 The process of buying land began in February 1882, and building the tramway across the flat terrain proceeded rapidly.The section from Wisbech to Outwell Basin was opened on 20 August 1883, with the extension onwards from Outwell to Upwell Depot opening on 8 September 1884.The initial success of the line was one of the factors that resulted in the passing of the Light Railways Act 1896, under which many more rural lines were built.