Marsh Lane Lakes roundel logoMarsh Lane LakesSave our Lakes for the Community

Progress so far

Progress so far and what's next

Updated 6 October 2026. This page is the single place to check progress; the steering group will update it after each meeting.

The headline

The moratorium runs to 7 January 2027. A funded offer needs to be on the table before then.

Tarmac's agent has confirmed a guide price of £650,000 for the ACV area. Formal sales particulars have not yet been released but are expected imminently. Additional land may be offered alongside the ACV area.

Two public meetings were held on 10 September, each attended by around 100 residents, who gave a clear mandate: explore a community purchase, keep the lakes for nature and quiet enjoyment, and say no to housing and houseboats.

Why pledges matter now. Grant funders and lenders want evidence that the community will back a bid financially. Non-binding pledges are that evidence. Pledge here.
A wooded island in the lake under a cloudy sky
The island on the main lake, September 2026.

Done so far

  • Moratorium triggered by the Parish Council (July 2026)
  • Steering group formed with six sub-groups
  • Guide price confirmed with Tarmac's agent
  • County and district councillors and neighbouring parish councils briefed
  • London Anglers Association, Liquid Skillz and local landowners contacted
  • Advice sought from Histon and Impington Green Spaces (recent similar purchase), Somersham Local Nature Reserve, Great Ouse Valley Trust, the Wildlife Trust BCN, RSPB, CPRE Cambridgeshire, Countryside Regeneration Trust and Langdyke Countryside Trust
  • Two public meetings held; community priorities gathered
  • Community Notices 1 and 2 delivered to households (see Documents)

Timeline

  • July 2026

    Tarmac confirms sale; moratorium triggered Done

    Six-month window opens under the Community Right to Bid.

  • August 2026

    Steering group and sub-groups set up Done

    Finance, Legal, Environment, Community Use, Communications, Planning.

  • 10 September 2026

    Public meetings at Hayward Hall Done

    Over 200 residents. Mandate given, priorities gathered, pledges and volunteers collected.

  • September 2026

    Sales particulars, pledges and partners Now

    Receive and review Tarmac's sales particulars. Build the pledge total. Firm up partnerships with wildlife and angling bodies. Represent the community's position in the district council's Local Plan consultation.

  • October to November 2026

    Valuation, structure and funding plan

    Independent valuation. Decide the ownership vehicle (for example a charitable trust or community benefit society with the Parish Council). Grant applications, community share or loan options, and a long-term management and income plan.

  • December 2026

    Offer prepared

    Funded offer agreed by the steering group and Parish Council, ready to submit before the moratorium ends.

  • 7 January 2027

    Moratorium ends

    Tarmac is free to sell on the open market from this date. The community's offer must be in and credible before then.

  • 2027 onwards

    If the bid succeeds

    Pledges called in. Community management plan begins. Longer-term protection through the Neighbourhood Plan.

How the steering group is organised

Eleven volunteers coordinate six sub-groups, working to the Steering Group Terms of Reference. Each group needs more hands-on support; see volunteering.

Finance and Fundraising

Lead: Stephen Wright

  • Estimating acquisition and operational costs
  • Investigating funding opportunities
  • Preparing grant applications
  • Exploring community fundraising initiatives
  • Producing financial forecasts and business plans
  • Assessing financial risks

Legal and Governance

Lead: Richard Allen

  • Commissioning legal advice
  • Reviewing ownership and title information
  • Investigating acquisition structures, such as a charity or similar organisation
  • Reviewing future ownership structures
  • Developing governance arrangements
  • Assessing liabilities and legal risks
  • Overseeing regulatory compliance

Environment and Biodiversity

Lead: Peter Quest

  • Assessing the ecological value of the site
  • Identifying protected species and habitats
  • Reviewing environmental opportunities and constraints
  • Developing conservation objectives
  • Liaising with environmental organisations and experts
  • Developing reports for grant bids and Charity Commission submissions
  • Liaison with the Community Use and Recreation sub-group

Community Use and Recreation

Lead: Keith Elliot

  • Identifying and assessing community priorities for future use and recreational opportunities
  • Considering access arrangements
  • Reviewing opportunities for education, wellbeing and community activities
  • Liaison with the Environment and Biodiversity sub-group

Community Engagement and Communications

Co-leads: Anne Meredith and Kate Atkin

  • Conducting community consultation
  • Managing public communications
  • Maintaining the website and social media
  • Coordinating volunteer involvement
  • Gathering evidence of community support
  • Organising public meetings and events

Planning and Infrastructure

Lead: Peter Quest

  • Reviewing maintenance and operational considerations
  • Assessing long-term management needs
  • Developing proposals for sustainable site management
  • Assessing access, parking and infrastructure requirements

Latest updates

11 September 2026

Thank you to everyone who came on Thursday

Over 200 residents attended the two public meetings held in the Haywards Hall at the Hemingford Pavilion. The steering group presented the history, details of what is for sale and progress so far, and gathered views and pledges. A summary of what you told us is on the About page. Pledge forms can still be returned by email, at the village shop, or through this website.

September 2026

Community Notice: Update 2

Public meetings announced, outreach summarised, guide price of £650,000 confirmed, and a call for surveyors, marketeers, web designers and fundraisers.