat, so that certain people can’t dismiss it as scrubland. Maybe give the stretch from Reading to Sonning a romantic name linked to Reading’s history, eg ‘The Three Men in a Boat Trail’, to make it more visible to the community and visitors. Perhaps plant a few trees. By the way, what happens with the park and ride car park now? Is it still going ahead? Doesn’t seem so attractive for folk to drive all the way to a car park then have to wait for a bus to take them into the traffic. Although maybe an opportunity to expand the shared bikes scheme

# data[].attributes.body
Pete Nightingale Maybe now they can put in some moderate lighting as it is pitch black there these days.

# data[].attributes.headline
There is so much rubbish and fly tipping 

# data[].attributes.subject
There is so much rubbish and fly tipping 

# data[].attributes.body
Helen Pringle There is so much rubbish and fly tipping around that area. I respect and welcome the fact that the boat people have made a home there and some homeless people have set up camp but we need to do something about the rubbish generated

# data[].attributes.body
Alison Marshall I’ve always viewed that as a spot for a city farm, with water taxis or a land train. They’d have to move any animals off in case of flooding but I’m sure there’s some higher ground for that. Any temporary buildings could be on stilts.

# data[].attributes.headline
Moorings for boats, perhaps residential? 

# data[].attributes.subject
Moorings for boats, perhaps residential? 

# data[].attributes.body
Alison Marshall Moorings for boats, perhaps residential?

# data[].attributes.body
Abi Reilly The area would need a CCTV camera to prevent repeated fly tipping

# data[].attributes.body
George Palmer Low level bridge over kennet mouth which allows canal boats under it, cyclists to cycle over it and pednestrians to walk over. Rather than the climb up horsebridge and carrying your bike over horsebridge.

# data[].attributes.body
Jules Morrison

# data[].attributes.body
Jo Brealy Love some of the ideas here, anything supporting biodiversity and creating new habitats gets my vote. I do understand folks need places to live, but I do object to debris, rubbish and junk spreading out onto the area. Dog walkers are in peril of their dog slicing open paws. I’ve always felt that in most Thameside towns, there’s more civic pride for the area, I think this an opportunity to create and something for people to be proud of.

# data[].attributes.headline
Get the dreadnought up and running again.

# data[].attributes.subject
Get the dreadnought up and running again.

# data[].attributes.body
Christopher Hood

# data[].attributes.headline
 Actively decide not to strimmer the weeds

# data[].attributes.subject
 Actively decide not to strimmer the weeds

# data[].attributes.body
Jules Morrison Actively decide not to strimmer the weeds, let them grow as rewilded biodiversity. There's a lot of interesting riverside plants up there, and it provides habitat for animals.

# data[].attributes.headline
Make a proper mooring area for the long term boaters

# data[].attributes.subject
Make a proper mooring area for the long term boaters

# data[].attributes.body
I have no objection to them being around but some of the boats are very tatty.
Simon Peter French

# data[].attributes.headline
Major tidy up the corner by the bridge with the mosaic

# data[].attributes.subject
Major tidy up the corner by the bridge with the mosaic

# data[].attributes.body
Possibly make it into a picnic area
Simon Peter French

# data[].attributes.body
Simon Peter French

# data[].attributes.headline
Its such a great route for runners (plus the main route to get to Reading Parkrun), would be great to celebrate that.

# data[].attributes.subject
Its such a great route for runners (plus the main route to get to Reading Parkrun), would be great to celebrate that.

# data[].attributes.headline
Solar-powered, low level lighting for Coal Wood pathway

# data[].attributes.subject
Solar-powered, low level lighting for Coal Wood pathway

# data[].attributes.body
Some regular users of the path through the Coal Wood that connects the Horseshoe Bridge with the back-end of Tesco's car-park have told me that they can feel intimidated walking along that path when it is dark (especially during the darker months of winter. Low level, low impact, downward facing lighting could be installed into the guard rails along the path and powered by solar panels. This is far less invasive and light-polluting than large spotlights and overheads

# data[].attributes.headline
Improve cycling at night by the Waterside centre

# data[].attributes.subject
Improve cycling at night by the Waterside centre

# data[].attributes.body
- after dark it is very dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists who are sharing the path between the Horseshoe Bridge and the Watersports place with the Canoes etc. Often pedestrians wear dark clothing and carry no light, and in the dark it is hard for a cyclist to see them.

If we can't have proper lights along the riverside path then a simple cheap improvement would be for 2 white reflective paint lines be put along the outer edges of the path so that the outline of any pedestrian would be more visible when they are walking along the path after dark, and it would also be safer for cyclists.

# data[].attributes.body
Collect data on foot traffic

# data[].attributes.body
Collect data on air quality and biodiversity

# data[].attributes.body
Get the management plan for coal woodland.

# data[].attributes.body
Collect data on air quality and traffic.

# data[].attributes.body
Brambles are good for nesting birds and butterfly’s. We need to keep rough areas, but add signs saying way. Keep brambles.

# data[].attributes.body
I often encounter cyclists speeding past on the towpath without warning and wonder whether I should order a load of dingers to hand out for free? If they were red in colour then the slang name for Reading as 'The Ding' would be ideal as the observation slogan of 'Use Your Red Ding'?

# data[].attributes.body
Debbie Cousins suggestions via email:
Hello everyone,

I had hoped to make it to the walk tomorrow but I'm not going to be able to now, sorry. So here are a few of my random thoughts:

If we wanted to do anything within 8m of the bank top of the Thames - this could be anything from placing a bench to planting a tree - it might need a Flood Risk Activity Permit from the Environment Agency, which can be expensive. There are exemptions though, so I'd be happy to look into and advise on any suggestions.

If any new planting is done, native species are best as these are more likely to thrive and will attract a greater variety of wildlife.

To protect the site from development ideally the land would have some type of protection. Local Nature Reserve (LNR) status is a statutory protection and these are designated by the local authority. They don't necessarily have to support rare or uncommon species but should have good public access and often have an educational aspect such as pond dipping platforms, interpretation boards or leaflets about the wildlife and history of the site. Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) are a non-statutory designation but are listed in local authority Local Plans and have to be taken into consideration in the planning process. Different counties have different criteria for their designation but they generally support locally important habitats and species. There are other designations that other people will know more about than me.

Some wetland habitat creation alongside the Thames would be great, similar to those created at the Thames Valley Nature Reserve further downstream and would complement these. This was obviously a big project but something on a smaller scale such as ponds or scrapes (wet shallow depressions good for wading birds to feed in, especially in the winter) could be done. These types of project can be expensive, but could be achieved as a partnership project with an organisation that could bid for grants for such works.

Have a good walk and I look forward to hearing about any plans.

Best wishes,

Debbie

# data[].attributes.body
The Horseshoe Bridge looks very neglected. If it were painted with a bright mural that reflected the history of the Kennet Mouth area and announced that this was the River Kennet and a gateway to Reading it could become a real statement feature

# data[].attributes.body
Hold walkabouts with a local expert on trees, birds, insects, flowers....

# data[].attributes.headline
Cherry trees will add a nice splash of spring colour but it is important to plant (or allow to grow) mainly native species that support insects and hence the rest of the wild-life food chain.

# data[].attributes.subject
Cherry trees will add a nice splash of spring colour but it is important to plant (or allow to grow) mainly native species that support insects and hence the rest of the wild-life food chain.