There are three Cambridgeshire Lodes off the River Cam, the first divides into three to reach the towns of Reach, Burwell and the National Trust Property at Wicken Fen, and are regularly boated, having recognised moorings (both EA and GOBA). Bottisham Lode once served the village of Lode, Quy and Anglesey Abbey. The third, Swaffham Bulbeck, is meant to be navigable to Slades Farm - but the entrance lock is locked and John Brice states " We tried to navigate the Swaffham Lode but we had trouble accessing the lock at the entrance from the towpath. The problem is the lock is fenced off and although there is a lock ladder the surrounding ground is overgrown, there is also an EA sign saying official boats only, so we didn't bother". I would like to investigate navigating the Lode - and I am going to enquire of the Environment Agency on how to do this. Meanwhile another threat has come from the Great Fen Project. Last night on TV, it was announced that £8m has been granted to enable the National Trust? to buy the land in the area, in order to flood it to provide wetlands - but this may also mean lowering the water levels in the Lodes, resulting them becoming ditches rather than the navigations that they have been since Roman times. The local anglers have been the ones to set up a petition to preserve the Lodes - so please support their efforts by signing up at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/OurLODES/ . Meanwhile I shall enquire of the EA, as to how one gains access to the Swaffham Bulbeck Lode, and hopefully will be able to gain access. Please watch this space. Ivan Cane "NAVI"
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