Christ’s College is a new partner of the John Clare Countryside founded in 2019.

This unique landscape project connects the people of Peterborough, Stamford and the Deepings with nature and heritage. A key aim of the partnership is to establish nature rich habitats alongside profitable, sustainable farming. 

The Langdyke Countryside Trust, a community organisation, manages nine reserves within the John Clare Countryside. 

The newest is Christ’s College Reserve which lies between the flood relief channels of Maxey Cut and the South Drain and comprises 22 acres of restored gravel pits. 

English Romantic poet, John Clare, was born in 1783 at Helpston near Peterborough. 

The College’s own connection with Helpston is through Lady Margaret Beaufort, grandmother of Henry VIII, who lived at nearby Collyweston. 

When Lady Margaret re-founded God’s House as Christ’s College in 1505, part of the endowment included income from the rectory at Helpston.

Michael Parsons, Bursar said: 

“Recognising the College’s historic links with the area, we are delighted to join the John Clare Countryside and support its nature, climate and biodiversity aims.”

 

Five people in front of a gate with signage
Michael Parsons, Bursar (2nd left) and Dr Lucy Hughes, Archivist (3rd left) with members of the Langdyke Countryside Trust © Langdyke Countryside Trust

The new reserve is part of the developing network of continuous and accessible nature rich habitat in the area.

Visitors to the area may view the Christ’s College Reserve from viewing points on the Maxey Cut and from the footpath on the eastern boundary. 

Map of Christ's College Nature Reserve
Map of Christ’s College Reserve by Peter Leverington © Langdyke Countryside Trust

The Langdyke Trust anticipates that, in time, the Reserve will become home to breeding populations of turtle dove, common tern, sand martin and kingfisher as well as grebes, coot, moorhen and tufted duck. Wintering populations of snipe, lapwing, and green sandpiper are also anticipated.

It is also hoped that existing colonies of four spotted moth and glow-worm on the Cut will expand onto the Reserve.

Richard Astle, chair of Langdyke Trust said:

“We are delighted that Christ’s College has joined the John Clare Countryside partnership.  Thanks to the Christ’s College Nature Reserve, we are creating new habitats for scare birds, flowers and insects and a beautiful new place for visitors to enjoy and treasure.

We all look forward to working with the College in the future and celebrating the heritage and beauty of this special landscape.”

Read more about the John Clare Countryside.

Read more about the Langdyke Countryside Trust.