A wonderful collaborative effort between the Aire Rivers Trust, Hirst Wood Regeneration Group, Saltaire Angling Association and the Wild Trout Trust has seen two new footbridges constructed in Hirst Woods. They replace a sweet little bridge that was swept away in those terrible floods of 2015. (See HERE for my post about it back then.) It connected an island, formed by the curve of the River Aire and the old goit that served the now demolished New Hirst Mill, on the edge of Hirst Woods. In an effort to access the island and the seven arches of the canal aqueduct, people had made stepping stones, but they formed barriers that prevented young fish (swept into the goit when the water is high) from making their way back into the river. Thanks to the work done, the goit is now flowing freely again and people can access the quiet little wooded island, which is rich in birdlife. So much is made possible when people work together!
A shout out to the lady I met collecting litter there too. It's heartwarming to meet such public-spirited people.
See HERE for a video about the project.
The bridge suits its surroundings.
ReplyDeleteNice bridge, though it looks as though it might get slippery in wet weather.
ReplyDeleteThe bridge is strong, but I do not like the prone to wooden splinters handrail.
ReplyDeleteThe area looks so pretty so it is nice that it is accessible again.
ReplyDelete