Many of you will have noticed the transition of our land at Yen Hall farm as our nature recovery works get underway.
Our plan to bring nature back to the area has been developed to include a variety of complementary habitats to maximise the positive impact on nature, whilst also enhancing existing features such as the woodland, field margins and hedges.
The new habitats will enhance biodiversity in the area increasing the abundance and diversity of species that will make the area their home.
These habitats include:
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43 acres of species-rich grassland to boost the populations of pollinators
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29 acres of mixed scrub and grassland to develop healthy soil and complement the landscape
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17 acres of native broadleaf woodland as a home for wildlife and to store carbon
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2.5 acres of traditional orchard to offer food and shelter for nature
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1.3km of native hedgerow with trees to interconnect nature and support a resilient ecosystem
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8 wildlife ponds as a refuge for key species and replace valuable, lost freshwater habitats
So far, we’re excited to share that we have completed the formation of the wildlife ponds and look forward to seeing and sharing what wildlife they will attract over the coming years. In order to avoid disturbance to the developing habitats please keep dogs away from ponds at all times.
The next stage is the transition of grassland into woodland and scrub areas. This also involves, with the support of local contractors, preparing the areas for tree and shrub planting, with planting set to begin in November in line with the UK planting season. If conditions are right, we aim to complete this phase of planting early in the new year.
Other works you may will see is the protective fencing going up around the planting areas, ground preparation for planting areas and ongoing grass management. All of these works enable planting to establish, flourish, and put the habitats in the ideal condition to bring nature home to your area of Cambridgeshire.
If you want to find out more there will be a presentation on 23 Sept at 18:45 by Chris Bawtree, followed by a Q&A session in the Village Hall.
Chris Bawtree
Nature Recovery Director
The Evergreen Fund
