Berkshire is an affluent county, often lived in by commuters to the city of London. It houses the town of Windsor with its famed ‘mile walk’ to Windsor Castle, and also more urban towns like Slough, where the TV comedy The Office was filmed.
This is a county that unlike most, has not lost most of its wild woods. So woodland creatures abound, but be sure to leave them alone in piece, as most (like deer) are very shy. Find more ways to help your local wildlife rescue and animal shelter.
One of England’s most iconic areas is Windsor’s Long Walk, which stretches up towards Windsor Castle. This tree-lined avenue houses around 500 free-roaming deer who although used to visitors, should be left alone in piece. During autumn, the red deer engaging in rutting to fight for a mate, and the master stag will mate with up to 20 or so hinds (cheeky boy!) before the females give birth the next summer. The stags will stomp their feet and lock antlers so keep well away, and keep dogs on short leads (watch from afar with a pair of binoculars).
Helping Swans in Eton
Eton is a town, home to Swan Lifeline (the oldest swan charity in England, also in Eton). Eton College offered the lease of Cuckoo Weir Island and the charity was saved from going bust by George Michael (who developed a love of swans when he found some in his garden). It only came to light after his death that the lovely George had spent most of his time as a multi-millionaire giving away his money to practically anyone in need, from swan sanctuaries to people he overheard in cafes who could not pay their bills). RIP, George. Read more on how to help our beautiful swans.
The town is also home to one of England’s oldest and most exclusive schools. Eton College built in 1441 and has seen many well-known offspring including most of the Royal Family (and several Prime Ministers) along with actors Damian Lewis, Iam Fleming (who wrote the James Bond novels) and George Orwell. Located just outside Windsor, every child here boards during the week and goes homes on holidays. Around 70 students attend for free, the rest having their families paying around £42K each year to attend. It also gave rise to the popular dessert Eton Mess (we like the vegan version) made from strawberries, cream and meringue.
