Many people who wander the banks of the Maxey Cut think it is a trickling river – it’s not!
In fact the Maxey Cut – which winds its way past numerous villages including Lolham, Maxey, Helpston and Etton – is a flood relief channel.
For most of the year it is a mere stream of water – but at certain times it becomes a raging torrent as carefully monitored and controlled floodwater fills it to almost the top of the river bank.
Without it nearby villages and towns including the Deepings would likely flood during heavy rainfall periods. You can read more by following these links:
Maxey Cut – at the heart of nature … Richard Astle reflects on the importance of the waterway to the many species that live in and around it
Maxey Cut – the story behind its creation … David Rowell traces the history of the Cut and looks at the reasons why it was built
Maxey Cut – some old photographs … A selection of images showing its creation
How 18 arches made Nine Bridges … Keren Thomson has researched the story of the popular structures through which the Cut flows