Fenland Experience December 2018 2 CONTENTS

Outline Planning Application Fenland Experience December 2018 2 CONTENTS

01 INTRODUCTION 04 02 SITE AND CONTEXT 06 03 WICKEN FEN NATURE RESERVE 10 04 GETTING TO WICKEN FEN AND CAM WASHES 14 05 FENLAND EXPERIENCE AT WATERBEACH NEW TOWN EAST 16 06 WALKING AND CYCLING AT WATERBEACH NEW TOWN EAST 26 07 A SUITABLE FENLAND EXPERIENCE 30

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3 01

Introduction

Waterbeach New Town is a proposed new settlement 6 km to the north of Cambridge. It leisure and sports uses; a hotel; new primary and secondary schools; green open spaces is a key part of the vision and spatial plan for growth for both the city and the surrounding including parks, ecological areas and woodlands and principal new accesses from the A10 district. The site is entirely within the South Cambridgeshire District Council administrative (Planning Application reference S-0559-17-OL). boundary and is allocated in the Local Plan. The Waterbeach New Town SPD is being prepared by South Cambridgeshire District The site is positioned between the A10, which defines the western boundary of the New Council and will provide detailed guidance about how the new settlement should be Town, and the Cambridge to Ely railway line, which marks its extent to the east. It lies designed, developed and delivered in accordance with modified Local Plan policy SS/5, immediately to the north of the existing village of Waterbeach, and in turn, immediately with an emphasis on ensuring comprehensive development across the site as a whole. beyond the outer edge of the Green Belt that surrounds the City of Cambridge. The River It will set out key fixes, principles and mechanisms to guide the development to ensure Cam lies beyond the railway line approximately 500m to the east of the site. creation of a successful place. The SPD is currently out to consultation.

There are two distinct parts to the site which broadly correspond with former uses, within This Fenland Experience document has been prepared as supporting material for the this report they are referred to as Waterbeach New Town West and Waterbeach New outline planning application at Waterbeach New Town East in response to comments from Town East. Natural England, the National Trust and the Wildlife Trust.

Waterbeach New Town East sits between the former RAF Barracks and Airfield and the Purpose of the document Fenline Railway. An outline planning application (with all matters reserved) was submitted The purpose of this document is to set out the biodiversity strategy for Waterbeach New in May 2018 on behalf of RLW Estates for development of up to 4,500 dwellings, business, Town East and demonstrate the ecological value that will be created through the Fenland retail, community, leisure and sports uses; new primary and secondary schools and sixth Park. The biodiversity strategy is a fundamental element of our vision for the site and form centre; public open spaces including parks and ecological areas; points of access, forms a key element of our approach to place making which will complement the locally associated drainage and other infrastructure, groundworks, landscaping and highway designated sites. Our strategy will create a new landscape and ecological resource for works. (Planning Application reference S/2075/18/OL). A separate, full planning application the benefit of the existing and future residents at Waterbeach as an attractive and more for a relocated train station was submitted in March 2018 as part of the proposals for accessible alternative to Wicken Fen and the Cam Washes. Waterbeach New Town East. (Planning Application reference S/0791/18/FL).

Watebeach New Town West comprises the former RAF Barracks and Airfield. It was subject to an outline planning application in February 2017. That application is for up to 6,500 dwellings (including up to 600 residential institutional units), business, retail, community,

4 Plan: Site Location

D Legend

A Denny Abbey

B Existing Waterbeach railway station J A C River Cam K 0100031673 SURVEY 2015 ORDNANCE RIGHTS DATABASE AND COPYRIGHT © CROWN I D Wicken Fen Cottenham Waterbeach E Former RAF base (Waterbeach New New Town Town West) E

F Bottisham Locks C H G Denny End Road Industrial Park G Waterbeach F H Cambridge Innovation Park L Landbeach B I Cambridge Research Park

A10 J Waste Management Park

K ‘Fenline’ Railway line Histon

L Waterbeach village centre Milton

N Horningsea Lode

A14 5 CAMBRIDGE 02

Site and Context

Site Description similar in character to the Site itself. Within this area, located to the north-west of the The site comprises 231 ha of land between the ‘Fen Line’ railway that links Cambridge Site boundary is the complex of medieval monastic buildings, earthworks and deposits at and King’s Lynn, and the Waterbeach Airfield and Barracks to the west. It lies at the edge Denny Abbey. of what was a vast area of peat fen and is now primarily comprised of arable agricultural land drained by a network of open channels and ditches along field boundaries. Fields are The landscape character of the land to the east of the site and the Fen Line railway is bordered by limited and intermittent vegetation in the form of hedgerows, individual trees largely characterised by a series of arable fields within a geometric field pattern formed and tree belts. by a sequence of regimented drainage ditches and vegetated field boundaries. Combined with vegetation found along local roads, Public Rights of Way, and surrounding local The site is predominantly flat with a peninsula of slightly higher ground running between dwellings; vegetation in the wider landscape merges together to produce a perceptibly the village and Denny Abbey with the lower land to the east. Long range views to the north more densely tree-covered horizon. Immediately to the east of the site boundary and and east are possible from within the site including views to Ely Cathedral. either side of the railway line there is a small group of lakes within woodland planting which are accessible via Long Drove. Bannold Drove is an agricultural access track and ‘Byway Open to All Traffic’ which crosses the Site south to north prior to turning east onto Cross Drove to the northeast of the Site. The wider area includes a number of notable green infrastructure assets including Denny This is a significant landscape and cultural feature of the site which is lined with sporadic Abbey, The Cam corridor, Wicken Fen, Anglesey Abbey and Milton Country Park. The tree planning and drainage ditches including the Waterbeach Level Internal Drainage Wicken Fen Vision area is an ambitious project being led by the National Trust to expand Board (IDB) watercourse. the existing nature reserve south.

Surrounding Context Denny Abbey is a complex of medieval monastic buildings, earthworks and deposits. The A10, extending north-eastwards from Cambridge to Ely, King’s Lynn and the wider The core buildings are Listed and the pasture fields surrounding the abbey, including rural hinterland, lies approximately 1.5km to the west of the Site. Adjoining the southern the surviving historic earthworks, are protected as a Scheduled Monument. The Abbey site boundary is an existing area of housing, formerly associated with the barracks is located at the northern end of the New Town within the site allocation. The site is but since converted for the open market and now forms part of Waterbeach Village. currently used by the Farmland Museum which is accessible to the public partially via the Waterbeach Village is a relatively large village with a Parish population of approximately A10. Extending out of the southern boundaries of the Abbey are the partial remains of two 5,000 people according to the 2011 Census. The origins of the village can be traced back raised causeways which historically would have formed routes between Denny Abbey and to the Romans, with the settlement positioned on the strategic Car Dyke waterway Waterbeach Village and onto Cambridge through the fenland landscape.

Land outside the boundary of the Site to the north is comprised of arable farmland,

6 Plan: Application Site Boundary - Aerial

A10 Denny Abbey

Cambridge Research Park Bannold Drove Bannold

Former RAF Barracks and Airfield

Railway Line

A10

Bannold Road

Legend Waterbeach

Site Boundary Landbeach

N River Cam

7 In addition to the Byway Open to All Traffic on Bannold Drove which extends north provides a key wildlife corridor through the site. connecting to Cross Drove, there are a number of publically accessible routes within reach of the site. The Fen Rivers Way runs along both sides of the River Cam to the east of the There are numerous designated sites within close proximity to the site. The closest site. This is accessible from the southern part of the site via Bannold Road at Bottisham designated statutory site to the Application Site is the Cam Washes Site of Special Scientific Lock and can also be accessed from the north of the site by using Cross Drove and Long Interest (SSSI) located 2 km north-east of the Site. This SSSI is important for the number Drove. It provides long distance routes including links to Wicken Fen. National Cycle Route and diversity of overwintering and breeding waterfowl and waders. Wicken Fen SSSI, 11 links Cambridge with Ely via Waterbeach along the River Cam corridor past Horningsea, National Nature Reserve (NNR) and Ramsar Site is located 2.9 km to the north-east of the Milton Country Park and Fen Ditton. The route is traffic-free and attracts both commuters Site. Wicken Fen forms part of the ‘Fenland’ Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Stow- and recreational cyclists. Although shared by pedestrians and cyclists, conflicts are limited cum-Quy Fen SSSI is located 2.7 km to the south-east of the Site and is notified for areas due to the tidal travel patterns of commuters. This route along with a number of other of floristically rich calcareous loam pasture. Upware North Pit SSSI is located 5.3 km north footpaths also link to Anglesey Abbey to the south and east. Further afield, National Cycle of the Site and is notified for its important wetland plant communities. The River Cam, a Route 51 connects Cambridge to Newmarket. This network of routes provides potential County Wildlife Site (CWS), is located approximately 500m to the east of the Site. The river long distance circular recreational routes from the site into the surrounding landscape. In has been designated as it is a major river which has not been grossly modified. The River the northwest runs Footpath 247/15 which connects the A10 to Denny Abbey. Cam is an important stop over for overwintering birds.

The Greenways project is looking to establish a high quality network of 12 separate routes into Cambridge from surrounding villages including Waterbeach. The New Town will connect into these routes via Bannold Road making cycling into Cambridge from the New Town an attractive option.

Ecological Context The Application Site comprises land currently dominated by arable fields with a network of species-poor native hedgerows and deep drainage ditches. Many of the arable fields have wide margins of poor semi-improved grassland. Wide strips of good semi-improved grassland are present in some areas. Bannold Drove, an ancient farm track with wet and dry ditches either side, runs north-south through the Site and is lined with mature trees. Areas of higher ecological value within the Site include a network of wet ditches with steep well vegetated banks. Mature trees on site are largely located along Bannold Drove which

8 Plan: Strategic Green Infrastructure

Legend

C N

9 * Information drawn from National Trust website 03

Wicken Fen Nature Reserve

Wicken Fen is privately owned by the National Trust who describe it as their oldest nature reserve, and England’s most famous fen. It is a remnant of un-drained fenland which once covered a vast area of the lowlands of East Anglia. It is home to over 9000 recorded species including many rare species of plants, birds and dragonflies.

In 1999, the National Trust launched the Wicken Fen Vision, an ambitious landscape- scale conservation to expand the existing nature reserve south adjacent to the River Cam towards the outskirts of Cambridge. The Vision is to create a new wetland habitats for wildlife and recreational areas for people to enjoy.

Activities and facilities promoted at Wicken Fen Nature Reserve:

• Walking: Including 2 mapped ‘short walks’ and 2 ‘long walks’. • Cycling: Cycle hire is available at Wicken Fen providing access to a variety of cycling routes including 6 mapped routes. • Boat trips: 50 minute trips for up to 12 people along the waterways of Wicken Fen. • Geocaching • Back to basics campsite: a remote and basic campsite including four open fronted shelters, fire pit and eco-toilet. • Wildlife watching: including nature trails and nine wildlife hides across the reserve. • Seasonal events. • Visitor centre: including children’s activities. • Shop: selling wildlife books, local crafts and gifts. • Cafe: homemade, seasonal food. • Parking: 120 yards - £3:00 pay and display. • Dogs on leads.

The walks, cycle routes and activities at Wicken Fen are all promoted, controlled and managed by the National Trust. Visitors are required to pay either an entrance fee or an annual subscription fee to enter parts of Wicken Fen. Image credit: Dave Briggs Dave credit: Image

10 * The three routes illustrated are drawn from National Trust website information.

Plan: Cycling routes from Wicken Fen

Visitor centre Upware Cycle Route Legend

Cycling routes promoted on the National Trust Website: • Family Discovery Route (5.6 km - min 1hour) • Wildlife Watching Route (17.7km - min 2 hours) • Village Explorer Route (22.4km - min 2 hours) • The Lodes Way (25.7km - min 3 hours) Waterbeach

Lodes Way Village Explorer

11 * Information drawn from National Trust website Walk 1: Boardwalk Trail. Walk 2: Monk’s Lode and Wicken village walk.

Description A short walk around Wicken’s ancient Sedge Fen, a unique Description Starting at the Wicken Fen visitor-centre this walk takes you remnant of un-drained fenland. Offering the chance to see along the Monk’s Lode through areas of new wetland habitat hen-harriers in winter; rare fen flowers in spring and summer, and up into Wicken village. A very short detour will bring you to and amazing fenland sunsets year-round. Suitable for active the Maids Head pub. families. Features In summer look for kingfishers and dragonflys; winterfowl and Features Fenland, wind pump, wet woodland, option of tower hide. short eared owls in winter. Ideal for families. Lode. Fenland. Gravel Paths, footpaths and lanes, Facilities Car Park (£3) 150 yards, toilets & baby change, visitor centre, Facilities Car Park (£3) 150 yards, toilets & baby change, visitor centre, Cafe, gift shop. Cafe, gift shop, cycle hire. Terrain Easy Terrain Easy Time 50 mins Time 1 hr 5 mins Distance 0.7 miles (1.1 km) Distance 2.1 miles (3.4 km) Notes Dogs on leads Notes Dogs on leads Prices Adult: £7.30 Child: £3.65 Family: £18.25 *Standard prices. Prices Adult: £7.30 Child: £3.65 Family: £18.25 *Standard prices.

12 Walk 3: Adventurers Trail. Walk 4: Octavia Hill Trail.

Description This trail explores a varied landscape of reed-beds, open water Description Starting from the original area of Wicken Fen, acquired in 1899, and wet grassland. Look out for Dragonflies in summer, the head along the Lodes Way and out on to Burwell Fen. This Fen is wind-pump and of course our herds of Highland cattle and a piece of land acquired in 2001 as part of the Wicken Fen Vision, Konik ponies. a project to create a nature reserve to protect the original fen and Features In summer look for kingfishers and dragonflys; winterfowl and create more space for people and wildlife, meeting the aspirations short eared owls in winter. Ideal for families. Lode. Fenland. of Octavia Hill more than a century ago. Gravel Paths, footpaths and lanes. Hides Features The whole area is a great place to see birds of prey in winter, and Facilities Car Park (£3) 120 yards, toilets, visitor centre, Cafe, gift shop, it’s not unusual to see buzzard, marsh harrier, short-eared owl, cycle hire. barn owl, sparrowhawk, peregrine falcon and occasionally hen harrier. Terrain Moderate Facilities Car Park (£3) 120 yards, toilets, visitor centre, Cafe, gift shop, cycle Time 1 hr 30 mins hire. Distance 2.8 miles (4.4 km) Terrain Moderate Notes Dogs on leads Time 2 hr 30 mins Prices Adult: £7.30 Child: £3.65 Family: £18.25 *Standard prices. Distance 6 miles (9.6 km) Notes Dogs on leads Prices Adult: £7.30 Child: £3.65 Family: £18.25 *Standard prices. © CROWN COPYRIGHT AND DATABASE RIGHTS 2015 ORDNANCE SURVEY 0100031673 SURVEY 2015 ORDNANCE RIGHTS DATABASE AND COPYRIGHT © CROWN

13 04 Getting to Wicken Fen and the Cam Washes

Accessibility into the landscape to the east of Waterbeach New Town is restricted and disrupted by the presence of the Fenline railway line and River Cam. The settlement In the past, the Trust identified that the capacity of the car park was acting as a physical pattern to the east is limited to isolated agricultural buildings, farmsteads and loose-knit constraint to the number of visits to the site, as the majority of visits are made via the villages on ‘islands’ within an otherwise flat fenland landscape. Access between these car, which meant they were having to turn people away in the past during peak times. settlements is provided via a network of tracks and droves. In 2016, the Trust expanded its car facilities by 80 spaces (a 38% increase) at its visitor centre to allow a greater number of people to be able to access the site all year round. As a result, vehicular access to Wicken Fen is dictated by crossings of the railway line and The Trust have also increased the number of events at the Visitor Centre so to increase River. The quickest and most direct route is via the A10 to Stretham and across to Wicken the attractiveness of the destination which plays and important role in the local and on the A1123. This route is approximately 16.8 km with a journey time of approximately regional economy. The business case put forward by the Trust at that time was that the around 18 mins. On arrival there is a car park able to accommodate 288 cars, the capacity additional income generated by the additional visitors would meet the ongoing costs of of the car park acts as physical constraint to the number visitors, with the National Trust repair and maintenance of the buildings and continuing enlargement and improvement of having to turn away visitors during peak periods the fen. The Trust has subsequently seen the visitor numbers rise from 56,000 in 2014/15 to 65,000 in 2017/18, with the majority of these by car, but the Trust is working hard to It will be possible for existing and future residents to walk directly out in to the landscape encourage other means of access via public transport (bus) and improved cycle networks, to the east from the Waterbeach New Town site using existing railway crossings at Cross in the hope to attract further visitors to the fen. Drove and Bannold Drove. However, walking to Wicken Fen is limited by the crossings of the River Cam the nearest of which is at Bottisham Locks. In 2018, the Trust received a financial grant from WREN and have undertaken upgrades to access routes and footpaths. The Trust considered a number of options which included As a result the approximate walking time to Cam Washes (west of the River Cam) is 48 increasing the number of droves closed to public access, however in isolation this would mins and to Wicken Fen is 1 hr 25 mins. This would result in a 2 hour circular walk to the have an adverse impact on how visitors enjoy Wicken Fen and its attractiveness, which is edge of Cam Washes and a 3 hour circular to Wicken Fen. These are not considered to be contrary to the Trusts mandate. Their underlying aspiration is to safeguard and improve walks that people will undertake on a regular basis and are more likely to be undertaken the condition of Wicken Fen, therefore the reduction in areas available to visitors during as a one off. It is therefore not considered that Waterbeach New Town East will generate a the winter and spring has been offset by the construction of new boardwalks and robust significant number of trips to Wicken Fen by foot or cycle. hard/loose surface paths within the National Trusts pay barrier. A key part of the upgrade has been to future proof the site and make sure that in 10-20 years visitor numbers haven’t out grown the site again. Visitor Pressure Visitor pressure at Wicken Fen is currently controlled and managed by the National Trust. The work undertaken by the Trust to expand the car park and improve all year round The National Trust, as private landowners, manage the site to ensure that its ecological access at Wicken Fen, has been to ensure that it continues to provide visitors a wonderful value and status as a European protected site is maintained. The work undertaken by the experience and a place to enjoy quiet recreation. The Trust continue to promote the site National Trust to continually monitor and manage Wicken Fen in a favourable condition and are continually working to improve access to Wicken Fen in order to encourage a is funded by the visitors to Wicken Fen, donations and grants. The National Trust actively greater number of visitors which in turn will generate the income the National Trust needs promotes the site as a visitor destination in order to generate income which they invest to be able to keep the reserve to a high standard, meeting ongoing costs of repair and back into Wicken Fen. maintenance of the buildings and continuing enlargement and improvement of the fen’. 14 Plan: Getting to Wicken Fen

Quickest vehicular route to Wicken Fen (16.8km - 18 mins drive) Cam Washes Walking routes to designated sites. A A 4.2km (50 min walk) B 4.0 km (48 min walk)

7.1 km (1 hr 25 min walk) C Waterbeach Designated sites New Town

Wicken Fen N 05 1. Form of surrounding landscape carried seamlessly through into WTNE Fenland Experience at Waterbeach New Town East

The vision for Waterbeach New Town East has been developed over many years and is fundamentally about establishing the new town as a great place to live. A key part of this aspiration is to help create a sense of belonging and well-being for people who will call Waterbeach home.

In terms of design approach to Waterbeach New Town, the landscape is key. In old English, the word land meant ‘home territory’, a place where people belong; scape, to create or make. So landscape is about how people and place belong together, and how each has shaped the other.

The patterns of the surrounding and underlying fenland will inspire the character of Waterbeach New Town East. The qualities of the existing landscape will be valued, with linear historic causeways uncovered and drainage channels preserved, new wetlands and droves created and series of small neighbourhoods will be established within this enhanced fen inspired landscape structure.

The Fenland Experience at Waterbeach New Town East can be defined by the following qualities: • A Landscape-led structure that prioritises walking and cycling locally. • Fenland Parks a large scale park on the doorstep of the new town. • A series of Greenways providing dedicated space for water management, biodiversity, walking and cycling through the heart of the new town. • Community space and facilities including a community orchard and centre at the entrance to the Fenland Parks. • Buildings, streets, open space and landscape which takes its character from its fen edge location. • New extensive areas of Fenland Habitat to complement, buffer and enhance the resilience of existing ecological sites

These qualities are explored further on the following pages.

16 2. A large scale, dedicated Fenland Park on the doorstep on new development areas. 3. A network of local green spaces providing amenity and recreational space and pro- moting walking and cycling.

Fenland Parks

Fensteads

Townsteads

17 FENLAND PARKS An Expansive Landscape Park

Introduction Fenland Parks refers to the large areas of open space to the north of the development area. They adjoin the Northern Parks proposed in the Outline Planning Application for Waterbeach New Town West and form part of a much larger landscape resource protecting the setting of Denny Abbey. The Park will become an outstanding feature of living at Waterbeach and will provide equally important cultural, wildlife, water management and heritage functions. The Fenland Parks will play an important part of helping the New Town contribute to the objectives of the wider Cambridgeshire Green Infrastructure Strategy.

Fenland Parks (Joist Fen) Denny Abbey Fenland Parks (Denny Fields)

Northern Park (Waterbeach New Town West)

18 Fenland Parks Design Rationale

1. An expansive Landscape Park As set out above, the Parks perform an important recreational function. They will The vision for the New Town sets out to create a lively and healthy new settlement, and accommodate a significant portion of the sports facilities and pitches required as part in order to achieve this a range of spaces will be required from the bustling new quarters of the New Town which are clustered to the north in a combined sports hub close to around the station and town centre through to broad green corridors and community the schools and Bannold Centre. Allotments, orchards and community gardens are also parks. Fenland Parks is an important part of this picture and offers the opportunity for located within the Fenland Parks following the tradition of Orchards and growing space a vast landscape park similar in scale to a country park. The Parks sit at the edge of the found at the edges of the Fen Edge villages (as described in the South Cambridge Design New Town and marks the transition into the surrounding countryside. The Parks will be Guide SPD). The scale of the park also allows for less structured recreational opportunities, accessible to the public and will provide new and existing residents of the area with an multiple and varied routes for walking, cycling and horse riding will be provided. These outstanding open landscape resource. The Parks will be located away from the built up will be in the form of circular routes that originate from Bannold Centre and link into the areas of the town offering quieter space more rural in character. surrounding area. 2. A multifunctional space The Fenland Parks are sufficient in scale to provide multiple functions for the New Town. 3. A landscape transition The intention has been to bring together a variety of community facilities within the parks Working with the underlying landscape, the Fenland Parks follow the transition between including sports pitches, allotments and community orchards. These are co - located with the raised, platform around Denny Abbey down to the wet peat fen that fringed the the Bannold Centre and school sites to create a destination and real asset for the existing River Cam. Denny Fields at the western, elevated side of the parks will contain drainage and new neighbourhoods. Bannold Centre will be easily accessible by foot and cycle via ditches running eastward towards Joist Fen. Away from the sports pitches the open fields Bannold Drove and will also provide adequate parking facilities within close proximity to will comprise species rich grassland, small ponds and small blocks of woodland aimed at the Fenland Parks. Bannold Centre will act as the entrance point to the Fenland Parks. creating a habitat to encourage grass snakes, hares, newts, common lizards, barn owls, water voles and diverse bird communities. To the east, at Joist Fen a wetland landscape Water management is a key element of planning for the New Town and the intention is to will be created that will provide residents access to a valuable and diverse experience of allow the processes involved to remain a visible part of the proposals. Fenland Parks will Fenland Habitats. include a large area of surface water attenuation which will store surface water before being discharged north and east to the River Cam. This area is referred to as Joist Fen, the 4. Celebrating a historic landscape intention here will be to create a wetland habitat of shallow lakes, meres and channels The Fenland Parks are an important part of understanding and protecting the heritage of with extensive reedbeds and limited tree planting. Its name is taken from an area of peat the area. As well as recapturing some of the qualities of the pre-drained fenland landscape, fen which once stood in this location and the intention will be to create a landscape which the park is intended to contribute towards protecting the setting of Denny Abbey. The is reminiscent of this area before it was drained and similar to that provided at Wicken Park will offer expansive views, big skies and long horizons which are characteristic of the Fen. This area will provide valuable wetland habitat which along with the drier species rich area. Views from Denny Abbey to the east and views to Ely Cathedral are currently possible grassland, and small tree belts of Denny Fields will provide quieter areas essential for the from within the site and the opportunity exists to structure the park around these to give biodiversity functions of the parks. visitors a glimpse into some of the enduring, historic qualities of the area.

Denny Fields will provide an attractive open semi natural landscape where it will be able The Fenland Parks will not include any substantial built development to the north of the to exercise their dogs freely and safely off the lead. The Fenland Parks as a whole will landscape filter planting with the exception of goal posts, bird hides and board walks provide a naturalistic space with areas of semi-natural space that look out over the open within Joist Fen and interpretation boards. There will be no flood lighting to the north of countryside to the north, areas of trees and shrubs and provision of open water. Fenland the landscape filter planting. Parks will become a destination of choice by existing and future residents of Waterbeach and surrounding settlements. 19 FENLAND PARKS An Expansive Landscape Park

Fenland Parks is the combined name for the areas open space beyond the northern limit of development in the Fen Edge area.

These comparisons show the scale of the Parks compared to other open spaces around Cambridge.

Fenland Parks, Waterbeach New Town Milton Country Park Stourbridge Common Jesus Green and Midsummer Common 75 ha. 34 ha. 19 ha. 25 ha. Fenland Parks Wicken Fen (Fenland Parks overlaid)

Sheep's Green, Lammas Land and Coe Fen Cambridge University Botanic Garden 22 ha. 18 ha.

0 500 1,000 m Trumpington Meadows Country Park Great Kneighton Country Park 62 ha. 48 ha. Fenland Parks, Waterbeach New Town Milton Country Park Stourbridge Common Jesus Green and Midsummer Common 8075 ha.ha. 34 ha. 19 ha. 25 ha.

Fenland Parks, Waterbeach New Town Milton Country Park Stourbridge Common Jesus Green and Midsummer Common 75 ha. 34 ha. 19 ha. 25 ha.

Sheep's Green, Lammas Land and Coe Fen Cambridge University Botanic Garden 22 ha. 18 ha.

0 500 1,000 m Trumpington Meadows Country Park Great Kneighton Country Park 62 ha. 48 ha. 0 500 1,000 21 m Trumpington Meadows Country Park Great Kneighton Country Park 62 ha. 48 ha. A. DENNY FIELDS

Denny Fields is located on the area historically referred to as Denny Low Fields to the FENLAND PARKS east of Denny Abbey. Landscape transition

Dry meadow and grassland with linear channels and small ponds...

22 B. JOIST FEN Joist Fen takes its name from the area of peat fen which once defined this landscape and stretched to the north and east as far as the Cam.

7. ... to wetland, reedbeds, sedge and rushes reminiscent of a pre-drained fen landscape

5. 4.

Image credit: 1. JamesBowe 2. WilliamMarnock 3. AndrewStawarw 4. Nick Goodrum 5. Jo Garbutt 6. Ted and Jen 7. DaveBriggs 23 A Sports Pitches - sufficient in scale to meet local open space standards. Pitches will be sub-divided by drainage ditches with reedbeds and sedge planting at the banks to organise and integrate the sports pitches into the wider Fenland Parks Landscape.

B Sports Hub - Cycle parking, car parking, changing room, pavilions sports pitches and tennis courts all located within development area of the New Town and outside the areas identified as visually sensitive in the Denny Abbey Analysis and FENLAND PARKS Recommendations Report.

An Expansive Landscape Park C Denny Fields - a transitional landscape between the raised, platform around Denny Abbey down to the wet peat fen that fringed the River Cam. Denny Fields contains drainage ditches running eastward towards Joist Fen. Away from the sports pitches the open fields will comprise species rich grassland, small ponds and small blocks of woodland aimed at creating a habitat to encourage grass snakes, hares, newts, common lizards, barn owls, water voles and diverse bird communities. Open access will An indicative layout of the Fenland Parks be possible within Denny Fields allowing people to enjoy the open countryside. has been included on the following pages. D Joist Fen - defined by permanently wet ponds, shallow lakes, meres and channels with extensive reedbeds and edge habitat. Pedestrian access will be limited in this part of the park to avoid disturbance of the wetland habitat.

E View lines extend from the development area into the Fenland parks offering views of Ely Cathedral.

F Boardwalks and bird hides inspired by Fenman Huts provide views and limited access into parts of the fen to protect its habitat.

G Community orchard, gardens and traditional allotments with potential for cafe and Joist Fen information centre.

H Conveyance feature to Joist Fen providing a direct habitat link between woodland blocks and fen.

Proposed tree planting. Limited tree planting to maintain the open character of the land between the River Cam and Denny Abbey. Trees will be included within the north - south ditches to avoid blocking views north to Ely Cathedral. Small woodland blocks to the west and sporadic tree planting to the east. Tree planting will filter views out of the New Town.

Existing trees retained.

I Proposed hedge planting to boundaries.

J Main walking routes around the edges of Denny Fields including connection to Denny Abbey Farmland Museum and Cross Drove for longer distance routes. Circular 2.5km (approx. 30 mins) walk possible within Denny Fields. Footpaths through Denny Fields to be left unsurfaced.

K Connection into Denny Abbey to be provided by others.

L Structural landscape planting, filtering views between the Fenland Parks and the development areas. Car parking included within the tree belts to provide additional access to the sports pitches to the north.

Widening of Bannold Drove where it meets Fenland Parks providing a transition between the built area into the Parks. M

24 Lower density residential blocks and small scale open spaces providing a transition between the Fenland Park and the N development area. E

F A Denny Abbey

L H G M N N proposed secondary B school

Cross Drove

G N

M 0 200m 25 06

Walking and Cycling at Waterbeach New Town East

The landscape-led approach taken to the masterplan for Waterbeach New Town East has development area of Waterbeach New Town East is along Bannold Drove which is led to a complete network of attractive walking and cycling routes that connect through intended to form a non-motorised user route the entire length of the new town which the site, into Fenland Parks to the north, Waterbeach New Town West and in to the also provides the main drainage and biodiversity corridor. The three shorter walks start network of droves and rights of way in the landscape to the east. to the north of the development area and extend into open landscape.

This walking and cycling grid will be prioritised over vehicular movement and will lead to All walks are directed away from the Statutory designated sites at Wicken Fen and the key destinations including cultural and leisure sites across the whole new town. This grid Cam Washes. All walks can be accessed from residents front doors avoiding the need to is intended to making walking and cycling a practical choice for getting around the new drive. town and to the station for getting further afield but it also provides a real asset in terms of recreational walking routes.

Bannold Centre plays an important role in terms of supporting recreational walks by acting as an entrance point into the parks and offering community space, retail and a cafe. Bannold Centre is within a 10 -15 min walk for the vast majority of residents of Waterbeach New Town East. This distance coupled with the attractive routes to follow along Bannold Drove mean walking to the parks is possible for most people avoiding the need to travel by car to sites further afield.

The walking and cycling routes available at Waterbeach New Town East are open to the public and accessible from the relocated train station. This offers an alternative to people from places such as Cambridge or Milton who may choose to use the train to visit Fenland Parks and walks along the River Cam instead of driving to Wicken Fen.

The following pages set out 4 walks possible within this walking and cycling framework. They are planned to be similar to the Wicken Fen walks in length and in terms of giving exposure to a variety of fen and fen edge landscapes. They each start or pass the Fenland Parks cafe and visitor centre. The only route which is shown to go through the

View looking north along Bannold Drove.

26 Plan: Indicative walking and cycling routes

Legend © CROWN COPYRIGHT AND DATABASE RIGHTS 2015 ORDNANCE SURVEY 0100031673 SURVEY 2015 ORDNANCE RIGHTS DATABASE AND COPYRIGHT © CROWN Primary walking and cycling route Primary walking and cycling route within open space (WNTE)

Secondary walking and cycling route

Secondary walking and cycling route within open space (WNTE) Tertiary walking and cycling route (WNTE) Proposed footpath connection between Long Drove and the River Cam Key cycling destination - centre / employment Key cycling destination - education Key cycling destination - leisure / cultural

N 0 200m

27 Walk 1: Joist Fen. Walk 2: Denny Fields walk.

Description A short circular walk around the southern edge of Joist Fen, a Description Starting at the Wicken Fen visitor-centre (A) this walk takes re-instated area of fenland. The walk stretches into a landscape you around the area historically referred to as Denny Low of permanently wet ponds, shallow lakes, meres and channels Fields to the east of Denny Abbey; a landscape of dry meadow, with extensive reedbeds. Suitable for active families. grassland, linear channels, ponds and woodland groups. A short Features Board walks, bird hides, community orchard, distant views diversion allows the opportunity to extend the walk to Denny over the fens and open countryside, drainage channels, new Abbey Farmland Museum. woodland planting andwetland, reedbeds, sedge and rushes Features Bird hides, community orchard, distant views over the fens reminiscent of a pre-drained fen landscape. and open countryside. New tree and shrub planting will seek Facilities Car park, toilets & baby change, visitor centre (A), cafe. to create a habitat to encourage grass snakes, hares, newts, common lizards, barn owls, water voles and diverse bird Terrain Easy communities. Gravel and mown grass paths. Time 50 mins* Facilities Car park, toilets & baby change, visitor centre (A), cafe. Distance 0.8 miles (1.4 km) Terrain Easy Notes Dogs on leads (partial) Time 1 hr 5 mins* Prices Free Distance 2 miles (3.2 km) Notes Dogs on leads (partial) Prices Free

28 * Time based on similar distance walk on National Trust website. Walk 3: Fen Edge Trail. Walk 4: River Cam loop.

Description A longer trail with numerous potential starting points but Description Joist Fen takes its name from the area of peat fen which once passing through the Station Quarter, Bannold Drove centre defined this landscape and stretched to the north and east as and visitor centre at Fenland Parks. The walk mainly follows far as the Cam. This trail explores a varied landscape of reed- Bannold Drove, Long Drove and the banks of the River Cam beds, open water and wet grassland. (avoiding the Cam Washes). Walk can be extended into Fenland Features Board walks, bird hides, community orchard, distant views Parks or into Waterbeach Village. over the fens, drainage channels, new woodland planting and Features Bannold Drove (an ancient fen edge landscape feature), river wetland, reedbeds, sedge and rushes reminiscent of a pre- banks of the Cam, Bottisham Locks, community orchard, distant drained fen landscape. views. Facilities Car park, toilets & baby change, visitor centre, cafe. Facilities Car park, toilets & baby change, visitor centre, cafe, shops, play Terrain Easy areas. Terrain Moderate Time 1 hr 30 mins* Time 2 hr 30 mins* Distance 2.4 miles (4.0 km) Distance 6 miles (9.8 km) Notes Dogs on leads (partial) Notes Dogs on leads (partial) Prices Free Prices Free

Waterbeach Village Shorter Cam Loop variant extended walk starting at the train station. A

* Time based on similar distance walk on National Trust website. 29 07

A Suitable Fenland Experience

Waterbeach New Town East to all intents and purposes is delivering an extension to the East that is free to access will make it a destination of choice. The Fenland Park along Wicken Fen Vision by creating additional habitat to ‘complement and buffer’ Wicken Fen with the network of local green spaces, smaller parks and walking routes within the which enhances the resilience of Wicken Fen against increasing visitor pressure. development will meet the recreational, amenity and exploratory needs of existing and future residents at Waterbeach. Our proposals will create a variety of new walking routes through varied landscape and habitat types, including circular walks along the River Cam, avoiding the Cam washes. People will have numerous options to experience the open countryside & fenland landscape, walk along the River Cam, pop out for Sunday afternoon stroll, grab some The proposals will allow people access and recreation opportunities across a large area of fresh air, walk the dog, play and explore with the family. The Fenland Park will allow tranquil fenland landscape, replicating the walks and experience available at Wicken Fen. people to access and recreational opportunities bringing them closer to nature. Visitors experience and understanding will be further enhanced through interpretation boards, board walks and bird hides that will provide people to get closer to nature and The residents of Waterbeach will be inspired by and proud of their local ecological have a greater understanding of the ecological habitats around them. landscape. We are committed to educating the residents of Waterbeach through information packs for all residents and we are also committed to supporting longer term Our aim is to inspire local communities to care for, get involved with and be proud of their monitoring of Wicken Fen and the Cam Washes to monitor whether the Fenland Park is local ecological landscape. delivering on our vision.

The Fenland Park can meet the essential and desirable design criteria of a Suitable The National Trust have recently undertaken works to future proof Wicken Fen for Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), an accepted and recognised guide for providing the next 15-20 years, in response to growing visitor numbers and anticipated growth green space designed to avoid recreational pressures on special protection areas. with South Cambridgeshire. People from Waterbeach will still visit Wicken Fen from time to time. However, the freely accessible Fenland Park on their doorstop is a real The existing and future residents at Waterbeach will be provided with information packs and attractive alternative to driving to Wicken Fen. The physical capacity of the visitor that will include details of the Fenland Parks, what to see and do, walking and horse riding centre, the National Trusts ability to manage access, recent accessibility improvements routes, the sensitivities of nearby sites and how to behave responsibly. and increases in income generates are sufficient to manage any impacts associated with increased visitor numbers. The Fenland Park will become a freely accessible destination in its own right, not just for the residents of Waterbeach but also communities that live with close proximity to It is the combination of this richness and diversity that the development provides Waterbeach. It will been seen as an alternative destination to Milton Park and Wicken Fen and the National Trusts ability to control access at Wicken Fen that means significant both in terms of scale and experience. impacts arising from recreational pressure on Wicken Fen and the Cam Washes are unlikely to occur. Having such an accessible, diverse and valuable resource within Waterbeach New Town

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