Hemingford Grey, Cambridgeshire
Save our Lakes for the Community
Tarmac intend to dispose of Marsh Lane Lakes, also known as the Fishing Lakes, Hemingford Grey. The community has until 7 January 2027 to put together a bid to buy the lakes and keep them as a quiet place for nature, walking and fishing, open to all.
Non-binding pledges received so far from residents and supporters. Updated 23 September 2026.
What this is about
A once-only chance to keep the lakes as they are
Marsh Lane Lakes are a series of old gravel pits situated to the south of Marsh Lane. The lakes have been fished, walked and quietly enjoyed for decades, and the site sits entirely within the Marsh Lane Gravel Pits County Wildlife Site.
In July 2026 Tarmac confirmed that it wished to dispose of the lakes. Because the Parish Council had listed the lakes as an Asset of Community Value in 2019, the community was able to trigger a six-month moratorium. That gives a qualifying community group until 7 January 2027 to prepare a bid before the lakes can be sold on the open market.
A steering group of local volunteers, sponsored by Hemingford Grey Parish Council, is now working out whether a community purchase is viable and what vision the village has for the future use of the lakes.
What residents told us on 10 September
Keep it simple. Nature first. Open to all.
A nature reserve first
Protect the otters, herons, kingfishers and nightingales. Bird hides, quiet observation spots, minimal clearance, and the fishery kept going as it funds the upkeep.
Quiet, gentle use
Walking routes for people and their dogs, benches, information boards, and paths that work for pushchairs and wheelchairs. No watersports, no bikes, not a playground.
Somewhere for young people
Scouts, Cubs, Brownies and Guides, school visits, pond dipping, forest school and youth volunteering.
How you can help
Three things you can do today
1. Make a Pledge
Make a non-binding pledge towards the purchase. You will only be asked to give if the bid succeeds. Pledges show Tarmac, the council and grant funders that the village is serious.
2. Volunteer to Help
We need surveyors, ecologists, fundraisers and grant writers, legal and finance people, marketeers, and hands for events and communications.
3. Spread the Word
Tell neighbours, share the updates, and come to the next meeting. The more residents behind this, the stronger the bid.
Keep me updated
Short email updates when something happens: sales particulars, meetings, the bid, how to help. No spam, unsubscribe any time.