Officers and committee:

All agreed to continue in office. 

Treasurer’s report:

Jean Bevan presented and explained the report of the financial year with donations and payments, and the balance in the Metro Bank . 

Chair’s Annual Report: 

This has been a momentous year, culminating in the two-week Planning Inquiry, but there have been many positive aspects to the year in Paradise Nature Reserve . 

Last October we had the film of the ‘Chalk Stream’, with an accompanying talk by Bruce Huett of the Melbourne Nature Reserve. It was a beautiful and uplifting film, and restored our faith in working together to protect our environment. 

In December the ‘Fairy Doors Trail’ in the tree glade was enjoyed by many through till February. Thanks to Stella and David Tranah for this annual delight. 

In January, the City Council Planning Committee voted unanimously to reject the proposal by Queens’ College to build on Owlstone Croft. This was cause for a cautious but temporary celebration, as we thought that Queens ’ would appeal this decision, and they did. We can only hope now that the good grounds given then for refusal, which the Planning Committee still stand by, will once again prevail and will convince the Inspector. 

In February, the publication of the book ‘Nature in Cambridge’ was explored in engaging detail by one of the contributors, Duncan Mackay, emphasising the huge biodiversity within Cambridge and our nature reserves.

The snowdrops, decimated by silt-dredging in 2017, have since been divided and replanted annually by work parties led by Olwen Williams, Vic Smith (our city Reserve Officer), and volunteers from the Friends. This year the snowdrops were widespread and beautiful in February and March. 

We had a fascinating and exuberant talk In March by Steve Allain (another contributor to ‘Nature in Cambridge’) on ‘Amphibians in Cambridge’, and a promise to carry out a survey of amphibians in Paradise. 

In June, Andrew Bryce, environmental lawyer, birder and photographer, gave us a wonderful photographic evening of the birds to be seen in Paradise and in the city, with special attention given to the success of the peregrine falcons on King’s Parade.

Also in June we had two tours to boost campaign funds. One was ‘Art in Paradise’, given by artist Tess Recordan , opening our eyes to the wider horizon, and the other a Newnham walk by City Blue Guide Sandie Mercer, which culminated in Paradise, with its important history of biodiversity. Thanks to Tess and Sandie for these very interesting, absorbing and successful tours.

We hosted two other talks, one ‘The Other Birds of Paradise’ from our ecologist Olwen Williams, and the other about the medieval burial ground on Barton Road from archaeologist Katie Howarth, both of which were extremely popular. Thanks to Olwen and Katie for these completely riveting talks with a wider historical and geographical scope. 

In July the summer picnic was idyllic, accompanied by the Newnham Saxophone Quartet. The lively music was greatly enjoyed by both the picnickers and the Sheep’s Green cows who lined up to listen. Thanks to David and the Quartet for playing so brilliantly . 

In August the ‘Mini Bioblitz’ was held in beautiful weather in Paradise, and included a bat walk with bat expert Kit Stoner, moth traps with Ben Grieg and Vic Smith, and bug, amphibian, flower and tree-identification walks with Paul Rule and other experts. It was great to have children joining in so enthusiastically. The results show that Paradise truly is a biodiversity hotspot. 

During the year, committee member Simon Coe works regularly with Vic Smith in her Reserve work parties, and he also does extra regular maintenance work in Paradise, especially on the boardwalk, cutting back nettles, sweeping autumn leaves and clearing fallen branches. Many Friends, especially Olwen and Anita, litter-pick and are vigilant about all the wildlife. Thank you to everyone who cares for the Reserve in this practical and important way. 

In October the Public Inquiry was held in the Guildhall, and at the end our fundraising campaign culminated in a Charity Night with the Sugarbeat band, organised by Stefano Pozzi, which raised over £500. Our grateful thanks to the band, to Stefano, to the Social club and to all who came in support. 

Our campaign team was strong, and special thanks to Jean Glasberg, the leader; Andrew Bryce, our environmental lawyer and expert witness; Olwen Williams, our ecologist; Jean Bevan, for dedicated research; Janine Tolliday for designer skills; Lynn Hieatt for technology expertise; and Sandie Mercer for all the publicity. 

We now wait for the Inspector’s decision. But whichever way it goes, we know that everyone has done their absolute best, and we thank the Friends and the community, and everyone who has supported us and donated so generously. We remain committed to caring for and protecting Paradise, now and for the future, to the best of our ability. 

AOB 

Thanks to David Williams for masterminding the production and sales of our greetings cards, which are beautiful and a hugely successful fundraiser. For the first time there have been buoyant seasonal sales throughout the year, and Ruth Lambert has also sold cards at Social Club events. David reported on this at the AGM, and on progress for the 2023/24 cards. It was suggested that we add a Calendar this year, and a vote taken was in favour. Thanks were given to the team who prepare and sell the cards, which, as well as generating a lot of income, raise the positive profile of Paradise and its biodiversity within the community and beyond. 

Pam Gatrell, Chair

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