South bridlepath. Still has big gaps. Old bridge by Blackwater on east of site has been demolished. 9th June 2024

This post continues on from the earlier one and covers the south bridlepath.

The lack of bridge over the Colebrook cut meant a little excursion on to the reserve. Not overly difficult to achieve as the fencing isn't complete. I also know of a good crossing point. Some areas of the Colebrook cut are still very boggy.

It was nice, however, so see how much vegetation had taken hold.

Fencing continues along the south bridlepath, but once again only along its inside edge. There are quite a few areas of the south bridlepath that could do with fencing on both sides of it, and this is one such place.

Sadly, I did not see any Lapwings as I walked past the sewage works and on to the Yellow bridge. This part of the reserve was heaving with them last year. I cannot say if they bred successfully as I have not been on site since April 6th. Though, two months is more than enough time for incubation, hatching and fledging (i.e. chicks capable of some flight) to occur.

On the other hand, dogs may have put the Lapwings off.

Anyway, fencing continues all the way to the yellow bridge. Here, a five bar and kissing gate combination have been installed to give access to the central path through the site. Only there is no path.

A short way to the east of these gates the fencing comes to an abrupt halt. A small gap, followed by nothing but fence posts. No mesh or top wires. This continues for a number of yards, before completed fencing appears. This continues all the way to an entrance on the east side of the reserve.

One very curious omission I've only just realised. There is no access to the reserve via the Bailey bridge. As the bridge is to remain, and can take vehicles, it does make sense to have a gate here. Vehicles have a long detour to gates on the west and east sides of the reserve.

Near the east entrance is a five bar and kissing gate combination. This is to allow access to a short path or causeway on the east side of the reserve, but only up to a bridge near the MGLG hide. I find this design very, very odd. Also, the path/causeway isn't in place.

I always wondered how the south bridlepath would end at the east side of the reserve. There was an existing foot bridge that went over a ditch. The solution has been to fill in the ditch and extend the bridlepath over it. The foot bridge has been removed. Interesting that Cemex got planning permission to fill in the ditch. WBC tend to be a bit touchy about drainage ditches being filled in.

Of other features like sluice gates, nothing is known. They certainly haven't appeared.

There is a feint possibility that the reserve and PRW will be officially opened this summer, but don't hold your breath.