Conservation activities

CONSERVATION FILMS

This is a list of films with an appearance by Dr Steve Boreham

Pure Clean Water - Tony Eva

October 2023

Fugolburna - Fulbourn Forum

April 2024

Rivers of Light - James Murray-White

December 2024

CONSERVATION THEMED TALKS

This is a list of on-line talks on aspects of geology and conservation given by Dr Steve Boreham with links to recordings where possible.

Cambridgeshire Geological Society

13th December 2021

The Geology of the Lower Cam and Wicken Vision Area

Passcode for talk: di8M.f^%

Cambridge Natural History Society

4th November 2021

Biodiversity of the Hobson's Brook Corridor

Passcode for talk: =AT9kE1e

Orwell Parish Council

7th October 2021

Orwell Pit and Beyond - The potential for Rewilding and Conservation initiatives around the village of Orwell

Cambridge Natural History Society

18th March 2021

Wild Reach - wildlife conservation at the fen edge

Passcode for talk: *l0ri83*

Fen Edge Archaeology Group

21st April 2023

The Geology of the Lower Cam and Wicken Vision Area

This talk described the landscape and architecture of Holocene and earlier deposits in the Wicken Vision area, where the Lower Cam valley joins southern Fenland.  This area has two disparate sedimentary systems. The deposits are sometimes cryptic, and outcrops and topography are often mantled beneath an overgrowth of late Holocene peat, which has often made archaeological interpretation difficult. The Wicken Vision is a hundred-year scheme by the National Trust to create a new 53 km2 nature reserve between Cambridge and Wicken Fen. The area is characterised by its flat, low-lying topography and by soils developed on Holocene peat overlying clay-rich bedrock. However, such a simplistic description masks a wealth of geological complexity.

Cambridgeshire Geological Society

11th December 2024

Introduction to the Geology of the Chalk Springs and Chalk Streams of Cambridgeshire

The Chalk Springs of Cambridgeshire provide a unique aquatic habitat and have a vital role in feeding the Chalk Streams that flow through the southern part of the county. These springs arise in a variety of styles and geological settings, and there is considerable debate about what constitutes a ‘chalk stream’. Spring types appear to be linked to the lithology and stratigraphy of the Cenomanian Chalk and their distribution may also be influenced by past glacial and periglacial activity. Understanding these variations is essential if the geodiversity of these landforms is to be preserved.

Histon & Impington Archaeology Group

12th February 2024

Unseen Histon & Impington: The geology beneath your feet

Passcode for talk: MILANKOVITCH

Wildlife Trust Training Workshop

5th May 2024

Introduction to the Geology of the Great Fen area

This Workshop aimed to describe the stratigraphy and sediment architecture of Holocene deposits in the Great Fen area. Understanding the Holocene deposits of the Lower Nene fen-edge is essential for the continuing development of the Great Fen, the ongoing plan to re-wild ca. 3000 ha of former farmland in the Whittlesey Mere basin between Holme Fen and Woodwalton Fen National Nature Reserves. In addition to an introductory lecture the field excursion visited key locations including the Holme Fen Post, Rymes Reedbed and Engine Farm. The workshop concluded with a summary session at Ramsey Heights.

Cambridgeshire Geological Society

9th December 2025

Geodiversity Landscapes of Cambridgeshire

The CGS Geosites team has recently developed a landscape approach to describing the geology of Cambridgeshire and the geological (and geomorphological) features to be found here. This sets the geology in a context that is familiar to most people and also links it with local ecology and the key role that it has played in the economic development of the county, from limestones and chalk to clays, gravels and peat. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive geological description of the county and to promote interest in its earth heritage and local geoconservation.

RIVER GRANTA - WATER QUALITY ANALYSES

Dr Steve Boreham carried out water quality snapshots on the River Granta in 2024.

HOBSON'S CONDUIT TRUST - RIVER CAM MONITORING NETWORK

Dr Steve Boreham has installed simple data loggers on the tributaries of Hobson's Brook to monitor water quality.  A real-time data feed from these loggers can be accessed using this link:

RIVER CAM MONITORING NETWORK

HOBSON'S CONDUIT TRUST - CITIZEN SCIENCE EVENTS

Dr Steve Boreham has been the Science Co-ordinator for several Citizen Science events.

The Hobson's Conduit Trust 2021 Bacterial Survey of Hobson's Brook.

The Hobson's Conduit Trust 2023 Bacterial Survey of Hobson's Brook.

The Hobson's Conduit Trust 2023 eDNA Survey of Hobson's Brook.

The Hobson's Conduit Trust 2024 Waterblitz Survey of Hobson's Brook.

HOBSON'S CONDUIT TRUST - BIOBLITZ EVENTS

Dr Steve Boreham has been the Science Co-ordinator for several Bioblitz events.

The Hobson's Conduit Trust 2017 Bioblitz events centred on Nine Wells LNR and Empty Common, Cambridge.

The Hobson's Conduit Trust 2018 Bioblitz event concentrated on Hobson's Park, Cambridge.

The Hobson's Conduit Trust 2019 Bioblitz event concentrated on Clare College Playing Field, Cambridge.

The Hobson's Conduit Trust 2022 Bioblitz event concentrated on Clare Wood & North Meadow, Cambridge.

The Hobson's Conduit Trust 2023 Bioblitz event concentrated on Darien Meadow, Cambridge.

The Hobson's Conduit Trust 2024 Bioblitz event concentrated on Brookside and New Bit Meadow, Cambridge.