John sent in this fascinating photo of the old bridge over the River Stert — a hidden route that links Clifton Drive to Boxhill Park through a gap in the hedge. He tells me he used the bridge many times but has no idea of its history. Perhaps someone reading this does?
One particularly curious detail: the large tree you can see in the picture isn’t just next to the bridge — it’s actually growing out of it. John describes it as quite extraordinary. And I agree.
There’s been some tree work nearby recently, with a number of trees felled along the riverbank, but the bridge itself appears neglected. John wonders why there’s no visible effort to preserve it. It’s not just a practical footpath, but a part of Abingdon’s history being slowly reclaimed by nature.
I know the Town Council manages Boxhill Wood, but I’m not sure who’s responsible for the bridge or this stretch of the Stert. If anyone has more information — perhaps about the bridge’s age, who maintains it, or what its original purpose might have been — John and I would love to hear from you.
