Pull on your wellies for a Greenham Common walk

Berkshire dog lovers, families and walkers are being invited to pull on their wellies on Sunday 29 March, and take part in a charity Welly Walk at Greenham Common, led by an expert volunteer sharing fascinating stories about the common’s wildlife and rich history.

Hosted by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, the walk will raise vital funds to help the charity train and support life-changing hearing dogs for people with deafness and hearing loss.

The event opens at 11am with stalls, games and activities, before the guided walk at 1pm. Walkers will enjoy a scenic two-mile (3.2-3.5km) stroll across the historic landscape of Greenham Common, with the chance to meet fellow walkers and enjoy a day outdoors in the fresh air. The two-mile route will take approximately 90 minutes to two hours, but anyone who prefers a shorter route can turn back at any time.

Greenham Common has centuries of history, from its role in the English Civil War to its use as a Second World War and Cold War airfield. Today the area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a popular destination for walkers and wildlife lovers.

Participants will meet on Burys Bank Road near the Control Tower, where the free museum and café will be open for refreshments after the walk. A prize will be announced on the day for the winner of the Best Dressed Wellies competition. Children and adults who would like to be in with a chance of winning are welcome to decorate their wellies at home before they arrive.

Anyone taking part in the walk with be helping to change the life of someone like Nicola Wimble from Reading. Nicola was partnered with her hearing dog Dolly in 2022.

Nicola said, “I spent years concealing my hearing loss, but by my 40s, I couldn’t cover it up anymore and began losing confidence. I stopped going out. Even at home, I lived in a world of silence where I never relaxed. Now I have Dolly, I can relax at home. I can watch TV, go in the garden, and know she’ll alert me to important sounds. At work and in public, people talk to me because they want to talk to Dolly. I’m not hiding my hearing loss anymore – I’m advertising it.“

Jordan Chamberlain, Community Fundraising Manager for Hearing Dogs in the South of England, said, “The Welly Walk is a brilliant way to get outdoors, meet other dog lovers and support Hearing Dogs at the same time. We’d love people to grab their wellies and join us for a fun day out while raising funds to help change lives.”

Spaces are limited to just 30 walkers, so early booking is encouraged. Tickets cost £7 per adult in advance or £10 on the day, with children under 16 and dogs attending free. Dogs should be kept on a lead.

To book tickets, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/greenham-common-welly-walk-tickets-1981758683570