Future of Cambridgeshire nature reserve secured

The ownership of Trumpington Meadows Nature Reserve is to be transferred to the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs & Northants, in a move that will keep the green space available for the community.

Grosvenor Property UK and the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) have agreed the terms for a financial endowment to the Wildlife Trust to secure the future of the 60-ha country park and nature reserve within a 1,200-home neighbourhood in Cambridge.

The lake at Lake at Trumpington Meadows Country Park (Peter S via Geograph).

Martin Baker, conservation manager at the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs & Northants, said: "When developers, planners and conservationists work together we can create homes for people and high-quality space for nature – Trumpington Meadows is a great example of this.

"We took agricultural land with little wildlife present and have transformed it into a reserve where wildflowers, butterflies and birds are thriving. It's also hugely popular with local people, even more so recently when green spaces close to our homes became vital for all our wellbeing.

"We hope it inspires other developers to create partnerships early in the planning process with their local Wildlife Trust."

The country park was delivered as part of the redevelopment of the area and spans wildflower meadows, riverside habitats and woodland areas.