Warfield Environment Group

05/09/2026

Just learnt of this fundraiser for Thames Hospice in memory of our lovely friend and volunteer Sarah Jarvis who was so enthusiastic, and organised and took part in many events and activities including planting of the daffodils outside Whitegrove School 🌼

Sarah's son Jack, together with his friend Sam, are fundraising in memory of their fathers and Jack's mum Sarah. They are holding a football fundraiser tomorrow (Sunday 5 September) at Binfield F.C - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20vz7y22ero

Alternatively you can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jack-and-sam-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

We miss you Sarah 💚

25/08/2026

Off to Westley Mill now 😊

We're out doing our August riverfly monitoring to measure water quality in The Cut. Currently near Warfield school if you want to pop over and say hello 👋 🪱💙

25/08/2026

We're out doing our August riverfly monitoring to measure water quality in The Cut. Currently near Warfield school if you want to pop over and say hello 👋 🪱💙

24/08/2026

Water quality monitoring is one of WEG's major projects and so attended the Thames Water pollution roadshow at Mill Pond last week. Whatever you may think of Thames Water, it is important to remember we all have a responsibility to ensure our actions are not contributing to the pollution in our waterways, which in turn impacts our wildlife.

Pollution events occur when someone pours liquids such as paint or oil into a road gully (drain); these connect to surface water sewers which then drain into our waterways. Pollution may also occur when pipes within the home are misconnected, allowing waste and chemicals from our homes to drain into our waterways rather than being treated.

One such event occurred in the Bull Brook at the weekend (alerted on another group and very grateful to the residents who reported promptly). Popped down there yesterday afternoon; all appears back to normal and thankfully spotted fish still swimming in the water.

Realise most of you reading this will already be aware, but if this post reaches one person and stops one polluting event then it is worthwhile. Thank you for reading 💙

29/07/2026

Looking forward 👇

28/07/2026

You may have spotted volunteers peering into verges in the last 2 weeks. Pleased to report our late surveys of the Harvest Ride verges we manage for wildlife are completed for 2026 🎉

All wildflowers and grasses have been identified and abundances estimated. Good to see the yellow rattle is starting to establish in small patches, especially near Harvest Hill 🌸🌾🌱

Now including the insects we see too (more than when we started), including the wonderful wasp spider, Batman hoverfly (what a name!), small copper butterfly and a host of others which seem particularly attracted to the wild carrot near All Saints Rise 🐝🕷️🦋🐞🪰

The wild service trees we've cultivated near All Saints Rise are growing taller, though not yet flowering and producing fruit - known as chequers - unlike their parent trees which appear covered in fruit this year 🌳

All data collected will be submitted to Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre which maintains a comprehensive database of ecological records for the local area. Great to see someone is putting out water for the wildlife too 👍

Of course, any event or activity wouldn't be complete without a litter pick. 1.5 sacks of rubbish collected along Harvest Ride at the same time 🚯

20/07/2026

The Cut not flowing (an update) - since 10th July further investigations were undertaken jointly with Wildlife in Ascot and, as a result, the matter was then reported to the Environment Agency who are actively investigating potential causes and visited Warfield and Winkfield on Friday (17th). We will continue to keep an eye on The Cut, though we suspect it's unlikely to start flowing again until we get some substantial rain 😕

17/07/2026

So many butterflies to be seen! Why not join in the count, it only takes 15 minutes 🦋👇

The Big Butterfly Count 2026 is here! 🦋

From now until 9 August, spend 15 minutes outside counting the butterflies you see and help us take nature's pulse.

With 80% of UK butterfly species in decline, it’s never been more important to understand how our insects are responding to climate change and habitat loss.

The best part? Anyone, anywhere can take part. No lab coats. No science degrees. Just 15 minutes of your time. ⏱️

Count yourself in 👉 https://butrfli.es/3SVFepj

14/07/2026

On a very hot Saturday afternoon we continued our monthly urban riverfly monitoring of The Cut behind Warfield School and at Westley Mill. Lots of fish spotted at both locations, which is good though not what we were looking for 🐟😊

Riverfly monitoring involves kick sampling (see video!) to collect freshwater invertebrates such as caddisfly and mayfly larvae, dragonfly and damselfly nymphs and planaria from shallow waters. Their presence, or absence, can be used to provide an indicator of the health of waterways 🪱🦐

We also test phosphate and ammonia levels at the same time 🧪

All data is recorded in the Thames21 Citizen Science dashboard alongside data from like-minded organisations and individuals across the Thames Valley. It can be viewed here: https://www.thames21.org.uk/citizen-science-dashboard (we're in the Maidenhead to Teddington catchment). Don't forget we've only just started monitoring so our data is currently quite limited but we're committed to helping build a dataset to evidence the need for change. We'd love to see more volunteers across Bracknell Forest getting involved! 📊💙

13/07/2026

Useful advice on saving water 👇

How to save water in a heatwave:
💧 Use grey water to water ornamental plants
💧 Put potted plants on saucers
💧 Use mulch
💧 Mow less often: long grass copes better in a drought, and offers shade and shelter to wildlife.
12 more ideas:
https://littlegreenspace.org.uk/features/save-water.html