Fishing nets recycled to build low-carbon bridge

The footbridge has been installed and is open to the public

Fishing nets have been recycled into materials to build a new footbridge on the River Medway in Kent.

The Environment Agency said the nets were turned into fibre-reinforced polymer, which was used to build the body and deck of the bridge at Twyford Marina in Yalding.

Officers said the material was low carbon and lower maintenance.

The 16-metre bridge is part of the Medway Valley Walk, providing passage over the marina’s river entrance and improved boat access.

The 3.5-tonne bridge deck was built in the Netherlands and shipped to Nottinghamshire, where handrails were added, before it was hauled by road to Yalding.

The last part of its journey was by barge along the River Medway, before it was lifted into position by crane.

The new footbridge replaced an old steel bridge on the site

Jason Adams, the Environment Agency's navigation manager, said: “The bridge is both light and strong, meaning we could install the structure in a difficult location.

“With its lighter weight, we could also reduce the size of the supporting foundations required giving a lower carbon footprint.

“Overall, it will require less maintenance compared to a bridge made of traditional materials and enables a substantial carbon saving.”