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A three mile linear walk following a chalk stream from a spring in Cherry Hinton to the River Cam at Stourbridge Common
A 'car-free' walk easily done using public transport
This three mile linear route follows the course of a clear chalk stream from its spring source at Robin Hood Dip (known locally as Giants Grave) to the River Cam at Stourbridge Common. The walk uses public rights of way and sites owned by Cambridge City Council and follows the designated East Cambridge Wildlife Corridor. The City has a policy of defining and protecting wildlife corridors.
Coldham's Common is used for grazing and recreation. Large old willow trees are of important wildlife value along the footpath and occasionally orchids occur in the grassland area. On the common Coldham's Brook chalk stream and the East Cambridge Main Drain run a similar course, but the waters do not mix. The East Cambridge Main Drain is more polluted than the brook.
Most of the route waymarking and conservation work at Barnwell Local Nature Reserve is carried out by volunteers. If you would like to help, or want more information about the project please contact us.
Clean, clear chalk streams are very good for wildlife and there is a lot to see along the route.
The most common fish to be seen in the brook is the three-spined stickleback known affectionately as the 'tiddler' and a favourite food for kingfishers. Another fish not seen so frequently is the bullhead. This broad-headed little fish with spines on its gills is not often seen because it hides away under stones waiting until a small fish or worm comes into view before darting out to make a capture. Kingfishers are quite common along the brook, but all you are likely to see is a sudden brilliant flash of turquoise and orange!
Water voles use the length of Cherry Hinton Brook and Coldham's Brook, but it are most frequently seen near St. Bedes School and Burnside. This small mammal is quite rare now due to loss of riverside habitat such as long grass, reed bed and scrub which leads to increased predation by rats, owls, stoats and particularly mink. Although known as 'Ratty' in Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, the water vole with its round nose is very different from the brown rat. If you creep quietly along you may be able to see one eating reed or discarded apple cores in the shadows along the waters edge.
Remember to check bus times before you start!
If you are not familiar with Cambridge, please take a street map with you to help find your way at the end of the walk.
