Berkshire is of the most wooded areas of England, the North Wessex Downs is one of England’s National Landscapes. Covering Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire, this has rich chalk habitats.
Famous writers have lived in Berkshire, including Kenneth Grahame, author of The Wind in the Willows, who set scenes along the Thames.
The town of Slough is where Ricky Gervais’ TV comedy series The Office was filmed. The actor who played geeky Gareth is now a fervent environmentalist.
After being paid a lot of money for job, he could have bought a Ferrari. Instead he bought the local woods near his home (not in Surrey), so nobody could buy and build on them. More power to you, Mackenzie Crook!
Home to Windsor Castle & The Long Walk
Windsor Castle is the centrepiece of Berkshire. It’s the oldest and largest lived-in castle in the world. The British Royal Family uses it as an official residence.
A stroll down the Long Walk in Windsor is one of the best ways to enjoy the royal parkland and take in British heritage. Stretching straight from Windsor Castle to the majestic Copper Horse statue, this iconic pathway offers more than just a place to walk.
Dogs are usually allowed (check before travel). But must be well-trained and kept under control, and away from resident deer and other wildlife.
The Long Walk was laid out in the late 17th century during the reign of Charles II, making it one of the oldest avenues in England. The walk connects Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest occupied castle, with the Copper Horse on Snow Hill.
This broad, tree-lined avenue is tied deeply to the history of the British monarchy. The Long Walk is often used for royal and ceremonial events, including processions and celebrations.
At the far end of the Long Walk stands the impressive Copper Horse statue. This larger-than-life figure of King George III on horseback is a true highlight of the park. It was erected in the mid-1800s and stands proudly atop Snow Hill.
On quiet days, you might see herds of red deer wandering in the distance. The changing seasons bring different colours and moods, from bright spring blossoms to golden autumn leaves.
Windsor Long Walk (nicer than lego?)
The Savill Garden in Windsor is England’s finest ornamental garden, with beech woodlands that lead down to the River Thames. Contrast this with Windsor’s other famous tourist attraction:
Legoland is as far away from taking children on a nature walk as you can get. Not only has the company reverted back to using oil to make the plastic bricks (only flirting briefly with recycled plastic bottles – one company makes bamboo bricks showing there are alternatives).
Reviews are not hot either, with complaints of hugely over-inflated prices for junk food, and lots of litter.
Eton Swan Sanctuary: A Thames Hidden Gem
Eton is mostly known for its posh school (past alumni include Royal Family sons and former Prime Ministers (Cameron, Johnson). Along with actors (Damian Lewis, Dominic West and Hugh Laurie).
In fact, Eton is a village in itself, and home to one of England’s swan sanctuaries, which gives advice over the phone, if you need to help our graceful swans.
The seven-acre site on the River Thames houses Cuckoo Weir Island, a tranquil and peaceful location. It has 10 outdoor pens to house up to 180 swans needing help, with each one containing a pond, for a constant flow of river water.
The intensive care unit has 10 heated indoor pens for poorly swans, and a treatment room with various medical supplies, including a specialist ‘swan bath’ for swans covered in oil.
The 10 protected enclosures provide the next stage of recover, with some indoor heated sheds for both swans and cygnets.
The stretch of the Thames at Eton has a long-standing link to the Crown. The King owns all unmarked mute swans in open waters (not such a bad idea, as it helps to keep them protected).
Eton sits at the heart of this tradition. Swan Upping, the yearly census and health check for the swans, passes straight through the sanctuary. This event draws attention from across the country, highlighting Eton’s close ties to royal heritage and local wildlife.
An easy way to raise funds is to sign up with easyfundraising (nominate Swan Lifeline, then anytime you buy things with shops or services, it donates a portion of profits, at no cost to you).
You can if preferred donate anonymously, set up a giving account at Charities Aid Foundation.
