On 14 June 2021, the project partners met to mark the launch of the construction phase of the project. The Mayor of Godmanchester, Councillor Thomas, joined representatives from Huntingdonshire District Council, the Environment Agency, Highways England A428/A14 Legacy Fund, Godmanchester Town Council, Godmanchester in Bloom and Godmanchester Community Liaison Group.
Godmanchester Mill Steps, as seen from above, May 2021 (Credit: Matthew Power Photography)
Post Street Car Park is positioned on the left, the Mill Steps are seen on the right, May 2021 (Credit: Matthew Power Photography)
Godmanchester Mill Steps, May 2021 (Credit: Matthew Power Photography)
The Mill Steps' state of disrepair is clearly visible, May 2021 (Credit: Matthew Power Photography)
A beautiful green space to unwind and connect with nature - that's the vision of the Mill Steps presented in this artist's impression. When the project is complete, we will see a softer, more naturalised landscape. The vast areas of broken concrete and steel fencing will be replaced by new fencing and broad sections of new planting. Native and specially chosen drought-resistant species will feature; alongside new bat boxes, additional nesting zones for birds, and information boards to both educate visitors, and further encourage relaxation.
A bird's eye view of the construction site at Godmanchester Mill Steps, taken on 19 July 2021. (Credit: Matthew Power Photography)
A closer look at the progress being made on-site at Godmanchester Mill Steps, taken on 19 July 2021. (Credit: Matthew Power Photography)
A bird's eye view of the construction site at Godmanchester Mill Steps, taken on 12 August 2021. (Credit: Matthew Power Photography)
A bird's eye view of the construction site at Godmanchester Mill Steps, taken on 12 August 2021. (Credit: Matthew Power Photography)
A closer look at the progress being made on-site at Godmanchester Mill Steps, taken on 12 August 2021. (Credit: Matthew Power Photography)
Wildlife of the Great Ouse (Credit: Ian Jackson)
Godmanchester Mill in the snow (Credit: Hunts Records)
Wildlife of the Great Ouse (Credit: Candida Hopkinson)
Godmanchester Mill (Credit: Godmanchester Museum)
1963 - Meg and Ted Day with their daughter, Pauline Holmes, and her children Chris and Jackie, sitting on the Mill Steps. (Credit: Pauline Holmes and Jackie Barker)
On 23 December 2021, the Larinier fish pass was installed. Those raised V shapes you can see at the bottom are "baffles". These help to slow the speed of the water flow and create a gentle slope, enabling all species to pass through the fish pass.
This mood board below showcases a number of the 500+ chosen marginal and aquatic plants and trees species set to be planted in Spring 2022.
The walls of the fish pass contain 3 built-in nest boxes that we hope will attract the Grey Wagtails usually nesting each year at the Mill Steps.
In January 2022 we removed old Mill Steps. New steps will be installed providing a safe route down to a viewing platform. A handrail will be added along with other fencing and grass will fill the middle section.
March 2022: Daffodils currently fill the raised plant bed next to the car park
March 2022: Block paving now fills two sections, either side of the Larinier fish pass
A historical plaque has been preserved within the new block paving. Commemorating that year's Mayor, W A James, the plaque was installed in 1935 as part of that year's Silver Jubilee celebrations.
March 2022: Grass will be sown on the space to the left of the newly finished block paved steps.
June 2022: Attendees at the celebration event held on 9 June 2022 heard from some of the key project partners (L-R) John Thackray, Chair, Godmanchester Community Liaison Group; Neil Sloper, Assistant Director, Recovery, Huntingdonshire District Council; and Councillor Richard Taplin, Godmanchester Mayor. (Credit: Matthew Power Photography)
June 2022: On Thursday 9 June, a group of over 30 partners gathered at the site to celebrate the completion of the Mill Steps project. Attendees included representatives from Huntingdonshire District Council, Environment Agency, Godmanchester Town Council, Godmanchester in Bloom, a local working group, the Godmanchester Community Liaison Group and key individuals from the local community. (Credit: Matthew Power Photography)
June 2022: Attendees at the event held on 9 June 2022 included representatives from Huntingdonshire District Council, Environment Agency, Godmanchester Town Council, Godmanchester in Bloom, a local working group, the Godmanchester Community Liaison Group and key individuals from the local community. (Credit: Matthew Power Photography)
June 2022: A celebration event was held on 9 June 2022 and included attendees from Huntingdonshire District Council, Environment Agency, Godmanchester Town Council, Godmanchester in Bloom, a local working group, the Godmanchester Community Liaison Group and key individuals from the local community.(Credit: Matthew Power Photography)
June 2022: The newly completed site at Godmanchester Mill Steps, June 2022 (Credit: Matthew Power Photography)
June 2022: A bird's eye view of the newly completed site at Godmanchester Mill Steps, June 2022 (Credit: Matthew Power Photography)
June 2022: Bespoke benches were commissioned, showcasing some of the species found in the Great Ouse.
June 2022: New signage offers visitors the chance to understand how the fish pass works, as well as learn about the history of the Mill Steps and discover more about the birds, insects, mammals and fish found within the area.