As part of Greater Cambridge Partnership’s ambitious target of achieving 20% biodiversity net gain across the GCP programme, the GCP is looking to invest in waterway restoration at the nature reserve.

The plans could see GCP partnering with Cambridge City Council to restore dried out streams on Sheep’s Green nature reserve. If approved, the waterways project would re-establish old channels to increase flow from the River Cam into the nature reserve creating new dynamic habitats for plants, insects, and fish.

Rory Wilson, Senior Programme Officer at Greater Cambridge Partnership, said “Having the opportunity to help restore these ancient streamways is a huge privilege for us, bringing nature restoration right into the heart of the city. This will be one of the first projects of its kind under the new biodiversity rules and we’re proud that it is Cambridge leading the way."

Cllr Martin Smart, Cabinet Member for Nature, Open Space and City Services, said: “I’m very pleased that the Greater Cambridge Partnership are looking to help fund our proposed work to boost biodiversity on Sheep’s Green and create important new wildlife habitats in the centre of Cambridge. I’d encourage people to take part in our ongoing consultation about the Sheep’s Green watercourse proposals before 19 October.”

GCP’s proposals are part of a wider package of measures designed to increase biodiversity, which will be discussed at the GCP Joint Assembly on 16 October, including investing in habitat at Lower Valley Farm.

The GCP has an ambitious target of increasing biodiversity by 20% across the programme, going above and beyond the normal 10% required under planning rules. The biodiversity rules make sure development not only offsets any harm to habitat, but has a measurably positive impact, or ‘net gain’, on biodiversity.

Consultation on the Sheep’s Green scheme is currently underway by Cambridge City Council - engage.cambridge.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/watercourse-creation-on-sheep-s-green-lnr.