Cuckoos hollow
Cuckoo’s hollow in Werrington was originally an area of
pastureland surrounded by dykes on all sides with Werrington Brook
running through the centre. In the late 1970’s Peterborough
development corporation redesigned the area. The site was
excavated to create the lake and shape the site; trees and shrubs
were planted, footpaths constructed and bridges built.
An island was created in the middle of the lake and as there is
no access to it, it has become a breeding ground for ducks, swans
and other waterfowl; they can now be seen in abundance. A
solitary little grebe can sometimes be seen diving in the lake for
food. The margins of the lake have bulrushes and reeds which
attract reed and sedge warblers and reed bunting. Cuckoo’s
Hollow is not only a haven for birds but it is also home to many
bats which can be seen skimming the water at dusk looking for
insects.
Surrounding the lake is a large expanse of grassland dotted with
clumps of trees and bushes and an area has been set aside as a
small wildflower meadow. The ‘Friends of Cuckoo’s Hollow’ is a
very pro-active local group who are keen to make the most of this
beautiful oasis in the middle of Werrington.
Access
By road Cuckoo’s Hollow is located in Werrington between
Welbourne and Lakeside off Fulbridge Road. There is a car
park at Werrington Centre off Staniland Way; walk through the
centre to Skaters Way, access is just past Canwell off Skaters Way.
On foot or cycle routes and footpaths from Werrington,
Gunthorpe and Bretton pass through Cuckoo’s Hollow.