Waterbeach is an emerging community shaped around a lake, restored habitats and…

Digital Engagement and Nature-Led Placemaking

Waterbeach case study

Waterbeach

Waterbeach, just north of Cambridge, is an emerging community shaped around a lake, restored habitats and streets with new homes designed for active travel.

Site entrance - Stonebond 01-05-2024 (39) - Medium
Waterbeach Instagram

A new community takes time to establish and thrive, and demonstrate that it is possible to join with an existing community with a shared sense of pride. That means building a digital presence that matches the ambition. Existing residents wanted clear information, practical guidance and a sense that the place was being created with them, not just for them. People were rightly sceptical about the development and how nature, transport and daily life would come together.

How famille helped build a community

We began by listening. Consultation comments, social media insight and discussions with the client team revealed a simple truth: people connect with a place when they understand its purpose and can see themselves in it. 

The strategy focused on clarity, a core famille value. So we:

  • Shaped the strategy for a new website in accessible design and low-carbon principles. 
  • Content highlighted ecology, species, habitats and the work taking place around the lake. 
  • Active travel routes and the Sustainable Travel Hub were presented as everyday tools rather than abstract ideas.
  • Events for the entire community formed a strong backbone to fostering community inclusion, with the communities and partnerships team facilitating new opportunities and interaction for existing residents and those moving to Waterbeach.
Abi at site taking videos
Social media became a conversation. We managed questions directly, addressed concerns and helped shift the sentiment to positive. We did this by understanding the community. Beginning with 

  • stories from the former RAF Barracks
  • updates on local wildlife
  • short videos of walking and cycling routes 
  • Event and market promotion
These hyper-focused interactions helped residents form a relationship with the place. The whole project utilised low-cost, targeted campaigns that widened access and consistently delivered high-quality traffic. Within six months, website visits increased by four hundred percent.

How famille’s values supported the community and the master developer

We communicated authentically about what was ready, what was developing and what would take time. We avoided overstating environmental claims and ensured content was inclusive and easy to understand. The focus stayed on helping people feel informed, involved and connected.

The story continues

Waterbeach is now moving into its next phase, but famille, and the personal, focused content continues:

  • The digital presence continues to evolve, with new ecology content and a stronger emphasis on nature-based wellbeing. 
  • The Active Travel work is expanding, linking movement, environment and community identity. 
The project shows how clear communication, accessible design and consistent engagement can help a new place grow in a way that supports health, nature and a sense of belonging.
Waterbeach lake