Marsh Lane Lakes, the well‑used fishing and nature site in Hemingford Grey, has been put on the market by owners Tarmac, a parish council has confirmed.
Community moratorium and deadline
Hemingford Grey Parish Council said it was notified by Huntingdonshire District Council on 7 July that the landowner had "given notice to dispose of the site". The council has invoked a statutory six‑month moratorium that runs until 7 January 2027. During this period, the owner is restricted from selling the site to anyone other than a qualifying community organisation.
"The parish council has triggered a full six‑month period, running until January 7, 2027. During the moratorium, the owner cannot sell the land to anyone other than a qualifying community group."
The council was at pains to stress that the moratorium does not oblige it to buy the lake, does not guarantee a community purchase, does not set a price and does not give the parish first refusal once the time limit has elapsed. After 7 January, the owner may sell to any buyer.
Local campaign and practical needs
An interim steering group of residents and parish councillors has been formed to co‑ordinate efforts to secure the site for community use and to protect the wildlife it supports. The group is seeking volunteers with specific skills — legal, fundraising and communications — and is planning public events to build support.
- Skills being sought: lawyers, bid writers, marketeers, web designers and other volunteers
- Planned activity: public meetings and guided walks scheduled for September 2026
- Key milestone: moratorium expiry on 7 January 2027
The parish council said it has started preparatory work for public engagement in September, including guided walks and meetings to outline options and next steps.
Why the lake matters locally
Marsh Lane Lakes is known locally as a fishing spot and a pocket of semi‑natural habitat within the village. Any change of ownership could affect public access, angling activities and the protection of plants and wildlife in the area. The involvement of a community group could secure continued public use, but such a purchase would require funding, legal work and an organisational vehicle that meets the conditions of the moratorium.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Site | Marsh Lane Lakes, Hemingford Grey |
| Owner | Tarmac |
| Moratorium period | 7 July 2026 – 7 January 2027 |
| Current action | Interim steering group, public events planned |
Tarmac has been contacted for further information about the sale. For residents and groups interested in getting involved, the parish council is co‑ordinating the campaign and will be publicising details of meetings and volunteer roles ahead of the planned September events.
As the moratorium progresses, the coming months will determine whether the community can organise to purchase and manage Marsh Lane Lakes or whether the land will be placed back on the open market when the restriction ends.
