We are the local charity that cares about the Cambridge area and its green landscapes. Cambridge, Past, Present & Future is the only independent, local charity that looks at the bigger picture of the development of Cambridge. Whether historic buildings, green spaces, nature, housing or infrastructure – we are passionate about all of it. Protecting, enhancing and celebrating all that’s good about this special city, and its surrounding areas.

We act as a voice of reason and conscience for those who are responsible for greater Cambridge’s future. Ensuring that it moves forwards with respect for nature, history and the people who live here. No other local charity has as broad a reach or remit. No other organisation cares about the past, present and future of Cambridge the way we do.

Our sole purpose is to make sure that, no matter how Cambridge progresses, it retains everything that connects us to its history and makes it a vital, and beautiful place to be. To this end, we work with the people of Cambridge and other organisations to protect, enhance and celebrate everything that makes Cambridge special, for today and for generations to come.

Our mission is very simple (yet, at the same time, very complex) – to make sure the development of Cambridge is carried out responsibly. Improving this great place, for people and nature.

People. We will inspire people of all ages to get outdoors and help them to enjoy, learn about and get involved with their local environment, heritage and culture.

Natural heritage. We will protect the green setting of Cambridge and its most valuable landscapes and we will enhance and connect them for people and nature.

Built heritage. We will protect, celebrate and improve the important built heritage of the Cambridge area.

For 90-something years, CambridgePPF has been raising funds, raising awareness, lobbying and getting knee-deep wherever we’re needed. Banging the drum for everything that’s special about our amazing city and its surrounding areas. When we’re not out in the field with loppers and spades, you’ll find us advising local developers, petitioning decision makers, teaming up with likeminded organisations and facilitating environmental schemes, like the Cambridge Nature Network. Doing whatever it takes to help people and nature live happily in each other’s back gardens.

We help preserve, protect, enhance and celebrate all the best bits. We also kick against all the bad bits – anything that jeopardises the local environment and the quality of life of future generations.

We own and manage green spaces for people to visit, and nature to flourish, like Wandlebury Country Park and Coton Countryside Reserve. And we’ve saved historic buildings like Cambridge Leper Chapel and Bourn Windmill from crumbling to dust. We’ve created cycle ways, green corridors and new woodland, and we helped establish Cambridge’s green belt. Yes, it’s hard work, and yes, the fight doesn’t get any easier. But it matters, perhaps more now than ever, and we can’t do it without you. CambridgePPF is the only charity that cares about the bigger picture of the development of Cambridge – historic buildings, green spaces, nature, housing, infrastructure… every last little bit of it.

We were there when the Gog Magog Hills were under pressure from developers. We were there when the watermill at Hinxton was threatened with demolition. We were there when new footpaths and cycle paths were needed to reduce traffic congestion. And we’re still here, standing up for the places that really matter to you and everyone else who lives, works, studies or visits this unique city.

What next for CambridgePPF?

We all know about the effect that climate change is having on the environment and wildlife. Nature is in crisis and it requires bold action. As more of us have become aware of our responsibility to the planet, the rally cry of ‘thinking globally’ has to mean ‘acting locally’. Actions, not words. And the Covid pandemic has only served to highlight how much we depend on nature for our physical and mental health, and how important local places are to us. On a positive note, we now see a huge opportunity for a recovery that re-sets our relationship with the natural world. There are things we can do – real, practical things that will make a difference for all of us. We have the skill and the will, and now we need the financial support to make it happen.

Together, we can protect both our built and natural heritage, and make sure the city grows in harmony with the world around us.

WHAT WE WANT TO DO

• Reduce river pollution, help nature and capture carbon, by creating a large new wetland at Coton Reserve
• Provide more green space, by converting farmland into new habitats at Coton Reserve
• Help deliver Cambridge Nature Network’s vision of doubling habitats for nature and people by 2050
• Improve CambridgePPF’s green spaces to meet the needs of a growing, ageing and more diverse community
• Maximise the benefits of CambridgePPF’s green spaces for nature, climate mitigation and wellbeing
• Repair the Leper Chapel and transform it into an accessible, well-used community building
• Ensure our two mills continue to grind corn, as they have done for centuries
• Protect and restore the historic buildings and archaeology at Wandlebury
• Inspire more people to get outdoors and connect with their local environment, heritage and culture
• Influence the future development of our area, working to protect the best of Cambridge’s landscapes, ecology and heritage for future generations
• Increase CambridgePPF’s capacity to do all of the above, to the highest possible standards.

We can only continue our work with the support of people like you – please help us by being a member, giving a donation, volunteering your time or leaving us a legacy.