New nature reserve to be created in housing development near Peterborough

The project is taking place at Linden Homes’ Kingsley Place, in Barnack and will be recreating a similar habitat to the nearby Hills and Holes national nature reserve.

The 50-acre site is a special area of conservation and a Grade I-listed site which marks the location of a medieval limestone quarry. The unique landscape consists of grassy slopes that are home to an array of wildflowers and a variety of wildlife.

The project at Kingsley Place, which lis less than half a mile from Hills and Holes, includes mock limestone features and sloping terrain and has been designed to provide an alternative site for recreation and wildlife.

The small-scale hills and holes area will span just over two acres, sitting alongside the development’s 80 new homes and a children’s play area. Interpretation boards will also be installed to explain the historic and ecological significance of the Hills and Holes.

Linden Homes is also providing a £27,750 financial contribution towards the management of the Hills and Holes special area of conservation as part of the planning agreement for the development.

Weronika Maslak, Sales Manager for Linden Homes East Midlands, said: “Barnack has a rich history and one of the most notable landmarks in the village is the Hills and Holes nature reserve.

“Known for its distinctive grassy slopes, the site was historically used for quarrying Jurassic limestone, which was used to build the Peterborough and Ely cathedrals. It’s this heritage that gives the site its unique hills and holes.

“The replica hills and holes feature at Kingsley Place will honour the history of the village and provide a similar habitat for flora and fauna to flourish.

“It will also be available as accessible green space for local residents to use for recreation, as an alternative to the Hills and Holes nature reserve, with a mown grass path leading visitors through the feature.”

Linden Homes, which is part of the newly formed Vistry Group, has been building new houses at Kingsley Place since 2017, with 80 new one, two, three, four and five-bedroom homes brought to the village.

The final homes at Kingsley Place are now available to purchase, with a three-bedroom home on sale from £310,000 and a choice of five-bedroom homes priced from £480,000.

For more information about the Hills and Holes re-creation or the final homes available at Kingsley Place, call 01780 778321 or visit lindenhomes.co.uk/eastmidlands.