Why this project matters
Tewkesbury is a medieval market town in Gloucestershire, England. It stands at the confluence of the River Severn and the River Avon and thus became an important trading point. The grade II listed Abbey Mill pictured here is dated 1793. The original mill was built around 1190.
The Abbey Mill footbridge is one of the main access points to the Severn Ham, a 70-hectare island that acts as a flood plain between the two rivers. Protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the island is one of the last remaining traditionally managed ham meadows, home to a range of rare plants and ground nesting birds.
A long-lasting surface
In 1995, the BIMAGRIP® anti-skid coating system was applied to the footbridge deck. After more than 30 years and an estimated three million footfalls, BIMAGRIP® continues to provide a safe surface for visitors — with minimal disruption for residents.
Still in use today
The bridge faces heavy seasonal conditions. Winter floods can submerge the surrounding meadows, while frost and constant damp place extra demands on the surface. Despite this, BIMAGRIP® has not required major intervention.
Local residents, conservation volunteers and visitors continue to cross the footbridge daily. For many, it is a routine path to the Severn Ham — a reminder that durable infrastructure can quietly support both community life and the protection of sensitive landscapes.
