New nature reserve planned for outskirts of Cambridge

Have your say on a new nature reserve near Coton Village.

Local charity Cambridge Past, Preset and Futures (PPF) has put forward plans to transform 200 acres of farmland into the reserve which they say would benefit nature, improve community well-being and mitigate climate change. 

The first phase of the 'Wilder Coton' project would see a 10 acre field on Red Meadow Hill renovated into a mix of wildflower meadow, scrub and woodland.

Meanwhile a new wetland would also be created nearby and become a haven for nature as well as improving water quality in the River Cam catchment. 

It's being funded by a fundraising appeal, which is currently underway with the project part of the Cambridge Nature Network which aims to double the amount of habitat for nature by 2050. 

Karen Rothwell, Cambridge Past, Present and Future's Chair 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 widespread 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.

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". 

Cambridge PPF is asking residents for feedback on their plans via an online survey at www.cambridgeppf.org or by attending a consultation event at Coton Village Hall on Wednesday 8 May from 5:30pm to 7:45pm.