CRoW (Conserve Reading on Wednesdays)

CRoW was established in 1986, with its first task taking place in Curtis Wood, Calcot, on March 12th. However, it ceased work in 1990 due to a lack of support.

CRoW was established in 1986, with its first task taking place in Curtis Wood, Calcot, on March 12th. However, it ceased work in 1990 due to a lack of support.

In September of that year, thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers and the support of BTCV (now TCV), Reading Borough Council, and Berkshire Conservation Volunteers (BeC), the group was relaunched, initially organising one or two tasks a month. Despite facing some challenges, by 1995, tasks were being held weekly.

From the beginning, CRoW has undertaken work for a range of organizations, including the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), the National Trust, local councils and schools.

CRoW now organises a task every Wednesday throughout the year ranging from coppicing, hedgelaying, scrub clearance, control of non-native species, path creation and maintenance, and willow harvesting at sites in and around Reading, from Dinton Pastures to the east to Paices Wood in the west and including many of Reading’s open spaces such as Clayfield Copse in Caversham and Blundells Copse in Tilehurst.

New volunteers are always welcome. There’s no need to commit to regular attendance – you can join tasks whenever you’re available, or even for part of a task. No experience is required, training will be provided and task leaders are always on hand to offer guidance as necessary, and tools and gloves will be supplied.

Volunteers under the age of 18 years can only participate in Econet activities if accompanied by an appropriate adult (parent, guardian, social worker, teacher, etc.) responsible for their wellbeing and behaviour.

If you’re interested in volunteering with CRoW, please complete our registration form or contact Dave Barks.

Upcoming Tasks