Crabbs Abbey Pumping Station

Crabbs Abbey Electric Pumping Station was commissioned in 1987 and comprises two electric pumps, which lift water 10.2 metres into the tidal Great River Ouse.

The station’s mechanical and electrical (M&E) equipment had reached the end of its operational life and had not previously undergone a major refurbishment.

As part of the improvement works, the pumping station’s control panels were replaced in November 2025 with modern systems incorporating variable speed drives. The electrical supply and metering were also upgraded.

In 2026, the station’s two pumps were replaced and successfully commissioned in July. The new pumps provide the same pumping capacity as the previous equipment but use a more efficient canister design, improving access for future maintenance. New siphon-breaker valves have also been installed.

The final phase of the project will see the old pumping station demolished and the former intake infilled. This work is due to begin in September 2026, with the intake infilling following completion of water vole mitigation measures.

This final phase in the Magdalen Fen Strategy Project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.