30.07.08

A new bridge for Parc Coetir Bargoed

Parc Coetir Bargoed has become the home to a fantastic new bridge, designed by the renowned artist John Packer. The bridge has a ‘bow string’ design and provides a new and much needed cross-valley link, helping to strengthen links between the surrounding communities. The new bridge spanning the river Rhymney is 18 meters long, 2 meters wide with a structural steel frame and local Welsh Oak decking. Park Warden, Ross Jones, highlights the importance of the new bridge in the south of the park, “before the bridge was completed, there was no convenient place to cross the river at this end of the park, walkers had to either walk out of the park or further upstream to cross. The design is fantastic too, hopefully it will provide a focal point of the park that walkers and cyclists can enjoy for many years to come”.

Ross Jones explains that the John Packer bridge is only the most recent example of new projects underway at Parc Coetir Bargoed, “as well as the new foot bridge, we have upgraded a number of paths and cycle routes throughout the park, making it easier for more people to enjoy this superb piece of countryside on their doorstep. We are also making sure that the park is the perfect home for wildlife, a new wildlife pond has been created in a quiet area, and our wildflower meadows are looking better than ever this year too. There are now more reasons than ever to give the park a visit”.

The new bridge has been funded by a grant from the Heads of the Valleys project and the local council.