WHEN I first came to Ely five years ago, there were seven pairs of great crested grebes nesting around Roswell Pits. Moorhens, coots, swans, woodpeckers, they were all there and more. I was horrified when so many of the surrounding trees were cut down, f

WHEN I first came to Ely five years ago, there were seven pairs of great crested grebes nesting around Roswell Pits. Moorhens, coots, swans, woodpeckers, they were all there and more.

I was horrified when so many of the surrounding trees were cut down, feared the worst, and it appears I was right to do so.

I no longer live so near, but I am echoing the letters of last week. Such a nature reserve right in the heart of Ely is/was a glorious thing to have. A round walk of a couple of miles takes in the river, a footpath across the fields, Roswell Pits or the woods.

Visitors will not wish to look at a marina. They can see one in any case on the far side of the Ouse.

Is it too late? We need our open spaces and that one was a particularly good one.

J LEEMING

Ely