Regulars

From nearly standing on a snake to seeing a rare gem at the roadside

I HAVE boarded the no 25 bus in Prospect Street, Caversham, with my mother Maggie. We’re heading north through Emmer Green and Sonning Common towards the Unicorn pub at Peppard Hill, the terminus. It is a pleasant ride, the landscape a fresh green...

Common spotted, fragrant and pyramidals... orchids everywhere

SWAIN’S WOOD is a nature reserve in Buckinghamshire and leased to the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust by the landowner. The reserve is situated three-and-a-half miles south east of Watlington and seven-and-a-half miles north...

Nature reserve on my doorstep makes me feel happy (shots excepted)

AFTER a pretty wet spell, things have brightened up somewhat so I decide to visit the nature reserve on my doorstep, Clayfield Copse and the adjoining Blackhouse Wood. I have not paid a visit since October and I wonder how it looks and what I will...

Returning to an old haunt in search of botanical rarities

HAVING not been there for some years, my friend Dave Kenny and I decide to visit Warburg nature reserve at Bix Bottom. We are not disappointed. The deep and attractive lane that winds towards the neat little car park beyond Pages Farm eventually...

Hartslock nature reserve: flower-rich gem akin to terrestrial heaven

ONE of my mother’s little robins is looking distressed. Hugging the side of my right foot, he is not interested in any food, he just sits beside me, his eyes closing now and then, his tiny body puffed up and breathing heavily. He was fine yesterday so...

An abundance of common wildflowers and a single rare one

THE sun has definitely got his hat on today. It is Tuesday, May 21 and so wonderful, bright and clear that it brings cheer to the ...

Apart from pond life, the wildlife is looking good round my way

I HAVE seen my first dragonfly of the year in my garden in Emmer Green. It was whizzing around and about with such speed and dexterity ...

Warbler’s marvellous melody encapsulated beautiful landscape

I HAVE read in the press that going for regular walks in the countryside is of great benefit to mental health. I’m sure it is. I’m out ...

Memories of learning to swim in the Thames

A RECENT story in these pages about the old Henley Municipal Swimming Baths brought back memories for Ian Sadler. The 78-year-old, who ...

Hidden Henley

DURING last week’s Henley Royal Regatta, thousands of people must have walked past the Remenham Barrier, which is the first official ...

Short shrift for rude chant

AN inebriated pleasure boater drew icy stares when he tried to start an offensive chant against Leander Club while cruising past on ...

Your letters...

Streets are disgusting Sir, — I have lived in Henley town centre now for 29 years and have often written to the town clerk regarding ...

Birds lose their way

A FAMILY of lost ducks caused chaos for drivers in Caversham. The mother and her eight ducklings were found wandering in the scorching ...

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Walling in oven idea is half-baked

Sir, — I was dismayed to read that there are plans afoot to conceal the “bread oven and glazed surround” which is located within 20 ...

What does the B word mean to you?

Barriers between people and nations, split families and communities Realism and honesty, our political languages? Expectations — but ...

What a pleasure to visit this copse as flora and fauna revel in spring

MANY swifts (Apus apus) have reappeared in our skies. It is only the beginning of May but these supremely agile birds always seem to ...

Woodland walk with nothing but the sound of nesting goldcrests

WAY back in the Seventies, when I was a young lad (and with my parent’s permission), I started to explore the local woods and lanes. I ...

More News:

Villagers vote for housing plan despite No campaign

A DOCUMENT naming five sites where about 94 new homes should be built in Goring is now legally enforceable. Almost 63 per cent of residents voted to adopt the village’s ... [more]

Company boss gives £2,500 draw prize to charity

THE managing director of a business development service in Henley won a prize draw to give £2,500 to a local charity of his choice. Alan Kittle, of Kittle Associates, was chosen ... [more]

Our very own star of Women’s World Cup

THERE were some people in Sonning Common with more to cheer about than most after England’s 2-1 defeat by Sweden in the third place play-off match at the Women’s World Cup last ... [more]

Warning after theft of motors

THEFTS from boats near Val Wyatt Marine in Wargrave have been linked to similar incidents across the Thames Valley. On Monday evening, four outboard motors were stolen from boats ... [more]