Life by the lake
“Wellbeing, play and sport will be at the heart of the lakeside setting, creating a vibrant space to live, connect with nature and each other.”
The Lakeside will bring together new places to eat, meet and spend time by the water, featuring a boardwalk, café, bistro/bar and spaces along the northern edge, with views to enjoy across the lake.
The 23-acre lake was originally created by the Royal Engineers for training.
“The lake has three islands which support kingfishers and the many birds and bats that return here year-round.”
Lakeside
The lakeside
The lakeside is planned to bring together new places to eat, meet and spend time by the water. Plans include a boardwalk, café, bistro/bar and new spaces along the northern edge of the lake.
The lakeside loop
A lakeside loop runs close to the water's edge, connecting to walking and cycling routes across Waterbeach. It offers space to move, pause and enjoy time outdoors, while taking in views across the lake.
In warmer months, supervised swimming and paddleboarding sessions offer a safe and social way for people of all ages to enjoy the water, adding another layer of activity to life at Waterbeach.
The lake islands
Eastern edge
Green spaces on the eastern side of the lake will continue to provide a quieter buffer where the water's edge meets gentle planting. The lake loop provides space to run, walk or wheel and listen to the sounds of the many birds that live and visit here.
Memorial Garden
The historic Memorial Garden sits peacefully between the runway and the lake, serving as a tranquil sanctuary for reflection. It was originally established following requests from relatives of 514 Squadron RAF, who served at Waterbeach during World War II, to create a dedicated space near the airfield’s heart yet away from active training areas. Today, the garden features trees and plaques planted by families in memory of their loved ones, ensuring that the sacrifices made by those who served here are never forgotten.
Who Lives Here
Kingfisher
Kingfishers are most recognisable by their bright orange belly and vibrant blue heads. These wonderful birds are one of Waterbeach's hero species. Look out for them flying low or perched on branches over the water, hunting for fish and insects.
Listen to nature sounds recorded at the lake at Waterbeach - by local sound artist Richard Youell.
Nationally scare pond skater
Nationally rare, Waterbeach may be one of the few locations for this pond skater in the country. Look out for them 'skating' over the surface of the lake, feeding on small insects by detecting vibrations in the water's surface.
A landscape which manages water
From the moment you arrive at Waterbeach, you are greeted by serene ponds, woodland settings and native planting. The ponds play an important role in managing water while supporting nature.
The lake and other ponds and drainage features collect excess rainwater until it can drain naturally into the soil or be carried off in pipes.
In this way, they help prevent flooding, meaning Waterbeach will remain resilient to changing weather patterns for generations to come, while also providing homes for wildlife and further increasing biodiversity.
Read more about how water is managed at Waterbeach in this article by Mousumi Bakshi BBC News, Cambridgeshire.
