Cambridge Nature Network Projects

Supporting Nature’s recovery in and around Cambridge

The Cambridge Nature Network projects range in scope and scale from large-scale farmland conversion to small community projects.

The range of organisations and people involved includes local charities, local authorities, community groups, landowners and farmers, universities and colleges, schools, contractors and individual people helping to plant trees and sow seeds. Collectively, these projects and the efforts of those involved will make a difference over time.

For information about individual projects, please contact the delivery organisation listed on each project page. To add your project, please contact nature@cambridgeppf.org.

  • 13. Wilbraham Fen: Wildflower Grassland

    New Species-rich Grassland The aim of the project was to increase biodiversity and create 7.3 hectares of species-rich grassland on a field adjacent to Wilbraham Fen SSSI. The project sought to extend the area of high-quality habitat beyond the current SSSI, establishing a range of native wildflowers typical of lowland meadows and fens. This will support invertebrate populations and… Read more

  • 12. Land Advisor

    Helping Farmers to Create More Space for Nature The Wildlife Trust BCN employed a Land Advisor to encourage and support farmers and landowners to do even more to help nature on their land in the Cambridge Nature Network area. This includes helping to set up farming… Read more

  • 11. Midsummer Common: Feasibility Study

    Drainage Ditch: Could This Be a New Wetland Habitat? The aim of the project was to determine whether an old drainage ditch on Midsummer Common could be opened-up to create a new wetland habitat.   Service checks came back all clear, but the test dig revealed that the assumed drainage ditch was dry… Read more

  • 10. Histon and Impington: Habitat Creation/Intervention

    Implement Small Scale Interventions to Improve Habitats The aim of the project was to increase biodiversity using small scale interventions, such as restoring hedges and creating habitats for birds, invertebrates, mammals and reptiles. Volunteers helped to lay hedges and install 40 woodstone bat boxes, 43 bird nest boxes (for… Read more

  • 09. Logan’s Meadow: Expanding a Local Nature Reserve

    City Centre Nature Reserve: New Woodland The aim of the project was to increase biodiversity and expand a city centre Local Nature Reserve by planting 0.48 hectares of woodland habitat on sports pitch boundaries.  Before: Cut grass, not being managed for nature conservation.      During: Over 150… Read more

  • 08. Sheep’s Green: Veteran Tree Restoration

    City Centre Local Nature Reserve (LNR) – Veteran Willow Restoration The aim of the project is to restore and undertake remedial works to 58 veteran willow trees across 8.7 hectares of floodplain grazing marsh and wood pasture at Sheep’s Green LNR. Detailed management plans were prepared for individual… Read more

  • 07. Community Project: Orchard Park

    Community Bulb And Fruit Bush Planting In Urban Areas The aims of the project were to increase biodiversity in the east end of Orchard Park and to provide education on the importance of biodiversity and its value in urban areas.  Community bulb and fruit bush planting took place in Orchard Park by volunteers, and each session was… Read more

  • 06. Cambridge School Grounds: Meadows And Habitats

    Milton Road, Queen Emma, Arbury Primary Schools and Netherhall and St. Bede’s Secondary Schools The aim of the project was to increase biodiversity and create space for invertebrates, mammals, reptiles and birds in an ever-growing urban environment. 725 square meters (0.07 hectares) of school land across 5 schools was converted into wildflower meadows.… Read more

  • 05. Coton Countryside Reserve: Pond Creation/Restoration

    New Ponds, Leaky Log Dams: Transforming Ditches & Restoring Rivers The aim of the project was to increase biodiversity, reduce flood risk, reduce erosion, and improve the riparian habitat. 0.6 hectares of habitat were created or improved, including the creation of a new pond within Coton Countryside Reserve.… Read more

  • 04. Coton Countryside Reserve: Woodland Creation

    New Woodland (Previously Arable Land) The aim of the project was to increase biodiversity, reduce noise and air pollution from the M11, and create a more connected nature network adjacent to the Bin Brook, by planting 0.31 hectares of new woodland.  22 volunteers helped to plant over 500 native trees. The woodland… Read more

  • 03. Coton Countryside Reserve: Meadow Creation

    Lost Meadows: Improving Meadows & Rewilding The aim of the project was to increase biodiversity and give people more green space to enjoy.  2.23 hectares of former farmland beside Coton Countryside Reserve has started the process of being rewilded, to create a mosaic of habitats by introducing grazing animals, controlling scrub, planting trees, and creating features… Read more

  • 02. Wandlebury Country Park: Wildlife Refuge

    New Woodland The aim of the project is to increase biodiversity and expand Wandlebury Country Park by planting a new woodland as a wildlife refuge on land that was private. 0.81 hectares were purchased and 1,630 native trees were planted. A dead hedge was also… Read more