Since the autumn of 2023, we have been delighted to be joined by Tansy and Lewis from Supported Steps in Ramsey. Together they have been looking after our wonderful Ramsey Heights Nature Reserve by carrying out practical tasks including extending the garden around the raised pond.

For the first few sessions, the group focused their attention on the existing garden area where there was lots of weeding to be done! Whilst enjoying the warm September sunshine, they also cut back the hedge which bordered the garden and were amazed by the number of ladybirds they found. Once they had tackled all the weeds (this took a few sessions!), it was time to spread woodchip with the hope that this would supress many of the weeds and stop them returning next spring and summer.  This opens up access for visitors to reach the fragrant herbaceous borders and to go pond dipping at school and family events. 

During the winter months, Tansy and Lewis worked hard to keep the vegetation under control by cutting back encroaching brambles around the reserve, including in the mini beast area so young children can explore here more safely. Caroline, another wonderful Great Fen volunteer, has also been tackling bramble in the visitor car park this winter and beneath an incredibly overgrown mound uncovered some other species who should benefit from a bit more growing space! The group also spent a little more time weeding and edging the footpaths around the main pond. This has helped return the paths to their original width and made it easier to walk on. It looks great!

More recently, the group have welcomed the help of Reserve Officers, Dave Metcalfe and Jasmin Atkinson, and together they have been extending the garden around our raised pond. By extending the garden, more space will become available for an additional raised pond and some raised beds. The ponds will support a range of aquatic invertebrates as well as providing additional opportunities for pond dipping for visiting school groups and families. Throughout the spring and summer, the group will help grow a range of herbs and flowers in the raised beds alongside our Little Bugs group…. with a little more weed maintenance along the way!

A BIG thank you to the Cambridgeshire Gardens Trust for funding our new raised beds!

With all the wet weather this winter, digging holes for the new fence posts proved to be very tiring work. Water levels were very high so it didn’t take long to find the water table. Lewis and Tansy did an excellent job at lifting out the wet (and heavy!) clay from the water filled holes… and luckily the group were supplied with plenty of hot chocolate and biscuits!! They were able to develop a range of skills by using new tools and techniques as part of this project.

In March, Tansy and Lewis were filmed by ITV as part of a short film about the Great Fen (now available on ITVX). This was a new experience for them both but they enjoyed being interviewed and they are looking forward to watching themselves on film soon.

After each session, the group enjoys a walk around the reserve to discover wildlife on site. There is always something different to see, hear and smell. In recent weeks, highlights have included the return of chiffchaffs, a drumming woodpecker and the display of beautiful blossoms.

Thomas Wells, Director of Supported Steps, sent us this rewarding feedback: "Supported Steps is passionate about integrating our Services Users in their local community, mainly through volunteering for local organisations. We were extremely lucky to be given opportunity for two of our Service Users to volunteer with the Wildlife Trust at the Great Fen Project on a fortnightly basis. During their time volunteering at the Great Fen, our Service Users have not only learnt invaluable practical skills, but have been encouraged to develop a love and renewed respect for the natural environment around them. Furthermore, both have become physically fitter as a result of their time volunteering at the Great Fen, and are always laughing on the journey home!"

A HUGE thank you to Tansy and Lewis from everyone in the Great Fen for their fantastic work so far!