The first week of 2018 will see work begin on a new hand-crafted bridge at Trelissick.

There has been a bridge spanning the road to the King Harry Ferry enabling access to the orchard and woodland garden for nearly two centuries and the current bridge, built in 1987, has been walked over by hundreds of thousands of people each year.

Last Autumn, the National Trust launched ‘Keep Trelissick Garden Together’, a fundraising campaign to raise money towards the new bridge. The project will ensure that the historic Cornish estate near Truro can be enjoyed in full by future generations of visitors.

Jon Cummins, Visitor Experience Manager at Trelissick, says: "We are delighted to have raised nearly £20,000 towards the cost of replacing the bridge so far. Thank you to all the individuals and groups who have generously donated towards this project."

To allow for works to take place safely and not disturb the traffic using the B3289 and King Harry Ferry, removal of the current bridge and installation of the new one will take place at night. From 2 January to 20 February, Carcaddon and the Orchard north of the works will be closed and some woodland routes used by visitors may be temporarily altered. Signage will be put in place and messages posted on Trelissick’s webpage and social media feeds. The remainder of the garden and the parkland remain open daily and Trelissick house will re-open on January 20.

Following a busy December with over 22,000 people visiting Trelissick’s festive illuminations, head gardener John Lanyon, says that closing Carcaddon will give the garden paths and grass a welcome rest before the popular magnolia season.

"We’re really excited to get this project off the ground as, despite the temporary disruption, securing full access to the garden in the long term is crucial. Thanks in advance to all our visitors for their understanding and support."

The bridge is being constructed by hand from English green oak by local craftsman Tom Beer and the installation is being managed by local firm, Evolution Ltd, from Scorrier.

Darren Gunn, Managing Director of Evolution Ltd, says: "As a local lad, having grown up in Coombe Creek, managing this iconic project at Trelissick is something the team and I are proud to be doing. To help visitors understand what is happening, we are creating a viewing platform in the garden where anyone can see our work taking shape.’

Head to Trelissick to see the bridge project in action, or go to nationaltrust.org.uk/trelissick to make a donation and check the latest news and photos.