Tree Bank
Tree Bank
The wooden deck of Hampden Bridge is an example of sustainable use of renewable materials. The original wooden decking was made with Australian hard wood. There has been subsequent replacement of the wooden beams which were worn. In all cases fine Australian hard wood Class A and B has been used to maintain the structure and its capacity to carry the heavy weight of road traffic.
Keeping the wooden decking has kept the character of the bridge for us all to enjoy today. While future generations may see a wooden suspension bridge as a remarkable use of environmentally renewable resources.
To help conserve Hampden Bridge’s heritage values the Kangaroo Valley Tourist Association has planted 110 trees to create a Tree Bank. These are to be harvested in the future to help conserve Hampden Bridge’s integrity as a wooden suspension bridge. The Tree Bank’s total number marks the 110th birthday of the Hampden Bridge in 2008. Tree species selected are been:
Blackwood
Grey Box
Iron Bark
Spotted Gum
Tallow Wood
The Kangaroo Valley Tourist Association paid for the trees and materials. The following members of the association agreed to plant and look after the trees: Banksia Park Cottages, Man from Kangaroo Valley Horse Trail, Jenoma Cottages and Crystal Creek Meadows Luxury Cottages & Spa Retreat.
Keith Learn & Barabara Woodnye donated funds to purchase larger specimen trees which were planted by the Kangaroo Valley Environment Group. You can see them in the paddock that runs alongside the footpath on Moss Vale Road between Barrengarry hamlet and the corner of Upper River Road.
2011 is the International Year of Forests
Learn more about Australian Hard Wood’s strengths and the sustainable use of Australia’s forests.
