What is causing the damage to the Kitty's Bridge footpath in Chesham, Buckinghamshire?

The roots of an old elder tree and a dense bramble thicket have split the concrete riverbank, allowing water to leak into Moor Marsh, while non-native signal crayfish have burrowed under the foundations, undermining the structure.

How much is the Chesham Town Council spending on the emergency repair project?

The council has approved a £15,698 emergency repair project to address the damage and restore safe access for the public.

When is the Kitty's Bridge footpath in Chesham expected to reopen?

The council has stated that the prompt action taken to repair the path is expected to avoid higher costs and ensure the path can be reopened to the public in the near future.

Home / Environment / Buckinghamshire Council Scrambles to Repair Damaged Footpath After Ecological Threats

Buckinghamshire Council Scrambles to Repair Damaged Footpath After Ecological Threats

28 Sep, 2025

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Summary

Invasive crayfish and tree roots have severely damaged a well-used walking route
Concrete riverbank supporting the path has leaned 25 degrees towards the river
£15,698 emergency repair project approved to restore safe access

Buckinghamshire Council Scrambles to Repair Damaged Footpath After Ecological Threats

As of September 29th, 2025, a popular walking route in Buckinghamshire has been forced to close temporarily due to significant structural damage caused by invasive crayfish and tree roots. The affected footpath, which runs between Kitty's Bridge in Waterside and the railway bridge over Moor Road in Chesham, has been weakened over the years by natural and ecological pressures.

Investigations revealed that the concrete riverbank supporting the path had leaned approximately 25 degrees towards the river, posing a serious risk of collapse and flooding. The roots of an old elder tree and a dense bramble thicket had split the bank, allowing water to leak into Moor Marsh. At the same time, non-native signal crayfish had burrowed under the foundations, further undermining the structure.