Monthly Archives: May 2026

⚫ Cambridgeshire County Council has launched its annual Quality of Life survey

The survey is inviting residents to share their views on life in Cambridgeshire and the issues that matter most to them and their communities, and supports the council’s vision of a healthy, fair and sustainable Cambridgeshire, where everyone can thrive now and in the future.

The survey helps the council and its partners understand residents’ experiences and priorities across the county.

By gathering feedback from a large and representative cross‑section of communities, the findings provide valuable insight to support business planning, policy development, and decision‑making, as well as helping to understand how changes to public services are affecting people’s lives.

This insight is used to help shape the council’s Business Plan and Budget, tracking progress against the council’s Strategic Framework ambitions over time.

The online and telephone survey will capture the views of around 5,500 residents and is being delivered in partnership with Cambridge Ahead and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

The 20‑minute survey is being carried out by independent market research company Thinks Insight, which aims to speak to a representative sample of approximately 1,100 residents aged 18 and over in each of Cambridgeshire’s five district areas, ensuring a broad and balanced range of perspectives.

Residents will be asked about a range of topics, including life and community, transport, health and wellbeing, children and young people, and perceptions of the council and its services.

Previous survey findings have shown that many residents feel happy, safe and have a strong sense of belonging, with Cambridgeshire widely seen as a good place to raise children.

They have also highlighted areas where residents would like to see improvement, such as road and pavement maintenance, the cost of living, and mental health and loneliness.

Councillor Lucy Nethsingha, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council said: “This is an important opportunity for residents to have their say on what quality of life means to them and to help shape the decisions we make as a county. Their views will play a vital role in informing how we set priorities and plan for the future.

“Listening to people’s lived experiences is central to our vision of a healthy, fair and sustainable Cambridgeshire. By sharing what matters most in their day‑to‑day lives, from health and wellbeing to transport, housing, the environment and the cost of living.

“Residents can help ensure our policies and services reflect the needs of communities across Cambridgeshire, now and for the long term.”

Alongside the random sample, all residents are encouraged to take part via the council’s website at: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/quality-of-life-survey

The survey will remain open into the summer and close on 5 August 2026, after which responses will be analysed and shared with councillors and the public in the autumn.

The results will help inform council discussions and priorities for the years ahead.

Residents who are contacted directly will be approached by the council’s commissioned research service, Field Locker, who will identify themselves as working on behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council and provide contact details for verification.

Participants will not be asked for identifying personal details or any financial information.

⚫ Saturday 16 May – Mini Pop‑Up March Summer Festival!

What are you doing this Saturday 16th May?
On March Market Place for one night only before the big festival — bringing you entertainment, food, and good vibes ahead of the March Summer Festival! 🎶✨

There’ll be a mini stage for those of you that fancy being a future MSF star 🌟 — but also perfect for anyone who wants to warm up their vocals ahead of the Eurovision final 🎤 or show off those BGT semi finalist worthy acts 👀.

An evening with a bit of a difference, supporting March Summer Festival  – plus raffle tickets 🎟️ with some fab prizes.

Come along, get involved, and help March Summer Festival celebrate the countdown to summer! ☀️🎉

⚫ Are these March play area improvements a good idea?

Residents are being urged to give feedback on Fenland District Council proposals to spend £1.5million Government funding on improving and creating play areas across the district.

Specific sites have been identified to host play equipment for the first time, whilst others are earmarked for improvements.

Results of the consultation will help inform the projects that are taken forward, with plans for work to begin as soon as possible.

Cllr Jan Franch, Fenland’s portfolio holder for parks and open spaces, said: Local elected members have helped develop these plans to create a proposal list that offers widespread improvements for the district.

“We’re excited to see this investment improve play areas and opportunities across the district and to hear the views of residents on whether the proposals are what they want.”

It’s proposed to spend around £250,000 in each of Fenland’s four towns, with the remaining £500,000 spent in villages.

The proposals and survey

Take part: Fenland Inspire! Play Areas Consultation

March proposals

In March, there are proposals to invest in new or improved equipment at locations, to potentially include, Alberts Drive, Gaul Road, North Drive, Peas Hill Road, Robingoodfellows Lane, Southwell Close, The Avenue and West End Park.

⚫ Made in Fenland – drop-in workshop 22 May

Drop-in Workshop:
📆 Friday 22 May 2026
📍March Town Hall
⏰ 11am –2pm
Come and meet people from the teams at NIE, Gorilla Circus and the Angles Theatre to share your experiences, ideas & images of life in Fenland.

Anything is welcome: funny moments, local history, family stories, what makes Fenlanders tick, and what creates a sense of belonging in the Fens. No experience needed – just come as you are!

⚫ Competition: Youth Allotment Ambassador

Click here for details

National Allotment Society competition

Youth Allotment Ambassador Competition 2026

Do you, or do you know someone aged 10–17, who loves growing fruit, vegetables, or flowers?
Has fun gardening and is learning important life skills like patience, teamwork, and problem-solving? Would they like the opportunity to become a Youth Allotment Ambassador and inspire other children to get growing!

National Allotments Week 2026 celebrates how allotments and gardening teach lifelong lessons
— not just growing, but confidence, curiosity, resilience, and creativity. And we want you, your child, student, or grandchild to be part of it.

Enter by 30 June 2026