Directory of local groups

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Local action

Community Solar PV for schools, community buildings including churches and charity buildings.

Area of operation:	Berkshire
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: RISC/Great Expectations Time: Wednesday evenings monthly
Contact details:	Email: BerkshireEnergyPioneers@gmail.com
Web site:	http://BerkshireEnergyPioneers.org.uk

Defending the environment and promoting peace through local, national and international action.

Area of operation:	Berkshire - especially Reading
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: RISC, room 3, 35-39 London Street, Reading, RG1 4PS Time: First Thursday each month 8.00 pm
Contact details:	Brian Woodgate Email: brianwoodgate@yahoo.com
Web site:	http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/groups/berkshire

The Berkshire Ornithological Club promotes education and study of wild birds and their conservation in Berkshire.

Area of operation:	Berkshire
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: Reading University Time: September to April alternate Wednesdays 8pm to 10pm
Contact details:	Eleanor Pitts Email: treasurer@berksoc.org.uk
Web site:	http://www.berksoc.org.uk

The Berkshire Ornithological Club promotes education and study of wild birds and their conservation in Berkshire.

Area of operation:	Berkshire
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: Reading University Time: September to April alternate Wednesdays 8pm to 10pm
Contact details:	Eleanor Pitts Email: treasurer@berksoc.org.uk
Web site:	http://www.berksoc.org.uk

Caversham GLOBE (Go Local On a Better Environment) works to improve and protect green spaces for the benefit of wildlife and local residents by taking practical action on the ground as well as influencing Reading's policy and planning decisions. We do tree and hedge planting, rubbish clearance, graffiti removal; also commenting on planning applications and consultations on issues such as landscaping, flood risk, conservation, light pollution and visual impact. We also operate a used battery collection scheme with some local retailers.

Area of operation:	All parts of Reading Borough north of the Thames plus adjoining riverside & S. Oxon areas
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: Church House, 59 Church Street, Caversham RG4 8AX (by Prospect Street mini roundabout) Time: First Thursday of most months at 7.15pm
Contact details:	Richard Denney Telephone: 07768 958407 Email: info@cavershamglobe.org.uk
Web site:	http://www.cavershamglobe.org.uk

Crafted Waste is dedicated to doing something practical about, as well as with, waste. Taking inspiration from Transition Town and Permaculture principles and teachings, the project uses mainly waste materials that cannot be recycled nor composted and crafts them into useful and beautiful objects. Substances such as plastic packaging and tetra-pack that would otherwise end up in landfill are salvaged and become an educational tool to encourage more environmentally friendly behaviour as well as increase knowledge of the story of things and what they are made of. Founder Ornella Trevisan runs courses and workshops to share her skills with others, and raises awareness through talks, community projects and stalls at local events. In perfect Permaculture and Transition Town spirit, ultimately, Crafted Waste aims to help identify solutions to complex Waste issues at individual and community level, locally, striving to provide a contribution within the wider environmental movement towards a happier, more sustainable and equitable society. Crafted Waste shares many of its objectives with other groups in GREN and aims to foster a collaborative partnership with them.

Area of operation:	Greater Reading
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: See https://www.facebook.com/craftedwaste/ Time: See https://www.facebook.com/craftedwaste/
Contact details:	Ornella Trevisan Email: crafted.waste@gmail.com
Web site:	https://www.facebook.com/craftedwaste/

This group exists to facilitate access to more allotment land for the town's people of Earley. Main activities include: Engaging with the Town Council on the issue of allotment provision. Applying for grant funding to support campaigning. EAAG leaflet distribution to town's folk. Bioregion survey of potential new allotment sites for Earley residents.

Area of operation:	Earley
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: Time:
Contact details:	Peter Wheat Email: peter_wheat@hotmail.com
Web site:	http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/EarleyAllotmentsActionGroup/

To enthuse Earley residents about their local natural environment by informing them through walks, talks, newsletter, website (all free) and a presence at the annual Earley Green Fair. To involve both adults and children in various events, e.g. bird boxes, annual children's bug hunt. Members volunteer for a weekly work party to improve and enhance the Local Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve and the annual litter pick.The Group is run by its members, who are principally residents of Earley. Membership is free.

Area of operation:	Earley
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: varous for walks, talks and events Time: see web site and newsletter
Contact details:	Mrs Sheila Crowson Telephone: 0118 962 0004 Email: sheila.crowson@ntlworld.com
Web site:	http://www.earleyenvironmentalgroup.co.uk

Conservation of the natural environment

Area of operation:	Greater Reading
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: see web site for group programme Time:
Contact details:	Alan Stevens Telephone: 07732 223 006 Email: info@econetreading.org.uk
Web site:	http://www.econetreading.org.uk

Eradicate extreme poverty through appropriate engineering and sustainable solutions. Organise events to raise awareness in Reading.

Area of operation:	Reading
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: The Warehouse (1a Cumberland road, RG1 3LB) Time: Monthly events
Contact details:	Carlos Terol Email: reading.rn@ewb-uk.org
Web site:	http://www.ewb-uk.org/ewb-reading-regional-network

We know we are on the brink of a global catastrophe. Life on Earth is in danger, with scientists agreeing we are entering a period of climate and ecological breakdown. From wildfires to heatwaves, droughts to rising sea levels, the symptoms of our inaction will only worsen, the longer we take to address the causes of this crisis. Extinction Rebellion is a global and politically non-partisan movement where we use non-violent direct action to persuade governments to act justly on the climate and ecological emergency. Our vision of change involves mass participation. Our Demands are : Tell The Truth - Things are getting worse faster than we expected Act Now - Those in power aren't acting quickly enough Decide Together - We need change that is decided fairly and transparently. We need a Citizens' Assembly on Climate and Ecological Justice XR Reading is a busy, welcoming and friendly group; we work together on regular, local and national actions .

Area of operation:	Reading and surrounding areas/national
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: Usually Zoom or Reading Friends Quaker's meeting House. 2 Church St, Reading RG1 2SB Time: fortnightly meetings - typically Tuesday evenings, and regular local actions
Contact details:	Dani Email: xrreading@gmail.com
Web site:	https://www.facebook.com/xrReading/

Global Justice Now campaigns for a world where resources are controlled by the many, not the few. We work in solidarity with social movements to challenge corporate power and the policies that cause poverty and inequality all over the world. Our local group, Global Justice Reading, organises film screenings and talks and we take part in creative street campaigning and lobbying politicians.

Area of operation:	Reading and surrounding area
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: RISC Time: Bi-monthly meetings
Contact details:	Jackie Oversby Telephone: 07745310794 Email: globaljusticereading@gmail.com
Web site:	http://www.globaljustice.org.uk/reading/

Just Stop Oil is demanding that the UK Government does not open any new oil and gas projects. Having tried all recommended avenues to reduce/stop CO2 emissions, ie petitions, writing to our MP, and it not having any effect, we advocate for non violent direct action to highlight the existential crisis and our demand to the government in the media. We represent everyone and anyone. New members are very welcome.

Area of operation:	Reading and Berkshire
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: The Queens HeadPub, 54 Christchurch Road, Reading, RG2 7AZ. Time:
Contact details:	Christine Essex Email: JSOReading@protonmail.com
Web site:	https://juststopoil.org/

Building community and improving the quality of the Newtown environment. We do this through meetings, community improvement and community clear up events.

Area of operation:	Newtown area of Reading
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: no Time: no
Contact details:	Rob White Telephone: 0118 966 7183 Email: bobby.blanc@gmail.com
Web site:	http://groups.yahoo.com/group/newtownglobe

The Nuclear Awareness Group (NAG) was established by Reading Borough Council in 1994 following the Community Inquiry into safety at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE). NAG was set up to promote public awareness of nuclear safety and environmental issues related to AWE and to encourage best practice on all health and safety matters relating to the handling of radioactive materials.

Area of operation:	Greater Reading & West Berkshire
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: RISC, London Street, Reading, RG1 4PS Time: Quarterly meetings see web site for details
Contact details:	Evelyn Parker Email: office@nuclearinfo.org
Web site:	http://nuclearawarenessgroup.org.uk

Community garden for the residents of West Reading

Area of operation:	West Reading
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: In the garden Time: First Thursday of the month
Contact details:	Ricky Josey Telephone: 07577777079 Email: oxfordroadgarden@yahoo.co.uk
Web site:	http://www.orcg.org.uk

To promote and encourage the development of a sustainable local community. Our particular aims are: Reduce community carbon footprint; promote sustainability projects, act as a source of sustainability advice to the community and foster the biodiversity of the local natural environment.

Area of operation:	Pangbourne, Whitchurch-on-Thames, Tidmarsh, Upper Basildon
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: Time:
Contact details:
Web site:	http://www.pawsg.com

The basic aim of the group is to promote greater awareness and understanding of all matters that link population growth to the environment and sustainability within the RG postcode area. We hope to be working closely within the Greater Reading Environmental Network,aiming to share our knowledge and information by gaining speaking and presentation engagements amongst GREN members, as well as amongst many other community and voluntary groups in the district. We will also be trying to get speakers into all secondary schools within the Reading district as a high priority. In addition, we intend to be actively engaged in writing letters to local papers and aim to engage with the MP and Town Councillors for Reading on population and all related matters - such as the ongoing need for ever more housing, schools, roads and dealing with flooding, traffic congestion and overstretched local resources etc in the area.

Area of operation:	The whole of the RG postcode area
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: Place: Various locations, sometimes Reading Museum Cafe, or on-line by Zoom Time: Time: Please check with the contact below for dates & times
Contact details:	Peter Bloyce Telephone: 01256 810910 Email: peterbloyce@btinternet.com
Web site:	http://populationmatters.org.uk

An ecumenical group to support and encourage all those active in Creation Care in their churches, as well as to arrange occasional Reading-wide events. We are linked to Churches Together in Reading and to Green Christian and are currently working with Citizens UK. Regular emails share news of up coming events and meetings happen every two or three months.

Area of operation:	Greater Reading
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: Time:
Contact details:	Joanna Laynesmith Email: j.laynesmith@gmail.com
Web site:

Working for a cycle friendly Reading

Area of operation:	Greater Reading
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: Time:
Contact details:	Telephone: 0845 330 2543 Email: rbc@readingcyclecampaign.org.uk
Web site:	http://www.readingcyclecampaign.org.uk

Reading Food Growing Network aims to: Promote locally grown food in Reading. Enable sharing of resources and purchasing capacity between food growers in Reading e.g. seed & manure purchase or plant swaps. Facilitate the exchange of information and ideas. Provide advice and support to new and existing growers. Promote the expansion of sustainable local food production. Celebrate local food together at the Reading Town Meal and other events.

Area of operation:	Greater Reading
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: RISC Time:
Contact details:	Email: secretary@rfgn.org.uk
Web site:	http://www.readingfoodgrowingnetwork.org.uk/

We are a group of environmentally minded people. We campaign at a local level in order to help improve local policy and to do our part for national campaigns. Our actions range from holding fun public events with games and displays to holding or participating in meetings in order to help ourselves or others become better informed about key issues

Area of operation:	Greater Reading
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: Room 1 upstairs at RISC, 35-39 London Street, RG1 4PS Time: Second Wednesday each month at 8pm. Sometimes vary in July & August
Contact details:	Enrico Petrucco Telephone: 07854 968560 Email: mrepetrucco@hotmail.com
Web site:	http://www.readingfoe.org.uk

Reading Hydro aim is "Harnessing the Power of the Thames For the Community" as a Community Benefit Society by: Generating renewable hydro energy at Caversham Weir Enhancing the fish pass in the are Collaborating with the community on the project and developing and delivering educational resources, engaging skills and raising funds Provide a sustainable business model and investment opportunities in renewable energy

Area of operation:	Reading
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: Open Action Evenings at Great Expectations Time: Monthly from 7pm, usually on a Tuesday or Wednesday (check website or Facebook group)
Contact details:	Email: reading.hydro.cbs@gmail.com
Web site:	http://readinghydro.org.uk/

Campaigning against war and for peace, disarmament, and civil rights

Area of operation:	Reading
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: contact for details Time: contact for details
Contact details:	Peter Burt Email: peterburt@phonecoop.coop
Web site:

To run the annual Reading Vegan Festival in the town centre to raise awareness and provide information about a vegan, cruelty free and ethical lifestyle through fun events with food, clothing and gift stalls, information and charity stalls, workshops and speakers on a range of topics.

Area of operation:	Reading
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: Time:
Contact details:	Email: info@readingveganfestival.co.uk
Web site:	http://www.readingveganfestival.co.uk

Try to preserve at least some of the Bath Road Reservoir Site from development due to its unique nature, situation& wild life it supports.

Area of operation:	West Reading/ Reading
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: Foresters Arms Time:
Contact details:	Graham Griffiths Telephone: 07808 143 649 Email: grahamgriffiths375@btinternet.com
Web site:	http://www.savethebathroadreservoir.co.uk

Save Our Ancient Riverside (SOAR) are a group of volunteers from the Reading and Wokingham area who care deeply about our riverside, and are working hard to stop the destructive and ill-thought out scheme known as the East Reading Mass Rapid Transit (MRT).

Area of operation:	Reading and Wokingham area
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: Time:
Contact details:	Email: saveourancientriverside@gmail.com
Web site:	https://saveourancientriverside.co.uk

The Mustard Tree Foundation (MTF) seeks to enable the community to speak for itself, to empower members of society who are marginalised and enable them to speak into and shape their community. This is done through a number of different projects: - Lifeline - The Rahab Project - Starting Point Reading - TLG School (in partnership with RCC) - Let's Grow - The Parenting Initiative - Engage:Befriending (starting May 2013)

Area of operation:	Reading and surrounding area
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: Time:
Contact details:	Telephone: 01189567000
Web site:	http://www.themustardtree.org

a) to promote sustainable development locally, particularly with regard to such issues as : • environmental sustainability • health • homes • employment and the local economy • the conservation of biological diversity b) to promote participation in local governmental processes.

Area of operation:	Tilehurst
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: Tilehurst Methodist Church Hall, SchoolRd ,Tilehurst Reading Time: 7.15pm on the third wed every month ( 2nd in December,not Aug)
Contact details:	Telephone: 0118 9425169 Email: tilehurstglobe@hotmail.com
Web site:	http://www.tilehurst-globe.org.uk

Reading Transition recognises both the inevitability and challenges of declining fossil fuel use. We aim to bring Reading’s diverse communities together, to use our collective wisdom to turn this potential crisis into an opportunity to thrive and create a positive future for all of us.

Area of operation:	Greater Reading
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: Time:
Contact details:	Rachel Miller Email: info@transitionreading.org.uk
Web site:	http://www.transitionreading.org.uk

Main Activities: * Community Apple Press * Norreys Garden Share Scheme - Growing Together in Wokingham * Transition Wokingham - Plan Bee Groups main purpose: * Plan community action to address peak oil and climate change * Engage with the whole community through businesses, councils and authorities * Celebrate even our smallest successes to make the transiion to living in time without cheap oil * Encourage local, individual, small changes, locally sourced * Run talks, films and local events

Area of operation:	Wokingham Borough
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: Time:
Contact details:	Tamzin Evershed Email: TransitionWokingham@yahoo.co.uk
Web site:	http://www.transitionnetwork.org/initiatives.wokingham

Act as a forum for local groups to network and share information

Area of operation:	Tilehurst, Theale
Regular meeting arrangements:	Place: Time:
Contact details:	Evangeline Wood Email: ewood@westberkshire.gov.uk
Web site:	http://www.wbge.org.uk