The Middle Level Commissioners are responsible for 190km of embanked watercourses, 160km of which are statutory navigations, and two major pumping stations. This system moves excess water from the lowest land in the country into the Tidal River Great Ouse via St Germans Pumping Station. The current pumping station, opened in April 2010, is the largest of its type in the UK, with a maximum pumping capacity of 100 cubic metres. The Middle Level system provides flood protection to more than 8,000 homes; over 57,000 hectares of agricultural land; at least 1,600 commercial and industrial properties; and important road, rail and power infrastructure.

Activity: Join one of the guided tours of the pumping station, hear about the fascinating history of Fenland drainage and learn how the pumping station protects the Middle Level.

Venue:

The pumping station is located in the village of Wiggenhall St Germans and is on the Middle Level Main Drain. Access is off Sluice Road which takes you down a long gravel driveway to the pumping station where there is plenty of parking. The meeting point will be in the pumping station car park where your guide will greet you.

Sluice Road, Wiggenhall St Germans, Kings Lynn PE34 3ET

What three words: startles.political.history

Date/time: Saturday 17th June 2023, 11am-12noon, or 1pm-2pm.

Booking: Is essential, please email enquiries@middlelevel.gov.uk to book your place.

Cost: Free, but donations welcome

Other information:

Open to all age groups. Children must be accompanied by an adult and must be supervised at all times. No dogs please.

Visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear. The tour includes a number of flights of stairs.

The tour includes a number of flights of stairs so is only partially accessible. There are accessible disabled toilet facilities.

Fascinating Fens values: Heritage (and engineering), nature,