Shepherd Meadows footbridge

Background

We closed a footbridge over the Blackwater River in January 2023 for safety reasons. We did this after a visual inspection by our rangers who found evidence of rot and instability.

We commissioned a full study into the condition of the bridge which took place in April 2023. This was delayed as we needed a permit from the Environment Agency.

The further inspection and condition report by our specialist contractors, Atkins, identified significant defects in the bridge's structure.

Unfortunately, neither strengthening nor refurbishing work would resolve the issues with these structure defects. 

Closing the bridge was the only option while we look for a long-term solution.

We have been taking all reasonable steps to replace the Shepherds Meadows footbridge, given its importance as a route for residents. However, this has been a major operation and it's the first bridge of its kind our rangers have installed in our parks and countryside sites.

Finding a solution has needed a co-ordinated approach between multiple stakeholders. There are also some factors outside our control, which have affected project timescales. You can find out more about the project below.

Location

The footbridge straddles the boundary between Bracknell Forest and Hampshire County.

A connecting Hampshire footpath (ref. 505) and public right of way to south of the river was closed by Hampshire County Council.

The footbridge forms part of the SANG route and the long distance Blackwater Valley Path.

Select the What3words locator, ///eyelid.keyboard.unheated, to view the bridge location.

You can also view the location on Google Maps.

Funding

A footbridge replacement is expensive, and we have prioritised obtaining funding for this work.

This was secured following our budget setting process, which completed with the Executive Committee approval in March 2024.

A significant contribution has been provided by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP). They coordinate work in the Blackwater Valley including wildlife conservation, water quality, landscape enhancement and recreation. Funding was also supplied by Hampshire County Council.

Project contributors 

Responsibility for organising the works rested with our Parks and Countryside team, as the land managers.

The project was delivered through a partnership with specialist engineers from AtkinsRealis. This was arranged under our existing consultancy contract.

Ringway handled construction and logistics through our highway works contract. The new bridge is from Lifespan and funding was provided by the key stakeholders listed above.

We worked with Hampshire County Council about the temporary closure of the public footpath.

Bridge design and construction

AtkinsRealis provided specialist advice to make sure the bridge design is appropriate for the location and for the users who will be accessing it.

We carefully undertook various work on site to prepare for this bridge replacement. This included:

• ground surveys
• trial holes
• access planning
• stability assessments

These have been critical in informing the extensive work on the detailed design of the bridge and associated infrastructure. This includes the bridge footings and banks to protect against erosion from river action in future.

Protecting nature

We commissioned ecological surveys to be undertaken by independent wildlife experts. This helped to make sure there was no impact to wildlife that lives at Shepherd Meadows.

We worked with the Environment Agency to make sure there was no negative impact to the Blackwater River. We had the relevant permits where necessary.

The land is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). We were careful to protect the important wildlife while the new footbridge was being constructed.

Footpath diversion routes

The footpath closure can be found on Hampshire County Council's map of public rights of way. It was intended for foot traffic only. For cycling routes, see our cycling page. 

Diversion route 1

East from the Shepherd Meadows car park along the Marshall Road towards the Meadows roundabout.

Diversion route 2

South from the Shepherd Meadows car park, over the railway crossing and then along Rosemary Lane to Blackwater station.

Timeline

These are some of the steps we have taken.

Planning phase from January 2023 to August 2025:

• secured the funding, including contributions from key partners
• taken expert guidance to make sure the bridge design is suitable
• held meetings to track and co-ordinate actions
• approved manufacture of the bridge
• applied for and received the required licence from the Environment Agency
• commissioned ecological surveys, and taken advice from Natural England to make sure there’s minimal to no impact to wildlife
• kept key stakeholders informed with project updates, and provided site notices for residents

Delivery phase from August to September 2025:

• prepared the site, including
  • installing a temporary haul ramp, which is a sloping platform used to load and unload heavy items
  • contractors used a pontoon (a floating platform)
  • cleared a small amount of vegetation for crane access and building a temporary site compound
  • put in place the bridge abutments (foundations)
• dismantled the old bridge, which was removed from site
• laid down matting to protect the ground in key areas
• transported the new bridge to site and installed it on its foundations by the
• and some of the supporting infrastructure

We have more recently been carrying out some final work before we can officially open the bridge. This includes:

• installing the handrails for improved access and safety
• provided the riverbank protection brickwork
• removed the floating pontoon
• removed the ramp, which our contractors have used for access
• improved the footpath that leads up to the bridge

Blackwater River is a salmonid river. To protect the fish while spawning, we did not carry out works between 1 October and 15 June.

Work was weather dependent to make sure any machinery can pass through valuable habitats without causing harm.

We have kept residents and key stakeholders up to date, when required. We will share news of when the bridge is officially open, and the route is open again.

New recreation route

We are providing an exciting new recreation route for residents to enjoy.

This will be a circular route that runs through Shepherd Meadows and Sandhurst Memorial Park.

It will be waymarked for residents, to easily follow. We will promote it on our website.

Thanks

Our thanks to all partners and key stakeholders for their combined efforts towards this bridge replacement project.

Especially to the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership and Hampshire County Council for their important financial contributions.

We also thank our residents for their patience as we work to resolve this matter.