A 370-acre area of land on the edge of Cambridge has returned to the care of the National Trust for the first time in 60 years. Situated seven miles from the city near Anglesey Abbey, the Northfield site runs alongside Quy Road toward Bottisham with the goal of creating new wildlife habitats and improving public access to green space.
Restoring Nature in Cambridgeshire
Emma Ormond-Bones, general manager of the National Trust’s North Cambridgeshire Portfolio, explained that the organization wants to transform Northfield into a thriving sanctuary for nature to help wildlife recover and build resilience against a changing climate. The initiative arrives as Cambridgeshire stands as one of the most nature-depleted counties in the UK amid a rapidly growing population and increasing demand for accessible green spaces. The trust successfully acquired the land following an agreement with tenants.
The landscape features a rich natural and cultural heritage, including a chalk stream, and is characterized as a distinctive fen-edge environment where low-lying fenland meets a higher chalk ridge. Archaeological evidence indicates human activity on the site spanning thousands of years, including the Roman period. Over time, the charity anticipates that species such as water voles, harvest mice, and turtle doves will benefit from the restoration efforts.
Community Involvement and Future Plans
Northfield marks the inaugural project in the trust’s new regional masterplan, which is part of the broader Wicken Fen Vision. This long-term initiative aims to establish a more connected and resilient landscape for both wildlife and people, stretching from Wicken Fen to the outskirts of Cambridge. Ormond-Bones noted that the site holds significant potential to benefit people and wildlife alike, emphasizing the organization’s desire for local residents to help shape its future.
The charity intends to gather community input to understand local priorities and ensure the area becomes a valued space for future generations. A series of community drop-in sessions regarding the vision will take place from Saturday, 21 November, to Friday, 27 November. Public feedback will guide the next planning phase before formal proposals are developed throughout 2027.
