Charity plan to create 200-acre nature reserve

A charity is proposing to create a 200-acre (81-hectare) nature reserve on the edge of a city to boost natural habitat and improve community wellbeing.

Cambridge Past, Present and Future has owned the farmland, close to the village of Coton and on the western edge of Cambridge, since 1930.

The Wilder Coton Project is part of the Cambridge Nature Network, which aims to double the amount of natural habitat by 2050.

Karen Rothwell, chair of the charity, said: "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 first phase of the Wilder Coton project would see a 10-acre (4-hectare) field on Red Meadow Hill transformed into a mix of wildflower meadow, scrub and woodland.

The charity also wants to create a new wetland to improve water quality in the River Cam.

Cambridge Past, Present and Future is currently fundraising for the project, with work expected to start this autumn.

The charity bought the farmland in the 1930s to "prevent urban sprawl" and protect the villages of Coton, Grantchester and Madingley.

Ms Rothwell added: "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."

A drop-in event about the plans will be held at Coton Village Hall on 8 May. The public has until 20 May to submit views.

Follow Cambridgeshire news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830