The project to build a new accessible bridge over Burwell Lode at the National Trust’s Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, has been paused for now due to it becoming financially unviable.
The project is a great example of partnership working between teams from Cambridgeshire County Council and the National Trust and it is unfortunate that a series of events, including rising infrastructure costs, has led to this decision. We are committed to continuing to work together, remain hopeful to gain planning permission later this summer and continue to look for funding.
We would like to thank those who have backed a new bridge including funders the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans), East Cambridgeshire District Council, and a private donor for their support of this project and we hope to work with them in the future.
Overview
Cambridgeshire County Council are in the process of designing a new accessible bridge to replace the existing structure over Burwell Lode along the Lodes Way cycle path (National Route 11) in Wicken Fen.
The project is supported by the National Trust who own and run Wicken Fen.
The existing bridge (known locally as Burwell Lode Bridge or High Bridge) is a viewpoint across Burwell and Adventurers’ Fen for birdwatching and wildlife watching. The bridge is also part of the National Route 11, a strategic cycleway through East Anglia.
Why would we like to replace this bridge?
High Bridge is a single-span reinforced concrete footbridge constructed in the 1960s. Access is by steps and it is just under 2m wide.
A replacement bridge will ensure access for pedestrians, wheelchair users, pushchairs, and cyclists for many years to come.
The new bridge structure includes access ramps with gradual inclines improving access to the viewpoint.
It is proposed that the new bridge is built next to the current bridge. This would allow the route to remain open throughout construction. The old bridge structure would be removed after the new bridge opened keeping disruption to pedestrians and cyclists using the fen to a minimum.
The work is important to Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, to support their wider vision.
How much will the project cost
A new bridge is anticipated to cost around £3.8M.
Who is the project funded by?
Cambridgeshire County Council, who are leading the bridge work and will be responsible for the bridge maintenance, are the key funder.
Other funding contributors are:
Practical project management support is being provided by the National Trust. Further funding is needed before works can start.
Proposed new bridge
The proposed replacement bridge will be 4m wide, cost-efficient, lightweight steel structure with access ramps. The bridge will include 1.4m high railings on both sides.
The National Trust led consultation on proposals for a new bridge in 2025. Feedback identified support for a more accessible, step-free structure.
In January 2026, an application for planning permission for a new bridge was submitted to East Cambridgeshire District Council. It is anticipated that the planning application will be heard by Committee in spring 2026.
The planning application reference is CCC/25/140/FUL. To view the details or provide comment, please visit Planning application: Construction of a bridge over Burwell Lode (CCC/25/140/FUL).
Construction of the proposed new bridge is subject to sourcing further funding.
To view two visuals of the proposed bridge design, use the forward and back arrows on the side of the images below.
