The Green Fair returned to Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve on Saturday 2nd August and what a busy day it was!
A record number of attendees enjoyed the stalls run by a number of local small businesses selling homemade cakes, honey, jewellery, art, plants and much more. One very popular new stallholder for 2025 was Woody Wonders Twig-Pencils who made twig pencils using locally sourced hazel and personalised them on the spot using pyrography. Local groups and charities were well represented, offering traditional tombolas, lucky dips and much more. There was also a wide range of conservation charities and local environmental groups who engaged with the public and explained the wonderful work they do. Earley Environmental Group sold a staggering 101 copies of its 2026 calendar which showcases beautiful photos taken around Earley, including photographs of Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserves’ resident tawny owls.
Speaking of owls, First Class Falconry returned once more to showcase their stunning array of birds of prey, ranging from the Little Owl up to the Great Grey Owl and not forgetting Kookie the Kookaburra in between. Alan Greenhalgh, their handler, is always keen to share his wealth of knowledge about the birds and encourage visitors to see the birds up close.
With delicious hotdogs available from ChilliDogs’ solar powered van, snacks and refreshments from Maiden Erlegh Rotary Club, and ice creams from our regular ice cream van, visitors were sure not to go hungry.
The stall run by Earley Town Council officers offered a “Snug as a Bug in a Mug” activity where visitors could hand paint a mug and then use it to create a “mug hotel” for the bugs living in their garden. Officers also ran a mini-Helpshop giving out general advice to residents and supplying recycling bags and caddies, as well as running a consultation, asking for families’ views on future renovation plans for Meadow Park play area.
The Earley Repair Café spread the word about their achievements since opening in October 2024 and explained to visitors the huge array of items they come across during their sessions. They ran a “guess the item” quiz where the lucky winner won a hamper full of tasty treats (the winner very selflessly chose to donate the contents to the Wokingham Foodbank to be enjoyed by local families in need).
The Town Council would like to thank all the stallholders and all those who attended and helped make the day such a successful and enjoyable event. The Green Fair takes place annually on the first Saturday in August and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year!