Students of the Countryside Management Course at Aberystwyth University have been constructing two new bridges to replace the old structures at a popular riverside walk in Aberystwyth, near Morrisons.
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Timber for the bridges, some of which was grown and milled on the University Farm, was made into kit form at the college workshop before being assembled on site to span two culverts alongside the river Rheidol.
Students gained experience in the whole bridge building process, from site assessment to the finished project, through the Practical Estates Skills Project. Also included in the project was, the construction of a kissing gate at Penglais woods using timber clefted from a chestnut tree at the Local Nature Reserve, and repair of some of the steps there.
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This is the last year in which the Practical Estate Skills Project will be undertaken. This brings to an end a 20-year long partnership between the University and the County Council’s Coast & Countryside Section. Over the years, students have been given the opportunity to contribute to improving the footpaths, bridleways and public access in the various communities over that time.
Public Rights of Way Officer, Eifion Jones said, “Ceredigion County Council is very grateful for the work done and wishes to thank the students and course tutors for their contribution to the maintenance of the reserves.The two new foot bridges is a credit to them all, and will serve the community of Aberystwyth and the surrounding area for many years to come.”
Funding for the materials were financed by the Coast & Countryside section via the Welsh Assembly Environment and Sustainable Development Grant (ESD) and by Aberystwyth University. All work regarding the gate was financed by Aberystwyth University, including the felling of a sweet chestnut tree by a Tree Surgeon.
