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, meadow, grassland, scrub and woodland. The Ouse Valley Way is a Long Distance Footpath which 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 prepare a visitor experience masterplan and development plan, this included the supporting business plan for Paxton Pits Nature Reserve. Our work involved a site assessment, a review of the current operation, market assessment (including demographic profile), extensive stakeholder consultation, analysing future development options and identifying the preferred development scenario. A financial model was prepared to identify the key income generating opportunities. A visual concept plan was also produced as part of our work along with supporting concept sketches. Find out more about Paxton Pits Nature Reserve.

How can we help?
If you have any questions about 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 023 9248 1999 or email richard@pslplan.co.uk