Archive Notices

2008 Review of the Conservators’ Mooring Policy (PDF)

The Conservators of the River Cam are carrying out a review of certain aspects of their mooring policy. The policy was devised with the objective of providing a safe navigation. It was last reviewed in 2004. In the intervening period, various comments have been received which have lead to the Conservators to the conclusion that a review should focus on four areas in particular where the current mooring policy may require some modification. These areas are:

Riverside Walkway (between Quayside and Thompson’s Lane)
Riverside (between Elizabeth Way road bridge and Stourbridge Common)
Midsummer Common (between Victoria Bridge and Eights Marina )
Jesus Green Frontage (between Thompson’s Lane and Jesus Lock)

The revised review can be viewed/printed in pdf form here >>

The Conservators are inviting comment from a wide range of stakeholders on the proposed options in the review document. The deadline for written responses is Friday 14th March 2008, to be returned to the River Manager at Baits Bite Lock, Fen Road, Milton, Cambridge CB24 6AF or via email

The findings from this survey will be incorporated into a report which will be taken to the meeting of the Conservators on Thursday 10th April 2008.’

Boat Race - 29/03/2008

The 2008 Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race took place on Saturday March 29th at 17:15hr. For full details of the race, this years crew and all the latest news vist the official website at www.theboatrace.org.

Water Bus Proposal

The Conservators have received a preliminary proposal for a water bus to operate on the ‘Upper River’ Cam between King’s Mill Weir and Grantchester. The Conservators have requested more information from the applicants prior to a decision being taken at their next meeting at the Guildhall on 10th April.
At present, motorised vessels are only allowed on the Upper River with the permission of the Conservators’ ‘Control Officer’ (River Manager) under the terms of Byelaw 5.1.
The proposal put forward to date is for two wide-beam (‘ferry’) punts to be fitted with silent electric motors. They will be capable of travelling at a maximum of 4 mph. A regular shuttle service is envisaged between the City and Grantchester between 9am and 7pm, 7 days a week. There may be pick-up and set-down points along the route. Each punt could carry a maximum of 12 passengers with a competent skipper.

Cam Clean Up - 15/03/2008

Join us for the great Cam clean-up Saturday 15th March from 10.00am. Do your bit for the environment while enjoying a day by our beautiful river.
See PDF for more details >>

Tree Pollarding Works along the Halingway (Baits Bite to Clayhithe)

There will be some delays between Baits Bite Lock and Clayhithe Bridge between Monday 14th January and Wednesday 20th February whilst tree works are carried out along the Halingway towpath.
For your safety, please follow instructions issued by the contractors, Town & Country Tree Surgery (telephone 01223 240396).

05/12/2007

Notice is hereby given under Section 42 of the River Cam Navigation Act 1851 that navigation on the River Cam adjacent to Riverside will be suspended between 08:00 hrs and 20:00 hrs on Wednesday 5th December 2007. This is to allow bridge engineers to lift the span for the new Riverside Bridge into place.

Navigation may be suspended for short periods on the following days also:

Monday 3rd December 2007
Tuesday 4th December 2007
Thursday 6th December 2007
Friday 7th December 2007

Navigation will not be possible during the main lift on 5th December 2007. At other times, traffic may be permitted to proceed at intervals. River users are requested to proceed with caution and to observe the instructions given by the contractors in attendance.
The Conservators of the River Cam apologise for any inconvenience caused.

05/11/2007

There will be a disruption to navigation on the River Great Ouse for one day to enable concrete to be poured as part of the reconstruction of the rail bridge upstream of Ely. For full details see pdf.

12/11/2007 - 16/11/2007

Notice is hereby given under Section 42 of the River Cam Navigation Act 1851 that navigation on the River Cam under the A14 Road Bridge will be partially suspended for five nights between 20.00 hrs and 07.00 hrs from Monday 12th November to Friday 16th November inclusive. Navigation during daylight hours should not be interrupted.
A gantry will be suspended over the river so that the Highways Agency can undertake bridge repair works. Headroom clearance may be partly reduced. River users and people using the towpath are requested to proceed with caution and to observe the instructions given by the contractors in attendance.
The Conservators of the River Cam apologise for any inconvenience caused.

17/10/2007

Would all river users note that due to unexpected technical problems, the closure of Baits Bite Lock will be extended for one additional day on Wednesday 17 October 2007 between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm. This closure is due to essential maintenance works to the v-doors.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience.

Pump Out Closure - Jesus Green

The boat pump out station will be closed for refurbishment from Monday 1st October 2007 and will reopen on Wednesday 10th October 2007.

During this period the disposal of foul waste at this station will not be possible. The nearest facilities are:
EA – Pump Out, Ely
EA – Pump Out, Earith

There are public toilets at Jesus Green Lock and Chesterton Road adjoining Jubilee Gardens.

Emergency Closure 10/10/2007

The river will be closed to navigation on Wednesday 10th October 2007, to enable concrete to be poured, as part of the reconstruction of the rail bridge.
pdf

27/09/2007

Notice is hereby given under Section 42 of the River Cam Navigation Act 1851 that navigation on the River Cam at Baits Bite Lock, Milton, will be suspended from 9am until 5pm on Thursday 27th September 2007. This suspension of navigation is due to a scheduled interruption to the power supply by EDF Energy Networks who will be undertaking essential refurbishment works to power cables in the Fen Ditton area. The lock will be out of action between these times.
The Conservators of the River Cam apologise for any inconvenience caused.
pdf

10/09/2007 - 11/09/2007

Notice is hereby given under Section 42 of the River Cam Navigation Act 1851 that navigation on the River Cam along The Backs, on that section of the River between Silver Street and Magdalene Street, will be suspended from 1pm until 5pm on Monday 10th September 2007 and from 6am until 6pm on Tuesday 11th September 2007. This suspension of navigation is to allow filming to take place on the navigation. River users are requested to observe the instructions given by the production company in attendance.
The Conservators of the River Cam apologise for any inconvenience caused.

03/09/2007 - 12/10/2007

Notice is hereby given under Section 42 of the River Cam Navigation Act 1851 that navigation on the River Cam at the Mill Pit will be suspended in part for the period 3rd September 2007 to 12th October 2007. This is to allow for strengthening and refurbishment works to be undertaken on King’s Mill Weir Footbridge.The navigation will be partly obstructed by scaffolding during this period. River users are advised to navigate with caution in this area.
The Conservators of the River Cam apologise for any inconvenience caused.

09/08/2007

Notice is hereby given under Section 42 of the River Cam Navigation Act 1851 that navigation on the River Cam under Victoria Avenue Road Bridge will be suspended from 10.00am until 4.00pm on 9th August 2007. This suspension of navigation is to allow an under-bridge engineering inspection survey. River users are requested to observe the instructions given by the contractors in attendance.
The Conservators of the River Cam apologise for any inconvenience caused.
pdf

16 - 17/08/2007 and 17 - 18/08/2007

Notice is hereby given under Section 42 of the River Cam Navigation Act 1851 that navigation on the River Cam under the A14 Road Bridge will be suspended for two nights between the following times:

22.00 hrs on 16th August to 06.00 hrs on 17th August 2007
20.00 hrs on 17th August to 06.00 hrs on 18th August 2007

Navigation during daylight hours should not be interrupted. A gantry will be suspended over the river so that the Highways Agency can undertake bridge repair works. Headroom clearance will be partly reduced. River users are requested to proceed with caution and to observe the instructions given by the contractors in attendance.
The Conservators of the River Cam apologise for any inconvenience caused.
pdf

River Great Ouse

The River Great Ouse at Ely, Cambridgeshire is due to reopen for navigation on the afternoon of Friday 10 August. It has been closed since a freight train derailed on a bridge spanning the river on 22nd June 2007. Since then, Network Rail has worked to remove the 11 derailed wagons and the damaged bridge. It has liaised closely with the Environment Agency to dredge the river to clear it of the aggregate which fell from the train wagons. Divers have been employed to check it is safe for river users. A new bridge which will have to be constructed is in design stage.
The river will not close when construction of the bridge starts. Instead, Network Rail will put in place a pontoon which will act like a swing bridge to allow both the transportation of plant equipment from one side of the river to the other, and let boats pass through. The pontoon will take around 15 minutes to open and close but will stay open when not in use. More details and a navigation restriction notice will be published on the Environment Agency website:
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ when the pontoon begins to operate.
pdf

Fisheries Survery ~ 09/07/2007 - 12/07/2007

The Environment Agency will be undertaking a routine fisheries survey of the River Cam between the City and Bottisham Lock from Monday 9th July to Thursday 12th July, mornings only. There will be personnel and nets in the river. Navigation may, at times, be interrupted. Please take note of instructions given by the EA staff in attendance. For further information on this survey, contact the EA office at Brampton (telephone 08708 506 506).
picture 1 / picture 2

10/07/2007 - 12/07/2007

Eaton Socon Lock will be closed from Tuesday 10th July to Thursday 12th July inclusive to allow essential improvement works to be carried out. (pdf)

22/06/2007

The River Great Ouse between Ely and Little Thetford has been closed for safety reasons following a freight derailment on the Newmarket Branch Line.
(See www.rail.co.uk/ukrail/hotnews/hotnews.html)
There is a possibility that the bridge may have been damaged by this derailment. Please note that river traffic is likely to be disrupted for a number of days. For further information on this emergency navigation closure, please contact the EA Anglian Waterways Team, telephone 08708 506 506.
pdf / picture 1 / picture 2

Grass Cutting 04/06/2007

Would towpath users kindly note that grass cutting contractors will commence mowing of the river banks along the Halingway towpath between the Penny Ferry, Chesterton, and Clayhithe Bridge the week commencing Monday 4 June. Please observe the operatives' instructions for your safety.

10/05/2007 ~ 11/05/2007

Notice is hereby given under Section 42 of the River Cam Navigation Act 1851 that navigation on the River Cam along The Backs, on that section of the River 100 metres above Kitchen Bridge to 100 metres below the Bridge of Sighs, will be suspended from 8am until 12noon on Thursday, 10th May 2007 and from 2pm until 6pm on Friday, 11th May 2007.This suspension of navigation is to allow a film production company to use the river. River users are requested to observe the instructions given by the film company.
The Conservators of the River Cam apologise for any inconvenience caused.

01/05/2007

Launch of Cambridgeshire Boat Watch Scheme:
The Environment Agency will officially launch the Cambridgeshire Boat Watch scheme on Tuesday 1st May, with a flotilla of boats on the River Nene and a presentation and ribbon cutting at Ferry Meadows Country Park.
For more information visit this external link to the Environment Agency.

Hermitage Lock

Please read the following pdf files for the latest Environment Agency updates regarding Hermitage Lock:

15/04/07

Temporary Suspension of Navigation: Between Jesus Lock and the Fort St George Public House, Sunday 15th April, 9:00am - 1:00pm. This is in order to allow divers safe access to the River Cam whilst assisting with the River Cam Clean Up. Apologies for any inconvenience. (pdf)

01/04/02

Bottisham Lock closure until 5th April: The Environment Agency has extended the closure period for Bottisham Lock until Thursday 5th April 2007 (pdf). For further information please contact the Environment Agency Anglian Waterways Team.
Tel: 01733 464071

15/04/07

River Cam Clean Up: Fancy doing your bit for the environment while enjoying a day by our beautiful river? Join Camboaters in a clean up of the River Cam and surrounding areas from Jesus Green to Bottisham Lock. For more details go to camboaters.co.uk or read the River Cam Clean Up Poster (pdf).
Sunday 15th April 10am - 2pm

26/03/07 - 01/04/07

Boat Fire Safety Week: To ensure that the River Cam continues to be a safe place to live, work and travel, Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service have combined resources with the Conservators of the River Cam, the navigation authority for Cambridge, to support the National Boat Safety Scheme's fire safety initiative in the Cambridge City area (see boatsafetyscheme.com).

Last year in the UK one person died and four suffered serious burn injuries in five explosions and six serious fires that occurred on board cruisers and residential boats on inland waterways.
We want to prevent this from happening to you.

Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service, in conjunction with the Conservators of the River Cam, are offering FREE Boat Fire Safety Checks to all boat owners and occupiers in the City. Free smoke detectors, which provide early warning of fire in the accommodation, will be given out when each Safety Check is undertaken. Service personnel will be able to highlight the potential danger areas where fires may break out and offer advice on how to reduce fire risks on board.

Boat Fire Safety Week

To arrange an appointment for the Fire Service to visit and carry out a Boat Fire Safety Check on your vessel, please call our free phone number 0800 731 7480.

21/03/2007

A special meeting of the Conservators of the River Cam has been called for 10:00am on Wednesday 21st March 2007. It is to be held in the Robin Hayes Room at Trinity Hall, Cambridge. The Agenda for the meeting is available here (pdf).

27/02/2007

Navigation Restriction: Please be advised that navigation through Baits Bite Lock on the River Cam may be restricted between the hours of 8.30am and 5.00pm on Monday 12th March 2007 to allow contractors to undertake routine maintenance inspections of the lock's mechanical and electrical systems. Navigation will remain open but there may be short periods when traffic will be asked to wait. Please observe the contractors' instructions.
We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause and thank you for your attention.

12/02/2007

Safety Work Completed: The Environment Agency has completed the installation of new safety booms across the River Cam at Jesus, Baits Bite and Bottisham Sluices. Their contractors were able to complete these works well ahead of schedule. We trust that disruption was kept to a minimum and thank you for your patience.

14/12/2006

New Workboat For River Cam: The Conservators of the River Cam celebrated the maiden voyage of their new workboat on the River Cam at 2 pm on Thursday 14th December 2006 at Baits Bite Lock, Milton, Cambridge.
Full Details (pdf)

26/01/2007 - 09/03/2007

Navigation Warning: Please be advised that navigation on the River Cam may at times be restricted during the period from Friday 26 January to Friday 9 March 2007 inclusive. The Environment Agency will be replacing the safety booms in front of the weirs at Bottisham, Baits Bite and Jesus Locks. There will be a piling rig and support vessels at each of these locations. Please navigate with caution and observe any instructions issued by the contractors. Official Notice (pdf).
Thank you for your attention.

19/01/2007

Clear Up Begins: Due to the very high winds on Thursday 18th January several trees were blown down in the vicinity of the river. These were promptly cleared up today by the river staff. Trees causing an obstruction to the river and/or the towpath can be reported to the River Foreman on 01223 860484.

4th - 6th December 2006

Please see the attached Navigation Suspension Notice (pdf) advising of a river lowering between Grantchester and Jesus Lock from 00:01 Monday 4 December to 23:59 Wednesday 6 December 2006 inclusive. This is to allow for inspections to be made of Bishop’s Mill Sluice and the riverside walkway.
Thank you for your attention. The Conservators of the River Cam apologise for any inconvenience caused.

13/11/2006

Tree pollarding: The annual programme of tree pollarding by contractors will commence along The Halingway towpath upstream of Clayhithe Bridge on Monday 13 November. Pedestrian and cycle traffic along the Halingway may be interrupted in the interests of health and safety to allow branches to be felled and cleared away. Kindly observe the instructions given by the operatives for your own safety. Any obstructions on the towpath elsewhere should be reported to the River Foreman (telephone 01223 860484) or River Manager (telephone 01223 863785, email river.manager@camconservators.org.uk).

13/11/2006

Brickwork repairs, Jesus Sluice : The Environment Agency will be undertaking essential remedial works to Jesus Sluice commencing Monday 13 November 2006 for a period of approximately two weeks. The works involve repairing eroded sections of brickwork above and below the water level. There will be divers in the water at times and a floating pontoon will be moored near the sluice gates whilst the works are being undertaken. Jesus Lock may be closed intermittently to river traffic. River users are requested to stay well clear of the sluice gates during these works and to observe the contractors' signs and instructions. Notices will be posted locally (pdf). The Conservators of the River Cam and the Environment Agency apologise for any inconvenience caused.

27/09/2006

New hand on the tiller: Dr Philippa Noon has taken over the management of the Conservancy in the new post of River Manager. Find out more>>