| Ely Wildspace | |
| The eastern edge of Ely harbours valuable habitat for wildlife, including lakes, reed beds, seasonally flooded meadows, woodlands and grasslands. These areas support an impressive array of wildlife and are highly valued by many people who visit the area [for a brief guide on what to see at the Ely wildspace click here]. Through discussions with Ely residents (at a public meeting and on market stalls), relevant landowners, our members, and ecological experts (Wildlife Trust, Natural England and others) we’ve identified an area - which we’re calling the Ely Wildspace - that needs to be conserved and managed in an integrated way for the combined benefit of both wildlife and local people. We believe that protecting the Wildspace from harmful development is essential for safeguarding Ely’s remaining wildlife and securing a vital recreational resource for a growing city. | Map of the Ely Wildspace.
Click on numbered areas for more information. 
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Ely Wildspace is critical for the survival of wildlife in the area. Some of the species found here are of national conservation importance. In recognition of this Natural England, the government’s advisor on the natural environment in England, has designated most of the Wildspace as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), giving it the highest level of protection at a UK level. For more information on the Ely Pits and Meadows SSSI’s and why it was designated please visit the natural England website by clicking here. East Cambridgeshire District Council have also recognised that the area is an important recreational resource and are in the process of developing a country park, overlapping with much of the Wildspace. While we support the idea of improving access to some areas, we believe that any development must be done with a light touch and in line with the SSSI designation. A description of each of the 'areas’ within the Ely Wildspace, as depicted in the map above, are listed below: |
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Roswell Pit supports many breeding birds including the great crested grebe and kingfisher and provides foraging and resting areas during winter for other birds such as the bittern. With a wide variety of habitats many other species are found here including water voles, otters, a number of bat species, nightingales, terns and many plants including the bee orchid and giant horsetail. This area is also nationally important for fossils, as the outcrop of the Kimmeridge Clay has yielded a diverse assemblage of fossil reptiles. It is also a recreation facility, providing access to sailing and angling. |
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The common is a popular walking and recreation area. It is also a beautful wild flower meadow supporting species such as adders tongue fern, and there are historical records of green winged orchids.
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This area supports species such as grasshopper warblers, water rail and redwing and provides hunting grounds for barn owls.
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| 4. Pocket Park | A park close to the city centre, this area provides open green spaces that are used by many people for recreation.
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This shallow wetland surrounded by reeds supports many wading birds including snipe, woodcock and bitterns. Cetti's warbler can also be found here, as can stoat.
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| 6. Queen Adelaide Pits | This is a very important site for bitterns and other wetland birds, bearded tits, marsh harriers and hobbies.
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| 7. Cuckoo Bridge reed beds | Sedge and reed warblers are found in these reed beds, the area also supports little ringed plover, cuckoo, little grebe and a number of dragonfly species. It is also a fantastic spot to see spawning bream under the bridge!
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The flood meadows are important breeding habitat for lapwing, and also support many otehr bird species including, kestrel, yelow wag tail, barn owl. Roesel's bush cricket, a rare sight in the UK is also found here.
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| 9. Lisle Lane field | A meadow used for grazing, where species such as water cress, buttercups can be found (photo to be added soon). |
