The bridge and the reserve at Wheldrake Ings are back in action, after work was undertaken to replace the bridge.

Replacing the bridge allowed us to ensure long-term management of the site, including the essential hay cut in July. We chose to complete this work at this time of year as it removes the need to access the meadow and disturb ground nesting birds to build an emergency access bridge.

The meadow is looking spectacular before it gets cut this month and the wildlife have enjoyed the seclusion with sand martins finding and making use of the new artificial bank.

A huge thank you to WEG funding from the European Union Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and DEFRA (via the RDPE) - with your support we're able to look after this internationally important floodplain meadow long term.

And of course, we couldn't do any of it without the staff, partners, volunteers and farmers that make this such a special site.