Projects that link countryside, culture, and community help tell a fuller story about our region – one that plays a quiet, but important, role in shaping communities and how we relate to where we live.
It was great to spend the evening at Peterborough Cathedral recently, celebrating the John Clare Countryside project alongside local stakeholders, community groups, and heritage organisations.
The project is a unique opportunity to showcase the natural beauty, built heritage, and rich history of North West Cambridgeshire and Peterborough – from Burghley Park and Milton Hall, to the Nene Valley Railway and John Clare Cottage in Helpston.
It’s also welcome that John Clare Cottage has recently secured £22,500 in funding from Historic England for investigative works, helping to safeguard this important part of our local heritage for the future.
For those of us who live and work here, the John Clare Countryside isn’t just about preserving landscapes; it’s about connecting communities, boosting local businesses, and providing spaces where people can enjoy the outdoors, stay active, and learn about our shared history.
Walking through the exhibition boards and hearing from partners last week, it was clear how much effort goes into combining nature recovery, heritage preservation, and visitor engagement – all while supporting sustainable farming and local livelihoods.
As someone who regularly meets farmers, volunteers, and small businesses in the area, I know how valuable these spaces are. They provide places for families to enjoy the outdoors, for young people to learn about the natural world, and for visitors to discover a part of the country with its own distinctive identity. John Clare’s poetry reminds us of the beauty and fragility of the landscapes we live in, and this project carries that legacy into the 21st century.
There’s also a practical side to what John Clare Countryside offers. By restoring wildlife habitats, creating accessible green spaces, and supporting local heritage attractions, the project strengthens our visitor economy, attracts investment, and creates jobs for younger people in the area. The work at Swaddywell Pit, Burghley estates, and other sites shows what can be achieved when communities, landowners, and local councils work together.
For Peterborough, projects like this also feed into wider ambitions, including our UK City of Culture 2029 bid. By celebrating local stories, nature, and heritage, we not only improve residents’ quality of life but also make our city a more attractive destination for visitors and investors alike.
The John Clare Countryside project demonstrates the power of locally led initiatives to protect our environment, enhance wellbeing, and strengthen the social and economic life of our area.
I’m proud to support it and look forward to seeing it grow – for people, for nature, and for the legacy of John Clare himself.