Berkshire, England (an affluent county on the River Thames)
At England, Naturally – we profile wonderful zero waste brands, sustainable swaps and useful tips and resources to live a greener lifestyle. But of course, why is that? In this series of posts, we delve deep into each county of England, to learn a bit of natural history, and spotlight anything you may find inspiring!
Berkshire is one of England’s more affluent counties, not far from London. A lot of it (including the towns of Windsor and Eton) sit on the River Thames (which runs from The Cotswolds through London and out to the North Sea).
It’s home to a few urban areas (like Reading and Slough (you can report ice falls from aircraft to Heathrow airport (which can offer financial help to reduce noise or even move home).
The Berkshire Downs and Ridgeway Trail
The Berkshire Downs are rolling low chalk hills bordering Hampshire, with open grassland and long views. The Ridgeway National Trail is one of England’s oldest routes.
Always follow the Countryside Code. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and toxic plants/trees). And on leads near birds, barnyard friends and wild ponies.
Windsor (not just a grand castle)
The town of Windsor sits on the River Thames, within walking distance to the castle and surrounding park and ‘long walk’ (a tree-lined avenue that connects the two).
Read dog-walking advice for Windsor Park. Dogs must be well-trained and away from wildlife. Keep away from Obelisk Ponds (don’t let dogs drink water) due to blue-green algae. Read how to safely share space for dog guardians and horse riders.
Just like Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle has a weekly ‘changing of the guards’. But many people campaign for the Ministry of Defence to swap bearskin hats for faux fur (one bear in Canada is killed for each hat made). One company has offered to loan the government quality faux fur hats for free trial, an offer not yet taken up.
Windsor Great Park is home to around 500 free-roaming red deer, flanked by horse chestnut (toxic to dogs) and plane trees. Controversially, some are killed to make venison, yet there are humane solutions.
Eton, Berkshire (not just a posh school)
Just a 15-minute walk across the bridge from Windsor is the town of Eton. It’s home to Swan Lifeline, a sanctuary situated on an island on the River Thames. Where rescued swans are helped (there is even a ‘swan bath’ for oil spill patients) until safe release. Read more on how to help our graceful swans.
