Investing in Green Spaces across South Cambridgeshire

Tree planting and outdoor furniture are among a range of projects to create a greener future for South Cambridgeshire thanks to £175,000 of funding.

The Shared Prosperity Fund Green Spaces project aims to enhance local outdoor spaces with a strong focus on sustainability and community engagement.

The funding has been provided by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and delivered by South Cambridgeshire District Council.

Cllr Henry Batchelor, Lead Cabinet Member for Communities at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “This project is a fantastic example of how we can invest in our local green spaces while promoting sustainability and social impact. This initiative is about ensuring a positive environmental legacy for future generations. Not only are we creating beautiful, biodiverse areas for our communities to enjoy, but we are also supporting rehabilitation programs by providing meaningful work opportunities.”

Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: "It’s great to see UK Shared Prosperity Fund money being put to work supporting our communities and enhancing the environments they share. Improving green spaces and supporting nature brings so many benefits for health and wellbeing while also ensuring a sustainable future for the places we love.”

An added benefit of the Green Spaces initiative is sustainable furniture, crafted from durable composite materials and assembled by inmates of HMP Buckinghamshire as part of a skills development program, helping them gain valuable experience for the future.

The project is being delivered in two phases. Year 1 saw four locations selected from land owned by South Cambridgeshire District Council, with designs shaped thanks to input from residents and local councillors. Work is now well underway at these sites in:

• De Freville Road, Great Shelford – A community orchard has been planted in the garden area of the flats, with ornamental cherry trees lining the pathway leading to the main road.
• Silverdale Close, Coton – six large scale raised beds have been placed to separate the parking from the play area, alongside a community orchard, wildflower meadow and three picnic tables.
• Meadowcroft, Orwell – Removal of diseased tree that carried a risk to houses and telecoms, and replacement with a mature rowan tree, alongside new shrub beds and renovation of area.
• Orchard Close, Little Wilbraham – Accessible pathway from the MUGA to the play area, with ornamental cherry trees, wildflowers and a community orchard planted.

Looking ahead to Year 2, an additional four locations have been selected from 16 parish council applications and work is expected to start in April. These sites include:

• Cambridge Road, Barton – Kerb re-established alongside residential road, with significant juvenile tree planting and hedge works to create a noise and pollution barrier for the residents.
• Ware Recreation Ground, Little Shelford – replacement of fencing around play area to create a secure space for the younger residents.
• The Rowans, Milton – creation of peaceful garden space in the centre of the village to provide residents a rest and meeting stop.
• Land to the rear of Ickleton Cemetery – enhancement of existing meadow to create a peaceful garden that annexes the cemetery, with a community orchard and bench seating.

A key focus of the project is biodiversity, with native species, wildflower planting, and shrubs introduced to support pollinators. Additionally, orchard trees are being planted at most locations, offering residents access to fresh fruit while encouraging a sense of community.

With assistance from Coton Church of England Primary, the Council has planted 300 square metres of wildflowers, with many more to be planted by the completion of this project. Additional volunteering opportunities are being planned for the other sites, with more information to be shared with the residents local to each green space as the opportunity arises.

The selection of the sites was based on various factors, including the proximity to formal green spaces, the Index of Deprivation, and the anticipated Health and Wellbeing Impact.