paradisenaturereserve

Opportunity to join a Sheep’s Green volunteer working party

Dear Friends,

Below is a message from Vic Smith, our City Reserves officer. You can respond to her directly by email if you are interested in participating. 

Best wishes,

Pam Gatrell

From: Victoria Smith <Vic.Smith@cambridge.gov.uk>

Pam,

I am looking to organise a small band of volunteers who just tend to the veteran willows on Sheep’s Green. It would be a fun project with active management as well as monitoring and surveying elements.  

I …wondered if you could put the word out to the Friends of Paradise and see if anyone is interested?

Thanks again!

Vic.

paradisenaturereserve

Petition about water to the Environment Agency

We have all been reading that our region is running out of water, and that some large new developments are being challenged in this regard. You might wish to sign a new petition, from the Federation of Cambridge Residents Associations, urging the Environment Agency to oppose major developments here until there is clear evidence that there is enough water to support them. 

This is the link.

https://www.change.org/p/save-our-chalk-streams-petition-to-the-environment-agency

Thank you.

paradisenaturereserve

The March 2024 Work Party in Paradise

The meadow has been cut and raked after being left to grow tall last year.
There is now a clear path to the lake. The chiffchaffs are calling loudly here.

The Reserve is looking beautiful, with goat willow and willows in new leaf.
The Butterbur has been cleared of brambles and most nettles. There are still some Butterbur flowers to be seen, but as the leaves grow these will die back.
paradisenaturereserve

New film about clean water

Here is the link to Pure Clean Water – a screening of the film about the Cam and discussion of the issues it raises which you may like to attend.

PURE CLEAN WATER

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 18:30 – 20:30St Philip’s Church Centre, 185 Mill Road Cambridge CB1 3AN

Friends of the Cam (FotC) – a consortium of concerned individuals and groups, including CPRE, Friends of the Earth and the Federation of Cambridge Residents’ Associations – has, since its inception, argued that current and projected levels of growth in the city are destroying the Cam. FotC are delighted to host Tony Eva’s award winning new film – ‘Pure Clean Water‘ which demonstrates how the Cam and its tributaries – a rare chalk stream system – have been exploited to the brink of extinction.

For 250 years a chalk stream, diverted into the town centre, provided Cambridge with drinking water. It was a hugely successful public health initiative, supported by both town and university. Now, pumping from underground chalk aquifers brings potable water at great convenience. But in the process springs are drying up and precious chalk streams are disappearing.

Following the film, Tony Eva will answer questions and discuss the implications of his film’s findings. Join us for food and drinks from 6.30. The film will be screened from 7-8, followed by Q&A and discussion until 8.30. Informal discussion can continue over more food and drink until 9.15.

PURE CLEAN WATER has been voted the Golden Punt Best Documentary Feature at the 42nd Cambridge Film Festival in October 2023.

“A superb documentary which every developer, politician and consumer should watch. Unmissable!” Mike Scialom, Cambridge Independent

The event is free, but we welcome donations from those who can afford it to cover the costs of the evening.

paradisenaturereserve

Pesticide-free Cambridge update

Dear Friends,
Julia Shaw and Ben Grieg of Pesticide-Free Cambridge have sent us their Power-Point presentation (see below), with  the images that we were unable to see last week due to a technical fault . 
Though Ben gave a very interesting and informative talk which evolved into a lively discussion, it is great to see the missing images . And those unable to attend will  be able to learn about the tremendous work that Ben and Julia are  doing. 
Also included in the pdf is the survey done by Olwen in Eltisley Avenue after a year of no pesticides . 
Discussion included the Council continuing to clean the gutters and the different approaches they are trying; residents encouraged to clear gutters and pavements of tree saplings and trip hazards ; and the importance of the Council cleaning out the drains  regularly to avoid flooding. 
We were invited to write to Alastair Wilson, Officer for Streets and Open spaces, with our views on making Cambridge Pesticide-Free for the safety of residents  and for increased  biodiversity and pollinators. His email is: Alistair.Wilson@cambridge.gov.uk

Best wishes,
Pam 

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