A local charity, Cambridge Past, Present and Future, has an ambitious plan to establish a 200-acre nature reserve on the outskirts of Cambridge. This initiative aims to enhance natural habitats and promote community wellbeing.
The land near the village of Coton, which has been owned by the charity since 1930, will be transformed into the “Wilder Coton Project.” This project is part of the broader Cambridge Nature Network’s goal to double the area of natural habitat by 2050.
Karen Rothwell, the charity’s chairperson, expressed excitement about the project, highlighting plans for woodlands, meadows, and ponds that will support diverse wildlife and benefit future generations.
The first phase will convert a 10-acre field into a blend of wildflower meadows, scrub, and woodland on Red Meadow Hill. Additionally, a new wetland area will be created to improve water quality in the nearby River Cam.
To make this vision a reality, Cambridge Past, Present and Future is currently raising funds for the project, with construction set to begin this autumn.
The charity originally acquired this farmland in the 1930s to prevent urban expansion and protect neighboring villages like Coton, Grantchester, and Madingley. In 2008, they opened the Coton Countryside Reserve to combat the decline in local nature and provide better access to the countryside for Cambridge’s growing population.
Looking ahead, Ms. Rothwell emphasized the importance of creating a substantial reserve of woodlands, meadows, and ponds that will enrich the area’s biodiversity and leave a lasting legacy for the city.
A public drop-in event to discuss the plans will be held at Coton Village Hall on 8 May. Residents are encouraged to share their feedback by 20 May to shape this exciting conservation initiative.
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