New Life on the Old West

Discover how we are helping wildlife thrive among fenland ditches, ponds and green places and placing nature at the heart of local communities.

Why is this needed?

New Life on the Old West is set to deliver wildlife habitat enhancements to the green spaces and surrounding countryside in areas close to the Old West river in the fens. The project is set to improve community green spaces and create a series of small-scale habitat improvements – in the arable landscape, the extensive ditch network and community green spaces. Together, these improvements will create a more resilient Fenland landscape, connecting dispersed species and habitats, whilst creating demonstration sites for others to learn from.

The project is also designed to ensure that a wider range of people can access and enjoy the local fenland countryside. Through a diverse series of events and a dynamic volunteering programme, we’re building a stronger connection between people’s green space assets and the biodiversity on their doorstep; creating a sense of pride in the unique fens landscape.

The three-year programme has been developed by Cambridgeshire ACRE, working closely with over 50 local and regional organisations, specialists, and community groups. These stakeholders all play a part in the conservation, land management and development of community green space and farmland assets within the landscape.

Funder

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded Cambridgeshire ACRE a grant of £729,900 towards the cost of delivering the New Life on the Old West project.

How can you get involved?

We’re providing lots of opportunities to get involved in the project and effect real change in the landscape you call home. There’s activities to suit every age and commitment level, from recording species to lending a hand in the creation of new wildlife areas. Just some of the benefits are learning more about the plants and species in your local area and meeting people in your community with shared interests and values. Do something for your local environment and help increase knowledge about fenland biodiversity. If you choose to join us, you’ll receive training and support from our project team and have access to all the resources and information you might need. Sign up today.

What impact has our work had?

To date we have delivered:

  • 92 habitat enhancements delivered at 34 sites, working with 17 landowners, including 25 new and enhanced ponds and scrapes, totalling around 8,950m2 of wetland habitat, 3.8km of farmland drains to be improved for wildlife and 26 wildflower-rich areas created benefitting pollinating insects.
  • 30 or more training events have been delivered with more than 300 people developing new skills.
  • 130 plus engagement events including guided walks, guided boat trips, wildlife identification days and photography workshops.
  • 10 local farms have taken part in the project’s activities, delivered across 9 parishes.

Updates

For updates, follow the project on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Useful links

Who can I talk to about this work?

Please contact Alison Brown, Head of Business Services, on 01353 865029 or email alison.brown@cambsacre.org.uk.