Calls for National Trust to replace Styal Woods wooden bridge

BBC News

4 days ago

Walkers and runners have called on the National Trust to repair or replace a wooden footbridge that has been closed for safety reasons since severe flooding in January.The Giant's Castle Bridge crosses the River Bollin on the Quarry Bank Mill estate in Cheshire, close to Manchester Airport.Countryside lovers said the bridge formed part of an "essential" route through Styal Woods and its closure meant much of the area had become inaccessible.The National Trust said it could not afford the £1m or more that would likely be required to replace the bridge.
Quarry Bank Mill, built in 1784, is one of the best-preserved textile factories dating back to the Industrial Revolution. The former cotton mill, next to the River Bollin, sits within an estate that includes 400 acres (162 hectares) of woodland and gardens.Flooding in January 2025 caused extensive damage.General manager Roz Stone said: "It costs us more than £2m a year to manage the estate and right now, we're fundraising to repair damage from a major landslip in the historic garden."We're not confident we can raise the funds needed to replace the Giant's Castle Bridge and raising over £1m is an unrealistic expectation."The Giant's Castle footbridge was built in the 1980s using Glulam - a strong, engineered wood.The National Trust said the structure had gradually weakened and had now reached the end of its natural lifespan.
Reece Sanford said he had been coming to Styal Woods with his three dogs for 13 years. The 52-year-old, from Northern Moor in Wythenshawe, said: "Closing this bridge ruins one of the best walks in this area and the estimate of £1m to replace the bridge is ridiculous."I think we need more options from the National Trust to see if there's cheaper alternatives."
Lisa Smith said she was "very saddened and upset" by the decision to close the Giant's Castle Bridge.The 54-year-old from Handforth in Cheshire said: "I've walked this circular route across the bridge countless times over the years and it means a lot to me and when I heard it was closing I actually shed a few tears."
The chairman of the Wilmslow Striders running club, Toby Gold, complained that the bridge's closure saide said the closure of the bridge: "prevents us doing any circular routes".The 64-year-old added: "It's such an absolutely glorious environment because we've got hills, woodland, a river to run alongside and all of the alternative routes involve retracing your steps."