Would you like to learn more about the wildlife and greenspaces of Cambridge and the surrounding area? Why not join us for one of our walks or training days to discover more? Booking is essential. The events diary is updated regularly so please do check for new dates in your area. If you miss a walk why not see if there is a guide to the walk available in our walks section.
Event: Learn the traditional art of Hedgelaying
Date: 19th February and 26th February
Day: Saturdays
Organisation: Cambridge Green Belt Project
Location: Fen End Farm, Smithy Fen, Cottenham at TL450705 Drive straight through the village of Cottenham. Follow road and take the first left marked Smithy Fen and Fen End Farm is at the top of this road. Look out for sign posts. Ring for further details.
Time: Start 10:30am and finish at 4pm
Description: Hedgelaying is a traditional way of managing a hedge to maintain its density and structure. Good hedges are important for a range of wildlife and also benefit the hedge by encouraging new vigorous growth. Enjoy an opportunity to learn how to lay your very own hedge. This day will cover the basics of hedgelaying and the emphasis will be on actually laying a hedge during the day. Tools and equipment will be provided but please wear old warm clothes, bring waterproofs and a packed lunch.
Cost: £5 donation. Booking Essential
Contact: Project Officer 01954 713531
Event: Water Vole ecology and monitoring in Melbourn, Meldreth, Shepreth and Whaddon
Date: March 5th
Day: Saturday
Organisation: Cambridge Green Belt Project and The Wildlife Trust for Cambridgeshire
Location: Meldreth Village Hall
Time: 10am to 2pm
Description: This will be a chance to learn more about the natural history of the water vole, highlighting the reasons for their decline. There will also be an opportunity to learn how to survey and monitor for these elusive charismatic creatures. There will be an indoor session and then participants will be given an opportunity to visit known water vole sites to look at the field signs they leave and we may even be lucky enough to see a water vole. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in surveying and monitoring for water voles after this workshop. We are particularly looking for participants who would be interested in assisting in monitoring small stretches of river in the Melbourn, Meldreth, Shepreth and Whaddon area. However, if you just want to learn more about the water vole this day will also be suitable.
Cost: £2 donation. Booking Essential
Contact: Project Officer 01954 713531
Event: Water Vole ecology and monitoring in west Cambridge and Coton
Date: March 12th
Day: Saturday
Organisation: Cambridge Green Belt Project and The Wildlife Trust for Cambridgeshire
Location: Coton WI Village Hall
Time: 10am to 2pm
Description: This will be a chance to learn more about the natural history of the water vole, highlighting the reasons for their decline. There will also be an opportunity to learn how to survey and monitor for these elusive charismatic creatures. There will be an indoor session and then participants will be given an opportunity to visit known water vole sites to look at the field signs they leave and we may even be lucky enough to see a water vole. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in surveying and monitoring for water voles after this workshop. We are particularly looking for participants who would be interested in assisting in monitoring small stretches of river in Cambridge and Coton. However, if you just want to learn more about the water vole this day will also be suitable.
Cost: £2 donation. Booking Essential
Contact: Project Officer 01954 713531
Event: Dawn Chorus Walk
Date: 1st May
Day: Sunday
Organisation: Cambridge Green Belt Project
Location: Meet outside Toft Post Office
Grid Reference: TL369563
Time: 4:30am - 7:00am
Description: Be an early bird and catch the dawn chorus on National Dawn Chorus Day! As spring dawns, male birds sing to re-establish territories and if they haven't got a mate yet, try to attract females by singing in the early morning before the sun rises. Once the sun is up they have to start finding food and the symphony of song ceases. Be an early bird and join us to celebrate the dawning of Spring and learn more about the birds in the Toft area with our local expert.
Contact: 01954 713531
Event: Dawn Chorus Bird Survey
Date: 3rd May
Day: Tuesday
Organisation: Cambridge City Greenways Project
Location: Bramblefields - Meet at the Laxton Way Store at the entrance to the Reserve
Grid Reference: TL473606
Time: 4:30am
Description: Be an early bird and catch the dawn chorus and hopefully the beautiful calls of the Nightingales! As spring dawns, male birds sing to re-establish territories and if they haven't got a mate yet, try to attract females by singing in the early morning before the sun rises. Once the sun is up they have to start finding food and the symphony of song ceases. Join our local expert to enjoy the dawn chorus.
Contact: 01954 713531
Event: A Walk around Coldhams Common
Date: 7th May
Day: Saturday
Organisation: Cambridge City Greenways Project
Location: Meet at the Cromwell Road entrance to the Common
Grid Reference: TL 470 586
Time: 10am
Description: Follow two local experts around this very important wildlife, historical and amenity site. Discover what has shaped the Common in the past and how this supports the wealth of wildlife that can be found within it.
Contact: 01954 713531 or 07734 478461
Event: Bat Walk around Coe Fen
Date: 12th May
Day: Thursday
Organisation: Cambridge Natural History Society
Location: Meet outside The Mill Pub, on Mill Lane, adjacent to the punt hire place
Time: 8.45pm
Description: Enjoy an opportunity to learn more about bats at this delightful location on the banks of the River Cam in the heart of Cambridge. Bats will be heard using bat detectors and will hopefully be seen feeding over the river. Please bring a torch as this is an evening event. The walk will go around the Paradise Nature Reserve via the Lammas Land Car Park.
Contact: See Cambridge Natural History Society for details.
Event: Hobson's Conduit Walk
Date: 11th June
Day: Sunday
Organisation: Cambridge City Greenways Project
Location: Meet at the fountain in Market Square, Cambridge.
Grid Reference: TL448585
Time: 10:00am to 1:00pm (Catch the 1:00pm bus from Addenbrooks Hospital back into Cambridge.)
Description: Follow Hobson's Conduit to its source with two local experts who will be on hand to delve into the history and wildlife of this fascinating waterway into Cambridge.
Cost: £5.00 per individual and £4.50 concessions. Booking essential.
Contact: 01954 713531
Event: Birds of the City Centre (TALK)
Date: 13th June
Day: Monday
Organisation: Cambridge City Greenways Project
Location: Environment Centre, Guild Hall, Cambridge City Council.
Grid Reference: TL 448583
Time: 12.30pm to 1:00pm
Description: A short introduction to the birds that have been seen in the centre of Cambridge with our local expert. Suitable for anybody with an interest in birds.
Contact: 01954 713531 or 07734 478461
Event: West Cambridge Walk
Date: 13th June
Day: Monday
Organisation: Cambridge City Greenways Project
Location: Meet at the corner of Adams Road and Wilberforce Road
Grid Reference: TL 434586
Time: 7.00pm
Description: A short walk around west Cambridge to highlight how rich this part of the city is for wildlife.
Cost: Donation
Contact: 01954 713531 or 07734 478461
Event: Moth and Bat Night at Byrons Pool LNR
Date: 13th June
Day: Monday
Organisation: City Council and Cambridge City Greenways Project
Location: Meet in the car park at Byrons Pool
Grid Reference: TL 437548
Time: 9.00pm
Description: The evening will involve watching and identifying the moths that are attracted to several light traps around the reserve. We shall also be looking for and listening out for several species of bats that have been recorded around the site.
Cost: Donation
Contact: 01954 713531 or 07734 478461
Event: Insect Day at Byrons Pool LNR
Date: 14th June
Day: Tuesday
Organisation: Cambridge City Greenways Project
Location: Meet at the Car Park at Byrons Pool, between Trumpington and Grantchester near the river.
Grid Reference: TL 437548
Time: 9.30am
Description: The day will be spent looking for and identifying as many flying, buzzing, jumping, crawling and swimming insects as possible.
Contact: 01954 713531 or 07734 478461
Event: Moth Trapping at Kingston Old Railway LNR
Date: 14th June
Day: Tuesday
Organisation: Cambridge Green Belt Project
Location: In the Reserve on the meadow area (Entrance opposite the
layby on the west bound B1046 after the second turning for Kingston.)
Grid Reference: TL 337557
Time: 9.00pm
Description: The evening will involve watching and identifying the
moths that are attracted to several light traps around the reserve. A
fantastic opportunity to learn more about these beautiful creatures
form a local expert.
Cost: Donation.
Contact: 01954 713530
Event: Insect Day at Kingston Old Railway LNR
Date: 15th June
Day: Wednesday
Organisation: Cambridge Green Belt Project
Location: Meet at the layby on the west bound B1046 after the second turning for Kingston.
Grid Reference: TL 337557
Time: 10am
Description: The day will be spent looking for and identifying as many flying, buzzing, jumping, crawling and swimming insects as possible.
Contact: Project Officer 01954 713530
Event: East Cambridge Walk
Date: 15th June
Day: Wednesday
Organisation: Cambridge City Greenways Project
Location: Meet at the far end of Burnside, near the allotments, off Brooks Road.
Grid Reference: TL 476573
Time: 7pm
Description: The walk will encompass a stream, woodland and chalk grassland with a view. Potential wildlife that hopefully will be spotted include Water Vole, Kingfisher and Moon Carrot!
Cost: Donation
Contact: 01954 713531 or 07734 478461
Event: Plants of the City Centre
Date: 17th June
Day: Friday
Organisation: Cambridge City Greenways Project
Location: Environment Centre, Guild Hall, Cambridge City Council.
Time: 12.30pm to 1:00pm
Description: A short introduction to the plants that can be found in and around the Cambridge City Centre with our local expert. Suitable for anybody with an interest in plants.
Contact: 01954 713531 or 07734 478461
Event: Evening Walk Around Wilbraham Common
Date: POSTPONED. This was to be on the June 28th but has been postponed. Please check back to this events page regularly for the announcement of the rescheduled date..
Day: Tuesday
Organisation: Cambridge Green Belt Project
Location: Outside garage in village
Grid Reference:TL 545572
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Description: Enjoy an opportunity to walk around this nationally important chalk grassland site and one of the few remaining Commons in the Cambridge area. The walk will explore the natural history of the site and in particular its rich chalk grassland flora.
Cost: £2 donation would be gratefully accepted.
Contact: 01954 713530
Event: Moth trapping and Bat watching
Date: 8th July
Day: Friday
Organisation: Cambridge City Greenways Project
Location: Perse Girl's School, off Trumpington Road
Time:9:00pm till late
Description: Enjoy an opportunity to learn more about the moths and bats of the Cambridge area at this delightful location on the banks of the River Cam. There will be an opportunity to learn about moth trapping techniques in the evening and view moths as they are caught. Bats will be heard using bat detectors and will hopefully be seen feeding over the river. Please bring a torch for the evening event.
Cost: £2 donation. Booking Essential
Contact: Project Officer 01954 713531
Event: Summer Walk from Bourn to Kingston Old Railway Reserve
Date: 27th July 2005
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Meet: Outside The Golden Lion
Grid Reference: TL325565
Description: Enjoy a summer evenings stroll from Bourn down to the Old Railway Reserve at Kingston. Learn more about some of your local wildlife and find out what's happening at this delightful reserve. The Reserve looks particularly good at this time of year and there will be a chance to learn about some of the flowers and wildlife that make it special.
Event: Moth trapping at Haslingfield Pit
Date: 29th July
Day: Friday
Organisation: Cambridge Green Belt Project
Location: Haslingfield Pit
Grid Reference: TL408517
Time: 9:00pm till late
Description: Enjoy an opportunity to learn more about the moths of the area at this delightful location in Haslingfield Pit. There will be an opportunity to learn about moth trapping techniques in the evening and view moths as they are caught. Please bring a torch for the evening event.
Cost: £2 donation. Booking Essential
Contact: Project Officer 01954 713530
Event: Moth Trapping along Roman Road
Date: This event has been rescheduled to 9th September, see below.
Event: Moth Trapping along Roman Road
Date: September 9th
Day: Friday
Organisation: Cambridge Green Belt Project
Location: Meet at Worstead Lodge (event will take place along the road to the north of this location)
Grid Reference: TL527520
Time: 9:00pm till late
Description: Enjoy an opportunity to learn more about the moths that traverse the route of the Roman Road. There will be an opportunity to learn about moth trapping techniques in the evening and view moths as they are caught. Please bring a torch for this evening event.
Cost: £2 donation would be gratefully accepted.
Contact: 01954 713530
Event: How to Watch Wildlife - Talk with Question and Answer Session
Date: 15th September
Day: Thursday
Organisation: Cambridge Green Belt Project and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Biological Records Centre
Location: Cambridge City Environment Centre
Time: 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Description: A short talk at 12:30pm and then an informal question and answer session with speakers on hand with books and equipment until 2pm to answer any questions.
Contact: 01954 713530
Event: How to Watch Wildlife - Come and Have a Go!
Date: 15th September
Day: Thursday
Organisation: Cambridge Green Belt Project and the City Council
Location: Barnwell East Local Nature Reserve, Uphall Road, off Coldham's Lane
Time: 6.30pm - 8pm
Description: Come and try your skills at watching wildlife; using identification keys, pond dipping, sweep-netting, birdwatching, bat detecting and much more!
Suitable for the whole family.
Contact: 01954 713530
Event: A New Home for Mrs Tiggywinkles
Date: 4th November
Day: Friday
Organisation: Cambridge Green Belt Project
Location: B&Q on Newmarket Road
Time: Start 10:30am and finish at 7pm
Description: Hedgehogs are starting to look for somewhere to hibernate at this time of year and unfortunately our bonfire piles on November 5th appear to be the perfect spot. We are giving you the chance to provide an alternative by making a hedgehog box with us at B&Q on Friday 4th November. Just drop in to make your own hedgehog box (one per household) and pick up some more information about what you can do to help this wonderful creature. We thank B&Q for providing the materials for the day and Cambridge Sustainable City for their support of the Project.
Cost None
Contact: Project Officer 01954 713531
Event: Learn the traditional art of Hedgelaying
Date: 19th and 20th November
Day: Saturday and Sunday
Organisation: Cambridge Green Belt Project
Locations (Look out for sign posts. Ring for further details.):
Time: Start 10:30am and finish at 4pm
Description: Hedgelaying is a traditional way of managing a hedge to maintain its density and structure. Good hedges are important for a range of wildlife and also benefit the hedge by encouraging new vigorous growth. Enjoy an opportunity to learn how to lay your very own hedge. This day will cover the basics of hedgelaying and the emphasis will be on actually laying a hedge during the day. Tools and equipment will be provided but please wear old warm clothes, bring waterproofs and a packed lunch.
Cost: £10 donation. Booking Essential
Contact: Project Officer 01954 713530