Recycled Plastic Horse and Sheep Bridge

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Foss Catchment Project

The construction of a Revive Recycled Plastic horse and sheep bridge represents a significant achievement in sustainable engineering and conservation. This innovative bridge was erected over the River Foss to facilitate a safe and secure crossing for both horses and sheep, ensuring that livestock can move freely without causing harm to the surrounding environment.

One of the primary objectives of this project was to prevent damage to the riverbank habitat, which is home to the endangered white-clawed crayfish, a species of great ecological importance. The presence of these crayfish necessitated a careful and environmentally conscious approach to the bridge's construction, ensuring that their delicate habitat was preserved and protected from erosion and other forms of disturbance that could arise from traditional livestock crossings.

In addition to the bridge itself, the project also included the installation of essential infrastructure such as stock fencing, which helps manage and contain the livestock, further reducing their impact on the riverbank. Moreover, solar-powered water troughs were introduced, providing a sustainable source of drinking water for the animals while minimizing the ecological footprint of the entire initiative.

This comprehensive effort is part of the larger Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Foss Catchment Project, which is dedicated to enhancing and preserving the natural environment within the River Foss catchment area. Through such innovative solutions, the project demonstrates a commitment to balancing the needs of local agriculture with the imperative of environmental stewardship, ensuring that both the land and its wildlife can thrive for generations to come.