Plans are in place to turn the Denver Sluice, part of the Ouse Washes, into a visitor destination.

Cambs Times: The Denver Sluice.The Denver Sluice. (Image: Archant)

On March 19 (from 2-7pm), a public exhibition will be held at the Environment Agency office at the Denver Complex where proposals to improve the site for visitors will be explained.

The Denver Sluice flood defence has protected the people of the Fens for five centuries. It is also now important for navigation and has a role supplying water to three public water supply reservoirs in Essex.

It is described as an “underutilised” asset in terms of attracting visitors that has the potential to become more “sustainable”, and less reliant on Government grant funding, in the future.

Ideas put forward so far include creating a visitor centre, using Denver as a base for a variety of water sports, improving moorings and facilities for boaters, creating new wetland habitat and creating better walking, cycling and riding trails.

Ian Bliss, waterways partnerships manager for the Environment Agency, said: “We would like to encourage as many people as possible to come along to hear about the ideas to improve the Denver Complex for visitors.

“We will be on hand to answer any questions are keen to get views and ideas to help develop the proposals.”

A study, carried out by Richard Glen Associates and partners, will also look into the potential for a water taxi link with Downham Market Station and a revised bus route.

Electronic interactive displays, paid for by the Heritage Lottery Fund, will carry information about the history of the complex.

You can find out more about the event and project at the Ouse Washes Landscape Partnership website http://ousewashes.org.uk/events/denver-sluice-complex-vision-public-exhibition/