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Events on the River Cam

The River Cam is a busy stretch of navigation, if you are planning to travel along the river it is advisable to visit the calendar link below, to assist journey planning. 

Event Planning Information

 

If you are planning to hold an event on the river, which may include boat racing, filming or fun/novelty activities, these require consent from the Conservancy. Please be aware that consent cannot be given to event applications received less than 28 days prior to the proposed date of the event. For large events which may have a significant impact to the navigation, it is advised that an application form is completed at least 6 weeks prior to the proposed date. 

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The event cannot be considered without all the information as required on the application form at the time of the application, and it is highly recommended that prior to the application, contact has been made with the relevant Safety Advisory Group, who will be referred to as a part of the consideration process.

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It should be noted that the navigation cannot be closed for an event, however there may be some restrictions allowed and details of these will be noted on the calendar, along with relevant contact numbers of event organisers should those navigating the river need to contact them. Until an event has been approved, they will appear in the calendar as "subject to approval". Please see below for the links to relevant information.

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If an event is being planned that includes the use of any land, permission should be sought from the relevant land owners. If the event footprint includes the Conservancy towpath and river banks consent for use is also required including the payment of relevant fees.

Please note: 

Event fees do not cover the preparation of the land for such events. The Conservancy does not receive any funding for the maintenance of the towpath, trees and banks, all income generated from river user fees is to fulfil its remit of maintaining the navigation including the costly infrastructure. Historically the Conservancy has included grass cut backs, however due to financial concerns and assessment of appropriate use of Conservancy finance, maintenance is restricted to ensuring that those using the navigation will not be disadvantaged by the condition of the bank.

 

The Conservancy owns the towpath but has a Permissive Path Agreement with Cambridgeshire County Council that makes them responsible for provision and maintenance of the actual path, and the surrounding shrub and grass maintenance.
 

To report an issue with the towpath, please go directly to Cambridgeshire County Council

21/05/2024 LOCK CLOSURE INFORMATION

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Due to safety concerns regarding the structural integrity of the lock islands at Baits Bite and Jesus Green, the decision has been taken to temporarily close the locks until further notice. More detailed structural investigations will be undertaken and a plan for remedial works developed urgently. The Conservators are engaging with the Environment Agency and Local Authorities to seek a coordinated approach.

 

Further information: The Conservators of the River Cam are responsible for the navigation (the river) from Mill Pool in Cambridge to Bottisham Lock (Waterbeach) and the locks in between, namely Jesus Green Lock (JGL) in Cambridge and Bait’s Bite Lock (BBL). ​Each lock has an island between the lock chamber and the sluice and weir structures, which it supports. At both Jesus Lock and Baits Bite Lock, the Conservators own the lock and lock island, while the Environment Agency (EA) own and operate the sluice and weir. In addition, the lock islands support footbridges and public right of way in these locations, which are managed by the relevant Local Authorities.​

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Following observations of cracks in both lock islands, early in 2024 the Conservators of the River Cam commissioned structural surveys.​ The consequent reports identify significant structural fragility in the lock islands and a need for reinforcement work in the short to medium term.​ The Conservators have collectively reviewed the reports and are urgently drawing up a detailed risk assessment, commissioning more detailed surveys, and developing a project plan for remedial works.

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