A PROJECT which saw rare spiders saved from an impending development in Papworth Everard has won a Natural Heritage Award. The awards, presented by Cambridgeshire County Council, recognise the work carried out by people and organisations to protect and en

A PROJECT which saw rare spiders saved from an impending development in Papworth Everard has won a Natural Heritage Award.

The awards, presented by Cambridgeshire County Council, recognise the work carried out by people and organisations to protect and enhance the area in which they live and work.

David Wilson Homes was presented with an award for relocating a rare species of cave spider from an air raid shelter prior to building on the site.

The spiders are rare and have only been found in 20 locations in the UK, with the Papworth site the first discovery in Cambridgeshire.

David Wilson Homes worked with Rob Mungovan, ecology officer for South Cambridgeshire District Council, to move the spiders to a shelter in Papworth Wood, 200 yards away.

The company was given an award in the sustainability through biodiversity and landscape conservation category.

David Bell, managing director for David Wilson Homes South Midlands, said: "The discovery of the cave spiders was certainly an interesting surprise at the time, and occurred while we were searching a disused air raid shelter for bats.

"While we are a house building company we are, nevertheless, committed to enhancing biodiversity and have invested considerable time, effort and finances in this project to ensure the long-term survival of this rare species.

"For this reason we are delighted to receive a heritage award for our commitment to protecting and enhancing the local ecology."

Cambridge Housing Society was also among the winners after being highly commended for its sustainable drainage systems in Lamb Drove, Cambourne.