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Project factfile
Project Summary
Bridge of Reeds - Gateway to the Countryside is a project focused around an iconic bridge of (steel) reeds over the A14 east of Cambridge. The bridge will link Wicken Fen nature reserve with Cambridge and offer access to 6,000 hectares of newly restored wetland and natural fen habitat via Wicken Drove, a new network of cycle routes and footpaths of up to 16 miles. The cycle route has been mapped out in conjunction with Sustrans and Cambridgeshire County Council and fits in with The National Trust’s Wicken Fen Vision to expand the current nature reserve. The project will also include a visitor centre based on sustainable building principles.
The bridge takes the form of a dramatic 177 ft tall sculpture inspired by the wind blown reeds and flights of birds that characterise the East of England landscape. The landmark will connect the wonderful landscapes of the region and will provide both a physical and metaphorical gateway to social, cultural and environmental opportunities in the region, including educational, leisure and artistic benefits for the region and its people. Sixty thousand people will pass the Bridge of Reeds each day.
Location
The bridge will span the A14 East of Cambridge near Stow-cum-Quy
Team
National Trust
Greater Cambridge Partnership
Marshalls
Sustrans
The team worked with the following consultants during the feasibility study:
Feasibility Study
October 2004-March 2005
The feasibility study demonstrated that the project is technically deliverable but the conclusion acknowledged a number of challenges including land acquisition, fundraising and the siting of the bridge. The project attracted high level support from a wide range of organisations including the Highways Agency and the County and District Councils.
To view the executive summary, click here.
Current Status
Following the outcome of the feasibility study, EEDA has indicated strong support for the Bridge of Reeds and has provided £250,000 grant funding to help the team through the initial stages towards implementation.
Estimated Delivery Timescale:
To be advised.
Estimated Cost:
The total cost of the project is estimated at £16 million to include the bridge, land acquisition, the construction of foot and cycle paths and work on route network and a visitor centre.
Next Steps
Next steps are to get the team in place for the project and develop a strategic fundraising plan. The team are currently conducting research and gathering public opinion of the Bridge of Reeds project. You can give your opinion by completing the feedback form at www.bridgeofreeds.org.uk
Jonathon Porritt, environmental campaigner and founder of Forum for the Future said:
“The Bridge of Reeds is going to be an enormously important landmark for the East of England. Too often people take for granted the precious natural habitats in and around our cities. The Cambridge area is thriving, one of the fastest areas for development in the country, and so it is more crucial than ever that nature reserves such as Wicken Fen and the surrounding countryside are valued and even greater access is provided for people in local communities.”
“The expanded Wicken Fen Vision and the major linking bridge from city to countryside will help to protect that environment, and keep the connection with the natural world in people's everyday lives."
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