Nature Reserve Feasibility Study: Paxton Pits

Client: Huntingdonshire District Council
Paxton Pits Nature Reserve is a large reserve in the Great Ouse Valley with an impressive mosaic of wetland and terrestrial habitats. As a former quarry site, the nature reserve has been used for gravel extraction since the 1940s and has now been restored and regenerated. Paxton Pits Nature Reserve forms part of the Green Corridor along the Great Ouse. The reserve comprises extensive areas of lakes, meadows, grasslands, scrub, and woodland. The Ouse Valley Way is a long-distance footpath that passes along the edge of the reserve. The reserve is managed by Huntingdonshire District Council and is supported by a very active Friends Group – there are over 2,000 volunteers.

Planning Solutions Consulting were commissioned to carry out a feasibility study for the nature reserve, advising on the opportunity to enhance the visitor experience and build financial resilience.

Our work involved a site assessment, a review of the current operation, a market assessment (including a drive-time catchment assessment), extensive stakeholder consultation, and analysis of future development options to enhance the visitor experience. A financial analysis was conducted to identify key income-generating opportunities at the nature reserve. A visual concept plan was also produced as part of our work, along with supporting concept sketches. Find out more about other nature reserve projects we have worked on.

How can we help?
If you have any questions about carrying out a feasibility study or preparing a business plan or visitor experience masterplan or income generation strategy for a nature reserve or would like to discuss our work please don’t hesitate to call Richard Linington on 07866 742628 or email richard@pslplan.co.uk