Multiple parishes have taken conducted their own nature recovery plans to conserve and enhance biodiversity in their area.
East Cambrigeshire District council has now published four of nature recovery plans on their website which can be read here: Community based Nature Recovery Plans | East Cambridgeshire District Council
You will find four reports – Fordham, Reach, Wicken, Padney and Upware, and Witchford as well as a template.
In this article we will be discussing Gamlingay’s reported approach to their own audit.
The aim of the work was to:
- Record the historic and current land uses and ecology of the parish
- Map specific land types, fauna and flora currently in existence
- Identify some points of action to maintain and improve these characteristic land uses and provide improved habitats to support wildlife and plants in the parish.
The findings:
The audit covered the historic nature of the parish which lies at a junction between two landscapes-The Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Clayland’s and the Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge area.
- They had the only remaining pocket of acidic grassland habitat in Cambridgeshire which was once part of Gamlingay’ s Great Heath (pre-enclosure in 1844).
- There are a small number of small brooks which rise in the parish. There also are several man-made lakes- some a result of historic parkland engineering, and others result of clay extraction for bricks.
- The most notable feature of the parish is Gamlingay Wood a SSSI, which is to the north of the main settlement.
- We have identified priority species in the parish including Barbastelle bats, water vole and west European hedgehogs. Notable birds include-corn bunting, house sparrow, skylark and song thrush, and insects such as white spotted pinion.
- The audit also identified all trees identified on the ancient tree inventory and those with Tree preservation orders. (TPO’S)
The audit then identified the main partners needed to be involved with this protection and enhancement of nature-showing that landowners have a major part to play. The percentage of land included as gardens (12.3%) demonstrates that all residents can make a contribution to enhancing wildlife. This has led the local Climate Action Group (CAG) to prioritise Gamlingay Wildlife Gardens theme in their action plan for 2026.
The audit concluded with suggestions for better connectivity through linking the existing habitats together with ‘wildlife corridors’ between existing priority habitats.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to reintroduce the heathland environment lost in the 1850’s, due to drainage and cultivation, but there are opportunities to improve stream side environments of Millbridge Brook and engaging with farmers and landowners on specific projects.
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