Brampton Wood is the second largest woodland in Cambridgeshire (Monks Wood is slightly bigger) and at least 900 years old but likely much older. Its huge woodland ecosytem is one of the best wildlife habitats in the county, which is why it is listed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and managed carefully by the Wildlife Trust BCN. Its beautiful woodland walks are therefore very popular with visitors.
Our staff and volunteers work all year round in all weathers to make sure that the wood is in the best possible condition for wildlife and human visitors alike. Our work parties also play a vital role helping with tasks at the wood and new faces are always welcome to lend a hand, make some new friends and help our wildlife work at this reserve.
With the nearby development of the new route for the A14, the greatest challenge at the moment is to minimise the impact on wildlife, while continuing to maintain ecosystems, safe access and community engagement on site. As a result it is very important for the Trust to continue to engage different generations of supporters, and demonstrate the importance and personal enrichment of this special natural landscape.
Also, after years of good service the site’s infrastructure, particularly its Welcome Barn is in need of some TLC. Having been well used by visitors and suffering from the effects of the British weather, critical restoration and work on various areas of the reserve needs to be done imminently. This will allow us to continue to provide a warm welcome to everyone that uses the site for multiple activities throughout the year for many years to come.
Funding from our supporters is crucial to allow this work to take place, and recently we were very happy to receive generous donations to the Brampton Wood Project from Scott Bader (£500) and SDC Builders Ltd (£375, as part of their Community box challenge). These donations together with a successful grant application from the A14 Community Fund will help bring Brampton Wood back to optimum state for all visitors, including engagement and education participants, and we at the Wildlife Trust BCN are extremely grateful for this vital support.
