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Bure Navigation Conservation Trust Created Around 100 Years After A Great Flood In 1912

The Bure Navigation Conservation Trust is established to promote the beauty of the River Bure and encourage its responsible enjoyment by all

In 1773 Parliament passed The Aylsham Navigation Act. This gave the go ahead for the construction of five locks, along a 9½ mile stretch of the River Bure, one at each end at Coltishall (MAP showing the location of the old Horstead Mill Lock) and Aylsham (MAP) and three at the mills at Oxnead, Buxton and Burgh-Next-Aylsham. Work began at the Coltishall end and was finally completed in 1779.

The opening of the Navigation allowed the transfer of goods and materials from great Yarmouth to all the towns and villages along the river right up to Aylsham.

However, construction of the railways during the early to mid 1800’s saw a slow decline in trade using the river.

On 26 August 1912, there was a catastrophic flood of the river Bure from Coltishall lock to Aylsham. This flood broke and damaged bridges, mill reaches, sluice gates and all five locks - thus effectively closing the Navigation and the flow of the river boat trade between these two towns and the villages on the way. No longer were the Wherries to be seen plying their trade along this stretch of the river Bure.

The bridges were rebuilt and the remains of Oxnead, Burgh and Coltishall locks can still be seen.

It was decided that the centenary of this catastrophic event should be commemorated and the Aylsham Navigation Project 2012 was born.

Whilst this will be mainly a one day event the organising committee planned to leave a legacy which would protect, enhance and promote access this part of the River Bure.

To this end the Bure Navigation Conservation Trust has been formed.

The Bure Navigation Conservation Trust is established to promote the beauty of the Bure and encourage its responsible enjoyment by all, through the provision of adequate facilities to enable the Navigation to be accessed and walked with understanding and respect for its history, flora and fauna. The objects (the Objects) are:

• to preserve and where possible enhance the existing right of way along the River Bure between Cradle Bridge, Burgh and Horstead Lock

• to encourage and where appropriate facilitate the provision of additional rights of way access between Aylsham and Cradle Bridge.

• To preserve and protect the fauna, flora and history of the River Bure and its immediate environs between Aylsham and Coltishall.

• to provide and enhance, where appropriate, facilities to aid the enjoyment of the river and it’s environs by the general public.

• cooperate with and support other charities, organizations and authorities with a similar objects.