National Trust unveils designs for new Stiffkey bridge

Almost two years ago, the trust controversially removed a wooden footbridge which had been used to cross the village’s salt marshes for more than half a century.

It has now revealed its initial designs for a single-span steel bridge, which is expected to be built by the end of this year.

The wooden bridge at Stiffkey which was removed by the National Trust in March 2021 (Image: Martin Sizeland)

The bridge will be longer than the previous crossing – adding clearance at either end to extend its lifespan with future erosion to the creek expected.

Steel has been chosen as the main material for the bridge for durability – also requiring less maintenance than a wooden structure, reducing long-term costs.

The bridge will be manufactured off-site and the trust has said the design is its “most cost-effective” option.

The build was previously predicted to cost up to £250,000.

READ MORE: National Trust reports Stiffkey bridge 'fairies' to police

The National Trust's first designs for the new bridge at Stiffkey (Image: National Trust)

The National Trust's first designs for the new bridge at Stiffkey (Image: National Trust)

The charity has said it is now on track to submit a formal planning application this spring, with hopes to complete the build by the end of this autumn.

A National Trust spokesman said: “Following ground investigations and topographical surveys, we have now reviewed all our options and plan to move forward with a single-span steel bridge solution at Stiffkey.

“This was the most feasible and sustainable design we looked at that balances environmental sensitivity, structural integrity, access and cost.

“It was also best suited to the span we needed in a coastal environment that will continue to change and evolve, with future erosion of the creek expected. 

“We’re currently at a concept design stage, intended to confirm general structural principles. This will now be subject to further design development as we work through the detailed design and pre-application phase.

“We’re on track to submit a formal planning application this spring.”

READ MORE: Stiffkey bridge to be built by National Trust in autumn 2024

The wooden bridge in Stiffkey which was removed by the National Trust almost two years ago (Image: Justin Minns)

Locals got a first look at the designs at a drop-in session held by the National Trust at Morston Village Hall on Thursday (January 25).