Roman Hill Green Space Project
Barton Parish Council Announces Community-Led Green Space Project
Barton Parish Council is delighted to unveil plans for an exciting new green space project in the village, designed to enhance the local environment while incorporating valuable feedback from residents during and after the public meeting in January. The initiative, set to commence spring 2025, will transform the green area along the A603 of Cambridge Road and Roman Hill into a vibrant, wildlife-friendly space for the community to enjoy. (See attachment on Amenities and Open Spaces Working Group page)
The project will follow a carefully considered design that balances resident input with environmental stewardship. Ground clearance will be undertaken thoughtfully, preserving local wildlife, flora, and fauna while removing brambles and ivy to make the area accessible. Native East Anglian plant and tree species—such as holly, apple, hawthorn, and blackthorn—will be introduced, with juvenile trees (1-1.5 meters tall) planted to encourage long-term growth.
A highlight of the project will be a Community Tree Planting Day, where residents are invited to participate in planting and “adopt” a tree, fostering a sense of ownership and connection to the space. Additionally, Barton Primary School pupils will be invited to build and stain 10 bird boxes in the school’s signature blue, which will be installed in the trees to support local birdlife.
To ensure safety and accessibility, crown lifting works will be carried out to maintain clear sightlines for those entering and exiting Roman Hill. Any trees removed during the process will be mulched and reused on-site, promoting sustainability. Works on the house-side of the area will be communicated to residents in advance to minimize disruption.
While a suggestion for a wire fence was noted, South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) has advised assessing the need once planting is complete, favoring a natural barrier where possible. Barton Parish Council will monitor the situation once the planting stage concludes.
The project has received full approval from Highways, ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations. Barton Parish Council is committed to keeping residents informed throughout the process and looks forward to seeing the community come together to bring this vision to life.
For more information, please contact Barton Parish Council.
