Conservation group completes project to help river wildlife

A WILDLIFE and habitat project has been completed by a conservation group at the Barrington end of the River Shep.

ForShep set up the project in order to restore habitats and improve access to the River Shep - which runs through Barrington, Shepreth and Melbourn.

The group helped restore more than 100 metres of the river, and has created new wet ledges for plants, and meander shelters for fish.

Members also removed fallen trees that were blocking the channel and formed two new river access points that allow walkers and families to explore the river margins along a new footpath.

ForShep chairman Jenny Ravenhill said: "Bringing this stretch of river back to life is a major achievement.

"The River Shep is an asset to the area and local people are genuinely concerned that it remains so.

"It's a popular place for families, and the new site is somewhere children can explore safely."

The enhancement project is also vital to the river's wildlife and will see the return of dragonflies, otters, water voles, brown trout, and a variety of nesting birds.

It has cost approximately £15,000 and was grant-aided by South Cambs District Council, the Environment Agency, the Cam Valley Forum, Shepreth School Trust, and Awards for All.

Andy Baxendale of the Environmental Agency said: "Much has happened that we can all be proud of, and the agency is always pleased to work with enthusiastic local groups like ForShep.

"It is the responsibility of all of us to make sure we protect and value the wealth of wildlife around us, and to ensure that it can be valued by future generations."

- ForShep is a village society that was formed in 1999 after residents were concerned at the plight of the river.

It has implemented a number of individual habitat projects and holds many community wildlife events.