CONSERVATORS OF THE RIVER CAM
Latest Information Updates
Public Notice: Conservators Meeting 29 January 2026
15/12/2025
The Conservators of the River Cam will convene for its scheduled Conservators meeting on 29 January 2026 at 10am. The meeting will be held at Jesus College Boathouse, Banhams Close, CB4 1JA.
Members of the public are warmly invited to attend and observe the proceedings. While public attendees will not participate directly in decision-making, their presence is valued as an important part of our governance process.
The agenda will be uploaded onto the website nearer the time.
For further information, please contact the Clerk at clerk@camconservators.org.uk
EMERGENCY TREE WORKS NOTICE
26/11/2025
A tree on the towpath near Cormorant Corner is being felled this afternoon as an emergency measure to protect public safety.
Towpath closure: The towpath will be closed today during the felling and reopened once the work is complete.
Navigation closure: The tree must be felled into the river, which will temporarily block navigation. The navigation will therefore be closed from this afternoon until Tuesday next week, when the tree can be removed safely.
Safety markers: The area will be clearly marked with a boom downstream and a buoy upstream.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation while this essential safety work takes place.
🛶 Berky Weed Clearance — Baits Bite to Jesus Lock
3 September 2025
The last cut of the season will be the week of 1 September 2025.
Fund Britain’s Waterways comes to Baitsbite Lock on 3rd August (11:00)
FUND BRITAIN’S WATERWAYS is a national campaign to help secure the future of Britain’s inland Rivers and Canals. GOBA are supporting this campaign to raise awareness that Government funding cuts to the waterways is a real threat to not only the Great Ouse system but waterways across the country
FBW are now planning to bring the campaign back to our area with a flotilla to Baitsbite Lock on the Cam on Sunday 3rd August. READ MORE
Temporary Closure of Baits Bite Lock and Jesus Lock
Follow link to the Lock Islands 2024 page for further information and FAQ's
Statement on weed cutting, towpath, and trees
30th June 2025
Weed-cutting
Upstream of Baits Bite Lock
The Conservators are aware of the increased growth of weed along the river and can now confirm that the weed harvester, Berky, has undergone significant repairs to ensure that she can continue to carry out weed-cutting in this area. It is anticipated that this will be ongoing for a 3 week period.
Downstream of Baits Bite Lock
Weed cutting is being carried out by a small weed cutting vessel which lacks the ability to harvest on the same run, making this a slower process. Drifting weeds will be cleared up at regular intervals.
Towpath
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
The Conservancy receives no funding to maintain the land but will ensure that those using the navigation will not be disadvantaged by the condition of the bank.
Trees
Members of the public experiencing an issue with low hanging branches or fallen branches while using the towpath should contact the Conservancy at info@camconservancy.org and we will arrange for an investigation and removal if necessary.
Navigation
The Conservancy is currently focusing its resource on stabilising Baits Bite lock and reopening the navigation.
Clayhithe 48 hour visitor mooring - partial closure
Update: 21/05/2024
A gap has been identified between the bank and concrete caping along the revetments at the 48 hour mooring . The visitor mooring is therefore partially closed at the upstream end, to ensure public safety.
Inland Waterways Association - News
Fund Britain's Waterways
Petition · Fund Britain's Waterways - United Kingdom - Change.org
Help us urge the Prime Minister not to stand by but to ensure the government takes action today to help safeguard Britain’s canals and rivers now and for future generations. We, the undersigned, ask that the Prime Minister acknowledges the many social, economic and environmental benefits that Britain’s inland waterways provide and gives assurance that the government will intervene, where ...
Latest IWA news releases and site links:
27/07/2025
IWA calls for urgent action as Cam Conservancy faces crisis - The Inland Waterways Association
Report on the 2025 Fund Britain's Waterways Flotilla of Boats:
Fund Britain's Waterways - Parliament Photo Reports
Further information on broader IWA campaigning is available here.