Project Development

Member since 10 January 2023

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Project Development3 years ago For nearly a decade this community garden, attached to Nightingale Recreation Ground, has been led by two inspired individuals, helped by a large group of volunteers, with advice and support from the Council and particularly Guy Belcher. Recently a new committee have taken on managing the garden and, after consulting with the existing volunteers and new recruits from a wide range of residents in the Queen Edith ward, recognise that the community would like a more biodiverse garden, but with space for growing fruit, vegetables and flowers. Three objectives have been identified from the consultation: that the tasks in the garden need to be shared between more people to ensure continuity and lack of 'burn out' which can be addressed by dividing up responsibilities; that there needs to be less day-to-day maintenance which can be achieved by letting the garden become slightly more wild; and that those with health and physical needs, as well as life and time challenges, can be involved. To achieve success we need to increase the security of the garden by planting some very prickly native hedging to deter the increasing amount of anti social behaviour at night when the garden gate has been locked, some low level reactor lighting (so not to deter bats) and some tracking cameras to gauge the wildlife using the garden at night. We would also like to plant more wildflowers and have more resources (e.g. books, games, pond dipping equipment) to educate visitors about biodiversity. We will get many more visitors once the Nightingale Pavilion is opened. These two resources will become the major community facility in the south of Queen Edith ward, serving not only local residents (including the new CIP housing at Worts Causeway) but also staff, visitors and patients at Addenbrookes and the Biomedical Campus.We want locals to become directly invested in the project so they want to get involved on a regular basis, thereby helping with their general health and wellbeing, as well as increasing their knowledge of sustainable gardening and biodiversity. We worry that without upgrading the security the ASB will increase and deter volunteers and new visitors to the Garden. During the school holidays children have come into the garden and their knowledge of how to encourage biodiversity has been helpful to some of the other gardeners and has made us realise that we need to plant more wildflowers to encourage birds, butterflies and moths. We will be able to monitor success because one of the regular gardeners has been doing a plant and butterfly count over the past few years.Councillor Sam Davies has agreed to support this project.We have a network of supporters already: there are over 80 people on the Friends and Volunteers email, over 15 regular gardeners and 10 people are involved in locking and unlocking the garden gate each day, We were pleased to get advice recently from Guy Belcher about increasing biodiversity and what to hedging to plant to discourage people jumping over the fencing when the garden is locked. James Maberly has been very helpful and has suggested he can get Community Payback help when we need extensive pruning done. We have been in regular contact with Anthony French and John Carter about antisocial behaviour in the garden.

Project Development3 years ago This is a stage 2 to continue the work that has already started to make the site more environmentally friendly, thereby encouraging increased biodiversity. The funding, if successful, will cover the whole development. This would help to integrate the communities (and create mini wildlife corridors) in the different parts of the development. The general aims of this project are: (i) to demonstrate that new developments, particularly housing, can create huge gains for nature and wildlife. Today destruction of forests and grasslands for agriculture is the single biggest driver of biodiversity loss followed closely behind by development.(ii) there is now a substantial body of research to support the claim that biodiversity and the environment not only brings pleasure and happiness to people and and provides them with a beautiful place to live, with clean air food and fuel, but is essential for human well-being; It supports their mental and physical health. (iii) that with the right policies, mechanisms in place and support by local communities and funding from councils and other bodies, these actions can contribute meaningfully to combating the ecological emergency that so many of us worry about everyday.(iv) It is important that people understand the link between the plummeting numbers of wildlife and degradation of land and the climate crisis. For instance, climate change affects biodiversity because species are being forced to move out of areas because these are no longer habitable for them. Finally (v) the council’s eligibility criteria are broken down into tackling different aspects of the Environment.This makes each project funded more manageable and effective. However it is important that applicants and others planning similar activities appreciate that this not merely about improving a local area or bringing to joy to people or homes to wildlife, significant as all these aspects are as pointed out above, they are also contributing to mending our broken planet. How:We propose the purchase of a water feature to be installed in a suitable place in the Ironworks’ grounds We recommend encouraging those with and without a garden to create a small pond. This is possible without a garden. A washing-up bowl, a large plant pot or a disused sink would be sufficient. A large wild plant bed will be created with plants that suit each type of butterfly caterpillar. Butterfly Conservation . org has information which describes the needs and the kind of plants that a small sample UK caterpillars require this will likely have to include small information boards explaining the bed purpose. The Ironworks Development and this EIP project is part of an important Local Nature network corridor, it will help with health and wellbeing of local people, improve the environment, contribute towards secure nature species for the future. Promote community cohesion and encourage families and children to get involved in green projects in the Ironworks community.There is a groundswell and active residents and groups who wish to promote 'green' and biodiversity improvements even going as far as outlining the types of plants required and getting costings for certain elements. They will also require a small amount of tools to encourage participation. This project this project is supported by local residents, councillors and a number of City Council officers have all been involved in developing this bid.

Project Development3 years ago Romsey Square: The planters and seats scheme outside the coop, provided by the city council, has enhanced community welfare by providing somewhere to rest and meet. The flowerbeds have also improved bio-diversity and a sense of well being.The seating and raised flower beds outside the Coop are now in need of an overhaul to prevent deterioration.The flowerbeds are proving difficult to maintain at their peak due to extreme heat events.The wooden planters, seats and signage need to be serviced. Screws tightened, fixingsreplaced. Simple maintenance work that is difficult to quantify.Maybe even some colour stains on the woodwork would brighten up the area.The planters would benefit from some moisture retaining content. Maybe this could be done through a deep composting. Then the plants could then be refurbished with a mix of colourful annuals bi-annuals and spring bulbs.Mill Road has very little greenery and little in the way of seating. The Romsey Square is one of the exceptions. Small in size, it nonetheless provides a meeting place; a sense of community and an opportunity to belong.For so many reasons Romsey Square is a local feature and enjoyed by the community. This was raised by the public in Romsey and is supported by the councillors who are currently and in the future will help with plant maintenance.

Project Development3 years ago Five Trees has a pavement that runs between Anglers Way, Cam Causeway, Bourne Road, this pavement is very uneven and when it rains it gets very large puddles. This area is used by many residents, cyclist, elderly and disabled, the families use this to get to their school. Wheelchair users of this open space find the area very unsafe as it could cause someone to fall out of their chair.Five Trees open space is used by families for picnics. So, if this pavement is resurfaced it will make this area safer all year round.

Project Development3 years ago Improving Biodiversity on the Arbury Town Parks greenspace, near to the Arbury Community Centre off Campkin Road. This space is an established recreational green space for socializing, nature and play in Arbury and Kings Hedges ward, used since the surrounding housing was first established in the 1960s and covers an area of just over 1.7 hectares. The proposed work will be concentrated on the boundary areas to maintain the general open parkland areas and sports and leisure activities in the core of the area. Arbury Town Park greenspace is chiefly laid to grass with intermittent trees crossed with footpaths. There are boundary areas left too long-grass with trees planting approximately 0.2ha. However overall, the green space doesn’t take full advantage of its space (at ground level – tree canopy) to promote environmental and biodiversity value mainly because of the poor biodiversity of the mown grass parkland areas. However, there is an opportunity to promote biodiversity particularly around the boundary edges potentially adding a further 500msq or 0.05ha of further biodiversity/natural area. This opportunity to improve biodiversity could come through several measures that may include invertebrate and wildflower banks, with the banks creating a wildflower seed bank, hedging along Arbury Road park edge, bee-mounds and additional tree planting as well as social interaction through seating around the edges of the space. This would improve biodiversity and the environment at a local level in this established recreation space, making increased use of the green assets to address the climate emergency and help increase public support for measures to reduce climate impacts and improve biodiversity. This project provides a chance for a local response and a balance between ease of maintenance and biodiversity improvements. Being near the central community hub of Arbury Community Centre these biodiversity improvements could showcase for the community and new generations a positive project, which makes biodiversity improvements central to how we address the climate emergency at a local level. Benefits of such measures to the non-human natural world according to Cambridge City Councils Biodiversity Toolkit include better habitats for: • Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, hoverflies and moths. • Mammals, including mice, voles, hedgehogs, foxes, badgers and deer. • Birds, resident, wintering and migrating through Cambridge. • Molluscs, including slugs and snails. • Reptiles and amphibians, including frogs, newts, lizards, grass snakes and toads. • Fungi and plants, including wildflowers, trees, and the amazing soil ecosystem. More generally, green spaces also: • Help mitigate climate change by capturing carbon, especially by planting trees. • Can help prevent flooding and drought by storing and using rainwater.Community consultation would be required with local interest stakeholders including representatives of Arbury Community Centre, Local Councillors and any others.

Project Development3 years ago Romsey Place: This area contains several small green spaces. It is overgrown and looks dilapidated, In one sense this is good because it provides an area of natural habitat. But it could also be a colourful area with wild space and some clever planting that could provide a sense of well-being.By adding a further double seat and some rose’s and other hardy but larger flowering bushes we could turn this whole area into a colourful and welcoming place that would benefit the biodiversity and sense of community well being.With the help of our officers, local councillors could work out a scheme that really benefited the community.This area is a coming of the ways from Fairfax Road, Catherine Street, Sedgewick Street and Cromwell Road. It is a cycle route and route to St Phillips School and Romsey Rec frequently used by local people.This was raised by the public in Romsey and is supported by the councillors.We may even be able to set up a group of local people to maintain the area and this in itself would improve the sense of community in Romsey.

Project Development3 years ago Improving Biodiversity on the St Alban’s Recreation Ground’s greenspace, near to the new Meadows Centre off Arbury Road. This space is an established recreational green space for sport, socializing, nature and play in Arbury ward, since the surrounding housing was first established in the 1960s being less than half a mile from Kings Hedges and Orchard Park and covers an area of just over 2 hectares. With approximately 1.5 hectares falling within Cambridge City Council and 0.5 Hectares falling within South Cambridgeshire. The proposed work will be concentrated on the Cambridge City Council area as the South Cambridgeshire area (around the play facility) is an integral part of the re-development of the space through the masterplan via the developer Hill. The area we are considering of St Alban’s Rec is chiefly laid to grass approximately 1.05ha although there are boundary areas left too long-grass and for the provision of a tree belt 0.1ha, as well as a 0.3ha area of scrubby woodland. Overall, the Recreation Ground doesn’t take full advantage of its space to promote environmental and biodiversity value mainly because of the poor biodiversity of mown grass sports areas. However, there is an opportunity to promote biodiversity particularly around the boundary edges perhaps adding 700msq or 0.07ha of further biodiversity/natural area and not unduly impede on the sports field. This opportunity to improve biodiversity could come through several measures that may include invertebrate and wildflower banks, with the banks creating a wildflower seed bank, bee-mounds and additional tree planting as well as social interaction through seating around the edges of the space. This would improve biodiversity and the environment at a local level in this established recreation space, making increased use of the green assets to address the climate emergency and help increase public support for measures to reduce climate impacts and improve biodiversity. This project provides a chance for a local response and a balance between ease of maintenance and biodiversity improvements. Being near the central community hub of the Meadows Community Centre these biodiversity improvements could showcase for the community and new generations a positive project, which makes biodiversity improvements central to how we address the climate emergency at a local level. Benefits of such measures to the non-human natural world according to Cambridge City Councils Biodiversity Toolkit include better habitats for: • Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, hoverflies and moths. • Mammals, including mice, voles, hedgehogs, foxes, badgers and deer. • Birds, resident, wintering and migrating through Cambridge. • Molluscs, including slugs and snails. • Reptiles and amphibians, including frogs, newts, lizards, grass snakes and toads. • Fungi and plants, including wildflowers, trees, and the amazing soil ecosystem. More generally, green spaces also: • Help mitigate climate change by capturing carbon, especially by planting trees. • Can help prevent flooding and drought by storing and using rainwater.Community consultation would be required with local interest stakeholders including the Friends of St Alban’s Recreation Ground, representatives of the Meadows Community Centre, Hill Construction, Local Councillors, St Laurence Primary School, and many others.

Project Development3 years ago There are many local events and good causes, yet there are no really prominent noticeboards. The one at Romsey Rec on Ross Street is no longer serviceable and putting a noticeboard at the Coop or Romsey R would provide a means for the community to know about what is going on and how they may help others. The notice boards would provide an opportunity for local advertisements of events or good causes to be publicised. Romsey Rec and Mill Road are areas where people move around and congregate. This was raised by the public in Romsey and is supported by the councillors who will make arrangements for their use

Project Development3 years ago The King George V Playing Field is a key community green space in Trumpington, and is enjoyed by individuals as well as families with children (which benefit from the play area on the site). However, there are very few seating areas on the field which limits accessibility of the site, and in particular, adding some picnic benches could significantly improve the value of the area for families and other small groups.BenefitsSpending time outdoors has significant benefits to mental health and wellbeing, and by providing benches for families and friends to use, we can encourage more people to take advantage of the green spaces available in Trumpington and improve them for existing users. There are a number of sites that would be suitable for picnic benches, including several close to the play area, which would enable parents to supervise their children while having them able to come and go between the play area and the benches easily. More distant sites on the other side of the green space could also be used.ImplementationThree to four picnic benches would go a long way towards improving the amenity and accessibility of this green space for residents and visitors. Appropriate designs could be chosen which use materials that require minimal maintenance, and some of the benches could be wheelchair accessible to ensure full alignment with the City Council’s vision of a more equal and inclusive city.

Project Development3 years ago No current signage exists directing residents or visitors to the public conveniences available in the City Centre. By installing directional signage finders, visitors and locals can make more use of the available facilities giving the ability to find the facilities quickly and ensuring they maintain a comfort level throughout their visit to the city centre. Signage will improve the offer of the city and enable a more pleasant experience to residents and visitors. The signage helps pedestrians navigate external spaces and greatly helps the flow of pedestrians by easily guiding people where they need to be.Posts to be installed at various locations across the City Centre. Nearest postcodes are: CB2 1AD (Parkers Piece), CB1 1NP, CB1 1EX (Christs Pieces and New Square), CB2 8AB, CB3 9PA (Lammas Land and New Bit), CB3 9AH (Queens Green)

Project Development3 years ago Two benches already approved, and discussions started with local residents. Rather than just putting in the benches, this is an opportunity to improve the landscape where they will go.Spending time outdoors has significant benefits to mental health and wellbeing, and by providing benches for families and friends to use, we can encourage more people to take advantage of the green spaces available in Petersfield and improve them for existing users. Easy to do, resident very supportive.

Project Development3 years ago The residents of Elmfield Road and Eastfield’s have been trying to get a lamp post restated, outside Nos 15 & 17 for funding has been applied for with Cambridgeshire County Council for many years with no luck.This stretch of road is very dangerous at night for the elderly and disabled residents, as there are many flats that house these vulnerable residents.In this area its very dark and we have had many issues with ASB, drug dealings, and fly-tipping we as residents feel that if this lamp post was reinstated this would help with these issues, many residents have said that they feel very unsafe walking through this area too.

Project Development3 years ago New and prominent signage at the four entrances to the glade area which say something like. Pick up after your dogTake your litter home. Glade area between Church End and Teversham Drift, CB1 3LB. So that this lovely family area can be used by residents in safety. Supported by Local Cllrs, Cllrs Russ McPherson, Cllr Dryden: Cllr AshtonGlade area between Church End and Teversham DriftCB1 3LBA new dog bin at the entrance by Teversham Drift Bungalow no 8 as there is not one already there.

Project Development3 years ago BackgroundThe community garden has been designed, planted and run by residents. There is an educational element with the local junior school, that could be developed with the children, parents and teachers.BenefitsSpending time outdoors has significant benefits to mental health and wellbeing, and by providing benches for families and friends to use, we can encourage more people to take advantage of the green spaces available in Trumpington and improve them for existing users. ImplementationConsider what is already being done, and help develop a 5 years plan, and help to start the implementation.

Project Development3 years ago At St Albans' Recreation Space, replace existing fence/install fence where none exists with a steel knee diamond (100mm x 100mm) rail fence at 600mm high with steel posts spaced at two metre centres. This would prevent unwanted access onto a well used open space. Vehicle access point would be installed to allow grass cutting machinery onto the site and existing tree/shrub lines would be bolstered with extra planting helping to form a natural biodiversity rich barrier. This would help to secure a well-used area from unwanted incursion. Protect users of the open space and preserve tree/shrub lines which become damaged during unwanted access. Ward members support this installation project. Operations Team or asset Maintenance Team would provide support for watering but the aim would be to implement during the late Autumn/Winter when bareroot plants are available and easier to establish. With an estimated cost of £12,000 though any contribution towards this would be welcomed.

Project Development

All input submitted by this participant

'Growing Nightingale Garden Community' by increasing biodiversity and engagement

Greening the Ironworks : Contributing towards improving biodiversity

Revamp the raised flower planters outside the Mill Road Cooperative Supermarket

Improve access pathway and surface to Five Trees openspace

Biodiversity Improvements on Arbury Town Park

Improve and brighten up the whole area around the roundabout at Cromwell Road

Biodiversity Improvements on St Alban’s Recreation Space

2 x Community Information Noticeboards in Romsey

Picnic Benches for George V Playing Field

Fingerposts advising the public of the locations of City Centre public toilets

Landscaping Opportunities for Gwydir Street, in location of approved 2 x benches

To reinstate a lamp post, on Elmfield Road

Bin for Dog fouling, litter and new signage in greenspace, just off Church End

Community Development Opportunities at Clay Farm Community Garden

Upgrading of Fence - and planting shrubs to provide a natural biodiverse barrier