Somersham Local Nature Reserve
Somersham Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is a wonderful example of how nature reclaims places if left alone. This is part of the railway line from Cambridge to March, built in 1848 for the transport of coal and agricultural produce before closing in 1967. The white gates at the Station Approach entrance are a reminder of the old level crossing that one stood here as well as a bridge across the Chatteris Road. The old station buildings were transferred brick by brick to the William McAlpine Estate in Oxfordshire.
The nature reserve, 12 hectares, and is home to a wide variety of wildlife and includes areas of woodland, grassland and wildflower meadows, a lake and wet woodland. The disused railway line is designated as a County Wildlife Site to recognise the importance of its neutral grassland within the county.
A path runs around the lake and there is a section of the Somersham to Chatteris disused railway line that runs through the middle of the site.
Community group
Description
The Friends Group was formed by a group of local residents in 2008 with aims to:
- preserve, protect and monitor the flora and fauna of the nature reserve,
- maintain public access to the nature reserve for the benefit of the local community,
- provide educational opportunities and information for the local community, particularly children, schools and youth groups,
- promote the nature reserve as a valuable community asset,
- assist Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) and Somersham Parish Council (SPC) in the management of the nature reserve.