Magog Trust: Introduction

The Magog Trust - Introduction

The GOG MAGOG Hills lie just to the south of Cambridge City and partly in the parish of Stapleford, map reference TL 487 532.

The MAGOG TRUST grasped a unique and unrepeatable opportunity to open up 163.5 acres of arable land adjacent to Wandlebury for public recreation and for conservation. The project started in 1989 when the land came on the market; Christopher South, journalist and broadcaster, commented on it in the Cambridge Evening News; Colin Davison, Vicar of Stapleford (until his sudden death in June 1989) recognised its potential and together with the then Chairman of the Stapleford Parish Council (Joan Barnes) they formed the MAGOG TRUST. The price of the land was £327,000.

This ambitious undertaking is recreating chalk grassland typical of a century ago with the unique wealth of indigenous trees, shrubs, meadow grasses, flowers and associated wild life.

Go back in your mind for a century or less; this land would have been grass land for grazing sheep; there would have been a rich wildlife, a lovely spread of wild flowers and butterflies, thick hedges where birds and insects could flourish and a scattering of trees - beech, hazel and hawthorn for instance.

Today, with the purchase and restoration of this piece of land, the chalk grassland is being recreated, native shrubs and trees are being planted, the wild life is being attracted back and all replacing part of our disappearing countryside heritage. There are, unusually for Cambridgeshire, high points on the site with extensive views over the surrounding counties and towards the City.

Who is doing this for Cambridge and for posterity? It has to be the community. All of us who are concerned about maintaining the richness and diversity of the countryside, who know that people need space to walk and wonder and watch; who accept that responsibility for doing this belongs to us, the people who will use it; who can say to the few people who have started this "Keep going - we will help to make this possible".

What encouraged the Governors of the MAGOG TRUST to go ahead?

Public and organisational support and enthusiasm
Generous grants from many local Councils including South Cambridgeshire District Council
An interest-free loan from Edmund Vestey which has recently been repaid
Sustained public donation
The sale of GOGS - notional areas of land costing £5 each but without title or rights

The Trust purchased the land in September 1989 and initiated a programme of reclamation and development for long term conservation and recreation.

The first goals of woodland (6 woods; over 26,000 trees and shrubs) and meadows (2 meadows; 72 acres seeded with typical native grasses and flowers) were reached during 1993. Trees in the Memorial Wood are named to remember loved ones; their continuing upkeep is donated by family and friends. Rabbit-proof fencing encircling the site protects the young trees and shrubs and makes the Down safe for families and children to walk freely. A car park (completed March 1992) provides safe access for walkers and other visitors. Stiles, rabbit-proof access gates and a picnic table are in place. On the north and south Downs seats donated in memory of family and friends have been installed.

This start is impressive. If Cambridgeshire people want to say "That hillside is ours and always will be", individuals, organisations, institutions and businesses still have a crucial part to play. Cash to pay off the land purchase debt is top priority.

While the MAGOG TRUST continues to work hard the real power comes from the people; people who will provide cash; who will organise fund-raising activities; who will donate a tree or seat in memory of a loved one; who will help with the many jobs associated with conservation. Those people, and their children and grandchildren, who will use the area for recreation and refreshment in the decades to come. People like you and me.