Josh Hellon
Summer Leys Car Parking Charges
Car parking charges now apply to park in the nature reserve car park. Wildlife Trust BCN members will need to register their vehicle in advance in order to park for free (please allow 2-3 business days for your request to be processed).
Why have car parking charges been introduced?
Summer Leys is one of our most popular reserves used by both members of our Trust and non-members. Our reserves take a lot of time, money and effort to manage and we need the support of all those that visit to help us take care of this wonderful place. The Wildlife Trust BCN has a responsibility to all its members to protect and maintain our nature reserves and as a charity, we need to consider all options to make sure we have the right levels of funding in place in order to do that.
The money raised through car parking charges will help us to look after Summer Leys Nature Reserve, which is more than 47 hectares. This large, ex-gravel pit consists of a main lake with gently sloping banks, shallow areas of water and ponds, low lying islands, a large scrape and a fringe of reeds surrounded by grassland and wet woodland. To discover more about this beautiful reserve visit Summer Leys.
How much does it cost?
- £4.00 – up to 4 hours
- £6.00 – for the full day until 11pm
If you’re a member of the Wildlife Trust BCN - parking is free!
IMPORTANT: In order to access free parking at Summer Leys Nature Reserve members MUST register their Vehicle Registration Number by completing the following form on our website.
Only members of the Wildlife Trust BCN can register for free parking. Members are able to register a maximum of two vehicles per membership.
How it works
Why have car parking charges been introduced?
Our reserves take a lot of time, money and effort to manage and we need the support of all those that visit to help us take care of these wonderful places. The Wildlife Trust BCN has a responsibility to protect and maintain our Nature Reserves and we need to ensure we have the right levels of funding in place in order to do that.
Who will need to pay the parking charges?
Non-Wildlife Trust BCN members: the parking charges will apply to all non-Wildlife Trust BCN member visitors.
Wildlife Trust BCN members: Parking will always be free for our members. In order for Wildlife Trust BCN members to benefit from an exemption from the charges, they will need to register their vehicle.
Please note the following:
- Only current WTBCN Individual, Joint or Family memberships qualify to register for free parking. Children’s Watch memberships are excluded.
- Members who cancel their membership with WTBCN will not qualify for free parking and will be required to pay to park at the site.
Active Wildlife Trust BCN volunteers: may be eligible for free parking and should contact their volunteer manager if they wish to register for free parking.
A penalty notice will be issued for those who are not eligible for free parking and who have not paid to park
IMPORTANT information for members
In order to access free parking at Summer Leys Nature Reserve members MUST register their Vehicle Registration Number in advance of visiting.
New members must wait until they receive their welcome pack with their membership number before they can register for free parking and must pay for parking until registration has been confirmed. This can take up to 5 working days.
What are the parking charges and when do they apply?
The parking charges shown below will now apply to all visitors to our Summer Leys Nature Reserve, unless they have registered their vehicle.
- £4.00 for up to four hours
- £6.00 for a full day (until 11pm)
Car parking charges for visitors to Summer Leys nature reserve apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A penalty notice will be issued for those who are not eligible for free parking and who have not paid to park
How can I pay for parking?
The pay-and-display machines in the car park will be cashless and payment using a card or phone app will be required.
What are the car park opening hours?
The car park will be open between 5am and 11pm, 7 days a week.
There will be no overnight parking for anyone, including members.
How will it be monitored?
An Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera will be in operation, monitoring which vehicles have paid to park.
Enforcement applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A penalty notice will be issued for those who are not eligible for free parking and who have not paid to park.
How do I register my vehicle?
In order to register, please click the link below and complete the form.
Can I de-register my vehicle?
Members may de-register from free parking access to Summer Leys Nature Reserve by emailing carparkchargingbcn@wildlifebcn.org or contacting the supporter team using Tel: 01954 713543 or by post to The Wildlife Trust, The Manor House, Broad Street, Great Cambourne, Cambridge, CB23 6DH
What are the terms and conditions?
Contact us
If you have any queries or need help registering your vehicle, please contact carparkchargingbcn@wildlifebcn.org or call 01954 713500/01604 405285 and we would be pleased to assist.
Become a member
Members park for free at Summer Leys Nature Reserve. If you’re interested in becoming a member and enjoying the many benefits of a Wildlife Trust BCN membership find out more by contacting our friendly team at membership@wildlifebcn.org or via Join Us today.
