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Surely in these times when people are being actively encouraged to take more exercise then such a resource should be funded by the council on a community health basis. There is no other similar resource for safe country walks away from roads in the area and it was a major reason for our move back to the village 18 months ago.
  – Rachel Simpson

We don't have many parks of this kind around Cambridge. It is beautiful, peaceful and big enough to accomodate many different activities without people disturbing each other. Above all, it is a central part of our quality of life!
  – Abraham Naim

My family and I love going for walks, feeding the ducks and we even have a Picnic in the summer if it's not cold or wet.
  – Bruna Swan

The park will become another victim of the decimation of the countryside and its facilities - save the Jane Coston Bridge too!!
  – Diana Aitchison

This park is an essential resource for the local community and without it there would be a distinct lack of Country Park areas in this part of the City/District.
  – Linda Adams

Loss of a very important leisure feature in Cambridgeshire where wild life and semi naturalized landscape predominate
  – Derek Booth

It provides a green corridor allowing wildlife to be closer to living areas for the benefit of all to understand the world we share
  – Colin Harris

Having suffered form depression over the years I have found the park to be my outlet it would be a travisty to shut it.
  – Sian Meikle

It is a beautiful space that belongs to the community. I love watching the seasons change - the frosted berries in the winter, the wildflowers in the summer. The bird life is a joy - the darting blue kingfisher, grebes, tufted duck, commorants, waterrails etc. I have just had my first child and I have been looking forward to introducing her to all the local wildlife. My family and I will be devastated if the park is lost. Where else can we go? There is nothing else like this in the village. It is one reason I moved back to my childhood home - being able to walk from my front door to the country park. It is so relaxing ... so good for the soul!
  – Rebecca Ostler

I have visited with the Cambridge U3A botany Group and am planning a 3 day course (Introduction to Field Botany) to be held there in early April. We have selected it as the most suitable place within easy reach of Cambridge. It was a real shock to hear it might close and this would mean no future courses could be held there.
  – Bridget Smith

The park is a wonderful asset to the area and should be saved. They were willing to spend a few thousand on a dung statue,if they can afford to do this then they can afford to keep the park open.
  – John Wallis

All villages need a place for people to breathe clean air away from the traffic. Milton is already being swollowed up into Cambridge so this peaceful park is needed as respite for local people and the wider Cambs population.
  – Jane Foster

I walk my daughter here several times a week and before she was born, I have enjoyed walking in the Country park for the last 15 years since moving to the village. I have seen birds migrate and return, watched the great conservations efforts taking place, have spotted kingfishers, woodpeckers, herons and many other birds. This is a special place and in an area where green spaces are minimal, should be saved.
  – Alex Gee

With the increasing amount of high density housing in Camb, our green space is particularly important.
  – Patricia Gray

Human beings and dogs need wide open spaces to exercise (which is a key government health aim)and to be in nature.
  – Lynda Burchell

Cambridge needs lungs and with all the new buildings going up now it would be an utterly stupid time to close.
  – Bob Noden

It is a wonderful resource for a wide range of activities and accessible to many different ages and backgrounds. A little piece of delightful countryside in an all too dreary environment.
  – Lesley James

The Park is a wonderful place to take children so that they can appreciate the peace in the countryside.
  – Tracy Chabot

I love going for relaxing walks in the Country Park and as I am expecting my first baby in February I am looking forward to taking him for regular walks to the park. If the park closes, I have nowhere within walking distance to go for a relaxing walk away from the traffic.
  – Birgit Meldal

Milton Country Park is a beautiful oasis. I have walked my dogs there for many years, taken my children and mum there for exercise, met my family and friends there with their children, and we've shared many pots of tea at the excellent cafe. I have seen kingfishers and weasels, and many rare birds that I probably would never have seen before. Wandlebury is lovely, but the lakes make Milton Park much more wonderful and satisfying (and Wandlebury is really hard to get to if you live in North Cambridge - what buses go there?). It is quite typical of Cambridge to constantly threaten much needed/loved public resources, and it makes me very sad. More and more houses, families with children, are being squeezed into Kings Hedges/Arbury - where will they be able to go to appreciate the wonder of nature?
  – Iona Stone

One of the very few places where we can take the children that is not just an urban park. The wildlife is great and the children enjoy the large area for off road traffic free cycling, and the playground is very good
  – Nick Cambray

I live in London but visit my family at the weekends. We always walk in the park whatever the weather and it would be really sad if it were to close. So much of the surrounding countryside is being developed for housing that it would really be a loss to the community.
  – Jane Gee

I've just recently moved to Milton and I think it is really nice to have the Country Park. I plan to use it a lot more often now, but even when I lived in Cambridge I went every know and them and I always enjoyed very much. It gives a sense of community to the locals.
  – Monica Ferrero

it is an unparrelled educational resource, of particular benifit to the SLD/ASD students that i work with. I also take advanatage of the educational talks for my beaver scout colony.
  – Frankham Janice

This peaceful haven in the North of the City is a highlight for young, old, dogs, wildlife and enhances the community in so many ways. It would be a shame on so many levels if it were lost.
  – Alice Pinion

I have many happy memories of taking my son to the park. We have enjoyed going there since he was a baby, he is now 10 years old and we still enjoy going. It is a great facility providing enjoyment for all ages and we would be very sad to lose it!
  – Sandra Wilson

With so few green sites left in the area it would be a disgusting waste to turn the park into an industrial site or more housing, or even worse, a traveller site. We have a house that backs onto the park and love the tranquil setting that it promotes in our back garden, not to mention the wildlife that it attracts. As usual money is the key factor in governing all things beautiful and enjoyable and replacing these attractive environments with grey depressing urban nightmares to cash in, is disgraceful. What would happen to the wildlife if the park was turned into a monstrous housing development? Why should the council care all they want is money to spend on ridiculous investments. Could they really build on the site or would anything built there be at a risk from subsidence? That would leave landfill as the only option and it's outrageous that such a beautiful piece of Cambridge would be degraded in such a way. It would also reduce the price of the property around that area and probably end up turning Milton into a most undesirable location. Considering its transport links it would be a huge waste of an area.
  – Judy Livermore

I find the park (MCP as it is know in our house) to be a great place to walk my dog and to spend some quality relaxation time. Please please don't build on it. It does need to be used more in the winter as it tends to be a "Sad" place- see suggestions below.
  – Clive Hollins

Milton Country Park is a unique resource in our area, and not one of several similar parks. To loose this would be to loose an important natural space, and diminish the whole area.
  – Chris Cox

I have enjoyed visiting Milton Country park for many years and since having children have visited even more frequently. It would be a tragic loss if the park were to close down as it is not just a good day out for the family but also an educational one for the youngsters. To close it for other purposes would also destroy the natural habitations that we all enjoy seeing. There is no other park in our close vicinity that offers the peace and tranquility that Milton Country park does.
  – Karen McManus

This place is a very valuable asset for recreation and wildlife; such places are a vital amenity for society, peaceful,an escape from noise and traffic etc.
  – Anne Coulson

It will be a very sad day when somewhere as barren as Cambridgeshire and particularly near a big busy city cannot manage to sustain a haven for wildlife and people created on the back of wealth made by many tonnes of gravel extracting. I have always thought of Cambridgeshire as a bit of an agricultural desert and this will not make me any happier living here.
  – Marion Barber

This is one of the better things about South Cambs and is such an essential 'place to escape' to for many people. In this materialistic busy world why oh why take away the pleasures of a place of tranquility such as this.
  – Theresa Stigwood

It is a wonderful free space for children to be children, run wild for a little while, get in touch with nature and ride their bikes in an incredibly safe environment. Where else in this area can you do this?
  – Rachel Gent

The park is an unusual place. In the middle of Milton, not well reknown for its beauty, the park offers the community a space where children and adults can walk, cycle, play and just be a community. I dont know of any such park other in Cambridge.
  – Sadia Cuthbert

Why get rid of beautiful open space? We need more places like Milton Country Park, not building like Arbury. It is tranquile and relaxing - both for the young and old - away from the busy life of the cambridge streets.
  – Hilary Mebbrey

If houses were built any where on the park we would move - and very likely emigrate. This would be the last straw for us.
  – Michelle Ashman

It is a wonderful place for wildlife, birds, butterflies, dragonflies & other insects.
  – Brian Gardiner

I think this park is a asset (a treasure) to this county and it would be a disgrace if it was closed. It is a fantastic recreational facility for families as well as single people.
  – Sarah Edgington-Steer

My husband and I go to the park occasionally for walks now, but when our children were younger, we enjoyed many an afternoon there and participated in some of the events organised for children. We remember the park being opened, have seen art exhibitions and cycled as well as walked around. It would be a terrible shame to lose it!
  – Anne Rennie

It would definately be a bad thing if the country park closd because I know of many people who use and enjoy the space. So much land is being sold for development these day, just look at where they are building the new developments in Arbury, an it would be a shameto see such a nice area spoilt. I'm sure it holds dear memories for people and also it is somewhere many make such regular use of. To lose it would be devastating.
  – Fiona Sanderson

As a former Milton resident (now moved away, but still visiting friends around Cambridge) I loved the park - it was so beautiful and a great place to walk away from it all whilst not being too far to travel. Cambridge and environs is really short of places like this.
  – Rachel Burbeck

A beautiful tranquil haven for wildlife and people
  – Sue Butler

We need all the green spaces we can get. Everyone who steps into a green space knows how essential these spaces are to an individual's physical and mental wellbeing. With obesity a national problem, and depression something which will hit one in six people at some time in there lives its in all our interests to keep parks such as this one open and available to all.
  – Hilary Charles

An excellent use for protecting local wildlife habitats where people can observe and enjoy the ambience of the country in a peaceful setting in close proximity to the city. As the city becomes more populous it is important to preserve open spaces such as this.
  – John and Christine Clarke

Milton Park is an irreplaceable asset for an increasingly urbanised population. It's green space provides freedom, tranquillity and a sense of well-being - a haven in a busy world
  – Kathleen Wiseman

Having now had some time to consider the impact of the Park's closure I have realised how fundamental it had been in our childrens' development, providing as it did (and I'm sure STILL does)a place of refuge and interest for them while they were still young.
  – John Crack

My son is due to be born in April. The Park is a beautiful place, and it would be a terrible shame for our children if they were to lose the opportunity to see such a wealth of wildlife on their doorstep.
  – Jon Coe

As the pace of life 'hots up' places like Milton Park are becoming essential to give poeple space to take time out and maintain their sanity.
  – Mary Blake

South Cambridgeshire must be one of the worst counties in England for the provision of facilities for walking in tranquility. The country roads are rat-run race tracks. Milton Park offers a haven of peace and tranquility away from the hurly-burly yet is so accessible to all. It would be criminal vandalism to close it.
  – Norman McCorquodale

Cambridge is now in danger of becoming a concrete jungle so we must preserve what green area we can
  – Carmen Smith

It's a rare unmanicured space, a green lung - much needed given the exhaust fumes from the A10 and A45 and the Milton sewage works.
  – Pat Meakin

It seems really stupid to close it when there will be loads more people to use it when the new housing Arbury Camp site is fully occupied.
  – Janet Earl

This is a wonderful amenity which is well used and should be kept open for the people of the area.
  – Heather Christian

They've just started another great load of housing off King Hedges Road so a load more people are coming and the walking opportunity on the old railway line between Impington and Cambridge will shortly be lost. Where will it be possible to go for a walk in pleasant surroundings? Surely we are not going to fight our way into the traffic nightmare that is Cambridge to join the hordes of tourists.
  – Stephen Mullock

Cambridge isn't actually rich in areas where you can show your children some trees. It would be a shame to lose this area with the trees, lake and all the animals, probably to some greedy estate agents...
  – Kerstin Howe

I was appalled to hear of the potential closure of Milton Park this morning. I fear that such action would lead to decline of the surrounding area, the wildlife and conservation, and attraction of undesirable attributes. The government keeps insisting on changing the status of green belt land and using areas such as Milton Park for development of housing. It is about time that CURRENT local residents, their families and the current wildlife were taken into priority consideration. I really enjoy taking my nephew into the park whose house backs onto this area. I think it is appalling that there is even consideration of such a closure which is why I have joined this petition to help find a solution.
  – Joanne Pearson

The park is a real asset to the community and an oasis next to the A14. It is enjoyed by so many people and my daughter and her friends love the combination of being able to go for a walk, feed the ducks and then enjoy the excellent playgrounds. It would be a real shame to see it close and what would then happen to this site?
  – Jane Crawford

Very little green areas left due to ever increasing housing. There will be few safe areas to walk with my children and our dog.
  – Peterand Fiona Connan

This is the only public open green space north of the city. There should be more planned, not closing the only one.
  – Gillian Smith

The population of Cambridge and beyond should NOT be deprived of free open space which is available to everybody. This kind of parks are precious assets in urban areas which provide enjoyment to large numbers of people for recreation, fresk air, contact with nature and space for physical activity. The closure of this park would go against all the current policies and principles on healthy living, environmental protection, nature conservation etc.
  – Anna Maria Bedford

I have a dughter of 2 who loves the outdoors, Milton Country Park gives her a safe environment in which to get close to nature, feed the ducks, run, jump, and play. We live in Waterbeach and would like, in future, to be able to have the park as an achieveable destination for riverside cycle rides and walks.
  – Sharon Wiseman

It is a valuable amenity. Closing it would be yet another blow to those of us who live on the northern side of Cambridge. We always lose out. It would never happen in Trumpington or Newnham!
  – Colin Moule

It is great place to take children to play and it is very peaceful place to have a rest and to escape from busy and noisy life.
  – Hong Yuan

With all the new housing in the area we need to protect and nurture our public open spaces.
  – Oliver Hill

Because it would be awful to see such a beautiful spot like milton country park be spoilt with buildings plus we dont need any more traffic through milton.
  – Lynda Molloy

Loved to make my own birds' nest last year in the park house. I love to watch the many birds that come to the various lakes.
  – Christine Campbell-Jones

I have fond memories of going to the park when I worked at Milton to get time to think and have a leg stretch. There are so many nooks and secret paths here it is easy to believe you are in a magical wilderness and not a stones throw from Cambridge. Now I have children I often take them there to play although I live a little way away. I have a brand new nephew who lives in Milton and it would be very sad to think that I could never take him there with my own children.
  – Patricia Pritchard

What a shame to close a very well used and loved park
  – Gemma Woollacott

If the park is closed the area will will just have houses built on it, like every other spare space in Cambridgeshire.
  – Laura Manning

The park is not just there for us to go and look at and admire or a place to keep fit by jogging round it, its home to may different types of animals and water birds, some native to this country and some migratery, and some animals and birds that may well be extinked in the not to distant future if we dont lookafter these sort of places. With farmers and developers removeing hedges and filling in land drainage diches and building on every bit of land they can, any natural habitat for the wild life in this country is being destroyed.
  – Don Barnes

Greenery is precious and this place offers a quiet and peaceful haven close to the city . This is irreplaceable even by the need for even more housing.
  – Rima Page

There are little enough safe green areas locally in which to walk, with the dog or without. Whenever I've been in the park, people seem to be enjoying themselves, and will nod and smile as they go past. Not many places that happens now!
  – Sue Nicholas

It is an important green space (lung) in an area that is being rapidly developed.
  – Martin Harnor

Milton Country Park is a small oasis on the edge of a city where greater amounts of concrete are being erected. It is these small green areas that help keep us all in touch with the natural world around us.
  – Sarah Meakin

I remember clearly when the park opened and what a fantastic resource it created for residents in South Cambs. I find it completely inconceivable that the council could consider closing it - a short-sighted measure they will surely live to regret.
  – Cathryn Willis

There are very few forested areas in the Cambridge area, the nearest forest is Thetford
  – Susan Ellis

We use this park fairly often to go for walks with our children, it would be a huge loss if it where to close.
  – Paul Gray

It is the most beautiful park in or near the north east side of the city. It is like a living Claude or Monet painting. There is never any question of messing around with Coe Fen or Sheep's Green, let alone Grantchester Meadows. Why is it alright to deprive Milton and the Arbury Estate of its nearest and best park? It is a place that can be walked by someone who is not very strong, which was my case some years ago. If it is not used enough, then a bit more publicity would help. It is the only place in Cambridge where you can sometimes hear nightingales. A great deal of devoted work has gone into creating this park. Half the so called debt is the park's 'share' of public services. Well, since it does not have pavements, roads, buses, traffic lights etc. it is obviously not costing as much as a business or house to service. Fencing it off if it is closed would cost a fortune.
  – Julia Napier

Milton park is more than just a profit or lose on a balance sheet and it should be the duty of all councils to provide free to use leisure areas like this for its residents.
  – Kerrison Roger

More people are being encouraged to come to Cambridge and we therefore need more green spaces not less!
  – Susanne Bell

Why not just leave it open for walkers?
  – Peter Croft

One of the things I like about it is to be able to leave the mad rushing scramble of the the A14 and drop into the peacful serenity of the park. It's a great place to banish the stress and hassle of everyday life and we don't have many places left to do that.
  – Jennifer Evans

So much effort has gone into the park, by so many people, and so much pleasure has been got out of it by young and old alike, it must be kept open. We dont want it turned into another affordable housing estate or travellers park.
  – Barrie Fuller

The park is a real oasis in an otherwise gloomy landscape. It is a great place to exercise whilst admiring the scenery and is safe and accessible to all.
  – Sarah Allen

My children attended Wildlife Watch meetings at the park when they were younger and had the opportunity to take part in conservation projects, tree planting and talks and crafts in the Visitor Centre. It was wonderful for them to be able to do this in such a beautiful place and it would be very sad if other children were denied these opportunities.
  – Maureen Wiesner

It is one of the loveliest and most interesting parks in Cambridgeshire with all of it's beautiful lakes that keep surprising you when you turn a corner. It is used by people from all walks of life in lots of different ways. The government talk about promoting heathy living, being community focused and protecting the environment but yet plan to shut down a wonderful well-used open space like this.
  – Lara Brettell

It would be a great shame if one of the few places left that is free and easy to visit and park were to close. We love the cafe too and would like it all to stay as it is.
  – Belinda Benton

There are few little safe and open areas to take children, dogs, or just for individuals to go these days. We need this park to stay open.
  – Kim Hetherington

Unique leisure facility so near to the city that attracts wildlife.
  – Gordon Butler

Milton Country Park adds so much to the village and surrounding area. I went for a walk there with my daughter last weekend, and it was great to see so many kids with parents out in the open air, getting muddy, experiencing nature and having fun! SCDC must reverse their decision or they will be depriving a generation of the chance to enjoy being in the open - with the result that more kids will simply stay at home in front of the TV or playing computer games.
  – Mike Leedham

There are very few places around here where one can walk with children. Both our children (aged 2 and 4) love exploring the woodland, watching and feeding the birds, playing, walking and cycling. We enjoy family times together here and would be very upset should the park close. It is a valuable resource for the local area and a much needed oasis in an area of new housing developments. It is an excellent place to spend quality time with family and friends.
  – Helen Pinhey

I am a senior Support Worker employed to work with adults with Autism and a host of other physical and mental disabilities. We use Milton Country Park on a daily basis. The people I support ask to go to the park and enjoy the experiences they encounter, whether it be for exercise or a sensory experience. I know if the people I support were unable to access MCP they would be upset at losing such a valuable local facility. MCP is unique, it is a hidden gem in the middle of a growing community. At a time when politicians are encouraging us to think green, closing Milton Country Park is a terrible idea.
  – Clark Dave

It would be a dereliction of duty to close Milton Country Park. It would result in people driving further in their cars to find recreation space. Cambridge is short of this anyway - see the numbers visiting Wimpole Hall and Wandlebury, and the city and South Cambs. population is expanding hugely. People need open spaces; our predecessors saw to it in the past, we should see to it for the future.
  – Helga Tomkins

"an oasis in the fen desert" if closed people who live in the open fen will be devoid of a true wood that is easy to access
  – Dennis Stapleton

Its a good amenety that should not be lost
  – Nigel Malcolm

There really is nothing else in the area that will do! the park is a wildlife haven!
  – Peter Allen

There are not enough green unspoilt and quiet green spaces in Cambridge. Why does it have to go? It seems very popular.
  – Nicky Longmuir

Cambridge is a small overcrowded city and Milton Country Park is one of the very few places where residents can achieve the illusion of freedom from the metropolis. It's good for mental health!
  – Phil White

It's the only habitat of it's kind in the area - nowhere else can such an abundance of wildlife be found and viewed by youngsters and adults in a safe, controlled environment. Many different cross sections of society use the park for many different purposes, and to lose it would be an absolute disgrace to SCDC. What is the money saved going to be used for I wonder - local sector pay rises or benefit increases? How about leaving something for ordinary people too.
  – Matthew Gooch

We live approx 8 miles from the park but feel it is worth travelling that distance to the park on a regular basis as it is such an excellent example of a clean, well managed and maintained space that has something for everyone looking for a healthy outdoor experience. We can walk, feed the ducks, take our nephew to the children's play area safe in the knowledge that the park will meet all or expectations every time we visit! Please do not close this most valuable resource, there is nothing else like it in our catchment area and given that each time we go, the car park is usually near to full I assume many other visitors feel as we do.
  – Cherie Ross

Where else in this densely built up area can we have a pleasant, relaxing and healthy walk in complete safety, watching the progress of the seasons. Here children can play and run about out of traffic danger. Although I am 83 years old I find a walk in the Park helps me to relax and forget my anxieties. It is not a luxury - it is a necessity for the local residents.I would be willing to join a demonstration at SCDC
  – Anneliese Bender

There are very few open spaces that are totally safe for our children. Milton Park is one of the few. The play area is ideal for children of all ages, and it makes a very pleasant afternoon trip.
  – Jackie Tilley

It is an escape from bustle of everyday life. Walking is essential excersise for older people.
  – Angela Lillyman

I do not think it should close in fact it is such a valuable asset it should be expanded
  – Barry Brown

There is increasingly little wild space in the area and this represents a close, valuable space for children to experience the fen habitat.
  – George Robbins

With the proposed expansion and new housing developments being planned for the north of Cambridge, I think it is particularly important to provide open spaces for people to be able to enjoy natural settings. Loosing the park would be a great loss in this respect.
  – Moray Grieve

This park is the last place for the people of north Cambridge to experience any kind of authentic natural environment; it's a haven for birds that will be robbed of a diminishing habitat; and it's a place to play and enjoy - to even conceive or removing this vital lung from our overcrowded area suggests a shocking dereliction of duty by South Cambs County Council; this is a park not just for Milton but for the whole area.
  – Steve Waters

I can't believe that in a day and age when the Government are promoting a healthy lifestyle they are happy to close yet another green space which is used by many to no doubt make way for more money making schemes
  – Sharon Smith

Nature reserves close to cities are rare. This is a wonderful opportunity to observe birds, and also to teach children about nature conservation.
  – Florence Dujardin

One of the few, safe, green areas around the city for children to play with toilet and cafe facilities. Also a much needed area for wildlife in a county with poor biodiversity.
  – Helen Doran

The park is a valuable asset, I come from Ely and use it regularly so its proposed closure is far reaching. Our taxes grow and grow and we seem to be getting less and less for our money.
  – Nathan Fletcher

It would be terrible for such a picturesque and well used park to be lost to the bulldozer. Milton itself (as much as I enjoy living there) already encroaches onto the countryside, why destroy such a haven within it?
  – James Ringer

This is the only green space accessible from the business park for a walk at lunchhour, and it would be a tragedy to lose it. It offers the only opportunity for some exercise outside amongst beautiful trees, water and wildlife - I love spotting kingfishers and carp. If it closes there will be nowhere worth going for a walk that I can reach during lunch time - so how will I get any exercise? It is soul-destroying being reduced to only walking around a business park. People need parks!
  – Tish Sheridan

I remember before the park was opened. People went there anyway and swam in the hazardous gravel pits etc... Its an attractive site and without the wonderful work of the wardens I fear it will revert back to an area that is unsafe.
  – Sara Halliwell

Its a heaven for wildlife and people alike! Its a nice healthy place to go for a walk and do something! We have enough concrete already in cambridgeshire, we dont need any more!
  – Brian Zielinski-Smith

You can do it all in Milton Park! This is a valuable place that all the community can use whether it\u2019s to; take a breather and relax, let of steam and run around, bump into friends and have a chat or watch and learn, there is room in the park for everyone and all of it is free! Milton Park is used for Education, exercise, sport, socialising, play and recreation. Why close something that so many people value and use? I have for over 5 years cycled in the park, bird watched, picnicked, drank tea in the café, ridden my horse, sketched, watched the fish and looked at the flowers and trees I want Milton Park to stay open so I and other people can continue to enjoy this special place.
  – Michele Newport

My family and I have enjoyed using this park and area ever since we moved here 24 years ago. I would like to think that future generations will continue to do so. The Park can be enjoyed by all ages and it is important to have somewhere to go to relax, and to 'feed the soul'.
  – Sue Griffin

I like the trees and sparrows
  – Jamie Males

I think it would be terrible to lose such a wonderful area, as my 2 year old daughter loves to go there to run and play. It is the only place like this for miles around, and if it dissappeared we would have to go to somewhere like Peterbough.
  – Noel Dent

It is a lovely place to go for a peaceful and picturesque walk, I would have to go a lot further afield to find anything like it.
  – John Dixon

So many people use that wonderful facility at all times of the year. It's one of the few green areas we have in Cambs. I have lived here for almost 30 years and have seen what is supposed to be green belt land, swallowed up by concrete, strangely, SCDC seem to give the go-ahead on a lot of these !
  – Shelagh Van heerden

The park is a wonderful place to escape from the hustle of busy everyday life and actually relax and appreciate the beautiful world God made us to live in.
  – Naomi Dixon

The environment will be THE most important issue in everyone's life soon. Parks such as this need to be encouraged to help people understand their environment. The Council should make the funding a priority not a problem.
  – Chris McLeod

Over the years this park has become integral ammenity for the village. It has become a great nature reserve. It seems ironic that less than half a mile away we are happy to spend millions on a lake for rowing but find it difficult to support an already established reserve on our door step. Adn what will happen to the land and animals it supports once funds stop!!!...developers in the know with the council snap it up for building or a more commercial less environmental use.
  – Ian duncan Jones

It shows a disregard for the long term view, sacrificing open spaces, play parks, childrens opportunities to study and be close to nature - all to meet some short term financial goal.
  – Richard Grenfell

The Park is one of the reasons why we looked forward to moving to Milton seven years ago. Since then we have enjoyed so many visits with our two young boys and our friends and family. It is also a fantastic resource for local groups such as Beavers and Cubs. We have the A14 and A10 surrounding us, Tesco's has taken away all but a few of our local shops, and the re-located Park and Ride service, not to mention the possibility of a re-located sewage works in future, all of which contribute to a negative view of the village to outsiders. Please don't take away one of the positive features of the village that people enjoy and use whether they are from Milton or not.
  – Kit Howes

With a national obesity timebomb loomimg, why close a facility that encourages healthy outdoor activites? Where is the councils commitment? Or do they just want to flatten it and put up more houses?
  – Gillian Matthews

This is the nearest country space to me and I think the park is an excellent facility. I particularly like the way you can walk in from Milton & access via the cycle bridge. Although I live in Cambridge I use it for walks with friends or by myself as it provides a good peaceful & safe place to walk. The work that has been done to manage the park is excellent & I love the views over the pits.
  – Jane Qualtrough

It is a great sanctuary for both people and wildlife on the northern side of Cambridge. My wife and I both used to work on the Science Park and regularly used the Park for a lunchtime stroll. More recently, it has been a great place to take the kids for things like learning to ride their bikes and learning about wildlife.
  – Bruce Sutherland

There are many services that the SCDC provide that I don't use, here is one that I do. If it goes it will just fuel the resentment towards local taxes that I already feel.
  – Neil Adcock

Access to green space is vital - we all need to walk and to breathe!
  – Amanda Dickins

The park is one of the highlights of a very nice circular walk/cycle ride. (From Fen Road up the river path, left at Baits Bite lock, through the country park, over the cycle bridge, through Brambles nature area back to Fen Road). This is one of only two 'nature' walks I know of that you can do from the city (the other is Grantchester meadows). Without the stretch through Milton country park, this walk wouldn't be a pleasant nature walk any more. And that would mean lots of Cambridge and Milton residents would not have access to nature walks without using their cars, which would be a great shame.
  – Henriette Willems

In my work I have been to the park on numerous occasions with children with learning disabilities. The children always enjoy the experience.These children can never enjoy the same feeling of freedom as ordinary children, so being able to let of steam in a large safe environment is a real luxury for them.Where else will they be able to do this locaaly if the park is closed
  – Denise Levitt

Its a unique habitat of tremendous beauty and tranqulity .it offers leisure and a retreat for people in this area.there is precious wildlife it is a special educational resource.
  – Jorge Monteiro

As Cambridge gets bigger and constantly more crowded there is a desperate need for relaxing green space close to the city. Closing the park would be a retrograde step. What on earth is the rationale for this?
  – Margaret Kerry

Only place like it in the area.
  – Phil Jennings

The park is a huge contrast to the busy motorway nearby. This gives people of all ages a chance to go somewhere quiet, peaceful and beautiful.
  – Jonathan Jongkind

Its an excellent haven for local wildfowl and other wildlife e.g. dragonflies.
  – Emma Jones

To close the park would be run counter to the government's Health agenda of increasing the ammount of physical excercise and outdoor activity people undertake, especially children.
  – Douglas Pike

There are major developments afoot with a lot more people to use the park.
  – Derek Stevens

So much effort and money has already been spent to recover such a beautiful spot What a waste to let it go when the area is expanding at such a rate and there are so few similar places where one can "escape"
  – Barbara Brown

We need all the green spaces that we can get around Cambridge to counteract the pollution that will be caused by the intensive building programme. The families in these new developments will need somewhere peaceful to escape to that is within walking or cycling distance.
  – Ann Noden

Where else can you go for a nice long walk in the countryside, which is so close and convenient to the north of the city?
  – Ann Van Emmenis

My children are regular visitors and members of the park
  – Cowell Graham

The proliferation of new roads and houses requires an equal investment in green spaces like Milton Country Park.
  – Robert Tonks

The park has offered the local community a vital place to visit and just appreciate the peace and beauty. It is an educational tool for adults and children to learn about nature and to appreciate the creativity of individuals who have contributed to the park. For sport and health it has complimented the community such as offering facilities for fisher men; cyclists and joggers. The park is something to be proud of.
  – Bruno and Anne von Janowski

Three years ago I was a teacher in a school local to the park. We had a very successful day visiting the park with a range of exciting activities put on by the park staff. I think the chikdren thought they had been on a real holiday, and were amazed, as I was, at the quality of experiences on the doorstep.
  – Judith Martin

As a family of 5, with one child having special needs and 3 dogs we value this park. Our children have grown up visiting the park often. We walk our dogs, have picnics, admire the wild life & insects, and the children play on the equipment. It's a great day out for families such as ours.
  – Mynott Maria

My wife's sister visited us from Switzerland. She was delighted by the Milton Park and wished that there were such facilities near her home. I retired from teaching ten years ago. Before that I used the park several times for trips with my class. It was always a wonderful experience and much enjoyed. To close such a place would be dreadful.
  – Paul Cornwell

I am 18 years old, my friends and I go to Milton Country Park anually, and have been doing so for the past 5 or 6 years. We always look forward to it as the Park is a great place in the summer to have a picnic outdoors, the wildlife is beautiful and we love feeding the ducks (and the huge fish of course!) It would be such a shame to not be able to continue these visits, especially as it is such a memorable part of our childhoods!
  – Holly Searle

Milton Country Park is essential for preserving sanity in such a busy world. You only have to step inside and everything starts to seem better. You can wander through the paths and loose yourself in the beauty and tranquility, marvel at the diversity of wildlife and get some exercise at the same time! It is amazing to be able to visit regularly and watch the changes to the plants, animals and birds with the seasons. Where else can you take friends, children, dogs and elderly relatives such that everybody can have a wonderful time in a healthy, safe environment that also doesn't break the bank? I wish I could make the time to go every day. How can anybody contemplate closing such a wonderful place?
  – Kathryn Medlock

It's one of the few places in Cambridge where you can walk among trees.
  – Denise Frisby

I used to live in Milton and walked or cycled in the park quite regularly. It's a beautiful area and a great place to wind down at the weekend. I still drop in now and then, even though it's not as conveniently located to my current address. It's a great shame to think that such a wonderful location might be lost, especially to new building development.
  – John Bailey

I have been using the park since it opened, watched it develop into an area where you can relax in its tranquility. Peter Johnson South Cambs Councillor for Waterbeach
  – Peter Johnson

Somewhere that we our able to go as a familly without using the car. Be out in the fresh air and teach our little girl about nature and the great outdoors
  – Mark Proctor

It's a haven of green that's easily accessible to us. We love being able to go there for manageable walks - different from the commons that we cross every day because we have to make a special journey and it makes the time precious and sets it apart. We also love the activities, making bird houses, art in the park (please reinstate!)
  – Barbara Gardner

Milton Country Park is a beautiful, natural resource that has an unusual sense of tranquility and having no overt commercialisation is part of its charm. "Bottom line" considerations are short sighted - this place is a tangible asset and needs to be maintained.
  – Brian Milnes

I used to live in Arbury and go regularly to the park. It is such a welcome break for the local residents to have a place like this to visit.
  – Ed French

I am working in the Childrens Hospice in Milton and we take the children for walks in the park. It is the only place to get away from trafic if it is too hot to go to the river, and the children like seeing and feeding the ducks there. We would loose a lot.
  – Barbara Jenge

There are very few places to walk within easy (cycling) distance of cambridge that are a more 'natural' park rather than an urban park. It is important to encourage all ages out of thier living rooms and bedrooms to exercise and enjoy these truely and attractive resources. The govenment is concerned about problems of obesety in the population and this threat to take away yet another amenity is crazy.
  – Adrian Wilkinson

The park is one of the few genuinely open park spaces in our part of Cambridgeshire which is easy to get to, is cheap and suitable for many different activites, from walks to picnics and nature watching. Our children always enjoy visiting the park and its closure would be a real loss to our family.
  – Ian Wilson

We meet friends there. We often stop at the cafe, but can't always afford to - sometimes there are up to 16 children! However, I'd hate to think that we needn't be rich to go - it's marvellous to let the children run and play and have mini adventures and great for us grown ups to have a leg stretch too knowing they are safe and excited. I've been going for years - my husband and I used to walk there in our lunch hour years ago before we ever had children. We loved watching the swans build their enormous nests - in fact it is the only place where I have ever been able to see a huge swan's nest close up and great to feel that the nest was secure too. We've seen foxes on the ice in Winter - magical moments making wildlife viewing accessible.
  – Karen Sutherland

I have used Milton Country Park for many years. Taking my children to some spectacular and magical art events in the park when they were younger, and walks when they were older. There are so few places to go walking around Cambridge, especially with trees - not nearly as much as elsewhere in the country. With the growing City people need places to escape to even more. I think it is a beautiful and tranquil place. Where else can you really 'get away from it all' so close to the City? Yes there are other places, but none of them are very big at all. I would be very sad indeed to see the Park disappear. I have seen it very well used, especially by families and children.
  – Jane Wingfield

Please tell me where I can see the detailed expenditure for the park.
  – Deborah Lovett

It would be a tragedy to lose such a valued asset, we have so few on the northern side of Cambridge, especially in light of all the proposed developments to that side of the city and surrounding area.
  – Ian Agnew

Wildlife needs all the help it can get
  – Sally Reynolds

It is the ONLY place to take children in Cambridge for a decent runaround, a safe place to play and to enjoy a bit of nature!
  – Jo Montgomery

Myself and my wife visit Milton country park when ever we come down to visit our son who lives in Cambridge in Cherry Hinton area it would be a great pity if the council closed it down as its a very nice park and there is no other parks i know of in the area, so if it was closed down there would be no park for people to go to. When we have visited the park we have found it to be a well used park.
  – Leslie McEwen

Green space is getting rarer around Cambridge, despite the idea of having a "green lung" from Wicken Fen via Waterbeach to Fen Ditton. I have the suspicion the need for land for housing might be behind all this and that would be such a shame!
  – Hortense Videler

What would happen to the kingfishers if it were closed? Please don't build housing on this site
  – Andrew Robinson

The Sustrans cycle route runs through the park. Closure of the park will lead to increased cyclists on the road and possibly an incrase in traffic if cyclist choose to drive as a result of park closure
  – Paul Turner

Milton Country Park combines wildlife conservation, education and recreation, we must not allow such a unique asset to be lost.
  – Nicholas Davies

With the closure of Cherry Hinton Hall grounds and the difficulty of accessing central Cambridge Milton is our nearest haven for a peaceful country walk and to introduce our young child to nature and wildlife. It would be a great shame for this resource to be lost to the community.
  – Helen Leedham

Milton Country Park is something the Council should be rightly proud of as it offers people the chance to find peace and tranquility in today's stressful life. It is a place of beauty and play an important part in teaching youngsters about nature and how to respect your environment.
  – Alex Khoshmanesh

Some friends of mine planted trees in the park to remember a child that they lost. It would be tragic if they were not able to visit these trees to watch them grow and remember their son.
  – Melody White

There is precious little public green space in and around Cambridge and it would be short-sighted in the extreme to close this wonderful resource. It seems there is plenty of money to tarmac further swathes of the area and to install intelligent traffic lights. Where is the "intelligence" in depriving the tax payers of a much-loved corner of the natural world? Whilst I support the plans for the Cambridge Lakes initiative, does this now indicate that parks and open spaces can only be maintained by private means under this council's authority? We live in a rich part of the world, can we not set aside a tiny part of our collective resources to preserve a small, local area? The park contributes more to the quality of human and wild life than extra park and ride schemes or larger superstores.
  – Catherine Taylor

We visit the park regularly and think it would be despicable if a local area where our young children are free to run, play, ride their bikes, have an interest with wildlife and exercise in a natural environment to be taken away. In this day more and more people should be encouraged to lead an active lifestyle and have a local area to have fun and learn.
  – Georgina Sargent

Easy access close to Cambridge which gives people chance to appreciate wildlife, open/green areas and think about conservation of the environment. Especially important in educating the younger generations on environment.
  – Christine Willmets (family of 4)

Loss of a Local Amenity, contrary to the ethos and outlines of the new Local Plan 2006
  – Roger Chatterton

This is the one place near where we live that I can safely cycle with the kids (thanks to the cycle bridge) and we feel like we're in the country. We've seen deer, foxes and their cubs, rabbits and loads of pond life that we don't usually see in town; what will happen to all this wildlife if the park is not there?
  – Helen Skelton

It is a beautiful place for running and walking, very well maintained and peaceful. I enjoy very much running there year round and watching the seasons change. It looks different every day I'm there. I love it!
  – Omer Rotem

Milton Country Park is a safe haven for many people. My interest is that is an ideal and safe place to take organised groups of children for many activities, from nature projects, adventure games, picnics, and so on. It is very well managed and consequently a safe place to take children. Milton Country Park and Wandlebury Ring are probably the last two really safe places that offer adventure to the young left in this area. I cannot believe that any caring politician or local government senior manager would even contemplate the closure of the park, unless they have some sinister plan for the land that will rob us all of a wonderful resource and ruin the environment for those living around the park.
  – John Wallman

Over recent years it appears that every nook and cranny in Cambridge has been built upon, not with amenities but housing. MCP is an accessible oasis providing space and oportunity for all parts of society, and those aho have charge of it at present should feel morally obliged to see it's security last without question.
  – Robert Frisk

One of the main reasons moving to Milton 2 years ago from London was because of this beautiful Park. My kids are so much happier. which in turn has made the whole family happy. The Country needs more places like this, they should not even dream about closing any. Have we tried the Lotto fund for some financial support?
  – Sima Waring

It is a resource which benefits absolutely everybody, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. With the massive future population growth in the Cambridge area it is of paramount importance to keep green lungs such as Milton Country Park open. To close it would be short-sighted.
  – Anne French

Working on the Business Park, it is the only place we can go to relax, enjoy the tranquility and get away from the work place and busyness of the traffic
  – Caroline Coley

In an increasingly stressful world, the country park is somewhere where one can relax and meet other people. We live so apart from nature nowadays, it's great to have such an amenity on our doorsteps. It would be unforgivable of the council to close something so important to so many people.
  – John McHugh

The main reason is the obvious one, as race we have a responsibility to protect the environment by preserving the green spaces in it, to try to offset some of the damage caused by our continuing expansion, saving Milton Country Park maybe a bit like putting a plaster on an arterial bleed but it is at least a start.
  – Bruce Phillips

It's an oasis of calm just outside Cambridge. I would hate to see houses or similar built on the land as we need all the green areas we can get around Cambridge. It's a wonderful environment for walking and spotting all manner of wildlife/insects - dragonflies are my particular favourite which are there in abundance.
  – Susan Robertson

My partner works for the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) and Milton Park is valued as a great place to spot many different species of bird. Why on earth they would want to close an environment which offers habitation for so many different species, I have no idea. There is precious little areas of 'green' as there is, why remove yet another one?
  – Lucy Carter

Can't see any advantages to closing it - what would happen to the land and lakes? would just become a problem if not looked after.
  – Judith Pyke

If it closed it would be a great loss for not only the people of Miton but for many who work in the science park who visit in their lunch breaks.
  – Derek Wall

I think it would be dreadful if it was closed because developers might get hold of it and more industrial buildings or houses and even as I have heard suggested it could be used as a caravan park,please save the Park.
  – Sheila Wall

This would be a horrible decision to close the Park. I have ridden my horse round the park for 25 years. Milton has extremely limited riding for horse riders and this is really the only safe ride for us to use. It would also be such a waste of time and tax payers money which they used to develop the park with paths etc some years ago.
  – Joanne Harrison

The park is an excellent educational resource. I have brought several groups of special needs youngsters on visits on a variety of occations. I don't think it is marketed to schools as widely as it could be.
  – Denise Roberts

This is the nice place where it is as close as it gets to nature park to unwind during the weekend. If it is close nothing more is interesting in Milton whereby it can attract more people to enjoy this park.
  – Christine Toh

It's amazing when you're in the park as you feel as if you're in the middle of the country. Cambridge is getting very built up and there are fewer and fewer places that are wooded and easy to access. It's perfect for children and adults alike and the blackberrys are great in Autumn. I love seeing the rabbits and the muntjack deer too. If left, it would become the perfect place for groups of youths to 'hang out' and get into all sorts of trouble. It's a vital part of our village and a huge plus.
  – Leila Coe

If the park is closed, it will be a shame considering the number of activities we can do there. Just a remark, we are paying more than £1000 per year for the council tax ! May be they should look at their own way to manage the money WE are giving to them before arguing how the park should be managed. As (ironic) example, removing a few pounds to the budget of the waste collection assuming the fact that they hadn't collect anything during the 3 weeks around Christmas !
  – Fabien Aeschlimann

The new developments being built in and around Cambridge need this important local amenity and nature reserve which is pleasant to use all year round.
  – Emma, Alistair and Lydia Parkinson

The park provides a valid green space. In this age where people offset their carbon usage by planting trees, the park could been seen as providing a carbon netural area for the massive amount of traffic which uses the A14 which run alongside it.
  – David Langley

I often meet up at the park with other mums and their babies. It's so important to have this open space on our doorstep and musn't be swallowed up by developers who are not interested in the local environment.
  – Samantha Bennett

When the weather gets very cold it is a safe and specultacular place to walk with young children
  – Peter Clarke

It is a jewel and could form part of a major nature reserve if adjacent land could be acquires.
  – Charles Sealey

Milton Country Park is a unique facility close to so many overcrowded villages and to the City itself, but with such simple access. Losing it, especially to more development would be a complete disaster.
  – Frank Allen

It is an area close to my sister which is beautiful to visit, instead of having to get in a car spending more on petrol to get to a bigger parkland area.
  – Nicola Bennett

Although I now live too far away to make regular visits I know it is often used by other members of my family. It would be a great pity to loose such a green space when we are all being urged to take more exercise
  – Vicki Turner

There are so few Country Parks in this part of Cambridgeshire. Local Authorities are quick to cut services that are of intrinsic importance to the health and well being of ourselves and the environment. Cutting public funding towards this asset could be a quick fix, but have negative long term consequences.
  – Kim Warren

The north of the city has very little green space for walking/bird watching; it would be a great shame if this park closed. The Councils are too keen to spend money on urbanising green space (such as the prposed MUGA at Nightingale Ave park) for the minority and not preserving green space for the majority.
  – Jan Purath

I think we have very few recreational areas of that kind
  – Joar Vatnaland

i work for mencap and we take our service users to the park for walks if it closes they will have nowhere to go
  – Clive Hearn

People can have a taste of the countryside within a short distance of the City Centre and relax in the Park's natural beauty and tranquility.
  – Evelyn Levene

By far the closest wildlife park to my home. It belongs to the people of Cambridgeshire.
  – Paul Windle

The park is one of few remaining areas of natural beauty which have not been bulldozed for houses and roads. There needs to be more in our lives than concrete and cars.
  – Alex Bienek

Apart from hinchinbrook park milton is the only acessable park. Milton wins for acessability for all ages in all weathers. We use it extensively for many sorts of recreation. More spaces like this are needed not less.
  – Janice Chesshyre

There are almost no other outdoors activities for children in Cambridgeshire. Closing this park would make me think about moving out of the area.
  – Craig Emery

As Milton residents, we have access to the Park within yards of our front door and have taken it for granted as a place to wander, relax in, enjoy taking our grandson etc. When we heard the news of it's possible closure, it just seems unthinkable that this could or should ever happen. As Milton bears the brunt of traffic delays since the so called 'Improvements to the A14/A10 junction' and with the planned massive building developments which will impact on the village in future years, with no real planned infrastructure to cope, our Park will be a much needed haven for future generations of residents, both near and far.
  – Carol Jones

I really appreciate and use regularly the park and it facilities. I have always been impressed at the facility and how it is managed
  – Gary Ford

It is the only semi-wild place within an easy bike ride of the center of the City.
  – Danny Godfrey

Resource is an essential open air facility for Cambridge & the surrounding areas. Once lost it cannot be replaced.
  – Colin Nunn

I'm a US citizen but have lived in Milton for over two years. I will be moving back to America at the end of March. The Country Park is truly a wonderful place to meet people, enjoy the beautiful scenery and wonder at all the water fowl. If the park should close in August, I'm grateful that I will be moving back to the US prior to that time as it would be a very sad, sad day indeed.
  – Denise Adams

It provides so much for the the residents of Cambridge and there is no where else like it in the local area
  – Jayne Armstrong

It is a great beautiful outdoor space with wildlife and safe walks for all ages. I thought we were supposed to be encouraging our children to get outside and take an interest in these things, why are we getting rid of such places?!! We should be creating more of them.
  – Christine Payne

It's such a wonderful refuge and a much better Saturday alternative than city shopping.
  – David Bradley

Surely we need all the green space we can get in our ever expanding city!
  – Louise Crook

It's just another step in the never-ending attempt to reduce Cambridge and the villages around into a grey urbanised sprawl. Cambridge is already chronically short of recreational facilities, and this area will no doubt be sold to real-estate developers if the closure goes ahead.
  – Robert Walker

Cambridge has less and less green space. It would be terrible to close the park. It is a peaceful and natural place to recharge the batteries after a hectic week. Where will our children see birds, trees and plants if all our green spaces go.
  – Gill Hayden

Dreadful because: loss of green space for everyone as well as for birds and other wildlife; excellent resource for local schools as this can fit into so many curriculum areas.
  – Siew Yee Pang

The park is an important wildlife sanctuary and valued green space close to the city. The extent of the trees and lakes makes it unique so near an urban area. I would hate to see it turned into housing - spaces like this are so important for city dwellers and wildlife. As a new mother I enjoy attending the activity classes here and always make use of the visitor centre. The park is great because it offers something for everyone - green spaces for children to run in and to have picnics, paths for cycing, excellent bird-spotting opportunities, great for jogging or just rambling about. Having the visitor centre with cafe and toilets makes it suitable for a family visit.
  – Erika Hunt

Milton Park is a haven for wildlife. Young people need this park to introduce them to the many trees, birds and animals that we share our community with.
  – Tracy Andrews

The park is an inexpensive place to take children. The cafe serves reasonably priced food so even families on low incomes can treat their children to food and play whilst out. Some of the houses in Milton don't have gardens so this is a valuable resource for children without their own space to play outside. You can of course take your child to the various softplay centres around however not everyone can afford this and it is much healthier for them to be out in the fresh air, walking, playing and seeing wildlife.
  – Sarah Langton

Parks are an essentail amenity for urban or semi urban communities. One of London's greatest strenghts is its parks. With urban sprawl encroaching on more and more of our open spaces it would be very sad for totally short term reasons this valuable community amentiy should be shut down.
  – Peter Maxwell

Running the Swallows Cafe is an important thing for Cambridge Mencap and the people they are helping.
  – Julia Wheatcroft

Milton Contry Park is an invaluable resource for all of us in the locality. As a 'green lung', and a place to unwind, play, picnic etc. etc. it is vital to the well-being of all of us locally.
  – Pam Thorn

I have on several occasions led educational workshops for children on art, drama and history using the park as inspiration.I have also worked with Wysing Arts in the park in similar ways. The park is a valuable educational resource to schoolchildren and the public in general.
  – Jane Bower

It is such a great place to go with chidlren/dogs/for a walk and has so much for the children to see and do there. And the worst thing that could happen is for houses to suddenly appear there instead of the beautiful park there is.
  – Danielle Wykes

There's not another large open space/park that I can go with the family for a walk in the NOrth of Cambridge - it's a great resource
  – Justin Ruffell-Ward

Dont close the park. It's a great place to walk, cycle and play and get fresh air. There is nowhere else to walk or cycle that doesn't have noisey traffic all around it! please please please please please dont shut the park!!!!!!!!!!!
  – Calum Taylor

As a child I spent many hours playing where the park is now. As an adult I realise what an unsafe wilderness it was in the 1960's and what a fantastic resource it is now for all ages. From what I can see when I visit (my mother who lives nearby) there is a constant stream of local and non-local visitors. What a marvellous resource how can anyone think of not continuing it.
  – Anji Thomson

Its a nature area. It would be a loss that so much effort had gone in to developing it.
  – Gianna Biamonti-Bello

We have been regular users of the park for many years and have found it an invaluable resource for exercise, fresh air and recreation. There are limited green areas nearby and this local park, with easy access, has given us many opportunities for quality family time.
  – Fran and Duncan Crouch

It's one of the only places nearby where I can take the children to play, push a pushchair out in the countryside, walk the dog off lead and enjoy some woodland all at the same time. It's perfect for introducing the kids to playing in woodland and there are precious few opportunities to do that near Cambridge.
  – Susan Knighton

My children love visiting the park - it is one of the few places where they can see nature close up. It is one of the few activities that we can do as a whole family (including the dog!) and it is free!
  – Jenny Badcock

Milton Country Park is a wonderful haven for wildlife and interesting plant life, the conditions under which some of the species thrive stem from the fact that the park is managed land, there aren't too many more places like it in the local area either. It would be a tragic shame for the park to close for everyone, local residents, wildlife and plants alike.
  – Richard Harmon

We love Milton Country Park and look forward to walks and meeting up with the childrens friends in the school holidays. There are not many areas in cambridgeshire that could meet the needs of all generations in our family for a day outdoors!
  – Helena Cafferkey

My mother has lived adjacent to Milton Country Park for 16yrs. Our visits to Mum and Dad (when he was alive) always include several trips to the park and also to any activities that are held there. My children have grown up with the park and all it's surroundings,play area swings, ducks, walks, pond dipping, bird box making, we would be lost without the beautiful Milton Country Park Country.
  – Elaine Taylor

WE love it!! It provides a great natural landscape to explore with our children. We went there before the children arrived, and then at all stages of their development Milton Park has played a role. Don't close it it is an invaluable asset.
  – Leonie Isaacson

There are simply not enough facilities like Milton Park around. Cambridge council should be proud of it and maintain it for the future.
  – Hannah Moore

I thought coucills were trying to get more people envoiromentally involved. this park is a major part of our envoiroment. and should not be taken away. open your eyes South Cambs. and look at all the people of all ages that use this beautifull park. look at our neighbours at huntingdon district council, and see what they have done with Paxton pits. take a trip out of that office and go and have a look.believe it or not there is a life after work and a lot of people use this (milton country park) to unwind and relax in.
  – Catherine Thoday

It is home to waterbirds and to both wintering and summering visitors and gives a very pleasant respite from suburbia. I enjoyed bird watching there.
  – Martin Moss

It would be a terrible loss - it's a wonderful unique spot so close to town but offering the tranquility of the country.
  – Jane Rich

Cambridge has few public parks and green spaces as it is. It's unbelievable that developers want to obliterate one of the very few nature reserves in the area. What for? to build another Tescos or out of town shopping centre? What a waste.
  – Mark Sheppard

Children learn so much from being in the countryside. To deny future generations this opportunity to learn about the environment and environmental issues at Milton Country Park is a very short sighted decision.
  – Emma Gilbert

The park is a wonderful Oasis in the middle of a very busy & highly populated area. It is a place where you see families and people of all ages enjoying a healthy and invigorating walk, and doing things together. This must be better than sitting at home getting more and more unfit! There is nothing this side of Cambridge for us folk that live (and work)in the North of the County. If we don't have this facility - we shall have to get out cars out and travel to Wandlebury - Not good for the environment!!and from what I see and hear about the Sports lakes - this will not have the same access or natural beauty.
  – Jean & Spencer Bowyer

The government is keen on promoting healthy living, forest centres like Thetford are currently endorsing walking as part of their healthy hearts campaign - mcp can add value to this for so many of us. Also, Milton residents already have Tesco, tip, sewers and shortly the park and ride and an olympic ? rowing river - why cant we retain our environmental beauty to offset these other inconveniences.
  – Swann Fran

My blood is boiling having just visited this site. SCDC are immediately responsible for this decision, but ultimate blame has to rest with the Government and the pressure it is putting on local councils to provide more housing - I get the impression that they would bury anything green under concrete if they could, as long as it isn't in their backyard. If Milton Country Park closes, I trust the electorate of the South Cambs area will call those responsible to account via the ballot box, both at local and national level. It would be criminal, not to mention stupid, if such an area was closed to provide yet more office space or to serve as some sort of annexe to that awful traveller encampment already present near Milton.
  – David Etheridge

It is a lovely, manageable walk for people of all ages, and I can get there without a car, by using the Park and Ride. It would be a terrible shame to lose access to all the wildlife there
  – Jill Tatham

Milton Park is a special place for families. Cambridge is often a very busy city with students and foreign visitors. We love them and and welcome them of course but it does make Cambridge hectic! Milton Country Park allows locals (and everyone els) the opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle and to find a bit of space, some piece and quiet and somewhere for the children to run about and let off steam. This is such an important resource which contributes greatly to our sanity and must be kept!!!
  – Rachel Snape

The loss of such an good amenity would be such a waste and is very much a beneficial aspect to the village of Milton
  – Anne Newton

I was stunned to find that such a place of beauty and serenity existed between the A14 and the business area of Milton. The country park is one of nature's jewells that should be preserved in this age of constant development.
  – Joanne Stagg

We have fewer and fewer green spaces in and around Cambridge - they are all being gobbles up by developers!
  – Derrin Flood

We do not know of any other local area having easy and free access to such a diverse range of natural wildlife habitats to study whilst giving scope for exercise and having children's play facilities in addition.
  – Barry and Sheila Howarth Howarth

I believe that Milton Country Park is the best advertisement for the District Council. It would be a disater to close it.
  – Christine Bondi

We need all the green open space that we have, to save the environment. Too many green spaces are being built on, there will be no ameneties for our grandchildren to enjoy if we keep losing these lovely parks.
  – Lynn Wright

At a time when climate change and the need to CONSERVE our environment is so high on the worldwide agenda, it is sheer madness to contemplate closing down a developing green space and wildlife haven. There are more houses going up very close to the park. Doesn't the consequential rise in residential population increase the need for an easily accessible leisure space? Milton Country Park is a Breathing Space for nature and humans alike. An essential asset in my opinion.
  – Lyn Guy

When my children were very small I really think I would have gone mad if it had not been for Milton Country Park as it is the only outdoor recreational facility that is easily accessible from our village of Cottenham. Although we are surrounded by countryside, most of it is agricultural land and therefore not accessible. I find it unbelievable that SCDC should even be comtemplating closing this invaluable resource down. It would be an enormous loss to Cambridgeshire and has to be contrary to the policies of any public authority, who must surely endorse the need of all sectors of the community to optimise their chances for healthy fresh air.
  – Catherine Snelson

Assume you are arguing about the desperate and increasing need there is for green space in this area what with the coming of the Guided bus, the new building at North Arbury, the moving of the park and ride and new housing developments being built off Milton Road.
  – Carol Schaessens

My family thinks of Milton Country Park almost as a surburban oasis. We've a love of the outdoors and where would my young children go to watch the dragonflies/craneflies 'air' dance and be enchanted with my stories of elves and pixies who meet to sing and talk around the campfire (at the area at the small pond - not sure of it's name but I'm sure you'll know where I mean)?! I believe that the closure of Milton Country Park would be a travesty to families (and others) like mine. This space is so valuable to the young and old alike and gives families a chance to spend time together.
  – Lee O'Brien

There are hardly any places in Cambridge with any wild life to be able to go for walks etc. Is it really necessary to close the one place where people and particularly children can get away from city life and enjoy nature.
  – Viktoria Dixon

There are so few places nowadays to walk safe in the knowledge that you won't be run down by traffic
  – Mary Law

We need a peaceful "oasis" away from the busy city and traffic. The memorial garden is an important feature.
  – Neville Dean

The park is always full of families having fun together which is so important. We need more places where they can do this, not less!
  – Linda Dean

Milton Country Park is a wonderful resource run by brilliant dedicted staff. If the park were to close it would be a great loss to South Cambridgeshire.
  – Jo Fowler

Loss of a very attractive local amenity which will waste funds already utilised to improve the site over the last few years.
  – Roger Osborne

It is a beautiful area and must be a benefit to the health of all who enjoy use the park.
  – Christine Hartley

Green spaces are crucial for our environment, quality of life and maintaining community in our busy and hectic lives. Having places to go like Milton Park for those such as me in Cambridge City is so crucial for gaining space, and enrich experiances of family, excersise and appreciating the nature around us. Milton Park has been such a treasured part of my families early years, I can't imagine loosing it. Let's save it.
  – Tim and Ania Anderson

The country park is needed particularly by people without gardens. Much new building around Cambridge is flats without gardens.
  – Vera Carroll

Excellent resource for all, well thought out and planned. Have seen so many different species and lots of happy, smiley humnas!
  – J Milton

as a single parent living on income support one of the few things left that you can do for free, & thats on the doorstep!
  – Rachael Cooper

It's an outrage if it closes, nature was here before us. Why has man got to ruin everything beautiful, just for the sake of MONEY!
  – Vicky Pumfrey

NO NO NO I have visited the park since I was one week old and I would be very very sad if it would shut. Lauren aged 6
  – Lauren Godfrey

Cambridge benefits from many open spaces but there is nothing quite like Milton Country Park for the varied landscape and diversity of wildlife. That makes it so important that the Park be kept as a vital asset to the community and not turned into yet another faceless housing estate or unwanted business park.
  – David Wagland

A delightful asset to the county and completely ireplaceable
  – Aaf Dawes

When it was first proposed to turn the waste land into a country park and spend the vast sum of money that was needed people were not that bothered as we had the use of it natural and unspoilt, but it was transformed into a wonderful area for all people to enjoy. I do find it hard to believe that it costs £300,000 to run. Our village has to put up with the sewage works, rubbish tip and soon to be Park & Ride. But they want to take the only good part of our village away it is so unfair. I am sure the council are just seeing £ signs in selling land for houses to boost they budgets that this goverment take away from them.
  – Tina Barker

It would be absolutely scanadlous if such a wonderful and precious resource was allowed to disappear
  – David Waldman

Cambridge area increasingly built up. Many people live and work in the area and the Park is an amenity and an asset. Should we not accept that the money to ensure it is well managed comes from the Council Tax?
  – Anne Parry-smith

Milton Country Park is so convenient, because it brings the countryside, wildlife and nature, closer to the city.
  – Robert Billingham

We love going there for walks and picnics,and it is so rare to have such a lovely space so close to the city where you can appreciate beauty,tranquility and wildlife-and space for wildlife is being lost more and more so it is so important for the park to continue for many years to come.
  – Wendy Reeve

My children absolutely adore it and there is no place nearby equally good to take them for a walk.
  – Boris Kouznetsov

green spaces are vital areas and even though they may not generate sufficient revenue they have to be maintained.
  – David Radley

I no longer live in the area but when I visit I usually visit the park for some relaxation, enjoyment and exercise. This is a wonderful haven for wildlife and people a like providing important habitats that are vastly disappearing. The park encourages a healthier living style and provides many opportunites for learning, development and enjoyment
  – Kirsty Tucker

Cambridge and the surrounding area is rapidly expanding. There are very few places to take children and dogs where they can get some exercise and enjoy the wildlife. There is constant concern about obesity within our population and places like the [ark provide a place for people to get some exercise without paying hefty gym memberships and dressing up in lycra!
  – Sarah Oakley

There is nowhere around Cambridge like it. It is such a peaceful place to spend time and enjoy the company of friends made there.
  – Rosemary Girling

Its an important area for wildlife and humans to learn about each other
  – Ella Taylor

it's appalling that closure is being considered. If we pay our taxes for anything, it's for this kind of facility not for (the equivalent of ) a couple of management consultants to rattle around council offices wasting everyone's time. When you consider the budgets in question and the likelihood that some outsourcing company probably makes £300,000 profit every month or year from our taxes, it's a travesty. We ALREADY pay for the park, why should we have to pay again in parking fees and other charges?
  – Philip Hancey

It's a great space for people and wildlife and would be a really loss to the community if it was to close. They keep saying people should excercise more and yet they are planning to close a space like this.
  – Sandra Hodkinson

Are any new parks being planned to meet the needs of residents of all the new homes being built? Cambridge is very short of park land - much of the green space in the city is private college property. If necessary reduce expenditure on the park but it should be a park in perpetuity.
  – Raymond Lickorish

It's the only decent green space in Milton, as a family we love walking over there and showing our daughter the wildlife. I would hate see it turned into more housing it's not the right place for such a beautiful spot.
  – Rachel Bell

This is a park of natural beauty where people can take time out of the stresses of life to relax and enjoy the outside life. I think it is dreadful to think that once again politicians lack of inspirational thought to save such a wonderful place is overtaken by the fact its costs money to run - why develop it in the first place and then take it away again?
  – Adam Footman

There are few enough places in Cambridge where children can be taken to play and go for a short walk. With all the new houses being planned for the area places like the park are more necessary than ever. Cutting down on some of the facilities like the visitor centre are infinitely preferable to closing the place completely.
  – Ann Lickorish

These places for relaxing, walking the dog or for just sorting your life problems out, are getting fewer and farther between. Not only are they home for wildlife but they provide us with oxygen to breathe. What are they going to do with the site? Build houses! Let us have our Park.
  – Denise Newton

For those of us who live outside the City centre, Milton Park is an oasis of peace and tranquility, a wonderful place to find inspiration and sip a measure of spiritual renewal in these modern days of 'counting the cost of everything and the value of nothing' (Oscar wild) in a frenzied, headlong rush to become millionaires before oblivion cancels everything out.
  – Stanley Hedges

Just that this area is so lacking in good, safe, attractive areas to go.
  – Siobhan Mellon

I appreciate all open spaces and use hinchingbrooke Country park all the time. In retirement I look forward to exploring different places and would put Milton as close enough to explore and enjoy. People need to 'be' as well as to to do. We all need to reconnect with green spaces and get out of the urban sprall.
  – Katy Searle

My interest in the park is as the leader of Histon Beaver Scouts. We've taken the Colony there for a number of vists over the past few years - to play wide games, go pond-dipping and on nature walks with the wardens. It's a really valuable local resource that would be sorely missed.
  – Penny English

Places of such natural beauty are few in Cambridge and it would be very sad to close it
  – Stella Perkins

Our children have great fun and it's a lovely place to have lunch + it's totaly FREE!
  – Silvana Reynolds

Not only would the Park itself be lost,there would be the venue for meetings of Natural History Societies lost
  – Andrew Camps

Its a nice family place to go and walk the dog the animals are fascinating, me and my brothers have also seen a field mouse (it was realy cute).Its safe enviroment. we love picking blackberries aswell.
  – Charlotte Anderon-Chaman

It is a unique facility used by young and old members of the public. A fabulous place to get away from the stresses of everyday life
  – Mark Bartley

Picking blackberries is fun there. Also have been with the Cub Scouts for bird watching. Have also been with Milton Road School to do activities with the ranger.
  – Oliver Anderson-chapman

There are not many places that have such a wonderful mix of wildlife, dog walking, fishing facilities and fun for the children and picnic area and play area.
  – Emma Anderson

We desperately need more open spaces like Milton Country Park for walking, birdwatching and enjoying the open air.Its the only place I have seen a bullfinch in years.
  – Barbara Clegg

Rare wildlife - a rare bat in the park. As Cambridge expands local wildlife is put under pressure and the ocuntry park is a rare haven for wildlife and for humans to get fresh air. The extra people moving into Arbury Park will also need some natural space nearby.
  – Fran Alexander

It is a great community resource which once gone will never be available again, it is a great place for bringing people together and new experiences and opportunities for children and young people as well as older people.
  – Kate D'Arcy

No other local parks People need open space
  – Lydia Newton

It provides a habitat for wildlife which would not normally be found in the area, and an opportunity for young and old to feel close to nature.
  – Julie Moodie

There is NOWHERE else in the local vicinity that offers the facilities that Milton Country Park does. It is not only a haven for wildlife, but is an oasis away from the 24/7 buzzing of the city for all those who visit it. To close it, would cut off everything that means so much to so many.
  – Gavin Barber

The area has no alternative provision of this high quality.
  – Derek Marston

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