East Cambs District Council has been ranked 29th out of 164 district councils for its work on the environment, writes council leader Anna Bailey.

The council updates its Environment Plan every year with our new Top 20 Commitments.

I am particularly proud of the council’s focus on nature recovery projects which are well supported by residents.

Following a public vote in the summer, hedgehogs are a current focus for the council’s efforts over the coming year, and we are doing lots of work to deliver new habitats for them as well as promoting how residents and others can help.

Our Pride of Place grant scheme is seeing nature projects delivered across the district, the latest being a new wildlife area in Soham at Drayton Meadows.

Soham Town Council purchased the 3.25 acre site and is in the process of clearing the land with the aim of helping existing plants and wildlife, such as Bee Orchids and Yellow Rattle to thrive, and encouraging new animals, plants and insects to populate the area.

This will form part of a green loop around Soham. I know it won’t be long before mother nature is performing her magic there!

Of course it is nice to have our area’s work recognised, but the only test that really matters is the difference that the work makes to our environment over time.

I am really grateful to people in local communities that help to get projects off the ground and bring them to life.

I am delighted with the news the Government has announced plans to improve Ely North Railway Junction and the A10 between Ely and Cambridge.

We look forward to hearing more about the detail about these two vitally important pieces of local infrastructure.