Fen Reeves Community Woodland

Image: © Keith Edkins Taken: 18 Feb 2008

This wood is owned by Cottenham Parish Council on behalf of the people of Cottenham. For many years the six acre plot was let for agriculture, market gardening and grazing but by 1992 interest in the land was declining. The Parish Council considered selling the plot but accepted a proposal to create a wood for the use of the people of the village. With the support of Cambridgeshire County Council and the Forestry Authority, Fen Reeves woodland was planted in March 1993. Fen Reeves is managed by a Committee of the Parish Council. Nearly all the work to create the wood has been undertaken by volunteers and local contractors. In addition to the planting, the Committee has been responsible for installing the pole mounted nesting box and creating the pond. The objective is to create a sanctuary for the benefit of wildlife, the landscape and the local community. Fen Reeves was planted with a mixture of broadleaved trees native to the Fens. In the drier end of the wood, towards the road, the planting is dominated by oak, ash, wild cherry and field maple. Towards the lode the land becomes much wetter, and includes a greated proportion of alder, white willow and osier. Adound the edge of the wood and adjacent to the rides are found shrubby species, such as dogwood, hawthorn, hazel and holly. These plants will not grow to the same height as the trees, but by virtue of their foliage, flowers and fruits will make the wood more attractive and habitat for insects, birds and other wildlife. Across the centre of the wood is a line of fruit trees, which provide a reminder of the extensive orchards which once dominated the Cottenham area. -- from the site information board

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