Swans to be guided to New Lakes at Cambridge Research Park by the RSPCA
29 July 2025 Statement by Nic Rumsey, director of Carisbrooke Investments Ltd, the joint venture partner with Suon in Suon Cambridge Ltd, the developer of the Cambridge Research Park "We are grateful to the RSCPA for coming to the rescue of the swans and their cygnets who, unfortunately, have remained in the lake that we have drained. They are going to lead them to one of the rear lakes where there will be enough food and we hope that they will remain there. If it becomes necessary, we will obtain a license from English Nature to relocate them." BACKGROUND Landscaping and the natural environment are an important part of the Cambridge Research Park and we are spending over �500,000 on this aspect in the first phase. We are retaining the many lakes created by former gravel works but are reconfiguring them to allow development of the 600,000 sq ft research park. Lake and willow woodland to the rear of the site has been designated as a wildlife refuge area by South Cambridgeshire District Council. The developer, recognising the importance of establishing these areas, has employed an ecologist/naturalist from the outset of the project to consult widely with the relevant bodies including the Wildlife Trust and the Golden Oriole Society. The research park is the home of the golden oriole, a rare British breeding bird that is distinctive by its bright yellow and black colouring and inhabits the type of tall stands of poplar found on the site. It is hoped to keep the golden oriole as a breeding species, enlarge the stands of reed and create a small but highly interesting wetland nature reserve which will be reminiscent of the old Fenland landscape of several centuries ago. Allen Pyke Associates, the landscape architects on the project have submitted a blueprint for redesigning the lake areas. CAMBRIDGE RESEARCH PARK The �100 million Cambridge Research Park is being developed by Suon Cambridge Ltd, a joint venture project between Suon Ltd and Carisbrooke Investments Ltd. It has outline planning consent for 600,000 sq ft of research and development space. Its first tenant is Diomed Ltd which is moving from the St John's Innovation Centre in Cambridge to a 20,000 sq ft purpose built unit and there is detailed planning consent for a further 32,000 sq ft building. CONTACTS Ecologist - Martin Newcombe Tel: 01233 720229 Developer - Nic Rumsey: Mobile Tel: 0973 155628
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