Visionary Work for Horizons Staff

Cambridgeshire Horizons staff swapped their comfortable office and computers for loppers, bow saws and the wilds of the National Trust's Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve for a day's conservation volunteering on Wednesday 11 November.

Under the guidance of Wicken Fen's experienced wardens, Horizons staff spent the day clearing scrub to assist the creation of seasonal paths on the Nature Trail around Wicken's ancient Sedge Fen.

Based in Histon, Cambridgeshire Horizons is a not for profit company driving forward the delivery of sustainable new communities and funding projects to enhance the quality of life for new and existing residents of Cambridgeshire.

John Onslow, Director of Development & Deputy Chief Executive said:

"It was hard work but we all had a thoroughly enjoyable day. Cambridgeshire Horizons have worked closely with the National Trust to promote the development of green infrastructure to assist public access to the countryside. I hope the residents of Cambridgeshire will enjoy the benefits of our hard work today when they visit the fen."

The Wicken Fen Vision is a 100 year project by the National Trust to create a landscape scale nature reserve and green lung for Cambridgeshire and the East of England, covering 53 sq km, from the existing Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve to the outskirts of Cambridge. Funding directed via Cambridgeshire Horizons has assisted the National Trust in developing a virtually traffic free route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders linking Anglesey Abbey to Wicken Fen with onward connections to both Cambridge and Ely.

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Notes to Editors

1. The National Trust is Europe's biggest conservation organisation and looks after special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland for ever, for everyone. People and places are at the heart of everything it does. Over 3.6 million members and 52,000 volunteers help the Trust look after 300 historic houses and gardens, 1,100 kilometres of coastline and 250,000 hectares of open countryside. Find out more at: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk 
2. The Wicken Fen Vision is being developed by the National Trust in association with a number of strategic partners including, Cambridgeshire County Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridge City Council, Department for Communities and Local Government, East of England Development Agency, Cambridgeshire Horizons, Greater Cambridge Partnership, Environment Agency, Natural England, Sustrans, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, The Tubney Charitable Trust and Heritage Lottery Fund.