Cambridgeshire Projects

Sprouting a Green Backyard
Where? Peterborough
When? 5th July 2008
What's it about? We will be planting native species to Peterborough on an abandoned plot, hanging bird nests off the trees in the plot and clearing any rubbish/waste from the site.
Where's it happening? 1119 Bourges Boulevard, Peterborough
What to wear/bring: Protective Clothing, Packed Lunch
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Refreshments, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No under 16s
How many NEW volunteers required? 10
Press/Volunteer Contact: Caroline Kariuki (0787 266 5907)
Organised by: Environclean Community Group
Email: info_spif@environclean.co.uk
REF E479

Completed Projects

Making Way For Otters
Where? Little Paxton
When? 9 March 2008
What's it about? The vegetation on the banks of Southoe Brook in Paxton Pits Nature Reserve is periodically cut and removed to maintain biodiversity of the margins. Each bank is cut in a different year, with a rotation cycle of several years. Our work cutting one of the banks will help the 2008 display of waterside flowers, dragonflies and damselflies, and keep the waterway open for otters moving between the river and the Heronry Lakes. Otter sightings in the immediate vicinity are increasing, so this work will give visitors on the adjacent nature trail an increased chance of seeing these elusive creatures. Cut bank side and emergent vegetation (brush cutters operated by qualified volunteers; loppers) and rake into heaps beside the brook (to allow invertebrates to return to suitable habitat). The Heaps will be removed at a later date.
Where's it happening? Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, Little Paxton
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear, warm clothing
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Refreshments, Tools & Materials, Protective Gloves
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Partial
Any restrictions? No pets, Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: Ray Matthews (01480 215 277)
Organised by: Friends of Paxton Pits Nature Reserve
Email: pamela@matthewspe196es.freeserve.co.uk
REF E78

Wildlife Wetland Created by Cub Scout Group
Where? Little Paxton
When? 16 March 2008
What's it about? The Biodiversity of an area once used as a gravel storage site at Paxton Pits nature Reserve will be enhanced by creation of several shallow ponds. Designed to hold a few inches of rain water (and to dry out in in dry weather), these temporary ponds will provide drinking places for birds and breeding places for insects. Similar ponds on site have previously hosted newts. Water will be retained in the ponds for many days after rainfall because the ground is highly compacted through its previous use. The work will be organised by the Friends of Paxton Pits Nature Reserve and carried out by the Godmanchester Cub Scout Group. The site is adjacent to one of the Reserve's nature trails, so visitors to the Reserve can readily appreciate the results of the cub's work. The task will involve digging out the ponds using spades, and transporting the spoil a short distance by wheelbarrow to create south-facing banks for burrowing insects.
Where's it happening? Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, Little Paxton
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Refreshments, Tools & Materials, Protective gloves, hard hats, knee pads
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets, Cub scout group will be supervised by scout leaders, Cub scout group will be supervised by scout leaders
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: Ray Matthews (01480 215 277)
Organised by: Friends of Paxton Pits Nature Reserve
Email: pamela@matthewspe196es.freeserve.co.uk
REF E79

Old Play Copse Haircut
Where? Sutton
When? 15 March 2008
What's it about? Volunteers will help with cutting back of dogwoods and hazels, clearing dead vegetation and cutting paths, planting more bluebells and wild garlic. This is needed to enhance colour and interest for autumn and winter for Sutton residents to enjoy.
Where's it happening? Old Play Copse, Old Recreation field,, left at bottom of Lawn Lane, Sutton
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear, Protective Clothing, loppers if possible
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Refreshments, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets, Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: Joy Owen, Secretary (01353 777904)
Organised by: Sutton Conservation Society
REF E31