Who are we?

Econet undertakes tasks relating to the conservation of the natural environment in public open spaces and other sites in and around Reading. We are part of BTCV's Community Group Network and are supported by Reading Borough Council.

Activities include coppicing, hedge planting, hedge laying, scrub clearance, wild flower planting and sowing, control of non native species, footpath clearance and willow harvesting.

Econet is an amalgamation of the following groups:

Friends of Clayfield Copse
Friends of Mapledurham Playing Fields
Friends of McIlroy Park
Friends of Waterloo Meadows
CROW (Conserve Reading on Wednesdays)

The 'Friends of' groups run monthly weekend tasks at their specified for part or all of the year, while CROW organises a variety of midweek tasks in and around Reading throughout the year.

Econet maintains close links with other local groups including:

Reading Urban Wildlife Group
Tilehurst Globe

For Individuals
Whether you would like to work at the site of one of the 'Friends of' groups or join CROW on their midweek outings, whether you are able to come regularly or can only make the occasional task, you will be always be welcome.

No experience is necessary, we'll provide training along with tools and other equipment including gloves. However please wear suitable clothing and for the midweek team, bring a packed lunch - we'll provide tea and coffee.

There's no membership fee.

We hope you will enjoy yourself while participating in and learning about the conservation of the natural environment.

For details of our current activities and contact details, see our  Programme.

Econet has both Public Liability and Personal Accident Insurance cover for volunteers participating in its tasks. (The sums provided by the Personal Accident Insurance are limited and you may wish to obtain your own cover. For details of the cover provided, please contact the Treasurer.)

For Organisations
We undertake tasks for Reading Borough Council, Earley Town Council and West Berkshire Council as well as for schools and other organisations, and also participate in tasks organised by BTCV and BBOWT.

If your organisation has a task which relates to or aims to encourage an interest in the natural environment, please contact us. Whether it is a once off activity or ongoing either on an occasional or regular basis, we will consider it. Even if we are unable to help, we may be able to suggest others who can.

(Please note: We may make a modest charge for the work we undertake to help cover our costs.)

Supported by

www.reading.gov.uk