An introduction.
We have a large area of marsh in Reading and it’s being nurtured by us to make it a valuable habitat. We are Marshians.
The marsh is near Rose kiln lane right next to Fobney mead water treatment works. There’s a path along the edge of the marsh, and about halfway along is where we usually gather
This is a guerrilla activity. We have no permission to be here, and we are not any type of organisation. We’re just a bunch of folks concerned with biodiversity loss and we’re doing what we can.
Other than us the marsh is uncared for. It has enormous value and potential but the owners aren’t interested for some reason.
We have quite a range of activities from managing the marsh, looking after the paths (and making new ones), making seating, litter picking, having picnics and planting trees, and going for walks.
Most of our chat away from the marsh is via WhatsApp
https://chat.whatsapp.com/FcVNUbDpw6L7IYxJq62SiS?mode=ems_copy_t
Our regular meeting point is right by the marsh, by “The Bench” There are three benches at the moment. It’s the one furthest from the road and it’s alongside the path in the southern edge of the marsh.
The bench can be found here: https://w3w.co/pace.settle.whips
Normally we meet at 10 am and start stomping at 10:30. Sometimes we meet elsewhere and at odd times. The details of those will be shared in the WhatsApp chat group at the time
All our activities are open to all, from the youngest to the oldest and for every level of capability.
We often have several options of things to do and we agree which option suits us before we get going. Mostly though you’re going to need wellies.
BIO SECURITY
This is something that we are especially vigilant about. There are huge problems in the area with invasive plants. We don’t want that to happen to the marsh, so we make sure our footwear has been cleaned and dried well before coming to the marsh.
We are also concerned about the pesticides that dogs have applied to them to kill fleas. They persist in the environment and kill other insects relentlessly. So if you have a dog and it’s had a topical application of flea and tick treatment please don’t let it on to the marsh.
See here https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/243875/toxic-flea-tick-treatments-polluting-uk/.
GETTING HERE
There’s not much parking nearby so it’s best to come on foot or by bike. It’s a 20 minute walk from the town centre. There’s bus stops nearby at Kennet Island and car parking at Fobney island and the Brunel retail park just up the road.
If you’d like to know more ask in the group chat. And invite anyone you know to come and join in.
Rural Reading 