Wilbraham River Protection Society
The Wilbraham River is a chalk stream that arises from springs in Fulbourn and Great Wilbraham and passes through Little Wilbraham before flowing into Quy water, Bottisham lock and then the Cam.
It meanders through some of the last remaining countryside on the eastern side of
Cambridge. A walk along the riverside footpath allows an appreciation of the local wildlife and many bird species. There are spectacular views of the adjacent reed beds and historic Wilbraham
Fen where the rich colours and vegetation evolve as the seasons change. Sadly, we risk losing this idyllic waterway.
The Wilbraham River Protection Society was established in 1998 by Dr Desmond Hawkins following the publication of his book on Wilbraham, Teversham and Fulbourn Fens. The river passes through or next to three Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and a County Wildlife Site.
In medieval times the river levels were high and reliable enough to power four water mills (Fulbourn, Hawk Mill, Quy Mill and Lode Mill) Following the Inclosure Acts (~1800) the water levels dropped and Fulbourn
Mill closed but there was enough water for the other three Mills. However, during the 20th Century increasing abstraction of water from the underlying aquifer for Cambridge’s Public Water Supply started to reduce the groundwater levels further.
This affected the river levels to the point where during most summers, sections of the river started drying out completely. This was not improved by a 1990’s augmentation scheme that pumps water from a borehole at Dungate Farm
through pipes into the river headwaters. This was supposed to not just mitigate the effects of existing PWS abstraction but allow it to be increased. Currently around 30% of Cambridge’s water supply is abstracted/pumped out of boreholes within 3-4km of the river headwaters.
The society has been trying to prevent further deterioration of the river over the last 2 or more decades. This has proven surprisingly difficult given the growth of Cambridge and current water regulation and we liaise with many local environmental groups as well as with Cambridge water, responsible for abstraction, and the Environment agency responsible for augmentation. In
addition we have started directly monitoring both river levels and water quality ourselves to supplement the EA monitoring systems which are in need of some upgrading.
The Society holds regular events including Guest Lectures, films and River Walks. We are always keen to welcome new members and if you would like to help us and learn more please contact us via the website ![]()
www.thewrps.org or by emailing the secretary on ![]()
wilbrahamriver@gmail.com