A series of exciting plans will see Langdyke extend its number of nature reserve areas.
Trust chair Richard Astle revealed that Langdyke has plans to add four new land areas to its portfolio.
One of them – the most ambitious – will involve raising money to acquire land between Helpston and Etton alongside the Maxey Cut. The area is currently owned by an academic organisation in Cambridge. Negotiations are ongoing.
The land, formerly gravel workings, includes newly planted wooded areas and water-filled pits. The main picture (above) shows part of it as viewed from the Maxey Cut
The other projects involve taking on an area of land adjoining Vergette Wood Meadow at Etton next to the South Drain known as The Drain. It is being rented from Milton Estates. It will be left to grow wild flowers and will be used for occasional grazing.
The other new area is the land at the other side of the Tarmac roadway/bridge which is a continuation of the Drain meadow. It is currently leased by a farmer who has agreed to rent it on the Langdyke to develop as a nature area. This will be known as The Drift (because it is Adrift from the Drain area!)
The final project involves acquiring the rights to maintain land known as M’ Lady’s Pond from the Nene Park Trust. This is a small area close to Ailsworth.
Trust chair Richard Astle said: “The is exciting news because if it all goes through it will mean we have an area of extensive land and water which stretches from Etton to Helpston.”