Reeds planted on Logan’s Meadow part of ‘Friends’ summer activities by the River Cam
Friends of Logan’s Meadow volunteers gathered on the wetland project by the River Cam to plant reeds.
The land has been converted to a wetland site this year, as part of a project to turn the site into a larger nature reserve. The reed planting serves two main purposes: providing habitat for wildlife and improving water quality through filtration.
As well as addressing biodiversity, the wetland will help enhance flood protection in the area.
The riverside location in East Chesterton is being boosted by landscaping work on land beside it - the Pye sports pitches and open spaces associated with the Vie development.
Around 40 volunteers helped plant the reeds to bolster the wetlands and reedbeds which support birds, plants, invertebrates and reptiles.
The volunteers were fitted out with waterproof equipment to enable them to wade into the mini-lake beside the remaining sports field.
“We’re planting common reeds in the reed bed,” said one volunteer. “The water basin has been designed with two shallower shelves in the whole pond. The reeds will populate that, they’re not too deep so we’ll still have open water.”
Funded by Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority, the project is a partnership between the Friends of Logan’s Meadow and Cambridge City Council.
Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner, who visited the site earlier this year, said: “Expanding Logan’s Meadow is a brilliant step forward for nature and for local people. It’s fantastic to see Cambridge leading the way in creating greener, healthier spaces, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store.”
"Green spaces like Logan’s Meadow are the heart and lungs of our city,” said Mr Zeichner. “This project proves just how much we can achieve when councils, local groups and government come together to make a real difference."
Membership of Friends of Logan’s Meadow is free and open to all.
Next up on the site beside the Olaudah Equiano bridge over the River Cam is a nature picnic on Sunday. 8 June, 12–3pm. The bring-your-own-picnic afternoon starts at midday with Origami butterfly/moth making and painting ; at 1pm Colonel Spanky’s Love Ensemble will do their set, and between 2pm and 3pm Cambridge Puppetry Club will be inresidence, featuring children’s stories.
“There a couple of other public events coming up,” added Frioends of Logan’s Meadow chasir Tony Eva. “On 6 July there’s a ‘small mammals’ event, they’re caught overnight on Saturday then on Sunday people are invited to come and see how see what’s been caught before releasing the small mammals freely.
“On 5 July is there’s a moth catching evening, bring a torch and sunglasses, that runs from 9.30pm until late and on the Sunday you can come along and see what’s been caught as well. There’s nothing to sign up to, just come along - bring friends and family, all welcome.”
Details here.
