Charity unveils vision for 200-acre nature reserve on city’s edge
CAMBRIDGE PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE WANTS TO TRANSFORM LAND IT OWNS NEAR COTON
A LOCAL charity is proposing to create a large nature reserve on the western edge of Cambridge.
Cambridge Past, Present and Future is setting out a vision for transforming 200 acres of arable farmland that it owns near to Coton village so that it can benefit nature, improve community well-being and mitigate climate change.
The first phase of the Wilder Coton project is already being planned and could get underway this autumn.
A 10-acre field on Red Meadow Hill will be transformed into a mix of wildflower meadow, scrub and woodland and will enhance the lovely view.
In another area, a new wetland will be created reated which will be a haven for nature as well as improving water quality in the River Cam catchment.
A fundraising appeal is under way to help pay for these se projects.
Cambridgeshire is one of the most nature depleted counties in the UK, which is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world, Cambridge Past, Present and Future said.
The Wilder Coton project is part of the Cambridge Nature Network which aims to double the amount of habitat for nature by 2050.
Cambridge Past, Present and Future is asking people what they think of its plans via an online survey or to attend a consultation event at Coton Village Hall between 5.30pm and 7.45pm next Wednesday (May 8).
Karen Rothwell, chair of Cambridge Past, Present and Future, said: “Our charity purchased the farmland in the 1930s to prevent urban sprawl and protect the historic villages of Coton, Grantchester and Madingley.
“In 2008 we opened the Coton Countryside Reserve as a response to the wide
eeWe have some exciting ideas to create a large reserve of woods, meadows and ponds...
spread decline in nature and to provide better access to the countryside for Cambridge’s rapidly growing population.
“Now we are looking to the future and asking what more could we do with the 200 acres of arable farmland that our charity owns. We have some exciting ideas to create a large reserve of woods, meadows and ponds that are rich in nature and would provide a long-term legacy for the city and benefit future generations.
“We want to hear what people think of these ideas and how Coton Reserve could be improved over time.
“This is a major long-term project and we would be delighted if people are inspired to support this work and make a donation to the Wilder Coton appeal at cambridgeppf. org/a-wilder-coton or by contacting our office.”
The area of land is south of the village of Coton and west of the M11. It already includes some woods, orchards, meadows and ponds but is mainly farmland at the moment.
There are miles of permissive paths including to the top of one of Cambridge’s few high points, Red Meadow Hill, which has one of the best views over the city.
For further information, including to have your say, please visit: cambridgeppf. orgw