What’s new?
22 June 2009
Mayor opens new Cambridge reserve
The Mayor of Cambridge, Councillor Russ McPherson, opened East Pit Nature Reserve to the public for the first time in nearly 100 years on Friday 19 June.
The former quarry in Cherry Hinton has been transformed into a wildlife haven by The Wildlife Trust, providing local people with a space for recreation, discovery and adventure.
Over 50 children from Colville Primary School attended to discover the various finds that the reserve has to offer. Other guests included local councillors, project funders, geologists and archaeologists.
To celebrate the opening of the reserve, The Wildlife Trust held a Discovery Day on Saturday 20 June, which was attended by over 250 people who took part in the free activities including bug hunting, chalk and charcoal art, an archaeological dig and guided walks. Visitors were also able to see young kestrels taking their maiden voyage from the nest at the top of one of the talls cliffs that surrounds the reserve.
Martin Baker, conservation manager for The Wildlife Trust in Cambridgeshire said: “We are delighted to welcome people to this new nature reserve to explore wildlife on their doorstep. It is a great opportunity for visitors to learn about the past while watching wildlife flourish and develop over the coming years.”
Set among towering cliffs, East Pit has a rich and varied history, and is home to a wealth of species. Archaeologists currently digging the site have discovered exciting finds such as human remains and Roman artefacts.
East Pit is part of the Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits Reserve, which includes West Pit and Lime Kiln Close. It is open all year round free of charge.
For further information, please contact either Laura Watson on 01954 713530 or 07793 606025.
Click here to listen to Iain Webb, City Greenways Project officer, talking to Tanya Mercer about the wildlife and management work happening at our new reserve.
Click here to listen to archaeologist Richard Mortimer explaining the historical treasures that have been found at East Pit.