Large new nature reserve proposed by Cambridge Past, Present & Future

A conservation charity is asking the public for views on its plan to create a large nature reserve on the western edge of Cambridge.

Cambridge Past, Present & 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 under way this autumn.

A 10-acre field on Red Meadow Hill will be transformed into a mix of wildflower meadow, scrub and woodland, if proposals go ahead and a fundraising appeal is underway to help pay for the project.

Karen Rothwell, Cambridge Past, Present & 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.

“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 Wilder Coton project is part of the Cambridge Nature Network which aims to double the amount of habitat for nature by 2050.

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.

The charity held a consultation event at Coton Village Hall last Wednesday (8 May) and is asking people to visit its website at cambridgeppf.org to complete a survey.