This news comes ahead of World Wetlands Day on Sunday 2nd February, an international day to raise awareness of wetlands biodiversity.
On Sunday 26th January, a group of local volunteers supported by Cambridge City Council officers and local councillors came together to carry out improvements in the area, including coppicing willow and creating hibernacula (habitats where creatures can take refuge). The aim is for the new wetlands to promote local wildlife, including toads, frogs, and dragonflies.
The new wetland area is located along the tree-line to the right of the Garlic Row entrance to Stourbridge Common. Councillors see it as an important step in protecting and promoting species in Cambridge and tackling the biodiversity emergency they declared last year.
Cllr Haf Davies, Cambridge City Councillor for Abbey ward, commented on the plans saying: “It’s brilliant to see the Labour-run City Council taking proactive steps to promote biodiversity. Huge thanks are due to Council officers and the volunteers who made these improvements possible.
“Stourbridge Common is a brilliant green space in the heart of Abbey ward and is an asset to the whole of Cambridge. These new wetlands are an excellent opportunity to encourage local wildlife as we take steps to tackle the biodiversity emergency.”
Cllr Grace Hadley, Labour’s biodiversity lead, also welcomed the news: “This is such a fantastic new development and is a key part of our plans to enhance biodiversity across the city. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the wetland develops, and how it will encourage the local community to get involved. It’ll be a great learning opportunity for families and children.”