About the project’s partners
This project is being led by Huntingdonshire District Council, but has been jointly funded in partnership with the Environment Agency, Highways England, Godmanchester Town Council and Godmanchester in Bloom.
HDC is also working closely with a working group, Godmanchester Community Liaison Group, which includes representatives from Godmanchester in Bloom, the Community Association, adjacent landowners, the Godmanchester Museum and the Ouse Valley Trust.
Below we share details about each of the partners’ vision and expectations for the project.
Huntingdonshire District Council
Executive Councillor for Operations and Environment, Marge Beuttell commented: "As a site of historic interest, Godmanchester Mill is a heritage destination that connects us to the past.
This project is important for the local wildlife by providing an attractive habitat for birds, invertebrates and fish that will, in turn, be beneficial for everyone in the future. The ecological benefits can only add to the enjoyment of the site for both our local community and visitors alike, in offering a new open, green space that encourages improved health and wellbeing for all.
We look forward to the opening in the future and welcoming our residents to the Fish and Eels Pathway."
Environment Agency
The Environment Agency’s Fisheries Specialist, Kye Jerrom explains more about the ecological importance of the project:
"We’re delighted that the construction of the Godmanchester fish pass has been confirmed. It is a great opportunity to improve the angling experience and the local fishery while supporting endangered species like the European eel in the Great Ouse.
The new fish pass will allow fish to migrate freely upstream and downstream of Godmanchester; opening up some 100km of the Great Ouse to the sea at Kings Lynn. Routes that are currently cut off by the town’s complex water control structures.
The careful design has been crafted to provide the best opportunity for all species and age ranges of fish including roach, dace, chub and eels. New habitat environments for birds, invertebrates and fish will also be provided by the new naturalised rock entrance and adjacent landscape design."
View information about the Environment Agency.
Highways England
Highways England’s lead on the project, Joshua Smith, described the project as "an excellent example of a community‐led proposal that will deliver a lasting legacy, long after the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon scheme is completed."
He said: "At Highways England we care about the impact our road improvement projects have on people’s lives and at the same time, we understand the critically important role that communities play in shaping our schemes as well as the economic, social and physical landscape around them.
"I’m glad the project will provide local groups and schools with the opportunity to learn about the ecosystem beneath the surface of the river, and hopefully create and encourage a desire to protect it for generations to come."
View information at Highways England
Godmanchester Town Council
"The Town Council and Godmanchester Mill Steps liaison group are delighted that this long‐ anticipated work is about to commence.
"It will provide not only a pass, through which fish and eels can pass upstream to spawn, but also the creation of an attractive area where the old Town Mill once stood. We believe that, when complete, this will be an attractive landscape and relaxing natural area for our town and its many visitors to enjoy."