CONSERVATORS OF THE RIVER CAM

Welcome to the Official website for the Conservators of the River Cam

WE ARE THE STATUTORY NAVIGATION AUTHORITY FOR THE RIVER CAM FROM BOTTISHAM LOCK, WATERBEACH, TO THE MILL POND IN CAMBRIDGE

The Conservators' mission is to:

maintain the River Cam between the Mill Pond and Bottisham lock in a good and navigable condition
strike a balance between the needs of all the river users and riverside landowners and residents
manage the river in a manner sensitive to environmental interests.

For urgent notices and the latest information on activities, closures and works on the Cam Navigation and the towpath (Halingway), please view the Noticeboard and the Diary of Events.

See latest statement on lock closure here.

BOAT REGISTRATION

Latest update for 2025/26 licensing season is available on this tab.

All vessels used on the River Cam must hold a valid licence. Please refer to the Boat Registration page for 2025/26 application forms and further information. The new licensing period will commence on the 1st of April 2025.

ACT & BYELAWS

For information on our Byelaws and Legislative framework and for further information on the Conservancy, please refer to the About page.

For further useful information please refer to the below:

If you spot an injured wild fowl (swan, duck, goose) please contact The Waterfowl Sanctuary

For wildlife & countryside information please refer to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/69

Please visit the RSPB website for further information on how to report crimes against wild birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-to-report-crimes/

If it is on-going/urgent consider calling 999 if you need an immediate police response.

Please report environmental incidents to the Environment Agency 24 hour Incident hotline: 0800 80 7060