Fenn Lane Fordham Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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A short walk from the Great Ouse cut-off channel. There are places to park on the grass which can be muddy.
The cut-off channel was built between 1954 and 1964 and serves two functions:
1. To relieve the River Great Ouse from the threat of rising floodwater
2. To deliver excess water to reservoirs in Essex
Taken together, the two different uses of the Cut Off Channel serve to both keep Ely dry in winter and keep Essex wet in summer. Water flows northwards to prevent flooding during winter times, and flows southwards in summer times to deliver water in Essex.
Some amazing engineering has gone into ensuring that both functions can be carried out. The channel runs across 35 miles of fenland from Downham Market to Mildenhall, with numerous sluices along the way. The southern part also goes largely underground before arriving in Essex.
The Cut-Off channel is popular with fishermen, and in recent years the trees along the river were nesting places for golden orioles, but haven't seen them recently. There are lovely views of the channel from the bridge and you can walk alongside the river.
The cache is a small camouflaged clip-lock box containing a log, pencil, pencil sharpener and has room for small swaps. Look out for a large rocky stone on the right shortly before you reach the river.
Additional Hints
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