MBRA Spring Newsletter 2025
Hello Everyone!
Welcome to our Spring newsletter … and what a wonderful spring (after a little rain) it has been! ….
No matter the season, nature is present. Connecting with nature can do wonders for our minds and bodies and focus your senses, as you strive to get your daily dose of nature. With busy lives and jam-packed diaries, it can be hard to find a moment to pause. Take some time out in nature - from refreshing lunch breaks to relaxing wanders, there are plenty of ways but going on a country walk or walking with your Rambling group will expose you to the joys of nature.
Membership
Mid Berks current membership on 15th April 2025 is 182 which is disappointingly down from 185 in January and a general slow downward trend but also fluctuates upwards from time to time.
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 & 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 a consent form for any project involving children on the National website.
There is now a growing section of our archived group walks too on the MBRA website, 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.
If you want to contact any of the members on our committee, please visit https://mbra.org.uk/contacts.html
Mid Berks Walks Programme
The posting of walks has slowed down this year and the awful wet winter weather hasn’t helped, but Spring has now arrived, and we can be out there taking advantage of our beautiful countryside in its full glory as the seasons unfold. Spring is especially stunning as the leaves sprout and Spring flowers explode in our fields and woodland in chronological sequence.
Some of you are not able to put on walks for health and other reasons, temporarily or otherwise, but if you are able to lead a walk, long, medium or stroll on Thursdays or Sundays or any other day, it will be really helpful, and the group will be most grateful. If you can’t put on a walk for a while, you can reserve a date at anytime up to six months ahead and if something crops up you can postpone or cancel the walk at short notice quite easily.
Mid Berks is a wonderful friendly walking group, plus we have wonderful group holidays thanks to Maggie and it will be a shame to see the branch dwindle and die out because of the lack of walks and walk leaders, but this is inevitable if things do not improve. If you do not see a walk from our group one week then try one of the other Berkshire groups walks as your membership allows you to walk in any Ramblers group throughout the UK.
If you can offer to lead a walk, please email the basic information, in any form, to Mike Ryall (Walk Programme co-ordinator) and he will arrange to format and publish the details for you.
It is helpful if you can include the following information if possible:
- A date for the walk
- A title including whether or not booking is required
- The length of the walk
- Brief description including difficulty (stroll, easy, leisurely, moderate), visit to café etc.
- Parking and start point (preferably with grid reference or What3words)
- Contact details
If you can’t provide all these details, just send as much information as you can and we can sort out the detail. All contributions gratefully received.
Likewise, if you would like to become a walk leader, please speak to your walk leader or contact Mike Ryall for details. Full support and mentoring will be given to enable you to become a walk leader.
Footpaths
Robert White is now our Footpath secretary …. giving thanks to Brian Hackett for his sterling work in this capacity over many years. Brian is now devoting his attention to maintaining our website.
The website is a good source of information and will automatically show the latest walk programme as well as lots of other information. Visit https://mbra.org.uk
Information for communities at risk of flooding
Early spring weather again caused flooding in parts of the borough, causing disruption on the roads (in some cases forcing businesses to temporarily close) and footpaths, making negotiation difficult & dangerous in some places. Wokingham Borough Council have a section on their website dedicated to flooding and drainage issues, which can help you navigate such difficult times. There may be a local flood warden or a flood group in your area who supports communities at risk of flooding. Check with your town or parish council for more information and let the footpath secretary know (Robert W) know. You can sign up to receive flood warnings and check if you live in a flood risk area on the Government website. To see the latest incidents in our area, visit the Environment Agency's local flooding map.
Beavers are being reintroduced to rivers to help mitigate severe flooding in certain areas.
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 Government, as yet, have not announced a new 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 National Ramblers or locally to the Mid Berks Footpath secretary, with details, for onward forwarding to the relevant authority.
Health and Safety
There have been no accidents in our group reported recently and while it is a good sign, it is no reason to remain complacent, as most accidents may have been avoided with the benefit of hindsight, by being mindful of the hazards likely on most walks, the most common being slips, trips and falls. The use of walking poles on uneven or slippery ground can be a great help in maintaining stability.
Peaked caps are useful to keep the sun out of your eyes but can restrict visibility of low branches and overhanging shrubs.
Expert’s easy 15-minute exercise that burns fat and can help you live longer.
Exercise is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The NHS states that exercise can reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer, and lower your risk of early death by up to 30 per cent.
Brits are recommended to exercise for 150 minutes a week
Unfortunately, many Brits struggle to fit the recommended 150 minutes of exercise a week into their daily lives. Advances in technology mean we are more sedentary than ever and fewer people are doing manual work.
Research suggests that many adults spend more than seven hours a day sitting down, whether that is at work or during their leisure time. The good news is that there are plenty of activities that count as daily exercise. So long as you are moving enough to raise your heart rate, breathe faster and feel warmer, then it counts.
One simple, effective way of exercising which boasts all sorts of health benefits is walking. The Fast 800 - which was developed by the late Dr Michael Mosley - says while walking is 'overlooked' as a form of exercise, walking has extensive health benefits from reduced anxiety to improved blood sugar levels" - it can also boost your mood and help your joints. "Everyone is different when it comes to burning calories and many will have different results. However, there are a lot more calories to be burned when you’re walking, than when you’re sitting on the sofa!
"Walking, despite being low-impact, especially when using walking poles, has a huge range of health benefits; a few short walks each day can improve your overall well-being with the potential to help you live longer. Walking can help your body to use insulin more effectively. It can help reduce blood sugars, and moreover reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, particularly if you walk immediately after eating. A study recognised that three 15-minute walks throughout the day (following meals) was more effective in managing blood sugar levels over a 24-hour period than one 45-minute walk”.
And the benefits are not just limited to burning calories, managing your blood sugar levels & increasing your life expectancy. Other advantages include boosting mental health and reducing anxiety, and easing joint pain. Various scientific studies have recognised that “adding a brisk walk to your daily routine can significantly reduce your stress and anxiety levels. By simply getting outside and taking in your surroundings, you will most likely benefit from a sense of calmness," boosting your overall well-being. It has also been recognised to reduce symptoms of social withdrawal and improve self-esteem. A 2019 study recognised that the risk of major depression was reduced by 26 per cent as a result of walking for an hour each day, or running for 15 minutes.
(Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 takes place from 12th to 18th May 2025. The theme this year is ‘community’. This week is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of mental health, to challenge stigmas, promote understanding, spread awareness & encourage inclusivity.)
Any movement can help to lubricate the joints, which increases your range of motion. The low impact of walking, especially with walking poles, also takes stress away from weight-bearing joints. Walking is a great form of exercise for people of all fitness abilities to help build up strength. Remember to start slow, build up pace and then cool down with a steady walk to avoid any muscle stiffness.
Research also shows that the best way to get vitamin D is through exposure to the sun’s UV rays. A walk in the sunshine for 10-15 per day, with arms and legs exposed, will place you in a better position to avoid deficiency.
Just 20 minutes in nature each day can improve your mental wellbeing.
Holidays
The group holidays are held in Spring and Autumn and have been magnificently managed by Maggie Hills. These residential holidays are well appreciated, not only for the chance to have extended social interactions in pleasant surroundings, but to experience the landscape in a 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.
Long walk - Fountains & Ripon
This spring the weather was glorious for our Spring holiday in April 2025… sunny & warm, the bright sun reflecting like silver shining on the River Nidd – “Nidd” being derived from the Celtic for brilliant & shining and even older from the Indo-European root, “Nedi”, simply meaning river. Nidd also comes from the Latin word, “Nidus” meaning home / nest / boat – hence perhaps Nidderdale / Nidder Gorge..…
Photo Nidd Hall courtesy Warners Leisure Hotels
We stayed 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 & is close to Mother Shipton’s Cave. Harrogate and Ripon are both just a few miles from the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales, and both allowed 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 our own adventure on foot. The countryside was ablaze with daffodils, primroses & wood anemones. The name anemone comes from the Greek word for "windflower." In Greek mythology, anemones are associated with the goddess Aphrodite & the death of her beloved Adonis. They are said to have sprung from Aphrodite's tears, mingling with the blood of Adonis, fatally wounded in a hunting accident.
Still other mythology connects the anemone to magical fairies, who were believed to sleep under the petals after they closed at sunset. Thought to bring luck and protect against evil, legend has it that when the anemone closes its petals, it's a signal that rain is approaching…. We saw no sign of this on our holiday! These tender spring flowers are an important source of nectar for early spring pollinators, such as the brimstone butterfly.
Our Autumn holiday in 2025 will be at Warners (below) Cricket St Thomas, Somerset for 4 nights (Monday 6th October to Friday 10th). The hotel is just over 100 miles away from Reading.
Photo Cricket St Thomas courtesy Warners Leisure Hotel
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 18th 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.
Next Spring (2026) seems a long way away to be thinking of a holiday, but it is necessary for a block booking so we can all stay together.
Generally, we arrange walks for most abilities, but even if you do not want to walk, there are many other activities and places to visit.
We will be staying in the Bembridge Coast Hotel, Fisherman’s Walk, Bembridge PO35 5TH on the Isle of Wight (Tel: 01983 873931), during Monday 23rd March to 27th March 2026. This is a magnificent beachside hotel, ideal for exploring the Isle of Wight with stunning views of the Solent. The original building dates from 1905 and has royal connections, having often been visited by Queen Mary, as well as the late Queen Mother. See more details at www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk. Prices are from £266 to £376 pp for 4 nights half board, including evening entertainment, daytime activities and the walk leaders’ expense levy.
NB. There are steps to the beach from the hotel grounds and the ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne costs £45 return per car (including up to car's capacity passengers), payable with the final balance to Maggie.
Please look at the details on the Future Holidays - Spring Holiday 2026 page of the MBRA website and if you are interested, email
If you have never been on one of our breaks you will be made to feel most welcome, but they book up quickly, so contact Maggie asap for more information.
Recent Local Walks.
For our walks programme, see our website, https://www.mbra.org.uk/walks/walks-programme.html
In January, we tackled Ruscombe & Wargrave, on a circular walk, crossing the fields from Ruscombe to Hare Hatch, then passing through the woods below Bowsey Hill and on through the back streets of Wargrave, returning to Ruscombe through the Sheeplands Farm Estate, with an opportunity for refreshments following the walk in Twyford.
During February, we took a circular, undulating but leisurely, stile-free walk, exploring the Chilterns countryside between the south Oxfordshire village of Binfield Heath and Crowsley Park. The meeting point could also be reached by the 800 buses from Reading. We had an optional stop at the Herb Farm on Peppard Road near Sonning Common, a short drive away.
Also, in February we had a circular walk around Knowle Hill, enjoying some of the hills & greens of East Berkshire, taking in Littlewick Green and Burchetts Green & skirting Ashley Hill. We enjoyed refreshments at the Square Deal Cafe in Knowle Hill.
Again, in February, we took in The Wharf at Odiham near Hook, where two walks left together, the shorter, by the canal, was remarkably dry considering the wet weather & it was lovely to see the catkins & spring flowers bravely appearing at last! The longer walk returned through the picturesque town of Odiham.
During March we had a circular walk around Rotherfield and Greys, negotiating some of the gentler valleys of the southern Chilterns and taking in Shepherd’s Green, the edge of the Greys Court NT Estate and Rotherfield Greys. There was an opportunity for refreshments after the walk at the Herb Farm.
In April we held a circular walk from Remenham Church via Flowerpot Inn, taking in Culham Court and white deer park, through Remenham Wood, then back to Henley for a stop at the Chocolate Café (Now called Viv’s) before returning to Remenham Church. The walk included level paths, a rather steep uphill climb after Culham Court and then through stunning bluebell carpeted woodland with some steep downhill paths alongside Remenham Hill towards Henley Bridge. This was a delightful walk at this time of year with lots of Spring flowers and sunshine.
Later in April we stayed closer to home (the venue being on a local bus route), walking in Earley and Lower Earley via the Crescent Centre, Laurel Park, the nature reserve, woodlands and Maiden Erleigh Lake before visiting Redhatch Copse on the return to the start. This was an interesting (a certain amount of local history was imparted) and leisurely (no stiles!) walk around the area, some of the route being on paved paths with the odd road to cross. The bluebells were out to delight the eye.
We began May with a circular walk around Woodcote & Crays Pond, walking along the edge of the Chiltern Hills, taking in woodland and fields giving views over the Thames Valley and passing through the Elvendon valley. Bluebells and other flora were there to enjoy, and optional refreshments were available at the Stoke Row Cafe.
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
- Make the most of your membership – access your benefits on ramblers.org.uk/my-account
- Two new videos are available on the National website, including planning & reconnoitring a walk.
Other news for your diary
Researchers have found fascinating adaptations in nature due to growing human influence, from tuskless elephants, to shrinking wingspan in birds …
Earth Action Day 2025 was on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
The theme for Earth Day 2025 was OUR POWER, OUR PLANET, inviting everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030 and encourage people to take action https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2025/
educate, advocate and mobilise
New Solar Farm in Barkham
Work to create a site entrance started in January & was completed in February. The new entrance off Barkham Ride will offer improved access to the site, allowing vehicles to get onto the site as preparatory works start this year. This will help to minimise the traffic on surrounding roads.
The solar farm will contribute towards Wokingham’s Climate Emergency Action Plan, with the solar farm expected to generate a carbon saving of more than 6,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year. That is the equivalent of 29 million KWh of energy used, or the average annual energy consumption of more than 7,000 local homes each year.
South Wokingham Distributor Road
Work has begun on this new road which will offer access to new homes and amenities which are coming to the south of the railway line and will include walking and cycling provision as well as bus stops. It runs from the roundabout between the two railway bridges on Finchampstead Road (by Tesco’s) to the new roundabout on Waterloo Road, with improvements at the junctions of Molly Millars Lane and Finchampstead Road. While it is necessary to clear trees and hedges, eventually there’ll be much more new planting than before – including new nature parks funded by the developers. In clearing the trees & shrubs, thousands of hidden snowdrop plants were revealed. With the help of volunteers, these have been rescued & now enhance many areas of the borough.
Keep greening our surroundings
Two more major planting projects see around 11 hectares of our land in Barkham and Ashridge become more wildlife friendly. These projects involve planting a diverse range of native species. Thousands of trees, including bell heather, elder, European blueberry, common alder, aspen, beech, silver birch, blackthorn, dog rose, hazel, spindle berry, wild cherry and more have the potential to enhance our well-being
Last year’s planting season saw over 6,200 trees planted across Wokingham borough, including at schools, community spaces and WBC land. Over 40 per cent of these trees were part of the Biodiversity Net Gain project at Ashenbury Park in Woodley, a pilot scheme to enrich the site's natural habitats and make it more welcoming to wildlife.
Join a nature walk in the great outdoors
Fancy a walk with like-minded nature lovers in our beautiful countryside? Save the date if any of these walks interest you:
A monthly birdwatching walk at Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst is organised by local groups of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Walks are held on the first Saturday of the month, starting at 9am in the main car park off Davis Street and finishing by 12.30pm. People of all ages are welcome. Advice is always available to help new birdwatchers identify the different species.
A donation of £2 per adult to the charity is requested, and children can join for free. Email the RSPB for enquiries or more information.
Happy Birthday to Earley Environmental Group (EEG) which has recently celebrated 20 years of community conservation! Supported by Early Town Council, EEG has more than 300 members, mostly local residents. For two decades, the group has been dedicated to conservation effort, studying and protecting the diverse fauna, flora and environment in Earley. They also promote interest in natural history and the environment.
EEG organises a variety of activities and encourages you to participate, such as:
- Informative talks on environmental topics
- Guided walks around local nature reserve and other areas of natural interest
- Assist the town council's park rangers on conservation projects at Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve and other locations
- Join the Earley Annual Litter Pick
Anyone with enthusiasm and a desire to contribute to the environmental wellbeing of the Earley area is welcome to join. Membership is free. Visit the EEG website for more information.
WWF's Great Wild Walks are back for the summer of 2025
… are you ready to embark on an adventure that brings you closer to nature and helps protect it? Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors, these walks offer something for everyone. Take time to soak in the nature around you, knowing your fundraising is helping to protect our world.
Together, we can protect our planet. One step at a time …. Love it. Walk it. Save it.
The forests you walk, talk and relax in are under threat from climate change. There's nothing quite like the sense of accomplishment that comes from knowing your fundraising will be helping to protect the environment. Plus, walking is a fantastic way to get your daily dose of nature to boost your physical and mental well-being! So, get ready for beautiful views and a great sense of community as we are fortunate this year, that one of the walks is close to our homes at Alice Holt Forest (National Forest, Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham, GU10 4LS on Sunday 18th May 2025.
If you do wish to participate, please arrive for 09:30am, as the walk will start at 10am. Choose from a 5 or 10 mile route on the day. The registration fee for over 16s is £5, under 16 are free of charge (the fundraising target is £150). For this you will get a free t-shirt which you'll be able to collect on the day, plus, when you finish, you can collect your well-earned eco-medal!