Local News and Events
Fulbourn Fen Nature Reserve
Back in November, we reported on the closure of Ansett's Wood due to safety concerns. After raising the funding, the felling of many dozens of dead or dying trees together with surgery to damaged trees began in early February and is now well advanced. The main problem has been one of ash dieback, but other trees have also been affected. The project plan has been scrutinised and approved as necessary by all the relevant authorities, including Natural England, the Forestry Commission, and South Cambs District Council. The woodland will remain closed until further notice while the ground is cleared and made suitable for future planting and some permissive access can be restored. This extensive work enables the Wildlife Trust to make the site safe for the long term. This will be a considerable change to the woodlands and replanting of many new trees later in 2026 will result in a wildlife and people friendly woodland that will be more resilient to the effects of ongoing climate change. The problems found at Ansett's Wood are not unique. After an extensive recent survey of their woodlands, the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants discovered similar issues affecting many sites.
The Wildlife Trust will be welcoming members of the public to come and help with the new planting planned for the autumn/winter 2026. Fulbourn Forum has been asked to help publicise this work. We will let you know the dates and times as soon as we are notified.
Fulbourn Fen Nature Reserve Work Parties
Monthly work parties have continued throughout the winter with work mainly confined to the meadows an
For more information please contact the local volunteer Wildlife Trust wardens at: fulbournfennaturereserve@gmail.com
Click here for Hedgehog News from our Year 9 students
Fulbourn Windmill CIO
Following on from the removal of the sails, cap and fantail back in November, scaffolding has now been erected around the mill in anticipation of the main restoration work commencing in late spring/early summer. Internal scaffolding has still to be installed to help maintain the integrity of the structure during the works. The main works are now out to tender which will be returned later in March.
If you would like to register your interest in the windmill and be kept informed of progress through Fulbourn Windmill CIO newsletters, please email fulbourn.windmill.cio@gmail.com and ask to be included on the contact list.
The new website is now live and can be accessed at:
Bid for chalk streams UNESCO Heritage Status
Two members of the Fulbourn Forum committee attended the launch on 19 February of the bid by the South Cambridgeshire MP Pippa Heylings to introduce a Ten Minute Rule Bill in Parliament, calling on the government to nominate the UK's chalk streams for consideration for UNESCO Natural World Heritage Status. The launch was held at Stone Bridge, Stow-cum-Quy next to Quy Water. This is the stream fed by the springs and water from the Fulbourn and Wilbraham catchment area, passing through Lode Mill at Anglesey Abbey on its way to the Cam. Craig Bennett, CEO of The Wildlife Trusts spoke in support. Ten Cambridge area environmental and water campaigners, including David Cottee of Fulbourn Forum, also attended the presentation of the Bill on 25 February in the House of Commons.
Neighbourhood Plan
The completion of the Fulbourn Neighbourhood Plan in 2023 provided an opportunity to bring together into a formal planning orientated document, many of the aspirations and ongoing projects of the village. The F.NP proposed that progress on various policies and aspirations should be reviewed annually. Fulbourn Forum provided a report to the Parish Council in 2024 and 2025, and David Nobel has updated the report for 2026 particularly concerning environmental and related projects.
The projects listed include: Village Tree and Woodland Survey and Planting Programme; Herb Beds; Local Water Courses (including Fugolburna film); Capital Park (community engagement); Nature Reserve Extension; CoFarm (community farm project); Swifts (new boxes, monitoring and public awareness); 20mph Speed Zone; Greenway; Windmill Refurbishment Project; Eastern Cambridge Farmers (sustainable farming); Lower Valley Farm Meadows and Woodlands; Litter Picks; Assets of Community Value; Community Orchards; High Street; Parking and Traffic Management; Victorian Gardens; Monitoring of Planning Applications; River Quality Testing.
Radio Control Car Club.
Established over 40 years, the Cambridge oval racing club races 1/12th scale cars based on full size oval racing cars, which we race on our purpose built track on a carpet surface.
We meet on a Tuesday evening at the Townley memorial hall Fulbourn, CB21 5BS, 6.45 - 10.15. Racing is competitive but friendly with lots of help and advice given to car set-up and driving. It's also interesting to learn how different adjustments reap rewards on the track.
We have a couple of club cars that can be hired for an odd meeting to see if you like it before you buy. Normal fees are £5 senior, £4 under 16's, club car hire is £4. But from now until the end of March, your first night is completely FREE! So why not come along to a nice comfortable hall for a sociable evening and see.
If you are interested and would more information, please join our Facebook group, Cambridge oval racing club, comment below, DM or you can also email cambridgeovalracing@gmail.com. Please email first to ensure availability of the club car for the evening that you are planning to come. We look forward to hearing from you.