GLOBE is for people who care passionately about our local environment.
We are:
- working to improve and protect green spaces for the benefit of wildlife and local residents.
- taking practical action on the ground as well as influencing policy and planning decisions.
Our activities include:
- Practical events such as tree and hedge planting, rubbish clearance, graffiti removal and walks.
- Encouraging Councillors and Council Officers to take action to improve the local environment.
- Monitoring and commenting on planning applications and consultations on issues such as landscaping, flood risk, wildlife conservation, light pollution and visual impact.
- Working with other local community, residents and conservation groups to further common aims.
- Refubishing and planting the 22 wooden planter boxes in Central Caversham
Caversham GLOBE works in all parts of Reading Borough north of the Thames as well as adjoining areas along the riverside and into South Oxfordshire. We are an independent community-based group funded by donations. We are one of several GLOBE groups set up in Reading in the mid-1990s following the Rio Earth Summit.
GLOBE Meetings & Mailing List
We meet each month to talk about local issues and make decisions (see Diary page for dates). Anyone is welcome to the meetings which are held in the upstairs hall at: Church House, 59 Church Street, Caversham RG4 8AX (by Prospect Street mini roundabout) Click here to open Map in New window. To be added to our mailing list please email, phone or write with your contact details and areas of interest. (see Contacts page). We have no annual subscription, all we ask is for your interest, support, ideas, expertise and energy.
Recent News:
During the past 25 years Caversham GLOBE volunteers led by a small group of enthusiasts have achieved alot for the benefit of the wider community. 20 years ago a small hazel sapling was planted in Balmore Walk. That tree has been giving passers-by a lovely display of catkins. Currently pictured, the male blossoms are obvious but where do the fruits appear? You'll have to pause and admire that natural wonder more closely to see the small red female flowers also pictured. Clever? Yes but not such a wonder of nature as those trees like the yew, holly and many more whose male and female flowers grow on separate trees!
Reading Golf Club site REJECTED from South Oxfordshire's plan for strategic development!
KEG has just learnt that the large part of the Reading Golf Club site which is located in South Oxfordshire (28 ha) has been firmly rejected from their stategic development plan. It will NOT be considered for further assessment for development. The plan is for the period up to 2034!
It's definitely a Happy New Year! Thank you for your support! Let's keep up the pressure in 2019 to KEEP EMMER GREEN!
Good news for SOAR (Save Our Ancient Riverside) campaign and for Caversham GLOBE supporters who objected to this development. WOKINGHAM councillors again refused the planning application for the controversial east Reading Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) public transport link over the River Kennet mouth along the River Thames. The original application was refused by Wokingham Council in June due to concerns with the scheme’s environmental impact and its viability as a mass rapid transit scheme. On December 12 Wokingham council’s planning committee refused an amended scheme, which had been submitted to Wokingham by Reading Borough Council because there was not a “sufficient change” in the proposals. Councillor Carl Doran moved a motion to refuse the application after saying: "I'm the only Labour member on this committee and I am embarrassed that this has been brought back with so little changed. There's no support out there for this really. It is all objection. We must not let Reading Borough Council make us look like idiots.”
The new application for the public transport link, which would have been used by buses, cyclists and pedestrians between Thames Valley Business Park and Napier Road, outlined changes to the scheme including a camouflage addition, in which “planters containing ivy, or a similar plant,” would provide a “greening of the structure”. This failed to convince the majority of the planning committee as six councillors voted to refuse the scheme, one more than when the application was refused in June.
Further to earlier post showing link to Enviroment Agency, here are copies of leaflet issued to selected homes by the EA.
Please read and share widely. A major issue seriously threatening the local riverside scene in Caversham is the planned 4 kms of concrete walls and embankment FLOOD BARRIERS that will change forever the Thames Parks. After public consultations in mid-summer some revisions have been made by the Environment Agency. There are many downsides to these proposals apart from the loss of trees, loss of riverside ambience, more anti-social behaviour in secluded hidden areas, unforeseen consequences of hydrostatic pressure on groundwater and backwash into sewers and drains affecting homes across lower Caversham. There is to be a further public consultation by the Environment Agency on Thursday 6 December in Caversham Baptist Church between 2.30 to 7.30 pm - we urge local people to attend and object to the damaging earthworks and concrete that would change our Thames Parks forever. The EA has just published this link. www.gov.uk/government/publications/north-reading-and-lower-caversham-flood-alleviation-scheme/nor...
Some doubts exist about possibly misleading statements in the EA consultation .."north Reading and Lower Caversham have flooded many times in recent years.." This is vague and unquantifiable. It also states.."In 2012 and 2014 homes and businesses in low lying areas of Caversham flooded..." where? How badly and how many? .."and in 2003, many houses were surrounded by floodwater.." How many? Where? .."and a number of roads closed to vehicles for up to 5 days." What number of roads and which? We know a canoeist was able to proceed down the middle of Amersham Road but how many houses and businesses were flooded? The EA should follow its own example and consider wetlands and other natural solutions (and tell the public) about these solutions. Green Park south Reading was just such a scheme not requiring flood walls. Instead, the EA offers only walls and embankment that will leave some Caversham homes on the wrong side! Heron Island, Deans Farm to name but two.
I want more info on this, everything seems too wishy washy to me - it’s as if the council is too scared to let us know everything! I can’t make the meeting on Thursday as I am away on business so would be grateful if someone can keep us updated.
Are there any pictures to show what it looks like now and what it would look like with the proposals?
Where do we find the plans, please?
consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/thames/reading-and-caversham-flood-reduction-options/supporting...
On Thames Side (I know we are on the other side of the river) we do not flood, but like Heron Island the EA think we will be at risk if these works go ahead. I don't want a brick wall outside my house,
Funny how this is being proposed alongside so much development on floodplains. 🤔
They plan on building these defences however, what are they doing regarding the mill streams - that's what makes our garden flood
Interesting as also a very important need to reduce flood risk, maybe just too hard to meet all needs?
Our group has recently benefited from a generous £100 donation from Simon Walmsley (pictured below left with Bob Busby of Caversham GLOBE). Simon is director of the well known local property sales and lettings Walmsley estate agency. This money will be put to good use ensuring the continued existence of the GLOBE group and our activists' work in keeping Caversham a more pleasant, greener and cleaner locality. Thank you Simon.
Meeting of the Caversham GLOBE group - Tuesday 27 November at 7.00 pm (refreshments available) in the upstairs hall in Church House, Church Street, Caversham.
Recently, some activists have been busy in central Caversham working on the planters, also in Christchurch Meadows and Balmore Walk. We also received the results of the air quality readings showing excessive levels of nitrogen dioxide locally. We learned of the success in the CAGE Dunsden campaign in which GLOBE was committed and took an active part, also making financial contributions. Another major item seriously affecting the local riverside scene is the planned 4 kms of concrete walls and embankment FLOOD BARRIERS that will change forever the Thames Parks. GLOBE representatives invested time and thoughtfulness in an extended site meeting with the Environment Agency to look at the extent of these drastic proposals. There is to be a further public consultation by the EA on Thursday 6 December in Caversham Baptist Church from 2.30 to 7.30 pm - we urge you to attend.
All residents are welcome to our monthly meetings where we raise and discuss any issues. You can also contact the GLOBE group by email, Facebook messenger or phone/text 07768 958407 beforehand about any local matters in which people in the GLOBE group may share your concerns and be able to take action. (Two more people have done this recently with some successful results.)
Countryside north of Caversham/Emmer Green saved!
Some great news from CAGE, representing the local parishes, residents associations and Caversham GLOBE
The planning Inspector has REFUSED Gladman's appeal to build 245 houses on the open countryside off Peppard Road just to the north of Emmer Green!Inspector Nick Palmer has today refused the Gladman appeal!
A fantastic victory for which huge thanks to so many who have contributed in so many ways.
The decision notice acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ViewCase.aspx?caseid=3185997 is clear that development at the site would conflict with South Oxfordshire development policies for where houses should go, and that it would do significant harm to the landscape. It is also clear that SODC has an adequate supply of housing land and that the ‘tilted balance’ does not apply.
Needless to say Gladman are quite likely to appeal to the High Court, but in the meanwhile, it’s party time!
Hello to all GLOBE supporters. This a brief quick update about poor air quality that Caversham GLOBE started measuring in Dec 2017. GLOBE installed test tubes at four locations over an extended period and the alarming amounts of harmful and dangerous nitrogen dioxide in micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3 ) have been confirmed by Winchester based Gradko Laboratories. Readings obtained below:
Church Street/Prospect Street jnc
41 µg/m3: 41 µg/m3: 34 µg/m3
Near Church St/Priory Ave jnc
47 µg/m3: 49 µg/m3: 40.5 µg/m3
Church Road/St Anne's Road jnc
56 µg/m3: 57 µg/m3: 50 µg/m3: 41.5 µg/m
Peppard Rd near Prospect St jnc
54 µg/m3: 71 µg/m3: 48.5 µg/m3
The legal MEAN ANNUAL limit for nitrogen dioxide is 40µg/m3. Of more concern is that some other air quality information collected by RBC shows that three Caversham locations (parts of Prospect Street and George Street) have exceeded the mean annual legal limit for the past nine years! What is to be done? Who will do it? When? These crucial questions and many more need some answers. The GLOBE group hopes to work with RBC Councillors, the North Reading Safer Neighbourhood Forum (NRSNF) and CADRA to develop a joint approach for remedial action. This could include: air corridors, more trees, street planters, green walls, anti-idling of vehicles when stationary and traffic reduction policies. Only by reducing the levels of polluting traffic exhaust fumes will residents, pedestrians and cyclists be able to breathe cleaner air in the long term.
Please use this information in any way you can to campaign for improvements. If you have ideas please contribute them. Don't stay silent. Thanks.
Anything to stop ignorant drivers sitting their cars with the engine running. Summer is worst, engine running, keeping cool inside car with air con. On. Ignorant drivers running engine so they are warm to get into. What a nation of wimps.
Has this been shared to CGG’s?
Please could you tweet this so more can see? Can you also tell me what the three readings are for each junction, were they taken at different times?
I’m always surprised that there isn’t a mass response to air pollution updates as it affects the health of everyone who lives and works in Caversham. Safer cycle paths would help. Thank you for highlighting. I’ve emailed the local councillors and MP.
Helen Goodchild
Thank you Caversham GLOBE. Are there any councillors who can comment. Can they press the matter with Tony Page. Are there results equally as concerning or worse even for elsewhere in Reading?
Thank you for doing this work.
Caversham GLOBE volunteers were busy Sunday morning reconstructing some of the planters on Church Street, planting winter bedding, cutting back the overgrown hedge on the library (listed building) by the centenary Caversham information map and generally sprucing up the streetscape. This work takes some resourceful organisation, time, energy and commitment for the benefit of the whole community. Photos below. A big "Thank you" to the people who worked on this project.
Thank you for working hard to make Caversham beautiful x
Well done thank you.
You are doing a great job and so nice to see mini gardens in the streets. Keep it up! Xx
Great work- thank you for all your hard grafting xx
Thank you 🙏 looks fantastic
Great work and thank you very much for the work round the heritage map on the library railings.
I noticed and admired when I parked there yesterday
Thank you all involved
Thank you makes such a difference the place looks valued,which it is!
GLOBE activists were busy on Friday afternoon in Christchurch Meadows removing logs and litter from the Danall, tending to recently planted street trees and cutting back overgrown margins in Balmore Walk. Staffing reductions in RBC Parks and consequent falling standards of care and maintenance are all too obvious and cause for long-term concern. The Caversham GLOBE group needs more people who can help keep north Reading cleaner and greener. Don't leave to the few, please.
Well done to these volunteers!! If we were younger and more active we would give a hand. Thanks from 2 seniors who appreciate your effort.
I agree we can all help. But we should make it higher priority for our Council. Clayfield Copse car park seems to have become an unofficial dumping group and no matter how many tickets I raise they are closed as complete with no action taken.
Saw you in Balmore Walk. How do I get on the list for volunteering?
Thanks for doing this. X
I had some free time on a Friday but I didn’t get an email notification of this litterpick. Can you check that I haven’t fallen off the mailing list? Thanks 🙂
Our monthly meeting of the Caversham GLOBE group will be next Tuesday 23 October at 7.00 pm (refreshments available) in the upstairs hall in Church House, Church Street Caversham. All residents are welcome to our monthly meetings where we raise and discuss any issues. You can also contact the GLOBE group by email, Facebook messenger or phone/text 07768 958407 beforehand about any local matters the GLOBE group may share your concerns about and be able to take action.
Due to the rain forecast for Sunday morning 14 October we have decided to cancel our litter picking event and will reschedule some time in near future. It's no fun picking up other people's rubbish in the rain. Thanks.
As part of the borough wide clean up known as RESCUE (Rivers and Environmental Spaces Clean Up Event) our group is planning to clean up Richfield Avenue green margins and adjacent Thames Parks and Rivermead car parks at 10.30 am Sunday 14 October . Our muster point will be in the public car park on Thames Prom near the Boat House just upstream from Caversham Bridge at 10.30 am. Litter pickers, high viz and sacks will be provided. We have gloves, though you may prefer to use your own. email [email protected] This event may be weather dependent so please include contact phone number if you can attend and let us know by 12 noon Saturday 13 October. Contact Richard Denney on 07768 958407 if needed, Thanks.
Our group has recently benefited from a generous £150 donation from Peter Neville (below, right) owner of Elegant Homes, the bespoke residential property developer providing well-designed and crafted new homes throughout Berkshire and South Oxfordshire. This money will be put to good use ensuring the continued existence of the GLOBE group and our activists' work in keeping Caversham a cleaner more pleasant locality. Thank you Peter.
Next meeting of Caversham GLOBE group will be Tuesday 25 September at 7 pm. GLOBE activists are investing their time, interest and energy for the benefit of local residents, in many ways e.g. highlighting the dangerously high readings of nitrogen dioxide on central Caversham roads; repairing the street planters; keeping Caversham cleaner by removing graffiti and litter picking. Soon we will be organising our local autumn litter picking (RESCUE) for 12 - 14 October and various planting and maintenance in green spaces. Two local planning applications for house building will also be discussed at our meeting: one on Abbotsmead Place where brambles and trees were cleared last year, the second one is proposed "infill" for 5 houses on mature protected (TPO) woodland/wildlife area between Blenheim Road and Kidmore Road.
All residents are welcome to our monthly meetings where we raise and discuss any issues. You can also contact the GLOBE group by email, Facebook messenger or phone/text 07768 958407 beforehand about any local matters in which people in the GLOBE group may share your concerns and be able to take action.
Hello GLOBE supporters, this email gives you some more worrying information about the East Reading Mass Rapid Transit System proposals. There is a short film that you should watch and share please. www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_hMj2m2oi4
The film gives great cause for concern about Reading Borough Councils agreed planning policies being ignored for this proposed transport scheme. The film includes a reference to Caversham GLOBE's objections (We should all be grateful to the detailed work Dave Kenny put into investigating the plans and compiling GLOBE's objections we approved at a monthly meeting). Please read this message from John Mullaney of the SOAR campaign.
To coincide with Reading Borough Council's 'consultation' with the public about their revised MRT proposal, SOAR have made a short film, also released today.
The 11 minute subtitled film uses the brilliant speech given by Councillor Josh Williams at the Planning Committee meeting earlier this year, during which he spells out just some of the Core Planning Policies and Strategies - both local and national - that the scheme contravenes.
SOAR have enhanced that speech by showing on-screen each contravened policy that Josh cites.
Wokingham Council's grounds for rejecting the scheme were because the scheme " would be harmful to the landscape character of the area and would be contrary to Core Policies and Core Strategy "
Josh's speech and Wokingham's reasons for rejectinhg the scheme remain as relevant to today's revised application as to the previous proposal. Put simply, the scheme contravenes the multiple Planning Policies that RBC's Planning Committee would otherwise enforce.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_hMj2m2oi4
Please share the film far and wide so that as many people as possible understand the extent of the MRT scheme's non-compliance with both local policies and government legislation.
Thanks and I hope you find the film informative.
SOAR
Save Our Ancient Riverside
Website: www.saveourancientriverside.co.uk
Facebook : www.facebook.com/NoPaRThamessideWokingham/
Twitter : twitter.com/soarreadingSpeech given by Reading Green Councillor Josh William in which he exposes how many planning policies are contravened by the Council's own proposed 'MRT' sche...
Huge credit to Josh Williams one of the few RBC councillors with any integrity.
Do watch the video!
Our monthly meeting of the Caversham GLOBE group will be next Tuesday 28 August at 7.00 pm (refreshments available) in the upstairs hall in Church House, Church Street, Caversham. Since the July monthly meeting we have received the consistently alarming results from our four local air quality tests test tubes that we installed to measure the amount of harmful and dangerous nitrogen dioxide (micro-grams per cubic metre) on some local roads - results below:
Church Street/Prospect St. jnc. 41 µg/m3
Church Street/Priory Avenue jnc 49 µg/m3
Peppard Road nr Prospect street Jnc 71 µg/m3
Church Road/St Anne's Road 50 µg/m3
Also of concern is the resumption on 29 August of the appeal by Gladman land against the refusal of planning permission for homes on south Oxfordshire farmland bordering Emmer Green.
GLOBE supporters are doing work to enhance the group website to include advertising for the business sponsors that are being sought to cover the groups operating costs. Others are going to be out helping keep central Caversham cleaner during the Readiing Festival.
All residents are welcome to our monthly meetings where we raise and discuss any issues. You can also contact the GLOBE group by email, messenger or phone/text 07768 958407 beforehand.
If you are concerned about pollution in our towns and cities please share this post. Air quality is a problem in many parts of in the UK and Caversham Globe is doing a great job in raising awareness of the danger.
Thank you to your wonderful, dedicated litter pickers- they were hard at work when I drove past them Thursday. Much appreciated & well done 👍
The Public Inquiry resumes on Wednesday 29 August, 0930 at Henley Rugby Club, Marlow Road, RG9 2JA. Please attend if you can. The outcome of this Inquiry is so crucial to the future of the open countryside which surrounds Caversham and Emmer Green - our green lungs are under threat from these speculative developers.Please share, print and display!
Alarming levels of air pollution persist in Caversham centre! Following our worrying March results we have now received the July results from the four air quality test tubes that we installed to measure the amount of harmful and dangerous nitrogen dioxide per cubic metre on local roads - results below
Church Street/Prospect St. jnc. 41 µg/m3
Church Street/Priory Avenue jnc 49 µg/m3
On Peppard Road near Prospect streetJnc 71 µg/m3
Church Road/St Anne's Road 50 µg/m3
Our March 2018 stats were almost as serious so this means we're consistently breathing in dangerous particles! The legal MEAN ANNUAL limit for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is 40µg/m3 . As these alarming results are for a two week period in July 2018 they are a snapshot showing how bad pollution is. What's to be done? Drastic improvements are needed. If you care contact your councillor, residents group or why not join Caversham GLOBE?
From the Council's own records we now discover that there are 3 AQ test sites in Caversham that have exceeded the mean annual legal limit for the past 9 years!
They better do something soon because once they’ve finished under Cow Lane Bridges the congestion that was held up there is going to be held up in Caversham.
It is almost all vehicle related if it is in July. And still RBC have done next to nothing to make Caversham suitable for people to ride bikes through. The National Cycle network passes through on what must be one of the worst facilities for cyclists anywhere. And simple things, like a decent access to Christchurch meadows from Gosbrook road have never been implemented. RBC seem to think cycling is a problem.
Seems there is an answer! www.bikebiz.com/community/clean-air-get-rid-of-cars
I am pushing for measures to reduce congestion & pollution, rest assured!
My asthma wasn’t like this until I moved to Caversham ☹️
The 71 µg/m3 at the junction of Peppard Road and Prospect Street is really concerning. This is a dangerous junction anyway for cyclists and pedestrians. Now it turns out it is also increasing the likelihood of my son developing asthma (from this systematic review: Khreis et al. 2017 doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2016.11.012)
Urgent! Urgent! There are 2 days left for responses to the Environment Agency consultation. Your objection to current proposals is strongly recommended please. To view the detailed proposals that would destroy the current Caversham riverside as we know it see this link:
consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/thames/reading-and-caversham-flood-reduction-options/
Some GLOBE supporters who attended the consultation exhibition and discussed with EA officials and have studied the detail are horrified to see the ill-considered proposed destruction of wild life habitats, felling of trees, building of massive embankments, concrete walls and metal gates all for the off chance of potential flooding and ignoring many technical difficulties associated with the consequences of attempts at holding back flood water from a relatively small area.The introduction paragraph of GLOBE's objections to be submitted is reproduced below and we urge residents to adapt this, add any additional comments and submit to the Environment Agency to: reading&[email protected]
Caversham GLOBE strongly objects to these proposals which would see the removal of numerous trees and hedges and the building of ugly reinforced concrete walls, these would intrude into our green spaces along the river corridor. The entire River Thames corridor through Reading is designated for protection under the adopted Local Plan and we believe that these proposals would result in unacceptable environmental damage to our parks and green spaces. We believe that the environmental damage caused by permanent reinforced concrete walls and the potential loss of so many trees and hedging is unacceptable and would be far in excess of any transitory flooding risk.
All comments count for something, so please don't leave it to others, these proposals would bring drastic changes to the Thames parks with unforeseen consequences!
consult.environment-agency.gov.uk
Find and participate in consultations run by the Environment Agency
✅ done
Submitted, thanks xxx
The black & white photos look dramatic but that water's shallow; our house nearby did not flood in 1947 according to a neighbour.
Done.
A big "thank you" to the seven Caversham GLOBE activists, who gave their time and energy to do some maintenance and improve the appearance of the ageing planters in Church Street today.
amazing job thank you
Thank you!
Brilliant work. Everyone shopping in Caversham will benefit from them looking so much smarter. Well done!
Thanks so much
Great work - thanks.
Good eggs 👍🏻
Thank you for doing this - they look great 👍🏻
Wow, they look amazing! Thank you very much!
Thank you very much, they look amazing !
Thank you!
Thank you, these look fab 🙂
On Sunday morning 22/7 from 8.30 am we need help with woodwork maintenance (sanding/painting) on the planters in central Caversham. If you could spare 2 hours, please contact us via PM or text/phone 07768 958407. Also, residents are welcome to come to the July monthly meeting of the Caversham GLOBE group next Tuesday 24 July at 7.00 pm (refreshments available) in the upstairs hall in Church House, Church Street, Caversham.
Can you help? A cherry tree on Westfield Recreation Ground has been seriously damaged and may now die. The Reading Tree Warden Network believe this may have been done by someone training a vicious dog. Similar damage has been done to a walnut tree on Christchurch Meadows.
If you have any information about people damaging trees please contact the Reading Tree Warden Network
www.readingtreewardens.org.uk/contact-us.php or by emailing [email protected]
You can also report damage to the council 0118 937 3787.
Gosh. This is terrible. I must keep a look out for [unspeakable] doing this, but already I go through CcM and WR at all hours. When can they be doing this?
The Annual General Meeting of Caversham GLOBE group will take place on Tuesday 26 June at 7 pm in Church House Church Street Caversham, RG4 8AX. This meeting is expected to last no more than one hour. After the AGM attendees are invited to take a walk, weather permitting, along the Thames parks including View Island, Hill's Meadow & Christchurch Meadows looking at various issues, past GLOBE projects and ideas for suggested improvement projects. All GLOBE supporters and residents are welcome. Much has changed since the early days of the GLOBE groups in Reading in the mid -1990s when there was abundant and active Council sponsorship, liaison, support and cooperation on many projects. In the current challenging times the group continues to make a difference locally due to a core group of activists and the continued support of interested residents but there are challenges ahead. The AGM is an opportunity to take stock of 2017 and to strengthen the resolve of the GLOBE group to continue its work.
Hi Dave and Richard, just wanted to let you know that I have submitted the motion we discussed to Full Council (26th June), asking for 2 permanent diffusion tubes to be fitted in Caversham. As it’s Clean Air day today let’s hope that the motion gets passed and we can start to build a bigger picture of the air quality North of the river. The agenda papers are here if you’d like to read the motion: www.reading.gov.uk/article/11426/Council-26-JUN-2018
Thank you so much for the guided walk after the (well attended, lively) AGM. Was fascinating, and lovely to see the bats also. Good luck for the coming year.
What a lovely idea. I have full Council that night so unfortunately can’t join you. I’ve shared the link into CGG in case any of them can come along.
Residents are welcome to come to the May monthly meeting of the Caversham GLOBE group next Tuesday 22 May at 7.00 pm (refreshments available) in the upstairs hall in Church House, Church Street, Caversham. Have you thought about the problem of poor air quality in Caversham centre and what should be done about it? Do you know that many mature trees could be lost if the Kennet mouth bridge and viaduct from Thames Valley park to Napier road is constructed? Could you help the group in any way or could someone you know help? The small group of GLOBE group activists would welcome more residents' ideas, energy and action. All residents are welcome to this meeting where we discuss and raise any issues. You can also contact the GLOBE group by email or Messenger beforehand about any local matters in which people in the GLOBE group may share your concerns and be able to take action.
Balmore Walk has got its sign back 2 years after decapitation by the council's hedge cutting monster. Thank you RBC.
It would be nice if it had a cycle network to go with it.
Did it get a new head?
That is very good news.
Pollution alarm in Caversham! We have now received the worrying results from the four air quality test tubes that we installed to measure the amount of dangerous nitrogen dioxide per cubic metre on local roads - results below
Church Street/Prospect St. jnc. 41.18µg/m3
Church Street/Priory Avenue jnc 46.83µg/m3
Near Peppard Road/Prospect Street Jnc 54.17µg/m3
Church Road/St Anne's Road 56.90µg/m3
So what does this mean? It means we're breathing in dangerous particles! The legal MEAN ANNUAL limit for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is 40µg/m3 . As these alarming results are for a two week period in March 2018 they are a snapshot showing how bad pollution is around here. We're grateful to our residents' association CADRA for paying the cost of these four tubes; GLOBE paid for the first one last December that also gave a dangerous reading of 56.µg/m3, so there's consistency.
Our nearest Reading Borough Council air quality testing apparatus, as many local people will know, is on Caversham Road just south of Caversham bridge. This gives a “low” reading on the national picture. However, its site on a wide open road by a pedestrian crossing with fewer traffic queues may record lower pollution levels than near the narrow busy junctions of central Caversham. The national campaign for clean air map can be seen via this link
friendsoftheearth.uk/clean-air/clean-air-campaign-air-monitoring-kit-results
Don't stay silent on this issue. It requires drastic change - but who will make it happen?
It’s no surprise about the pollution levels and of course it’s unacceptable but until people take personal responsibility for only using their vehicles where absolutely necessary (which realistically won’t happen in an affluent area where some households have upwards of 3-4 vehicles and can afford them, also if one lives rurally there is little alternative) and huge investment is placed in public transport (more buses/trains + drastically reduced fares) in order to make travelling by PT an attractive, convenient and viable alternative which at present, it isn’t - then I don’t see anything changing. There are nowhere near enough safe/joined up cycle routes around the town. Reading has outgrown itself with a booming employment record, the ever increasing need for housing and the road infrastructure just can’t cope. We of course need a third bridge which would divert the traffic away from Caversham centre, but three local authorities cannot agree where or who will pay and a great deal of money has already been spent on lengthy ‘consultations’. People living in leafy villages of course wish them to stay that way and who honestly can blame them. Also, in an area of outstanding natural beauty nature lovers and environmentalists like myself fear the impact this will have on the countryside and the creatures that happily live in it. All the while, more homes are being built (not enough affordable ones may I add) and as the local population increases, so does the traffic. And so it will continue. I’m fortunate and live within walking distance of Caversham and Reading town centre. I walk and cycle as much as possible but if you live further out it’s hard not to just jump in the car if otherwise your journey involves taking 1 or 2 buses to get from one side of Reading to the other. In addition to this, children have to be driven to school if they live too far from their school to walk as is often the case now, which increases traffic further. I’m all for lobbying etc., but surely until people have a real incentive to leave their cars at home, then our air quality will continue to decline?
We used to live in Reading/Caversham and now we live in the countryside. Every time we come back to visit we notice how polluted the air is in Reading - it's like hitting a smog-wall when we arrive.
TONIGHT! Fri 27 April 2018 @ 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM GREN Environmental Hustings 2018 RISC conference hall, 35-39 London Street, Reading RG1 Come and challenge the environmental policies of the candidates in this May's local elections in Reading. Representatives of the four parties holding seats in the council will give a short presentation of their policies and goals and then answer questions from the floor for at least an hour. Press Release from Greater Reading Environmental Network (GREN). "Local Elections 2018 - Environmental Hustings Local elections are on 3rd May 2018 and GREN (the Greater Reading Environmental Network) is running an ‘Environmental Hustings’ again, as in previous years. This meeting gives the public a chance to hear Reading politicians debate the local environmental issues people care about. Councillors Tony Page (Labour), Clare Grasshoff (Conservative), Rob White (Green) and Ricky Duveen (Liberal Democrat) will represent their parties. The format will be similar to ‘Question Time’ with opportunities to ask questions from the floor and supplementary questions on topics chosen from prior suggestions. The meeting will be in the RISC Conference Hall, London Street, at 7.30 on Friday April 27th." Fri 27 April 2018 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Reminder: environmental Hustings this thursday at RISC RISC conference hall, london street reading Come and quiz local politicians about their environmental policies at 7.30 in the RISC conference hall in london street
*Raises hand*
GREN Reading Local Election Hustings TONIGHT!! Friday, 27 April 2018 @ 7.30pm RISC Main Hall, 35-39 London Street, Reading RG1
THAT IS ALARMING ESPECIALLY AS MY SON HAS ASTHMA AND IS NO ACCIDENT THAT THERE ARE MORE CARS ON THE ROAD AND MORE CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA IN THE WHOLE OFEUORPEAN COUNTRY,
Most of this caused by traffic passing through caversham
Might be a silly question, but what can we do about this?
Could it also have something to do with all the traffic jams with cow lane being shut !!
People need to use the bus more . Bring down the bus fairs 🤔 you don't know weather to open windows at night or keep them shut
And if the extra 254 houses get built at the top will f emmer green as there could be another 500 cars 🚙
Richard Hawkins
We need the third bridge to cut the number of cars coming through the village
Jason Haarpper
Matt Robinson
fewer cars may help
That's really worrying, but not surprising. I wonder if there is an argument to move the monitoring site or add a new one?
If these tests were performed in December/January time I bet the results would have been even worse. When I come back to the area I have to put the car on internal air circulation as soon as I enter the town. The smell of fumes is very strong but after a couple of days of being back I get used to it! Scared 😟
Hello to all GLOBE supporters and other addressees. Our April monthly meeting of the Caversham GLOBE group will be next Tuesday 24 April at 7.00 pm (refreshments available) in the upstairs hall in Church House, Church Street, Caversham. Since the March meeting we have now received the alarming results from the additional four air quality test tubes that we installed to measure the amount of nitrogen dioxide per cubic metre at 4 locations on our busy local roads. All readings were above the European Union legal MEAN ANNUAL limit for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at 40 micrograms per cubic metre . As these alarming results are for a two week period in March 2018 they are but a snapshot showing how bad pollution is around here. We'll be deciding what action GLOBE should take with this information. We're grateful to CADRA for paying the cost of these extra tubes; GLOBE paid for the first one last December that also gave a high reading. You may also know that we organised a litter pick of the Richfield Avenue green margins and adjoining fields on 13 April. 21 volunteers collected 35 sacks of litter, including 10 sacks of recyclable cans and plastic, 242 glass bottles, 4 vehicle tyres, 4 drugs needle cases and various scrap metal and wood.
Soon it will be time for the group to do some work on the central Caversham planters so volunteers will be needed there. Then we'll no doubt be encouraging residents to participate in the May 11-13th KEEP BRITAIN TIDY - The Great Plastic Pick Up.
Do you have any thoughts about these issues? Could you help in any way or could someone you know help? The small group of GLOBE group activists would welcome more residents' ideas, energy and action. All residents are welcome to this meeting where we discuss and raise any issues. You can also contact the GLOBE group by email [email protected] or messenger or phone/text 07768 958407 beforehand about any local matters in which people in the GLOBE group may share your concerns and be able to take action.
Are there any more events scheduled? There is mention of the 'central Caversham planters' and 'keep Britain tidy' 11 - 13 May.
We must get good alternatives to the private car. The bus is only a part of the solution, they still cause a load of pollution, in use and in manufacture and maintenance. Much more walking and cycling and much better infrastructure.
We are catering too much to the driver with red routes and attempts to speed up the traffic at the expense of the pedestrian. Reading should become a pedestrian friendly town, enabling them to cross roads safely. We should become a slow and safe town.
Richfield Avenue looked great when we walked along it on Monday. 😀
Friday 13 April 2018 on Richfield Avenue green margins and adjacent fields towards the Thames. Caversham GLOBE organised a litter pick with 16 local residents and 5 volunteers from local businesses who collected 10 sacks of recyclables, 25 sacks of general waste, 242 glass bottles, 4 vehicle tyres, 4 drugs needles cases and various scrap metal/wood. A massive thank you to all participants, including 3 people from Bell Tower Community Association. WHO throws all that rubbish away? Why do they do it?
If Richfield Avenue litter was bad, this is the A33 just south of town centre on this lovely sunny spring Satuday.
Thank you to Caversham Globe for organising and all the helpers who give their time to clear the rubbish. Much appreciated.
Thank you to all that helped make are environment clean again .Lets hope it stays free from letter .
Fantastic turnout! Thanks everyone for doing this for us all.
Thank you for doing that. It is very much appreciated xxx
belle initiative a poursuivre bisous
Thank you for organising, and for everyone who gave their time and effort to help clean up our town!
me do
Litter Pick Project on Friday 13 April - Can you please help? This event will run through the day, starting from 10 am, so that volunteers have the choice of start time and how many hours they can spare. We're registered with "Keep Britain Tidy" on the "Litter Heroes" campaign so we're hoping that LOCAL PEOPLE can spare some hours at some point during Friday 13 April to make this a successful clean sweep of the Richfield Avenue green margins and adjoining open areas towards the Thames. If we get enough enthusiastic volunteers we can also clear some other local green areas and open spaces where litter is a persistent problem. A hi-viz vest, a litter picking tool and RBC sacks will be provided. We also have a limited range of protective gloves. If you, and/or some people you know, could help with this local environmental improvement please make contact by the end of Wednesday 11 April with your preferred start time and likely number of hours available. Final details will then be confirmed to volunteers on Thursday 12 April, with meeting point and any other info. Please contact me if you have any suggestions for a litter pick near you or questions about this event. Use Messenger or email or phone/text 07768 958407 - Richard Denney, Caversham GLOBE. [email protected]
My son is doing his d of e and joined one of your events recently so I know he’d be interested in joining again on Friday. Can I have more details please
I'm up for it. Keep me informed, pls.
A massive "thank you" goes to 11 Caversham GLOBE activists who were busy on Friday 23 March litter picking and planting hedging that will eventually hide an unsightly fence in Christchurch Meadows. They collected 20 sacks of rubbish, some fly-tipped metal, wood and plastic. 112 glass bottles were taken to bottle banks; many of those were in the important small urban water course (aka The Danall) that flows into the Thames backwater by Heron Island. We also removed logs and shifted silt that was impeding the flow of water. Elsewhere in central Caversham 2 other GLOBE litter picking activists were collecting more than 8 sacks of litter from the paths, pavements and open areas. Some aspects of these good deeds that benefit the community are shown in the photos below. Unfortunately there are no photos of the thoughtless people who continue to litter our parks and streets with polluting debris. If you know of any areas that need litter clearance GLOBE can help organise a clean up with local residents getting involved.😊
Great job.
I'm so happy this group exists! I went online because i was so angry and sad about the litter and trash dumped on Berry Brook which the poor muntjack have to step around. People can be such selfish idiots. I want to clean up the area but sure could use some help! I will come to your meeting this week. X
Great job, thank you
What a fantastic job ,we'll done to all concerned
Wow thanks guys. X
Many thanks to all concerned
What a great project- thank you 😊
Amazing effort, thank you 😊
Well done and thank you so much to all the volunteers.
Thank you so much for giving up your time.
The campaign against the proposal to build 245 homes on open countryside on the border with Emmer Green is seeking contributions to the fighting fund. Can you help? www.leetchi.com/c/community-cagedunsden
Caversham GLOBE is fully supporting the campaign because, if the appeal is allowed, it would open the floodgates to building housing estates on the open countryside surrounding Caversham and Emmer Green.
CAGE Gladman fighting fund appeal - Leetchi.com
leetchi.com
Help Dunsden take on Gladman!This is a modern take on the story of David taking on Goliath. Except that it’s real and happening now in the tiny parish of Eye & Dunsd
This is a really important campaign. There are enough brown field sites in Reading for all our housing needs. We need more houses but they should be genuinely affordable and they should be built on brown field sites in the town . There is land near the station and on Cardiff Road industrial estate.
Hello Globe - can you explain why you are happy to post about the development of green space by Gladden Homes- but are completely unconcerned about the development of Mapledurham Playing Fields? It seems that both developments have serious impact on the community - and the MPF development would open up the trust to further development. Could you explain please - as I have a lot of respect for the work that Globe do in the community , but I can't understand why you are supporting the development of community green space - with the destruction of wildlife areas?
Hey local residents! Whether or not you've "liked" our posts in the past, now's your opportunity to give some practical help with the Great British Spring Clean in Caversham - please!
GLOBE will be organising some clean ups as follows
1. Friday 2 March 10 am to 12.30 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm - General litter clearance and removal of debris from small watercourses where accessible - Hill's Meadow; View Island and
Christchurch Meadows.
2. Sunday 4 March - provisionally 10 am to 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm to 4.30 - Litter clearance central Caversham, Richfield Avenue/Thames Prom margins and other identified locations. If you could invest some of your time in helping with any of these and making our lovely locality cleaner please PM us or email [email protected] . We'll contact you with more details, thanks. Richard Denney 07768 958407
Great news! Re3 has announced that from today plastic pots, tubs, trays, clean foil, foil trays and food or drink cartons are now accepted as part of the kerbside recycling collections in Reading, Wokingham & Bracknell. It means that items such as fruit or vegetables punnets, ready meal trays (as long as they are not black), yoghurt pots, margarine tubs, cosmetic pots, foil trays used in takeaways or juice cartons can be placed in your recycling bin or container.
re3 Recycling
Great news! As of today you can recycle plastic POTS, TUBS and TRAYS from home! That’s not all!!! You can also add to your recycling clean FOIL, FOIL TRAYS and food and drink CARTONS! More info and FAQ on www.re3.org.uk #bracknell #rdguk #wokingham #woky #readingberkshire #bracknellforest #re3ptt #re3recycling #news
Cause for alarm? Action needed? Of course! Throughout the first two weeks of December 2017 the Caversham GLOBE group measured the air quality in Church Road Caversham as 56.2 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre) of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). This far exceeds most other places recently measured in the Reading area as well as the legal limit for NO2 pollution, which is set at an annual mean of 40µg/m3. This result is helping to build a picture of air pollution across the UK, Please use this information to publicise these snapshot results and spread the word that official tests are needed and that action must be taken to ensure that the legal annual limit in Caversham is measured and never exceeded. Cancer, heart disease and asthma have all been linked to poor air quality. Follow this link for the national air pollution map and more detailed information about the clean air campaign. friendsoftheearth.uk/clean-air/
I wrote to the council last year about pollution, and positive things they could do to help people reduce it. They wrote back to me and told me not to walk down busy roads!!
We all need to be aware about air pollution and the serious problems it causes.#Friendsoftheearthe.uk/cleanair#Caversham Globe. It is good that Caversham Globe members are discussing this issue
I have to say I'm not surprised, I walk down Peppard Road in the mornings, it's like walking through a tunnel of diesel fumes 🙁
That is really concerning especially as so many of us breathe this air. Whenever I check the check the Air Quality England site Reading Pollution is at 2 which is low, I guess that is due to the location of the monitor's used as none are actually in Caversham.
There is something very suspect about the council’s air quality monitoring. The air is clearly polluted, but the published figures don’t make any sense.
Is there a monitoring site near the pedestrian crossing on opposite side of road to gorge cafe? (Next to Peter Brett? PDA? Can't think what it's called...)
I suppose it depends on what time of day the readings are taken. If it was during rush hour or school drop off etc, I would imagine the readings to be higher than usual.
The council need to invest more in public transport to get people out of their cars 😥😥😥
Richard Hawkins
Hayley Brommell
RAYS strikes again! Could you do this for your locality? Westfield Rec border shrubbery is where thoughtless humans had re-homed these cans, bottles, snack wrappers and plastic. Well, there are only 6 litter bins nearby and oh it's such an effort to get to one of them...... luckily a Caversham GLOBE activist had a spare 15 minutes for some civic pride. Contact RBC to register for RAYS and help keep Caversham and Emmer Green tidy. Ring 937 3534 or email [email protected]
I’ve just got my forms from the council to apply to join the scheme. Hope to be out with my litter pickers soon!
Thank you. 🙂
How many residents of Caversham and Emmer Green know about RAYS (Reading Adopt Your Street)? It's a scheme organised by RBC that gives each of us an opportunity to keep our locality clear of other people's litter. This bagful of cans, cups, bottles and snack wrappers pictured was collected today by a GLOBE activist on a 20 minutes walk along the Emmer Green/Caversham borders near a green path and open space. Waste was put in nearby litter bin but recyclables were taken home for the domestic bin. Anyone can join the RAYS scheme (200 people have across Reading Borough) you'll get a litter picker, bags and a hi-viz vest. Contact RBC on 9373534 or email [email protected]
and while litter picking your local area you can also spot issues to be reported to the council for remedial action by using "loveclean.reading.gov.uk" or download the App.
Did my patch yesterday - 3 black sacks full 🙁
These cans and bottles had to be removed from the hedgerow before bagging up as part of our 5 sacks of other people's thoughtless litter that 2 GLOBE activists collected from margins of Christchuch and Hill's Meadow and Westfield rec last Friday morning. There is also some industrial litter in the stream by George Street but how does it get there? Who will remove it? 🤤
Public meeting on Friday 1 December at 7.30 pm. Campaigners ‘Save Our Ancient Riverside’ (SOAR) have arranged a public debate on the East Reading Mass Rapid Transit proposal.
This will be on Friday 1st December at 7:30 at Reading School, Erleigh Road, RG1 5LW.
John Sharpe (SOAR Spokesperson), Matt Jackson (Wildlife Trust), and Green Councillor Rob White will debate the issues with Councillor Tony Page. Martijn Gilbert, CEO of Reading Buses, and Cris Butler, Acting Head of Transportation and Streetcare, RBC.
We hope you will come to show your concerns and to hear the arguments from both sides ... and bring your friends and colleagues!
Mass Rapid Transit – proposed bus route by the Thames:
Damage to amenity & wildlife at Kennet Mouth & along its route
Will cost £31.5 million with the related Park and Ride scheme
Won’t solve East Reading’s road traffic problems
The MRT proposal has been promised public funding but has not yet got planning permission from Wokingham or Reading.
Building a natural brush fish pass on View Island, Caversham. This is a project proposed by Reading Sustainability Centre, readingsustainabilitycentre.co.uk/about-trsc/
On Tuesday 28 November, at the start of our monthly meeting of the Caversham GLOBE group, we will be hosting local resident Michael Beaven who will be providing more detail about the work done so far on feasibilty and information about the proposed design, projected costs, long term benefits and ways in which the community can contribute to bringing the project to fruition
This is an opportunity for GLOBE supporters who have an interest in View Island to discuss the detail, ask questions, voice opinions and make suggestions. You are welcome to attend this talk in Church House, Church Street, Caversham, in the upstairs hall at 7.15 pm. Maximum allocated time for this session is 45 minutes, after which the usual business of monthly GLOBE group meeting will proceed.
Have you heard about air quality assessments in Caversham? Are you concerned about any issues in Christchurch Meadows? What do you think of the planters along Church Street? Are you worried that a proposed road and bridge over the river Kennet/Thames confluence will ruin the riverside scene? Our next monthly meeting of the Caversham GLOBE group will be on Tuesday 28 November at 7.15 pm (refreshments from 7 pm) in Church House, Church Street, Caversham.
Notes of our October meeting (available on request) contain some issues that should concern many local people. Your opinion counts, so please read and think about these matters. Do you have any thoughts about these issues? Could you help in any way or could someone you know? The small group of GLOBE group activists would welcome more residents' ideas, energy and action.
All residents are welcome to this meeting where we discuss and raise any issues. You can also contact the group by messenger or phone/text 07768 958407 beforehand about any local matters that people in the GLOBE group may share your interest or concerns and be able to take action.
Caversham GLOBE members might like to attend the National Tree Week Public Lecture. Tuesday 28 November at RISC Conference Hall, London Street. 2.00.pm - 3.30.pm, including a question time.
Taken from Reading Tree Wardens website:
"(Reading Tree Wardens) are delighted welcome Jon Stokes, Director of The Tree Council to update us on tree issues and talk a bit about "back to basics" with tree care.
If you would like to attend any of the events please email [email protected]"
More details on the Reading tree wardens website ‘upcoming events’ section here:
www.readingtreewardens.org.uk/upcomingevents.htm
readingtreewardens.org.uk
The Reading Tree Warden Network organise an annual programme of walks, talks, training, and support the extensive tree planting programme across Reading.The Reading Tree Wardens are having a Community tree planting in Palmer Park this Sunday 19th November 2017, all are welcome, bring gardening gloves and your own tools :-)
More details can be seen on their facebook page event here:
www.facebook.com/events/1630583110321642/
readingtreewardens.org.uk
The Reading Tree Warden Network organise an annual programme of walks, talks, training, and support the extensive tree planting programme across Reading.Six GLOBE supporters were busy sanding, gardening and painting on Sunday 5 November to improve the look of some of the ageing RBC planters on Church Street. Well done and thank you to all involved. Willing hands needed for next time, so please contact GLOBE if you can help..
Thanks to Caversham Globe for organising. Well done guys!
Thank you for making a difference for everybody
Looks great! Thank you!
Thank you everyone! 🌿⚘🌹
Good work guys
Always appreciated. Thank you. 🙂
Air quality was a subject discussed at the GLOBE group's recent monthly meetings. It's well known that poor air quality affects us all in some way. Reading, like almost all towns and cities, has air quality problems. Do you know who's take what action to reduce air pollution? Could you personally do anything to help? This "Healthy Air Campaign" provides information and offers resources for individuals to commit to personal and joint action for your families and for the benefit of society in general. Do have a look at this campaign's web pages please. Don't let's leave it to others, find out now what you could do. Thanks.
Healthy Air Campaign
Want to know more about air pollution but don't know where to start? Here's what you can do!
>> HelpBritainBreathe.org.uk <<
Some Caversham GLOBE supporters have been busy. The planters that enhance Church Street have been tidied and winter bedding plants added; defects in some of our highways and parks have been reported to RBC for action; 19 sacks of litter were removed from our Thames Parks; 8 sacks of litter were removed from the permissive access areas of Caversham Lakes off Henley Road. Our next monthly meeting of the Caversham GLOBE group will be on Tuesday 24 October at 7.15 pm (refreshments from 7 pm) in Church House, Church Street, Caversham. Do you have any thoughts about local issues? Could you help in any way? The small group of GLOBE group activists would welcome more residents' ideas, energy and action. All residents are welcome to our meetings where we discuss and raise any issues. You can contact the group by email or phone/text 07768 958407 beforehand about any local matters that people in the GLOBE group may share your interest or concerns and be able to take action.
Reading Buses are proposing major changes to the bus routes in Caversham including withdrawing the 24 and rerouting the 22 and 25. The deadline for comments has been extended to 31 October. If you are concerned about the changes please email [email protected]
On Saturday 14 October 5 GLOBE and 12 Greenpeace supporters gave their time to collect other people's litter from the margins and banks of our local Thames Parks - View Island, Hill's Meadow and Christchurch Meadow. They collected 19 sackfuls of plastic, paper and metal food and drink containers, drugs needles, soiled nappies, scrap metal, a garden fork and 93 glass bottles - thus removing this pollution from future fossil layers. Well done all participants and thank you.
Thank you ❤
Thank you for all your effort in trying to keep our riverside tidy.
Thank you ❤️
Thank you!
Thank you. 😀
Sad that some people take no responsibility for the rubbish they create. Thank you to all the volunteers for clearing up