National Trust takes back land for nature restoration

The National Trust has taken back 370 acres of land near Cambridge for the first time in 60 years, with plans to restore habitats and improve access to green space. The project matters in a county described as one of the UK’s most nature-depleted, where population growth is increasing demand for accessible outdoor space.

Known as Northfield, the site lies near Bottisham and Anglesey Abbey and includes a chalk stream and a landscape where fenland meets a chalk ridge. The Trust hopes species including harvest mice, water voles and turtle doves will benefit. Northfield is the first project in a wider plan to connect and strengthen the landscape from Wicken Fen towards Cambridge; community sessions will gather views before proposals are developed in 2027.