Council secures funding for community biodiversity project and City Portrait

Council secures funding for community biodiversity project and City Portrait

CAMBRIDGE City Council has secured funding from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority to deliver two exciting new projects that will help achieve the council’s ambitions for a city that is greener and fairer for all.

The Combined Authority funding for the Logan’s Meadow project, along with a Heritage Lottery Green Recovery Grant secured through the Cambridge Nature Network Partnership, will enable the creation of significant new open water and reedbed habitats on riverside land in East Chesterton and Abbey wards.

This will benefit species such as water voles, kingfishers and reed warblers and will enhance the existing recreational offer for the community.

Plans to extend the local nature reserve designation along the river and create new habitats for wildlife and people to enjoy have been supported through public consultation and will now be submitted for planning permission, with a proposed construction date in autumn 2022.

The Friend’s of Logan’s Meadow have been instrumental in forming the vision for the project which aims to ensure a balance between new habitats and accessible natural green space is maintained.

Last winter over 200 trees have already been planted during a number of community tree planting days and the Friends are now busy weeding and watering to help them establish.

Cllr Alex Collis, Executive Councillor for Open Spaces, Food Justice and Community Development, said: “I am delighted to hear this ambitious project has received Combined Authority recognition and funding.

“I commend the Friends Group on their support to the council in developing the scheme and securing funding for new riverside habitats in the city and close to the heart of the wider Cambridge Nature Network.

“The announcement falls during the Cambridge Nature Festival, with partners running events in and around the city, including opportunities to explore Logan’s Meadow with the Friends Group.”

The Combined Authority’s funding for the ‘City Portrait’ project will allow the council to work with researchers and stakeholders to build a detailed picture of Cambridge in terms of its economic, social and environmental aspects.

Using the latest and best data available, the portrait will inform discussions about the type of city Cambridge could be and identify issues that need priority action.

Cllr Mike Davey, Executive Councillor for Finance, Resources and Transformation, welcomed the funding announcement saying: “This project is a really exciting and innovative approach to understanding the city and how well our environmental, social and economic characteristics are in balance.

“Having this detailed insight into our city will enable us to work with partners and communities in a more evidence-based way and help ensure that we are taking all the dimensions of an issue into account when making future policy and investment decisions.”

Both projects are due to be delivered over the next 12-18 months.

Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said: “I’m very pleased that the Combined Authority is supporting two innovative projects that show compassion for the environment and the local community.

“Through these projects, I hope to see significant changes to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s natural environment as well as increased protection for its local ecosystems.

“As a keen ornithologist, I’m very much looking forward to enjoying the new spaces at Logan’s Meadow to see more of our region’s unique and endangered wildlife.”