Prestley Country Park will evolve over the next five years (2026-2030) and mature over the next 20 years and beyond. Rather than wait for all elements to be established, the park will be delivered and activated in phases.
Each phase will be influenced by further community involvement, and in line with the relevant planning approvals and obligations.
First detailed planning application - due for submission in Autumn 2026
Zone A1 is the first area of the Country Park that will come forward alongside the agreed woodland management of Prestley Wood.
Zone A1 includes:
- Bunds to provide interesting landform and mark the eastern edge of the Country Park, softening views of the Phase 2 homes
- Woodland planting
- Shrubs
- Wildflower meadows
- Amenity grass
- Paths to connect up areas of the Country Park coming forward
Let us know your thoughts on the plans for the first phase of the Country Park
Phasing and Timelines
While Zone 1A is the only part initially going into planning with a detailed design, the next stage of the Country Park will follow soon. While these designs are finalised, work will begin to support the transformation of the rest of the Country Park from its previous intensively farmed history into a more nature-rich future. This will be done through sustainable and regenerative farming practices, which need to draw some of the fertilisers used previously out of the soil, improve the soil health and help establish a grassland setting. This will enable a transition period for the Country Park, while the remaining plans are finalised.
Below is an indicative timeline which is evolving for the delivery. Timings will be subject to both planning progress, improvements in the soil structure and working with climate and nature within the seasons of each year.
Indicative plan
| Phase | Year | Area | Anticipated activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Year 1 | Zones A1, A2 & A3, and fields |
Zone A1 Grass seeding will be used to improve the soil quality, ready for future wildflower seeding. Once established, a management programme of mowing and grazing will be implemented. New tree planting is proposed in the woodland areas, with opportunities for community planting days. Other areas Fencing will be installed around the heritage areas (the shrunken village and ridge and furrow) to enable sheep grazing, in rotation, to give the grass time to regenerate and help bolster biodiversity. |
| Phase 2 | Year 2-3 | Zone B | Major earthworks and additional bunds. Soil will be compressed and seeded, and a new bridle pathway laid over the raised area. |
| Phase 3 | Year 3-4 | Zone C | Additional tree planting. Hard pathways and mown pathways linking to different access points across the park. |
| Phase 4 | Year 4-5 | All areas | New features will be brought in depending upon community feedback and partnership working on health, heritage, play and education opportunities in the Country Park. These features could include play areas, parking, additional connectivity, sport fields and amenities. |
This broad overview may be affected by a number of external factors including consultation, planning and weather conditions. Residents and neighbours will continue to be updated through the website, social media and newsletters.
What are your thoughts on Phase 1 of the Country Park, including proposed landform, planting and the use of sustainable farming practices?
What thoughts and ideas do you have for the future phases of the Country Park?
The Country Park and Stukeley Hall Park
Stukeley Hall Park sits adjacent to Prestley Country Park and was purchased by Urban&Civic in discussion with The Stukeleys to ensure the green space was maintained between the communities of Little and Great Stukeley and Alconbury Weald: with the three connected by the green space, but maintaining their unique and separate identities.
Stukeley Hall Park consists of established parkland extending southwards towards the historic setting of Stukeley Hall. Although separate to the Country Park, the area is also being managed by Nene Park Trust, working with a Working Group to help restore the parkland back to its historic design, improve its biodiversity and support better access to more residents of The Stukeleys, as well as explore appropriate connections with Prestley Country Park.
Continued work with The Stukeleys communities and the Working Group will establish the future interaction between the two park settings, but management by Nene Park Trust ensures a cohesive vision between the two areas.
