Flora and Fauna at the Old Rec, Cottenham

The ‘Old Rec’ is a meadow at the bottom of Broad Lane, Cottenham, just before the bridge over the Lode. It is so-called because it was created as the parish recreation ground in the 19th century during the Enclosures. In recent years the field has been actively managed to encourage biodiversity.

To discover more about the flora and fauna to be found at the Old Rec join volunteers from Sustainable Cottenham’s Nature Recovery Group on the morning of Saturday 30th May. There will be experts on hand to talk about the small mammals which live in the area as well as the moths that fly at night and to show you some of the plants and trees which can be found there.

The event will begin early – at 8am prompt – when we find out whether we have caught any small mammals*. They will be released by 10am to avoid putting them under stress.

There will be short talks and tours about the flora and fauna at 9am, 10am and 11am.

*If you want to see our volunteer setting the small mammal traps the evening before, come to the Old Rec at 6pm on Friday 29th May.

This event is part of the Cambridge Nature Festival 2026, 23rd May – 30 June, a celebration of Nature on your doorstep. View all events