Update on the Marsh Bridge replacement project

An artist's impression of the proposed new bridge

The Friends of Foots Cray Meadows (FFCM) Committee has embarked on an ambitious project to replace the once-cherished bridge, known as Marsh Bridge, that used to cross a picturesque inlet near the popular wetlands on Foots Cray Meadows. The original wooden bridge, believed to have been installed in the late 1990s, more recently had to be removed after falling into disrepair.

Having spent more than two years exploring a series of options and suggestions, the committee has pulled together all the research and is ready to move forward with the scheme.

The concept is to install a durable metal structure, some eight metres in length, across a stretch of water running off the main River Cray between the unique Penny Farthing Bridge and the historic Five Arch Bridge.

It is located on the west bank of the River Cray, about 50 metres south of the upstream ford, as you approach the woodland on that side of the river walking to the south. This What3words location shows where it is: ///bound.forks.trace.

This location, once particularly enjoyed in the past by dog walkers, has been managed over a number of years by the FFCM and the Thames21 volunteers.

The original wooden bridge around the time of its installation

The original bridge crossed a small inlet, fed from the River Cray to provide a still water/wetland habitat for many and varied invertebrates, newts and toads. It was also a lovely interlude along the pathway, as you walked southwards along the river’s edge from the Five Arch bridge. If you were lucky, you might see the colourful dragonflies and damselflies that inhabit this area.

Michael Heath, FFCM Committee co-chair, explains, "The idea is to enhance the visitor experience as a community outdoor wellbeing destination. It is also fitting that we are stepping up this project as we prepare to celebrate the FFCM’s 20th anniversary next June."

With the committee’s conservation manager Sid Wilkinson and treasurer Ray Hudson very much to the fore, the FFCM is being supported in the project by Bexley Council.

The wooden bridge gradually fell into disrepair

Repair work on the original Marsh Bridge was undertaken in 2008 until the deterioration to the wood meant it had to be closed for safety reasons. However, the inlet was still managed, with passers-by forging a new path around the feature and skirting the wetland areas, which have proved to be a haven for all manner of wildlife.

The site of the old bridge after removal

The bridge replacement project follows the FFCM’s QR code venture in 2023, which saw QR codes mounted on posts around the meadows enabling visitors to access a wealth of details describing the area of the meadows they were in plus facts about its history and nature, simply by scanning the QR codes using their mobile phone.

The QR code project was made possible by the generous financial backing of locally sited global drinks company Coca-Cola EuroPacific Partners. The intention is to use more of this funding, plus other sums raised through FFCM initiatives, to finance the Marsh Bridge proposal. The FFCM Committee is working to establish a precise budget for the project and will keep its members up to date on this progress.