Mend the Gap

14/10/2026

A new Mend the Gap funded project is getting underway at Withymead Nature Reserve this autumn! We look forward to seeing the results of this wetland habitat work, which will benefit nature. 🦆
Chilterns National LandscapeNorth Wessex Downs National Landscape

Here we go again! While we love our new boardwalk, we thought: why stop there? We're now digging two new ponds and desilting the back channels on the reserve thanks to funding from , with support from and . Thanks also to , who'll be doing the real work of creating our new wetland areas!

07/10/2026

Great to see these volunteers in action as part of this Mend the Gap funded project.

05/10/2026

Another successful project. This new section of boardwalk at Cleeve Water Meadow in Streatley will make it easier for habitat management to continue during the winter months when the meadow floods. Volunteers from the Trust for Conservation Volunteers will be able to safely access all the meadow compartments to manage this land for wildlife. Different areas of reedbed are cut in different years, and 'scallops' have been cut into the edges to give greater variation in habitat height for different species.

North Wessex Downs National Landscape Chilterns National Landscape

01/10/2026

If you enjoy observing wildlife in the Thames Valley, this will be an interesting event to attend on 10 October. 🦉🦇🐝🦋🌸

Our next Autumn Recorders' Conference is taking place on Saturday 10th October at Upper Basildon Village Hall.

29/09/2026

In celebration of World Rivers Day last Sunday, we are continuing to highlight some of our river projects. Today's focus is on the work of ARK - Action for the River Kennet on the Mill Brook, which flows from Blewbury to Wallingford. ARK is working with volunteers to monitor river health, and they are also studying the flow of water into the river system. The monitoring includes water vole surveys, water quality monitoring and riverfly monitoring. All these actions will help in understanding and improving river health.

North Wessex Downs National Landscape Chilterns National Landscape

24/09/2026

This Friday! The Springline Project continues to reveal more about the wildlife around us. Delve into the fascinating world of bats on this evening walk 🦇
North Wessex Downs National Landscape Chilterns National Landscape

Join ecologist Tom August for a Night-time Bat Walk on Fri 25th Sept at 6.45pm. Using bat detectors Tom will help you discover our Cholsey bats as well as talk to you about bats in the UK and worldwide. Meet at the track next to Larkmead Vets. Limited places available so please book using the link below.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1999763536570?aff=oddtdtcreator

Cholsey Pavilion Anna Dillon the Artist

24/09/2026

Mend the Gap has a new contract available for tree and hedge planting this winter, between Pangbourne and Didcot. If you are a contractor and wish to apply, the deadline is 11th October. For full details and how to apply visit: https://www.chilterns.org.uk/jobs/invitation-to-tender-for-hedge-mend-the-gap/
Chilterns National Landscape North Wessex Downs Landscapes FWAG South East

23/09/2026

Take part in the Big River Watch without leaving home. has supported Thames21 to install a couple of cameras along the River Thames near Goring, for anyone unable to reach their local river. Record what you can see in videos from Beale Wildlife Park or Withymead Nature Reserve as part of this nationwide survey, run by the Rivers Trust. 🌿You might spot plants and wildlife, notice the colour of the water, or see signs of pollution. Then share what you see on the Big River Watch app.
Link to videos and River Watch survey details below.

North Wessex Downs National Landscape Chilterns National Landscape

21/09/2026

What can you see at Withymead Nature Reserve as part of ? You don't need to even leave your house to take part in this survey, thanks to this wildlife camera placed by Thames21, with support from . Watch the footage and find out how to take part in the survey 👇
Chilterns National Landscape North Wessex Downs National Landscape

From 18–24 September, people across the UK and Ireland are taking p...

18/09/2026

The Big River Watch starts today! Download the survey app to your phone, head to your local river and record the wildlife you can see. If you find it harder to reach the riverside, is supporting Thames21 to set up trail cameras in locations on the River Thames near Goring, to enable everyone to take part. More will be revealed next week!
Chilterns National Landscape North Wessex Downs National Landscape

🌊 The Big River Watch is back!

📅 Save the date and tell your community.

From 18–24 September, we’re asking anyone and everyone to visit their local river and spend just 15 minutes recording what you see.
It’s free, it’s easy, and your observations can make a real difference. 💙
📱 Simply:
1️⃣ Search 'Big River Watch' in your app store and then download the Big River Watch app
2️⃣ Visit your local river
3️⃣ Spend 15 minutes observing and recording what you see
4️⃣ Upload your findings

From plants and wildlife to water colour, litter and signs of pollution, every observation helps build a bigger picture of the health of our rivers across the UK and Ireland. 💧🌿

The data helps us and the wider Rivers Trust movement call for change and demand better for our rivers.

And because the data is open to everyone, you can explore previous years’ results too, helping you see what’s happening in your patch and highlight what’s good, and what needs attention. 🔎

More details here: https://theriverstrust.org/take-action/the-big-river-watch