Buckden Valley drought relief project

DTo everyone who visits and enjoys the Valley.

Last year we raised money to renovate our village lake which had become overgrown and virtually void of any life due to the lack of biodiversity. The project has been a great success, with people of all ages in the village enjoying the nature. Wildlife has returned, including the black squirrel, ducks, fish, deer, etc. We have also attracted less desirable wildlife, including cormorants and herons (which eat all the fish) and gulls which have been picking off the emerging ducklings, much to the distress of the parent ducks.

Our lake, like much of Cambridgeshire, is suffering from the effects of the worst drought since 1935. The stream feed, which provided a gentle cleansing current has now dried up. So the lake has become stagnant, with the hot sun encouraging algae bloom and surface vegetation. A brood of ducklings is thriving, but predators have an easy target.

We have consulted the Environment Agency, the RSPB and environmental consults all of whom recommended a floating island to offer a refuge for waterfowl from land-based predators. We are raising additional money from residents, the Village Hall and the Parish Council, but we are still short of the total needed.

We would be grateful for any donations from residents and other users to supplement the funding the Village Hall and the Parish Council are contributing. Even small amounts make a huge difference.

Please help us carry the Valley through this crucial period – we are already planning work on the various banks as well as adding fitness equipment.

Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to our village.