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Welcome to the Conservators of the River Cam

The statutory navigation authority for the River Cam between Bottisham Lock, Waterbeach, to the Mill Pond in Cambridge since 1702

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 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

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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