Monitoring

Abbey Fields Surveys

As with many green spaces not designated as nature reserves there is limited information on the species present over the year at either Croft Close Nature Reserve or Long Meadow – simply no one felt the need to formally record what they saw. Now that we have responsibility for the management of these two sites we need to build up as full a picture as possible of what plants and animals we have so that we can plan actions to enhance the existing position.

• Bird Surveys

  • Birds recorded at Abbey Fields prior to May 2021, when still part of Abbey Farm

  • Birds recorded in Long Meadow, Croft Close Nature Reserve, or flying over, in 2022

  • Birds flying overhead at night, recorded just south of Long Meadow

  • Birds of Abbey Fields, Species recorded in 2023

  • Birds of Abbey Fields, Species recorded in 2024

  • Birds of Abbey Fields, Species recorded in 2025

• Plant surveys

  • Long Meadow

  • Croft Close Nature Reserve

  Invertebrates

  • Moth surveys and trapping

  • Butterflies

  • General

• Bird Ringing

• Fungi

DNA Samples

In July 2023, as part of a national pilot trial, DNA samples were taken from the Croft Close Nature Reserve ponds. The methodology and analysis are still being developed and the results are therefore tentative. They are nevertheless indicative of the species present. The relative proportions of selected groups are illustrated together with a full species list:

• List of species present

• Illustrative charts

Water Quality

On March 16th 2026 Simon Payne conducted tests on the water from Beck Brook and tributaries. Points covered included

• Cottenham Road Bridge, Westwick

• Girton Road Bridge, Oakington

• Edward’s Woodland, Dry Draton

• Golf Course Road, Girton

• Long Meadow, Histon

The report is available at the link below

• Beck Brook & Tributaries: Water Quality