June Update 

Progress on the bridge.

Following the delays with the transportation of the artificial wood to replace the existing superstructure, it is unlikely that Cox's Walk Footbridge will be completed and reopened before the autumn. However, there have been some major developments with the reconstruction. The eastern abutment had to be demolished and new footings installed ready for the rebuilding process to start. It is likely that the same will need to be done to the western abutment. 

The old abutment has been removed.

A week later (5th June) and new concrete footings are in place.

Elsewhere in the Wood

Volunteers have worked in the main footpath leading from the entrance of Crescent Wood Road down to the Folly via the "tennis court glade" and the Cedar. New edging has helped to define the path and in places, new surfacing was laid. 

Path clearly defined by new edging. 

It has been great to see the benefits of selective fencing and dead hedging become clear. In areas which have been protected like this, new vegetation is growing quickly to cover the soil that previously had been trampled bare. Some people have questioned the need to restrict access to certain areas but the pace of regeneration is a clear answer to any doubts they might have. 

This area close to the western entrance from Cox's walk was once just
bare soil but now fenced off, undergrowth is returning.

This area was known as "The Trampled Triangle", so badly had
it been degraded with bare soil being exposed to compaction
and erosion. Now, just two years after the dead hedge
(seen on the left) was built, grass is growing in abundance.