Bure Navigation

There is a continuous footpath between Coltishall Lock and Cradle Bridge at Burgh-next-Aylsham. This is generally in good order and regularly used by local people and visitors. The footpath can be accessed at various points along its length and can therefore be incorporated into several circular walks. Bure Navigation Conservation Trust has erected six interpretation boards along its length. These were funded by the trust, a LEADER fund grant and Norfolk Broads Direct via a Love the Broads grant.

During 2021, work began on a new section of permissive footpath which will be completed in early 2023 opening up a short section of the Bure Navigation at the Aylsham end that has not previously been accessible to the public. The trust has designed two further interpretation boards here, funded by Barratt and David Wilson Homes. It is a long-term goal of the trust to facilitate the provision of additional rights-of-way access between this new footpath and Cradle Bridge. BNCT is opposing EA’s ‘flood alleviation’ plans, which might destroy some of the historic navigation. Boston to Peterborough Wetland Corridor

The key point to note about the Boston to Peterborough (B2P) Wetland Corridor is the recent announcement of short-listed sites for both a South Lincolnshire reservoir and a Fenland reservoir, currently both out for consultation. The proposed South Lincs reservoir has the potential for enormously benefitting B2P, and the Fens reservoir would achieve the original aims of the Fens Waterway Link project. The main consideration is whether the water is transferred to the reservoirs by closed pipe or open channel transfer. The preferred open channel transfer:

• offers less disturbance during construction as materials will be moved by water and heavy goods vehicle movements through villages will be minimised;

• is ecologically sound, naturally cleaning the water;

• creates wildlife corridors;

• creates new boating links;

• can provide new footpaths, cycleways and bridleways, enhancing ‘natural capital’ and promoting new healthy opportunities to get out into the countryside.

In summary, there is a huge amount currently happening with the potential to benefit this project – watch this space!

_{March 2023}