WHITLEY GREEN RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

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The COWSEY is an area of open space joining Rabson Recreation Ground off Northumberland Avenue in Whitley.
The COWSEY is quite an extensive (approx 50 acres) of 'part wild' area of woodland and natural grassland, and is crossed by informal grassy paths. Some were given a gravel base by the council several years ago, and when they mow the grassy areas to the side, looks quite impressive.
It is surrounded by local streets and houses, Blagdon Road, Litton Road, Cherry Grove to one side, Willow Gardens home of Ridgeway School, to the top of the hill, and Whitley Wood Road on the far side.
There are informal pedestrian entrances into the COWSEY from roads named, as well as access from Rabsons.

It joins Rabsons Recreational ground, which is a flat area with astro turf pitches, cricket pitches, and Saturday fixture football pitches as well, there is a children's play area, and also has a car park, for users of the upgraded Academy Sports Centre on Northumberland Avenue. Some areas are very damp owing to seasonal springs, which burst out if we have a wet winter.

From the top of the hill in the COWSEY there are some fantastic views West over the Kennet Valley, the North Downs, and Tilehurst, where you can see the White Water tower. In the nearer picture you can see John Madejski Stadium, home of the Reading Royals Football Club, now in the premier division.
Access, not for the feint hearted, hilly and uneven in places, some dog owners choose to walk their pets there, or walkers will take a stroll to try to see the wildlife there. Grassland is a riot of colour in Spring and Summer, rich with wild flowers, which supports a number of different insects, and a small amount of invertebrates.

Reading Borough Council recognising the great value of "THE COWSEY" placed a Charter on 9th November 1995 as a recreational open space, and hereby declares to protect it for the future use of the public"
A copy of this charter is shown below, and there is a copy in the Civic Offices and the Whitley Advice shop.

The COWSEY was bought by the council in 1949, at that time it was 3 large hedged fields, which continued to be grazed by cattle until well into the 60's.
The Friends of the COWSEY is a group of people from Whitley, some are members of Whitley Green, who do a Spring Clean Up Event once a year, and are meeting regularly to discuss what needs to be done to keep it as a Wildlife haven, in the middle of all the houses in Whitley, which will be preserved for future generations.