About Us
Our Vision and Aims
Who are we?
Cambridge Past, Present & Future is a charity whose aim is to vigorously champion the sustainable development of the city and its surroundings.
Founded in 1928 by a group of local business people, town councillors, aldermen, academics and city officials, the then Cambridge Preservation Society's objective was to work with local authorities to keep a vigilant eye on development - an ethos that still holds true today.
What we do:
We work to keep Cambridge and its surroundings special by
- positively influencing planning developments
- delivering environmental education
- protecting and managing the green spaces and historic buildings in our care - for the benefit of all.
What we have achieved
We have been around for over 80 years, some of our major achievements include: -
- Protecting Grantchester Meadows from development through the purchase of restrictive covenants in the 1930s
- Saving the Gog Magog Hills from the threat of housing development in the 1930s and acquiring the Wandlebury Estate in the 1950s as Cambridge's first country park
- One of the instrumental organizations establishing the Cambridge Green Belt in the 1960s
- Creating the 120-hectare Coton Countryside Reserve to demonstrate how Green Belt land can be managed with imagination and show that it is possible to strike a balance between agriculture, conservation and public access with Phase 1 officially opened in June 2008
- Assisting with the development of the 2006 Green Infrastructure Strategy to encourage additional green open spaces and hubs across Cambridgeshire.
How to get involved
Can you help us work to keep Cambridge special?
Become a member
With more members we stand a better chance of being heard. So if you are not already a member, why not join us now?
If you are already a member, ask your friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues to join us so together we can influence the decisions that are shaping the future of Cambridge and its surroundings.
Donations always welcome
We need to raise funds every year so your donations make a real difference to our work. Donations can be for general support or to a particular area of our work or an appeal. Just let us know your wishes.
Even a small legacy goes a long way
Remembering Cambridge Past, Present & Future in your will is one of the most effective ways to ensure that the countryside and historic buildings we own and manage are here for future generations. All legacies and bequests are spent locally, supporting our work and the properties in our care.
In Memoriam Gifts
We especially appreciate donations given in memory of a loved one. A donation to Cambridge Past, Present & Future is a wonderful tribute to someone who has enjoyed the beauty of natural places or historic buildings.
To discuss your wishes concerning donations, legacies or In Memoriam Gifts, please
contact Mary Nealon on 01223 243830 or contact us.
We are always happy to talk to you.
Volunteering
Without volunteers our work could not continue. There are many opportunities to get involved such as
- running the Healthy Walks programme
- helping with conservation work
- joining one of our Working Groups
- providing support in the office
- everything in between!
Volunteers bring a wide range of invaluable skills and interests from all walks of life. It is a really worthwhile and pleasurable way to make a contribution to our work. Please get in touch with Cambridge Past, Present & Future if you are interested in any areas of our work.