Shepherd Meadows footbridge reopens following major upgrade

A popular footbridge that spans the Blackwater River was officially recently reopened.

The ribbon cutting took place on Friday 24 October. It was organised by Bracknell Forest Council parks and countryside rangers, who managed the bridge upgrade work. They were joined by project partners and community groups.

The new footbridge was needed after Bracknell Forest Council closed the old one for safety reasons in January 2023.

A visual inspection by the rangers, who manage Shepherd Meadows, found evidence of rot and instability in the bridge. A further inspection and condition report by the council’s specialist bridge contractors, AtkinsRéalis, identified significant defects in the bridge's structure. They concluded that replacement was the only viable option.

Since then, the bridge replacement has been prioritised due to its importance for local connectivity and recreation. The footbridge forms part of the of the important, long-distance walking route known as the Blackwater Valley Path. This is a 23-mile (37 kilometre) path that follows the Blackwater River, through woodland and flower-rich meadows.

Cllr Guy Gillbe, cabinet member for planning, transport and countryside, said:

“The official bridge opening is a milestone that marks the successful conclusion of a complex and collaborative effort to restore a vital recreation link.

“Replacing the bridge was no small feat. The meadows are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the bridge is located on a salmonid river (one that supports salmon and trout). This meant we had to carefully time and execute work to avoid environmental harm. We commissioned ecological surveys, ground stability assessments, and had close coordination with Natural England and the Environment Agency. This was necessary to protect the important wildlife and habitats throughout the project.

“AtkinsRéalis provided specialist advice about the bridge design. We needed to make sure it is appropriate for the location and for the users who are accessing it. Lifespan Structures supplied the new composite bridge, which is robust and is expected to last for 125 years! Ringway managed the construction and logistics through their highway works contract.

“The bridge installation involved first dismantling the old structure. We then needed to prepare new foundations and transport the very heavy (approximately 4 tonnes) bridge into place. This all needed to be done by the end of September, to protect the fish while spawning.

“Final touches included improving the access paths, providing new handrails for safety, and protecting the riverbank to guard against erosion.

“We thank residents for their patience while we completed this footbridge upgrade. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the project team involved. Your patience and support throughout this ambitious project has been exemplary! We are especially grateful to the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP) and Hampshire County Council for their generous funding contributions.

“The reopening of the footbridge is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, perseverance, and a shared commitment to enhancing local green spaces.

“We are also pleased to share news of a new circular recreation route through Shepherd Meadows and Sandhurst Memorial Park. This new Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) route is waymarked with new signs. The route offers residents a refreshed opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.”

Steve Bailey, trust secretary and manager of the blackwater valley countryside partnership, said:

“We were excited to help officially reopen the bridge, which can now be enjoyed by the public once again.  

This project has been a priority for us due to its importance for local access and the wider Blackwater Valley Path. We are pleased to contribute funding and provide the support to help make it happen.

“The collaboration between all involved in the project has been exemplary, especially given the environmental sensitivities of the site. It’s a great example of how partnership working can deliver real benefits for people and nature.

“The reopening of this bridge restores a key link in the valley’s green infrastructure and supports our shared goals of promoting outdoor recreation and sustainable travel.”

We would like to extend our thanks to all involved in the project:

• Parks and countryside rangers
• Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership
• Hampshire County Council
• AtkinsRéalis
• Ringway
• Lifespan Structures
• Natural England
• John Wenman Ecological Consultancy
• Environment Agency
• Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and Countryside
• Owlsmoor and College Town ward councillors (we invited Sandhurst ward councillors too, but technically the footbridge falls into Owlsmoor and College Town ward)
• South Down Engineers
• Local Countryside Access Forum

Top image shows (from left to right): Alex Smith, Stephen Chown and Joe Malyan from Bracknell Forest Council, and Steve Bailey and Stuart Croft from the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership.