Green Light for Reach Lode Bridge

Completion of the Wicken Fen Vision Spine Route has moved a step closer with the go-ahead for a bridge across Reach Lode.

Construction of the new bridge which was approved by East Cambridgeshire District Council on 7 October is set to start early in the New Year. The new crossing together with a cycle path across Burwell Fen are a vital link in the Spine Route which will provide a virtually traffic free connection between Wicken Fen and Anglesey Abbey. The bridge and cycleway will also form part of National Cycle Route (NCR)11 connecting Cambridge to Ely and links into NCR 52 connecting Cambridge to Newmarket.

The Spine Route is being developed as part of the National Trusts Wicken Fen Vision to create a landscape scale nature reserve and green lung for Cambridgeshire and the East of England stretching from the existing Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve to the outskirts of Cambridge. Development of the Spine Route is a key element of the Cambridgeshire Green Infrastructure Strategy.

The new bridge has been designed to blend into the surrounding landscape with gently sloping ramps providing easy access for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The excavation of clay to create the access ramps will enable two wildlife ponds to be created on either side of Reach Lode.

The bridge is being funded by a grant from the UK's leading sustainable transport charity Sustrans, from its Connect2 £50 Million Big Lottery Fund award to develop sustainable transport links between communities. Additional funding has been received from the Department for Communities and Local Government via its Growth Area Fund for the development of green infrastructure. A Steering Group comprised of key partner organisations such as the Environment Agency, Cambridgeshire County Council, Sustrans, representatives of local communities and user groups are assisting the Trust with the development of the Spine Route.

Speaking after planning permission for the bridge was granted, Wicken Fen Property Manager Chris Soans said: "This is great news and really helps us to improve public access to the countryside. The bridge will provide a direct link to Anglesey Abbey and open up access to a network of walks and trails for local residents and visitors to explore the Vision lands."

Besides leisure and recreational use, there has been considerable interest from commuters who plan to use the Spine Route to cycle into Cambridge, avoiding busy roads.