The Digital West Berkshire Magazine - Spring/Summer 2026

Welcome to the Your West Berkshire magazine - Spring / Summer 2026 Edition

Hello and welcome to this special environment focused edition of Your West Berkshire magazine.

I'm delighted to introduce an issue packed with stories that celebrate the people, places and projects helping our district flourish.

Caring for our environment is something residents tell us matters deeply, and it's a responsibility we are committed to fulfilling.

Across West Berkshire, individuals, community groups, and schools are working together to protect wildlife, enhance our green spaces, and make sustainable choices part of everyday life. This edition shines a light on many of those inspiring efforts.

"From wildlife to warm homes and better travel choices, this issue is full of ways we're helping West Berkshire thrive."

On our cover, the wonderful children of Curridge Primary School show what can happen when enthusiasm meets action. Their 'Hedgehog Heroes' project is a reminder that small steps, like building bug hotels or creating hedgehog highways, can make a big difference to local wildlife.

You'll also find stories about the sustainable transformations of Bradfield Village Hall and the Hungerford Hub, the fascinating work to bring history to life at Shaw House, and the pride we feel in achieving multiple Green Flag Awards for our lovely open spaces.

We're sharing practical tips too, including making your patio a haven for wildlife, to enjoying sustainable travel options of going by bus, exploring our great local leisure offer with Everyone Active, understanding food ratings in our restaurants, and discovering how our new bin collections have helped West Berkshire hit new recycling highs.

Looking ahead to the warmer months, there's plenty to get involved in, from taking a dip in the fabulous Northcroft Lido, taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge (West Berkshire remains top of the South East charts for this), to welcoming our growing network of electric vehicle charging solutions. And for those thinking about making their homes more energy efficient, our Warmer Homes advice could be just the help you need.

Wherever your interests lie - wildlife, heritage, travel, leisure, or simply making more sustainable choices, I hope you'll find something in these pages that sparks your curiosity or inspires you to try something new.

Thank you for everything you do to keep West Berkshire such a wonderful place to live, play, work, and visit.