It’s time that we stopped trading insults

Published: 10:37 AM July 5, 2007

Updated: 11:55 PM February 22, 2021

IT must surely be time to stop trading insults and to take time to consider the future of the largest of the Roswell pits. The area around Roswell pits is important geologically, historically and environmentally. The clay from the pits lines many Fenland

IT must surely be time to stop trading insults and to take time to consider the future of the largest of the Roswell pits.

The area around Roswell pits is important geologically, historically and environmentally. The clay from the pits lines many Fenland drainage schemes and in 1947 played a vital role in flood prevention. The presence of the Environmental Agency and Hydro International remind us that this area was and indeed still is part of a working landscape that preserves the Fen landscape and prevents flooding .

The land around the pit has gradually developed into a rich and varied habitat for fish, birds and mammals and with the settlement pits provides the range of habitats that many birds need for nesting and feeding. The tranquillity of the area has made it an important visiting site for otters that have killed the mink and this in turn has resulted in the return of the water vole.

Part of this area is already a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the geological value of its fossils and the remainder of the pit deserves similar protection for its wildlife.

How many towns can boast such diversity so close to its medieval centre? We should be looking at ways to protect this site and to preserve it for the future. We should be encouraging East Cambridgeshire District Council to use the next stage of its Local Development Framework to identify areas that are better suited to the development of moorings for motor boats so that the tranquillity needed by the wildlife at Roswell Pits is not disturbed.

I can highly recommend a visit to Roswell pits; last weekend I was rewarded by the site of a Marsh Harrier gliding over the reed beds. A magical site and one well worth preserving.