News from Cambridge Past Present and Future

Enjoy the early spring flowers at Wandlebury Country Park - snowdrops and winter aconites now at their best

2012-02-17T13:27:00.010Z

Now at their best - carpets of snowdrops and winter aconites up on the Gog Magog Hills at the heart of Wandlebury.

A new vantage point at Wandlebury Country Park - the Banyard Hide

2012-02-10T19:26:00.041Z

On Friday 10 February 2012 we have officially opening a new observation hotspot at Wandlebury Country Park in memory of one of our dedicated volunteers and trustee - Michael Banyard.
It is a bird hide, shelter and look out which will add to Wandlebury's delights.

Donors, corporate supporters, patrons, staff and many volunteers and guests enjoy the new hide

Funded by charitable donations, corporate support and gifts in kind, the hide is the perfect place for sheltering from the winter weather and a great look out watching the natural inhabitants of Wandlebury go about their business.
CambridgePPF is grateful to all those who have supported this project and seen it through to fruition. An initial grant from Cambridge City Sustainable City Grant generated wide interest and local companies such as Mackays Ltd, Peter Saunders Builders Ltd, Scotsdale Nursery and Garden Centre, Cambridge Risk Ltd, many local donors helped to make the project a reality.
Conceived by Architect Sabin Anca of State of Design Ltd, Cambridge, together with international conservation organisation Forest Monitor, the structure started of as an exhibition feature as part of Architecture Week displaying global deforestation issues. Subsequently the structure was recycled in parts to make the bird observation hide. Sustainability issues have been at the heart of the initial structure - as an exhibition structure - and the theme has been continued at Wandlebury:

some timber of the original structure has been re-used
where possible local suppliers have been used
cedar cladding and roof shigles will weather naturally - avoiding usage of timber reservatives and paints
rainwater will be collected and used to top up a small wildlife drinking pool
a green roof - using native species - has been installed over the staircase - collecting water and creating further feeding and nesting places for insects and birds (the water impermeable liner has been donated by re-natur).

The Banyard Hide

The structure has its own niche within a shelterbelt and gives views to different wildlife areas. Species to spot include the green wood peckers, jackdaws and kestrels in around the pasture, robins, wrens, black birds in the coppice shelter belt and jays and pheasants in the field.

Following and initial idea by CambridgePPF's Ranger Team and in discussion with the committee the rangers together with volunteers have constructed the hide and the interpretation panels - depicting sponsors as well as the delightful green wood pecker - were also done in-house.

Architect Sabin Anca

Ranger Team on the lookout!

observing the wildlife within the nearby tree belt

enjoying the view from the first floor

glimpses of the interior

interpratation panels and benches designed in-house

Consultations you should be aware of

2012-01-06T14:36:00.004Z

City Council Consultations

Important Consultations which will decide on the future of the general envrionemnt of our major roads and Conservation Areas - make your voice heard:

Riverside and Stourbridge Common Conservation Area Consultation — until 23 January
New Town and Glisson Road Conservation Area Appraisal Consultation — until 3 February
Hills Road Suburbs and Approaches Study Consultation — until 3 February
Trumpington Road Suburbs and Approaches Consulktation — until 3 February
Long Road Suburbs and Approach Consultation — until 7 February

Local Residents' Petition

Garden House Hotel - extension planned is further to the right

RAON’s petition against the extension to the Hilton Doubletree Hotel (old Garden House Hotel) adjacent to the River Cam and Coe Fen/ Sheep's Green - for details please click here. If you wish to contact Residents' Association of Old Newnham (RAON) there is a link to follow on the petition itself.

CambridgePPF have opposed the submitted planning application in September 2011 - for details click here.

Review of Cambridge Local Plan

The City Council is undertaking a stakeholder worksshop and has invited CambridgePPF to join one of them.

Similarly key landowners, organisations, businesses and other stakeholders in the City will be consulted to talk about their aspirations for the future.

Please let us know of any changes you wish to make in view of the Local Plan - how it should be updated and guide development of the City covering a plan period up to 2031. How can planning policies be better phrased and what is missing or should be added to make our environment - natural or built - better for all.

Please send us your thoughts to this CambridgePPF contact e-mail by 23 January 2012 at the latest so that we can prepare in time for the meeting.

Our Chair - Dr Robin Pellew submitting the petition to Government

CambridgePPF Petition to Government

(regarding the National Planning Policy Framework)

To date we have not yet had any feedback nor acknowledgement from Government.

Our original submission can be viewed here, article published by Cambridge News can be viewed here.

We are keeping an eye on all and will update you asap.

CambridgePPF welcomes MPs recommendation to change draft planning framework

2011-12-21T16:45:00.015Z

Two months after submitting a petition to Government reflecting local concerns about changes to the planning system, Cambridge Past, Present and Future (CambridgePPF) has welcomed a constructive report made by the Parliament's Select Committee reporting on the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

The report states that a default answer of 'yes' to development should be removed from the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Carolin Göhler, CEO of CambridgePPF said: “CambridgePPF welcomes the constructive report made by the Select Committee set up to review the draft National Planning Policy Framework - in particular that environmental and social needs require better integration to truly achieve "sustainable design" for future developments. It is in line with concerns raised and submitted to the Government. In Cambridge we clearly understand that balancing an attractive natural environment with a community’s social needs is important in making a successful, high-quality city that is attractive and functions for everyone, including local business.”

Representatives from CambridgePPF originally travelled to London on 17 October to hand a petition in to Government, signed by more than 1000 local residents.

Useful References:

NPPF - DCLG's Select Committee Report out today - click here for details.

CambridgePPF past comments - click here for details.

CambridgePPF petition - click here for details.

Civic Voice - for today's comments click here.

Carter Jonas have become CambridgePPF’s latest corporate member

2011-11-07T11:12:00.001Z

Tim Jones (Carter Jonas) and Carolin Göhler (CambridgePPF) at the Coton Countryside Reserve

Tim Jones, Head of the Rural Division and of Carter Jonas ’Cambridge office said:

“With Cambridge roots going back over a hundred years Carter Jonas is delighted to become a corporate partner, supporting the work of well established charity Cambridge Past, Present & Future in working to keep Cambridge special. Their efforts to look after and manage green spaces and historic buildings together with providing environmental education are invaluable to Cambridge and its surroundings.”

If you would like to find out more about becoming a CambridgePPF Corporate Partner contact us or telephone Mary Nealon on 01223 243830 or e-mail us.

Carter Jonas are also based in Cambridge - for their office at Hills Road -
please click here.

Consultations you should be aware of:

2011-11-04T11:45:00.006Z

Cambridge City Council:

Draft Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA)

Based on National Planning Policy this work ensures an informed understanding of the likely future availability of land for housing in Cambridge over the next 20 years of the next Local Plan.

It identifies sites which may have potential for housing and how many housing units could be accommodated. Click here for more details. Deadline for comments is 11 November 2011 – comments directly to the Council. Please let us know your views by a.m. Tuesday 8 November so we can formulate a response on behalf of CambridgePPF.

Draft Cambridge Skyline Guidance - covering tall and bulky buildings within the City

Increasing pressures on the City to build taller and bulkier buildings have resulted in a more comprehensive guidance being prepared. Currently envisaged as informal council guidance but will be a material consideration in the review of planning applications submitted to the Council.

Click here for full details on this consultation draft. Deadline for comments is 12 December 2011 @ 5pm – comments directly to the Council. Please let us know your views by end of November so that we can finalise a response on behalf of CambridgePPF. To see the report following CambridgePPF’s most recent workshop on this issue (5 May 2010) – please click here http://www.cambridgeppf.org/news/

Mobility Survey

The City Council wants Cambridge city centre to be an enjoyable experience for all. It is particularly keen to help disabled people and their helpers, as well as people with push chairs and prams to navigate more easily. Click here for full details. Deadline for comments by 15 December 2011.

Cambridge City, South Cambridgeshire District Council

North West Cambridge – planning application submitted for new urban extension by the University of Cambridge

The proposed development proposes 3,000 dwellings, 2,000 student accommodations, employment and commercial space including a super market, community facilities, green space etc. Click here for full details of this major development. Deadline 4 November 2011. It may be possible to try to negotiate an extension with the planning case officer before the deadline finishes.

Plumbs’ milk floats roll out to help CambridgePPF sites

2011-10-27T14:47:00.003+01:00

Plumbs of Balsham, the dairy business that has delivered milk to Cambridgeshire residents for almost 60 years, is lending its fundraising experience to Cambridge Past Present & Future (CambridgePPF) – helping the charity raise money for the green spaces and historic properties it cares for across the city.

Over the next fortnight, Plumbs’ fleet of 28 milk vans will deliver 10,000 envelopes to customers in Cambridge and up to 90 surrounding villages. Arriving with the morning milk, the envelopes ask Plumbs’ customers for a contribution towards the upkeep of treasured local places such as Wandlebury Country Park.

Nestled in the Gog Magog Hills to the South of Cambridge, Wandlebury is a precious local resource. The 110-acre site is a retreat for walkers and nature lovers – and is popular with people of all ages. But maintaining the beautiful woodlands and chalk grassland for people to enjoy is expensive. Every week CambridgePPF spends £2,500 on the management of trees and meadows; care of livestock; protection of flora and fauna; historic buildings and other projects that ensure visitor safety and enjoyment.

Plumbs have always actively fundraised. Over the last decade the business and its customers have raised almost £80,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Justin Plumb, Manager at Plumbs, said: “Macmillan has been our charity of choice for eleven years. In that time our customers have helped raise a staggering amount of money. We are grateful for their support and remain committed to our relationship with such an important national charity. But a while ago we made the decision to also support another charity, right on our doorstep. We wanted something completely unrelated to Macmillan’s work so CambridgePPF and its properties – Wandlebury in particular – was an obvious choice. Lots of our customers are based to the South of the city and use the park regularly without realising how much time, effort and money is invested in the site, week in, week out. Our customers are known for their generosity and we hope they’ll see the value in fundraising for such a worthwhile local cause, which is of benefit to the environment and everyone in and around Cambridge.”

Mary Nealon, Head of Development at CambridgePPF, said: “In Cambridge we are fortunate to have so many lush greens, commons and country parks dotted around the city – all of which are easily accessible for everyone. But managing these spaces – particularly the larger estates on the outskirts of Cambridge – is not cheap. People are always really surprised when they find out how much it costs to care for Wandlebury and some don't even realise the site is managed by a local charity. We are grateful to the team at Plumbs and its customers for highlighting our cause and adopting us in such a public way.”

You don't have to be a Plumbs customer to donate to CambridgePPF's work just click here to make a donation NOW!

CambridgePPF properties include Bourn Windmill, Coton Countryside Reserve, Hinxton Mill, The Leper Chapel on Newmarket Road and Wandlebury Country Park.

Plumbs will celebrate 60 years of business in 2012. The business was started in 1952 by Henry Plumb, who had a vision to supply fresh local milk and produce, without fuss to local people.

Thank you for supporting our petition - Planning improvements are desirable but not at all cost

2011-10-17T15:11:00.003+01:00

We have collected over 1,036 signatures and on 17 October 2012 submitted all to the Department of Communities and Local Government - for the media release please click here.
Background - letter from our Chairman - click here , petition details (NOW CLOSED however you can sign up for our e-newsletter for updates), background reading and contact details - click here.

In our response to the government's consultation on the Draft National Planning Policy Framework we have said that:

Cambridge is a city of international significance. CambridgePPF cannot emphasise too highly that the quality of Cambridge as a place has to be sustained, and even enhanced, through sound and robust planning processes if the area is to continue to perform strongly in economic terms. Hasty and poor-quality development, not balanced with infrastructure investment and with environmental considerations, will kill the goose that has hitherto laid the golden eggs. Our full response is here.

AGM and Guest Lecture at the Cambridge Station Area - 6 October 2011

2011-10-06T23:07:00.001+01:00

Aid & Abet artists' base within an old railway warehouse

This year we took the AGM to CB1 and attendees were able to explore how the development around the Railway Station is taking shape.

Many thanks go to Glen Richardson (Cambridge City Council - Joint Urban Design Team) and Jonathan Hurst (Historic Environment Team) and members of the Brookgate Development Team to help us better understand the current implementation works shaping this new city quarter.
We had a stimulating discussion on the "Big Society and Localism" and are grateful for Neil Stott of the Keystone Trust setting expertly the scene.
Following our AGM we welcome Dr Jenna Bishop, Natalie Yates and Matthew Bullock as new Trustees of CambridgePPF.

Support our Chariot of Fire Runners - the "Wandlebury Wanderers" and "Coton Companions"

2011-08-19T09:16:00.006+01:00

runners - Donald Douglas, Carolin Gohler, Claire Enderby, Bill Mathews pose

All funds raised will support the good work undertaken at the Rosie Maternity Hospital in Cambridge under its umbrella charity "Act". For details click here.
Please support both our teams via the just-giving web site - an easy way to donate on line - click here.

For images of our teams in action - please click here.
Many thanks to all those who supported our team and the good cause - the Rosie Maternity Hospital in Cambridge.

Teach-in on localism and planning - Seminar and workshop held on 14 July 2011

2011-07-17T15:47:00.001+01:00

The Planning System is being reformed -
How will such changes affect Cambridge and surrounding communities?
How can we prepare and benefit from the 'new way of thinking' when the Localism Bill is finalised in spring next year?

Introductory speakers:

Kelvin MacDonald (University Department of Land Economy)
Patsy Dell (Head of Planning Services, Cambridge City Council)
Sean Traverse-Healy (Cambridgeshire CPRE)

Breakout groups' topics:
How will localism help you to improve the planning of your neighbourhood?
What help and support will you need?

Points from breakout groups - please click here.

CambridgePPF celebrates £10,000 lottery windfall

2011-06-07T12:48:00.007+01:00

Local conservation charity Cambridge Past Present & Future (CambridgePPF) is celebrating after receiving a £10,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund’s Awards for All – the non-departmental public body that gives out millions of pounds from the National Lottery to good causes and community groups that improve health, education and the environment.

CambridgePPF plans to invest the money at Coton Countryside Reserve – its outdoor centre on the western fringes of the city, which is open for the public to explore throughout the year.

The money received from the Big Lottery fund will help pay for a brand new planting scheme at Coton. Over the next year CambridgePPF wants to plant 100 fruit trees on site, recreating the mosaic of orchards that once existed to the west of Cambridge. The project will consist of a linear orchard area alongside an existing 6 metre wide path and a clump orchard near an existing concrete farm track. The latter will include fruit and nut trees with a glade in the centre and 100 metres of hedgerow containing hazel, filberts, cobnuts and much more.

The remaining money will be used to supplement associated planting, pasture and meadow developments projects at Coton, the creation of interpretation boards and seating designed by local craftsmen and women.

Carolin Göhler, CEO of CambridgePPF said: “Cambridgeshire orchards are only 20% of what it was in the 1950s. Unfortunately orchards are still being lost through redevelopment, neglect, or conversion to paddocks and arable land. This is having a dramatic effect on the local landscape and a detrimental effect on its biodiversity. Our planting scheme will enhance insect and bird diversity, replicate known traditional orchards lost in this area west of Cambridge and help conserve genetic diversity in locally rare and old fruit tree cultivars. In time we want the orchard to become a resource for residents of Cambridge in its own right offering education opportunities and producing food. With the help of the Big Lottery Fund we can start to make our plans a reality and in time for people to enjoy wonderful orchard areas.”

As well as a cash injection from the Big Lottery Fund, CambridgePPF’s orchard project at Coton has also received funding from South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Community Orchards Programme and Cambridge City Council.

In 2004 Coton Countryside Reserve was established as a working farm with public access and wildlife benefits on land owned by CambridgePPF. The 120ha Reserve is close to local villages and Cambridge City and is a major recreational area for the Cambridge Sub-region.

As development gets underway there will be opportunities for members of the public to become involved in community planting activities on site. Anyone interested in learning more about the site can do so at the weekend. On Sunday 12th June, CambridgePPF is taking part in the nationwide Open Farm Sunday scheme. From 11am to 4pm, the charity will be staging a day of activities including: the chance to meet the Coton farmer plus CambridgePPF staff and volunteers; guided walks and talks; an exhibition in the barn; and the chance to make scarecrows and see various pieces of farm machinery and equipment on display.

Go to http://www.cambridgeppf.org/ for more information.

- ends -

About Cambridge Past, Present and Future (CambridgePPF)

Founded as Cambridge Preservation Society in 1928, CambridgePPF is a registered charity campaigning to keep Cambridge and its surroundings special by positively influencing planning developments, delivering environmental education and managing the green spaces and historic buildings in its care. Its diverse property portfolio includes Wandlebury Country Park and its Iron Age Ring; Coton Countryside Reserve; Barnwell Leper Chapel; Bourn Windmill plus various wildlife sites and historic buildings. Key achievements include protecting sites such as Grantchester Meadows, the Gog Magog Hills and Wandlebury Estate from development and helping to establish the Cambridge Green Belt in the 1960s. CambridgePPF has a growing membership, which makes a vital contribution to the cost of conserving, managing and developing its sites. With its HQ at Wandlebury, CambridgePPF has a mix of busy full and part-time staff and is run by a Board of Trustees together with Advisory Committees staffed by dedicated volunteers. For more information about CambridgePPF and benefits of membership: www.cambridgeppf.org

About Coton Countryside Reserve

In the 1930s CambridgePPF (then known as the Cambridge Preservation Society) acquired farm land in what is now part of the city’s Green Belt. At the time, initial steps were taken to improve the landscape by planting a number of non-native trees and developing public access. However, major works were halted by the onset of the Second World War. Further development was then affected by the charity’s purchase of land to the south of Cambridge. This enormous undertaking, which monopolised the charity’s resources, resulted in the creation of Wandlebury Country Park – an outdoor resource that many Cambridgeshire residents now hold in dear affection.
In the late 1990s, CambridgePPF turned its attention back to Coton, gathering support and attracting funding. In 2003 the charity gained planning permission to create a brand new countryside reserve. Since then the reserve has benefitted from an initial grant towards the planning stage (Marshall of Cambridge Ltd, 2003) and support from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM, 2004-2006). In 2004 a Countryside Stewardship Scheme was agreed with DEFRA (2004 to 2014). Futher support was also gained from South Cambridgeshire District Council for woodland and hedge planting; Cambridgeshire County Council; EDF Energy (to attract kestrels); and an anonymous donation of a pick-up truck to aid site management. Most recent improvement works included the completion of the Phase One Martin Car Park in memory of the late Miss Audrey Martin and a wildlife pond with picnic area funded by WREN (Waste Recycling Group Ltd through the Landfill Communities Fund).
With the help of the Trumpington Farm Company, CambridgePPF is now entering the second phase of development at Coton.
For more information about CambridgePPF, the Coton Countryside Reserve or to make a donation
to the charity, become a volunteer or donate to the orchard project, please contact us:
enquiries [at] cambridgeppf.org or visit our website http://www.cambridgeppf.org/

Big Lottery – Awards for All
Awards for All is a Lottery grants scheme funding small, local community-based projects in the UK.

Orchard Project – “This is a project by an incorporated charity in Cambridgeshire. The group will use the funding to develop and plant an orchard. This will replicate traditional orchards and provide an area where the local community can learn about food production.”
£9,887.00 have been awarded to support this project by Awards for All: England.

For more information please visit http://www.awardsforall.org.uk/index.html

Cambridge Water becomes first CambridgePPF corporate supporter

2011-05-02T08:56:00.002+01:00

Campaigning and conservation charity Cambridge Past, Present & Future (CambridgePPF) has launched a Corporate Membership Programme and recruited Cambridge Water as one of its founding business supporters.

The water company is publicly backing the charity in its endeavours to keep Cambridge special by positively influencing planning developments and managing the green spaces and landmark buildings in its care.

The launch of CambridgePPF’s Corporate Membership Programme is the charity’s first major step in galvanising support from the local business community. The scheme mirrors CambridgePPF’s existing individual, family and lifetime membership packages and is designed to generate income and recruit volunteers to bolster its work at treasured public amenities in and around the city, which are costly to preserve: Wandlebury Country Park, the 110 acre site at the top of the Gog Magog Hills, is a much-loved rural retreat but costs £2,800 per week to maintain.

Becoming a CambridgePPF corporate member offers a range of benefits. It gives local companies a clear way to demonstrate their environmental credentials and undertake Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) work that can make a real difference to the future fabric of the city. It also opens up opportunities for participation in employee volunteering initiatives, environmental education programmes and bespoke conservation team building sessions.

Stephen Kay, managing director at Cambridge Water said: “For more than 150 years we have been supplying high quality drinking water to homes and businesses in and around Cambridge. In that time we’ve supported numerous charities and community initiatives that make a positive contribution to ensuring the area we supply develops in a sustainable way. Becoming a corporate supporter of CambridgePPF was a natural choice. The charity’s environmental work and involvement in local planning issues has many synergies with our own values and interests. We look forward to getting to know the team at CambridgePPF over the months ahead and exploring how best to work together.”

Nigel Brown OBE, President of CambridgePPF, said: “We are delighted that Cambridge Water has become one of our first commercial supporters and hope their endorsement of our work will inspire other businesses to follow suit. Every company based in Cambridge has a vested interest in keeping the city special. With a strong private sector, high levels of entrepreneurship and a large share of knowledge-based jobs, Cambridge has weathered the downturn far better than other centres in the UK. In part this is also because it is such an attractive place in which to live, work and do business.”

“With further growth forecast and numerous settlements planned to house forthcoming generations of workers, it is imperative that planned residential and commercial developments do not detract from the unique character of our world famous city. Our corporate membership gives local companies the chance to contribute to the future of Cambridge. Through financial donations, salary sacrifice schemes and volunteer programmes they can help maintain the green spaces and historic buildings under CambridgePPF’s management and voice their opinions on important local issues that will govern how Cambridge looks for centuries to come.”

CambridgePPF is offering local companies a range of different membership options, depending on the scale of financial support they feel able to offer. Businesses wanting to know more about the CambridgePPF Corporate Membership Programme and the full range of member benefits on offer should contact: Mary Nealon, Head of Development, CambridgePPF E: development@cambridgeppf.org / T: 01223-243830 x 204.

- ENDS -

About Cambridge Past, Present and Future (CambridgePPF)
Founded as Cambridge Preservation Society in 1928, CambridgePPF is a registered charity campaigning to keep Cambridge and its surroundings special by positively influencing planning developments, delivering environmental education and managing the green spaces and historic buildings in its care. Its diverse property portfolio includes Wandlebury Country Park and its Iron Age Ring; Coton Countryside Reserve; Barnwell Leper Chapel; Bourn Windmill plus various wildlife sites and historic buildings. Key achievements include protecting sites such as Grantchester Meadows, the Gog Magog Hills and Wandlebury Estate from development and helping to establish the Cambridge Green Belt in the 1960s. CambridgePPF has a growing membership, which makes a vital contribution to the cost of conserving, managing and developing its sites. With its HQ at Wandlebury, CambridgePPF has a mix of busy full and part-time staff and is run by a Board of Trustees together with Advisory Committees staffed by dedicated volunteers. For more information about CambridgePPF and benefits of membership: http://www.cambridgeppf.org/

About Cambridge Water Company
Cambridge Water supplies high quality drinking water to a population of 300,000 and covers an area of 453 square miles. This includes Cambridge and extends to Ramsey in the north, Gamlingay in the west, Balsham in the east and Melbourn in the south. Our customers currently enjoy the second lowest water bills in England and Wales, despite living in one of the driest and fastest-growing areas of the UK.
For more details visit our website at www.cambridge-water.co.uk or contact our customer services team on 01223 706050.

New Coton Countryside Reserve Walks

2011-04-21T11:52:00.008+01:00

new visitor guide - Coton Countryside Reserve - April 2011

There are four new way marked walks to go on this spring, all at Coton Countryside Reserve, - a great way to enjoy the nice weather!

The four walks are:

The Bin Brook Walk: A gentle half-hour stroll through arable fields and grazing meadows lined by tall hedges.

Rowan's Walk: A 50-minute walk exploring open countryside pasture and young woodland/hedgerow plantings.

View Point Walk: A one-hour route that takes in a small hill with impressive views across the local countryside to historic Cambridge - offering great opportunities for observing skylarks and watching the sun rise and set.

Spine Route Walk: A 50 minute walk on a concrete surfaced path which is suitable for cyclists, wheel chairs and push chairs.

If you would like anymore information or a leaflet sending in the post please contact us on this link or call 01223 243830.

Cambridge charity urges City Council to use New Homes Bonus to safeguard the historic environment

2011-04-06T13:40:00.001+01:00

While Cambridge PPF recognises and accepts the need to strengthen the planning team dealing with the growth areas, at the same time we cannot risk weakening the protection of what makes Cambridge so special in the first place - its historic centre, its green open spaces, its trees and cityscapes. What Cambridge PPF is seeking is a better balance in the allocation of the New Homes Bonus and asks that not all this money should be used for the growth areas.

Reference:
Cambridge City Council’s Council

Agenda 7 April 2011 – item 4a and including Appendix 1.
http://www.cambridge.gov.uk/democracy/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=116&MId=260

Full Media Release:Housing Minister Grant Shapps has called on councils in Cambridgeshire to work closely with residents to decide how to spend the rewards of building new homes. The Minister has told councils that it is vital that local people now have the opportunity to choose how these bonuses are spent. Cambridge itself has been awarded £786,646.
Cambridge Past, Present & Future is urging the city council to use this bonus to help maintain the care and protection of Cambridge’s unique historic environment, trees and open spaces.
On Thursday, the full council will vote on plans to spend the New Homes Bonus on supporting posts within the growth area planning team. Cambridge Past Present & Future believes that achieving quality in the ‘Growth Agenda’ and the new urban quarters of Cambridge is very important. However, the plans do not inspire confidence in the council’s commitment to ensuring that the impact of these new developments on the existing historic parts of the city and its residents is minimised. “With budgets under pressure, there are real concerns that this key area of the council’s responsibilities to our world-renowned historic environment will be significantly downgraded,” says Carolin Göhler, the charity’s CEO.

“The expertise of the specialist teams managing the historic environment, trees and green spaces is invaluable and needs to be robust to protect and enhance Cambridge,” she adds.“This applies to the new urban extensions as well as the historic centre of Cambridge. Approval of the budget without considering the historic environment will dramatically reduce the team’s exceptional expertise and will make the protection of the historic core of Cambridge more difficult. Equally trees and green spaces need their specialists to retain the quality of the city. Thus the proposed allocation of the New Homes Bonus needs to be discussed on a wider platform with local people and with all information in the open when making crucial decisions”.

Cambridge PPF is asking for immediate assurances on these issues . The plan for spending the Bonus goes to the vote on Thursday. “We must ensure the Local Authority still protects and enhances the city’s heritage and green open spaces despite the cuts in resources that are being made,” says Göhler. “Cambridge PPF would not like to see any reduction in the strength of the Historic Environment Team. As an example of how they work as integrated professionals, they have to deal with the difficult CB1 development which is located within a Conservation Area and rich in Listed Buildings.”

On behalf of all the residents of Cambridge, Cambridge PPF has voiced its strong concern with the City Council’s ‘Heritage Champion’ Cllr Damien Tunnacliffe and the Leader of the Council - Cllr Sian Reid - and Cllr Clare Blair - Executive Councillor for Climate Change and Growth.

Ends

Notes to editors:

About Cambridge Past, Present & Future (CambridgePPF):

Cambridge Past, Present & Future — a local charity with over 1,700 members working to keep Cambridge and its surroundings special by positively influencing planning developments, delivering environmental education and managing the green spaces and historic buildings in its care — for the benefit of all.

Coalition plans Forest Sell-Off

2011-02-09T16:32:00.000Z

CambridgePPF Comment

CambridgePPF members are encouraged to respond to the Government’s plans to sell-off the woodlands owned by the Forestry Commission. These plans and the response questionnaire can be found here.

To read the opinions of CambridgePPF, click here.

OUT NOW - What's On leaflet

2011-02-09T15:27:00.000Z

Winter/spring 2011 edition of CambridgePPF's Events & Activities now published.

See all at a glance - What's on:

please click here [16.5MB].

Trustee Vacancies - CambridgePPF

2011-02-09T15:16:00.000Z

Wandlebury Country Park

We are seeking to recruit two new Trustees to join our non-executive Board with experience in business or charity management, particularly with expertise in the following areas:

professional knowledge of green space planning or management
environmental education and public engagement.

For details please click here.

CambridgePPF invites city residents and groups to join Big Tree Plant Campaign

2010-12-12T09:31:00.025Z

On Thursday 2 December 2010 when the government announced its Big Tree Plant initiative, local charity Cambridge Past, Present & Future (CambridgePPF) calls for a major tree planting campaign to regreen Cambridge and reverse a decline in its famous population of trees.

Robin Pellew, chair of CambridgePPF said:

“Trees are crucial to the iconic Cambridge landscape, a key feature of its beautiful green spaces and part of what makes the city so special. They also reduce atmospheric pollution and help to combat climate change. Yet our trees are suffering and their decline is a serious matter. Many of our trees are mature, making falling branches a very real health and safety hazard. Others are being ravaged by disease. The horse chestnut, a familiar favourite on the Cambridge commons with its white or pink spring flowers and autumn conkers, is the latest species to suffer, with many older trees now facing the chop.

“We need to reinvigorate and replenish Cambridge’s stock of trees if we are to keep the green cityscape that is the envy of other places. We need to launch a major planting programme involving local community groups, schools, and charities as well as the City Council. We therefore welcome the timing of this Government initiative.
“We urge Cambridge to act fast and seize this opportunity. We want to set up a citizens group with local community organisations, charities and companies, plus the City Council to green the city with new trees. If the City Council could contribute its annual tree-planting budget to this project, it could be used as match funding to secure additional funds from The Big Tree Plant. This, we believe, would benefit the whole community and leave an invaluable legacy of a greener city to be enjoyed by generations to come.

Cambridge Past, Present & Future is willing to act as the catalyst to get this project up and running. As custodian of two country parks on the outskirts of the city we know the importance of managing green spaces as both a public and an environmental resource.

If you are interested in this initiative, please call: 01223 243830 or e-mail us using the link below.

Coton Countryside Reserve - Visitor Survey going live

2010-12-11T06:51:00.009Z

Please help - your views are important to us.

The Coton Countryside Reserve is owned and managed by Cambridge Past, Present & Future (CambridgePPF). As managers of the site we wish to find out more about visits to the site, including why people visit or do not visit. CambridgePPF would also like to make improvements to this green space and feel it is important that you have the opportunity to say how the site could be improved and managed in the future - i.e. to encourage visitors to get out and enjoy the local countryside and its wildlife.

We would be grateful if you could spare 10 minutes to complete our on-line questionnaire sometime between 14 December 2010 and 31 March 2011 - for the questionnaire please click here.

Completing this questionnaire is anonymous but we do request your postcode to enable analysis by area. All the information that you provide will be kept confidential and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

If you would prefer to fill out a paper copy of the questionnaire please contact us using the details listed below.

We also plan personally talk to local people, our members and other stakeholders for their views. If you have any queries, please contact Carolin Gohler at CambridgePPF (tel 01223 243830 x 203) or e-mail ceo at cambridgeppf.org

Thank you for your time and contribution.

Tree planting ceremony shows how Coton Countryside Reserve is growing

2010-12-01T08:31:00.001Z

Cambridge Past, Present & Future marks major milestone and thanks local volunteers.

CambridgePPF, volunteers and Charles Hewitson celebrate the planting of 10,000 trees and shrubs at the Coton Reserve

On Friday 26 November 2010, local charity Cambridge Past, Present and Future (CambridgePPF) held a ceremonial tree planting at its Coton Countryside Reserve to the west of Cambridge. The event marked the growth of the site and the achievements of volunteers who have invested more than 1000 hours in its creation over the last six years. Attendees included village residents, charity staff and trustees plus Charles Hewitson, from regional law firm Hewitsons.

The first trees were planted at Coton in Autumn 2004 in an area of land adjacent to the public footpath that connects the village to the city. Since then 15 different community planting events have taken place and more than 10,000 young trees and shrubs have been transplanted to the site to fill hedgerow gaps, create woodland corners and establish an orchard.

With funding from organisations including South Cambridgeshire District Council and Natural England, as well as generous legacy donations, gifts from private donors and local people, the site has been transformed into a green space where members of the public can admire spectacular views of Cambridge set against a rich backdrop of foliage and flowers.
Charles Hewitson, who attended the event on behalf of regional law firm Hewitsons, and who handled a substantial legacy donation to the reserve, said: “I was very pleased to be able to attend the event and represent the late Audrey Martin whose generosity has enabled the reserve to be enjoyed by future generations. She would have been delighted with what has been achieved through her support”.

Friday’s planting ceremony included a short walk around the reserve, which gave attendees the chance to look at how the site has taken shape and hear about future plans for the land. CambridgePPF is currently working on a master plan for the Coton Countryside Reserve that will add significant value for local people and wildlife.

Carolin Göhler, CEO of CambridgePPF said: “We cannot express enough gratitude for the support we have received in the development of the Coton Countryside Reserve. The hard work and commitment of local residents and volunteers from across Cambridge has created a major rural resource for the village and county as a whole. Over the next 6 to 12 months we have some very exciting plans for the site that will enhance the landscape and guarantee that the space we have created can be enjoyed for many years to come.”

Public bodies and organisations involved in the growth of Coton to date include: The Growth Area Grant Fund, South Cambridgeshire District Council, Natural England (Countryside Stewardship Scheme); and Waste Recycling Group Ltd through the Landfill Communities Fund.

If you would like to become a volunteer at Coton Countryside Reserve or make a donation to help enhance the site please contact the CambridgePPF office on 01223 243830.

The team is always looking for funding, sponsorship and support for projects ranging from the creation of an informal fitness trail to money to purchase essential maintenance equipment, plants and site furniture including benches.

Traffic & Cambridge - More ideas on the way forward by Councillor Nichola Harrison

2010-11-29T16:46:00.014Z

Click here to see Nichola Harrison's proposals for handling the traffic problems on the County's roads. Traffic conditions in Cambridge are already so bad that they demand urgent attention. With the planned expansion of the population of greater Cambridge over the coming years, it is essential that measures be put in place now if Cambridge is not to seize up and if carbon emissions in the City are to be reduced

Therefore we warmly welcome her opening the debate but urge that the details of her proposed measures be subjected to careful scrutiny.

CambridgePPF has commented in the past to the County Council's Transport Commission - please click here for information - please scroll down to news item.

Two new trustees appointed.

2010-10-19T17:53:00.002+01:00

New Trustees

Rob Hammond and Harriet Hunnable

Cambridge Past, Present & Future (CambridgePPF) has appointed two new trustees: Rob Hammond, former CEO of Cambridge City Council; and Harriet Hunnable, an experienced commodities specialist who lives in Cambridge and works for Macquarie – an Australian Investment Bank. Both have been appointed to serve a four-year term for the charity.

Rob is best known in Cambridge for leading the city council for almost 20 years. During his time as CEO he helped steer the city through a period of major growth getting key projects like the Grand Arcade development under way, while respecting the architectural fabric of the historic town centre. Since his retirement in June 2009, Rob has been working as a part-time consultant in the management and improvement of local councils and continues to take an active interest in cultural life and community services in Cambridge.

Harriet’s appointment as a trustee builds on her existing involvement with the charity’s finance and development committees. She recently coordinated the team’s participation in Chariots of Fire, which raised more than £2,000 in sponsorship.

Commenting on his appointment Rob said: “One of the first things I did when I retired as CEO of the council was to join CambridgePPF. Being a member of the society is a great way to stay in touch with what is going on in the city and make a valuable contribution to Cambridge life. Despite the recession, Cambridge continues to grow at a fast pace. CambridgePPF has an essential role to play in championing good design, positively influencing planning developments and protecting some of the city’s most treasured green spaces – all for the benefit of local residents. I look forward to working with the rest of the CambridgePPF board to help keep Cambridge special.”

Carolin Göhler, CEO of CambridgePPF said: “Since relaunching last year we have worked hard to raise our profile with Cambridge residents and local government contacts. As a result our membership has increased by almost 50%. In addition, we are more recognised as an independent body that can put forward well-informed opinions about the overall strategic growth of Cambridge and provide constructive comments about individual developments to ensure that they are of the highest possible quality as they enter the formal planning process. Having Rob and Harriet on board is testimony to our reputation and renewed status in the city. With the coalition government devolving decision-making and planning local enterprise partnerships, there will be lots of opportunities for CambridgePPF to take on new responsibilities and the support and guidance of our trustees will be invaluable.”

Rob and Harriet will work alongside Francis Burkitt and Professor Peter Landshoff, who were both re-elected to serve a second four-year term. Harriet and Rob succeed Valerie Holt, who resigned from her position earlier this year, and Nick Barnes who served as a trustee for eight years and completed two full terms of office.

CambridgePPF wins prize for best newsletter

2010-10-10T20:04:00.023+01:00

Carolin Göhler (CambridgePPF) and Paula Ridley CBE (Civic Voice)

Civic Voice has been awarding top prizes for best website and newsletter as part of their first Annual Conference (held in Peterborough on 9 October 2010).

The company Forster sponsored the award - a communications agency supporting clients from the commercial and non-for-profit sector.

Following the re-launch of the society just one year ago, CambridgePPF scooped the award for the best newsletter with their revamped members' journal - "The Ring" - which has been given a new look, improved layout, great images, "what's on" pages and wide content.

The first Civic Voice Awards for best website and newsletter provided stiff competition with nearly 20 entries in each category. After a vote among civic volunteers to provide two shortlists, Brighton saw off Ripon and Wakefield for the website award. Brighton was commended for the easy on the eye design, regular news updates, clear navigation, concise writing and its use of social media.

In a closely fought contest Cambridge took the honours over Birmingham and Wakefield in the competition for best newsletter. It was praised for the variety of interesting articles, strong masthead and the use of personal stories. Both Brighton and Cambridge also provided easy ways for people to get involved and encouraged feedback.

Effective communication is vital to the future of all civic societies and follwoing the award ceremony Forster provided ten top tips on good communications - for details please see below.

CambridgePPF is grateful for design support received from Kiss Communications as well as for all the help from staff members and volunteers making an interesting read and promoting the diverse work of the society.

CambridgePPF's membership journal is published twice a year and covers the charity's activities from planning and shaping the city, management of historic buildings and green spaces as well as environmental education work. A sample can be viewed here.

Why not become a member and support the work of CambridgePPF?

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Civic Voice - good communication based on Forster's ten tips on communication:

Campaigning Tips

This briefing provides ten top tips for effective newsletters and websites.

1. Keep your design and structure simple – people have expected ideas about where to find things on a web page or in a newsletter. Don’t try and be different – stick to the conventions

2. Put yourself in the user’s shoes – many of us make the mistake of using websites and newsletters to tell people about what we want to tell them – not what they want to hear

3. Make sure it’s up to date – old news and events that have already passed will make your site or newsletter look out of date and irrelevant quickly. Plus having regular new content keeps it interesting, so people will come back

4. What’s the most important thing you want to say? Whether it’s your latest news, your membership joining page or your latest campaign, make sure the thing you most want people to read about is on the homepage or prominent in your newsletter

5. Clear navigation – don’t over complicate things, pick a few simple rules for how you group and link information and then stick to them. Keep these rules simple and obvious, just because you know the intricate internal structure of your civic society doesn’t mean a first time reader or visitor to your site will

6. Be concise – no-one wants, or has time, to read pages of copy. And if people want to find out more, make sure they can get in touch

7. Invite interaction – give people the opportunity to really get involved – by allowing comments and feedback, asking people to submit ideas, articles or pictures, as well as the opportunity to join your group or sign up for the newsletter online

8. Make links with social media – by starting a Facebook Group, making regular tweets on Twitter or sharing images through Flickr for example, you can engage more people and reach out to different audiences

9. Consult, consult, consult. A website or newsletter is never finished - there is always something you can improve, some way of making it work better for your users, so make sure you regularly ask for feedback and regularly test your site on willing volunteers and unfortunate family members

10. Don’t be afraid. Online communications is an evolving animal and so there are always new ways to interact. You don’t have to do them all at once, but by finding out more – and getting advice from experts – you can get your messages out to more and more people.

October 2010

Civic Voice is grateful to communications agency Forster for developing this briefing.

Civic Voice is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England number 7142946
Charity registration number 1134476

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Cambridge Past, Present & Future — a local charity with over 1,500 members working to keep Cambridge and its surroundings special by positively influencing planning developments, delivering environmental education and managing the green spaces and historic buildings in its care — for the benefit of all.

Registered Charity No. 204121. Non-profit making company limited by guarantee, registered in England No. 239835.