Langdyke Countryside Trust is a community charity organisation that offers access, walks, talks, and enjoyment of both the natural world and built heritage in the area to the N.W. of Peterborough, both for individuals and groups/organisations. Volunteers are most welcome!
This activity is good for wellbeing because
- being out in nature is known to have significant benefits to health and wellbeing;
- meeting with people in a shared interest can build relationships;
- learning something new and having to focus on details to achieve that engages your mind in positive ways; there is a chance to learn about wild flowers, birds and other species you may not have come across before.
'The opportunity to actively engage with nature, seeing the wider landscape change and observing the detail of local species, helps me to re-focus and see what joy there is to be found in simple things.'
Among the reserves Langdyke manages or helps with are Swaddywell Pit, Etton Maxey, Christ’s College Reserve, and Torpel Manor Field (see their website for more information).
How to contact
Where to go
Swaddywell Pit Nature Reserve
Stamford Road
Helpston Heath
PE6 7EL
Etton Maxey Nature Reserve
Main Rd
Maxey
Peterborough PE6 9EA
UK
Torpel Manor Field
West St
Helpston
Peterborough PE6 7DU
UK
What to expect
The Trust has a membership of more than 300 people and is run entirely by volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds - some with experience of nature and others who just want to meet new friends and get out and about in the fresh air.
Each reserve has regular work parties where people have the chance to get ‘hands on’ with nature and learn new skills while at the same time helping nature thrive. By volunteering there is a chance to meet people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Anyone wanting to get involved can email [email protected] for more information.
More information
The main reserves are open to members throughout the year and offer toilet facilities as well as signposted walk ways. Hides to view birds and other wildlife are also available.
At some sites (but not all), dogs are permitted as long as they are kept on leads. Please follow signage about this.
Children are welcome but must be supervised - some of the sites have deep water and other potential hazards you would expect to find outdoors.
Car parking is available at several sites.
Free activities:
- Access to the main reserves
- Online events such as talks and discussions as well as guided walks and other outside events
- Volunteering opportunities such as working groups
- Arts and crafts and photography opportunities
If you have any spare time and would like to offer help you would be very welcome. For information about ‘work parties’ on the different sites please email them.
Membership of the Trust for a small annual sum brings certain benefits but is not a requirement for many activities. Specific events do have a requested contribution/donation to the Trust for non-members.
How to contact
Where to go
Swaddywell Pit Nature Reserve
Stamford Road
Helpston Heath
PE6 7EL
Etton Maxey Nature Reserve
Main Rd
Maxey
Peterborough PE6 9EA
UK
Torpel Manor Field
West St
Helpston
Peterborough PE6 7DU
UK
