Sustainable summer fun

Much has been written about how people have reconnected with nature and the outdoors during the pandemic, an outcome that Sir David Attenborough described as a ‘silver lining’ following a very difficult year.

We’ve acquired a greater appreciation of both the risks and rewards that nature can provide and have been reminded that the human race – and everyday life as we know it – are more fragile than we had realised.

This summer let’s all get outdoors and enjoy everything that nature has to offer, whilst minimising our impact on the environment. Here are a few ideas to get you motivated!

Keep fit and have fun

If you haven’t already been bitten by the running or cycling bug, now’s the time to get involved. Check out the likes of Twyford & Charvil Running Club, Reading Roadrunners, Maidenhead Athletic Club and the Wargrave Runners; or Twyford Cycling Together, Reading Cycling Club and Bia Cycling.

Register for an outdoor fitness class – all you’ll need is an exercise mat and water bottle (refillable over disposable, of course!) Check out FastTrack Fit Camp, which runs classes in and around Wokingham, or you can join in via Zoom from your own park or garden. In the past they have sometimes combined exercise with litter picking, AKA #FitterLitterPickers – fantastic!

If being out on the water is more your thing, why not hire a pedalo, paddleboard, canoe or kayak at the Dinton Pastures Activity Centre, or practice your rowing along the Thames in Henley?

Other classic outdoor activities range from climbing and swinging through the trees with Go Ape (available in Swinley Forest, Bracknell) to visiting a farm attraction such as Odd’s Farm Park near High Wycombe.

Enjoy the arts outdoors

If you’ve missed the arts, you’ll enjoy outdoor performances this summer from local theatre companies including Progress Theatre and Rabble Theatre.

Henley Arts Trail in July offers the opportunity to explore a wide area visiting creative studios and exhibition spaces, including an open air sculpture garden at the Big Plant Nursery in Wargrave.

Caversham Court Gardens will play host to open air screenings of classic films ranging from Top Gun to Mama Mia this summer, with Dinton Pastures and Stubbings near Maidenhead also offering cinema al fresco.

Looking ahead, Henley Festival follows in September, offering memorable evenings enjoying music and hospitality on the banks of the River Thames.

Get green fingered

Spend time in the garden exploring ways to give nature a helping hand, from creating an area for wildflowers and planting pollinator friendly plants to adding bird feeders and nesting boxes or creating other wildlife habitats. Also consider installing compost bins and water butts, subsidised by our local councils.

And let’s not forget one of the most enjoyable activities – growing your own fruit and vegetables. If you need a bit more space, register with your local parish council for an allotment. In the meantime, take the family to ‘pick your own’ at Gray's Farm in Wokingham, Copas Farm in Cookham or West Green Fruits in Hartley Witney.

You may also want to support the Big Twyford Tree Planting Project’s second season this autumn, and/or look into planting more trees (with the landowner’s permission) available free through the Woodland Trust and your local school or community group.

Explore new surroundings

We are spoiled for choice in the fantastic walks and places to visit in and around Berkshire. On our doorstep we have the likes of Dinton Pastures, while websites such as AllTrails can suggest walking routes through the countryside.

Dinton Pastures Activity Centre

Check out the many nature reserves and sites managed by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (e.g. Loddon Nature Reserve) and The National Trust (e.g. Greys Court, Cliveden, Dorneywood, West Wycombe Park and Basildon Park).

For garden inspiration, RHS Wisley and Kew Gardens are under an hour away – or look up local gardens open to visitors this summer through the National Garden Scheme.

by Dave Lamont

Founder of Plastic Free Home

Created in 2018 by blogger and voluntary hack David Lamont, Plastic Free Home is an online community with over 32,000 followers that aims to seek and share ideas on how we can all live more sustainably. Visit www.theplasticfreehome.com or @plasticfreehomeuk on Facebook.