A Wilder Coton project launched by Cambridge Past, Present & Future with £30,000 fundraising drive to create nature-rich habitat

Farmland on the western edge of the city could be turned into new nature-rich habitat by Cambridge Past, Present & Future, which has launched a new campaign to raise funds for the project.

Called A Wilder Coton, it will create more green space with free public access for Coton Countryside Reserve.

Paths and viewing areas would be created under the plans, which are designed to boost nature, help to mitigate climate change and improve community wellbeing.

A series of habitat creation projects are envisaged, which will be delivered as funds are raised.

The first will involve transforming 27 acres of arable fields in a mix of wetland, woodland and meadow at Coton Countryside Reserve.

Local people will be encouraged to help as volunteers by planting trees and then looking after the green space.

Cambridge PPF aims to start work in autumn 2024, but must raise £30,000 first.

But it has a helping hand, as the project has been chosen for support by the Aviva Community Fund, which will match every public donation of £250 or less.

The crowdfunding campaign is live now and will run until January 1.

James Littlewood, CEO of Cambridge Past, Present & Future, said “I really hope that the people of Cambridge can support this exciting project to create new greenspace on the city’s doorstep for everyone to enjoy. Donations will enable us to buy wildflower seeds, trees and aquatic plants, prepare the ground and then plant them out with the help of the local community. This is part of our charity’s long-term vision to transform 300 acres of farmland into a large-scale area of 'wild-belt' at Coton, serving the city and beyond for generations to come.”

Donations will help prepare the ground for planting, pay for wildflower seeds to create new meadows and ground cover, help to buy trees and shrubs for the plant of five acres of new woodland and scrub, pay for aquatic vegetation and a new wetland to capture pollution and reduce flooding, fund fencing, tree protection and visitor signage, fund staff and volunteer time for after care and the establishment of the new habitats, pay for arranging access, consents and agreements.

The 300-acre Coton Countryside Reserve, which is owned by Cambridge PPF, opened in 2008.

Visit https://www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/p/a-wilder-coton to donate to A Wilder Coton.