A lot has been happening in the WAG over the last couple of months, with a lot of our plans finally coming to fruition.

Work has moved on at pace in clearing the area below the Johnson’s Lane allotment and the installation of a bespoke bench, that was carved by a local sculptor from the oak tree that was taken down last year. This is part of the work funded from our 2020 member’s bid (this is funding provided on a 50:50 basis from West Berkshire District Council and Cold Ash Parish Council). Further work is planned in this area in the coming months.

The paddock on the Collaroy Road side of the site, between the goat and sheep paddocks, has now been topped and a number of fruit trees have been planted. This is part of the work funded from our member’s bid in 2019; the work had been delayed due to COVID. There’s more to do in this area, including the installation of a kissing gate, that provides disabled access, and a couple of small sculptures at the entrance. It’s intended that this work will be completed in the near future and that we’ll be able to open up the area to the public soon.

On Sunday 13^th December, the Community Tree Planting Day took place. The initiative was led by the Cold Ash Greening Group, in conjunction with Cold Ash Parish Council. This was a real joint effort from a number of groups and organisations. In addition to the Greening Group and Parish Council, the site was prepared by a combination of a group of local volunteers and the West Berks Countryside Society, the trees were provided by the Woodland Trust, protective tubes were provided by the Eling Estate and wooden stakes were donated by Barlow’s Woodyard. The event was a real success, with over 40 parishioners joining to plant 100 trees. It was great to see so many people supporting this local initiative, particularly the number of children and young families. A fuller article on the day will be provided in the February edition of the Parish Magazine.

We hope all of these changes will make the area more interesting and inviting, particularly to younger residents, who may want to engage more in countryside pursuits.

Should you require any further information or wish to join the WAG Volunteer Group, please contact the Parish Clerk.

Ivor McArdle

Cold Ash Parish Councillor

December 2020