A local question was recently posted on Facebook by Jonathan Ruddle; "I've been here 3 years but I still don't know... When people talk about the 'Crabbing Bridge', which one between Sturt Pond and the sea do they mean? And what is the other one called?"
You can see the debate that ensued by clicking here.
My vote goes to below...
Sturt Pond. Closest to The Lighthouse in Hurst Road, Milford on Sea.
Second Bridge: Cut Bridge
Junction of New Lane & Saltgrass Lane, Milford on Sea.
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| The Bridge - 1941 |
I suspect both or either can be regarded as the crabbing bridge. Carcinus maenas, the shore crab is a euryhaline species that can tolerate a wide range of salinity conditions, hence it is found is most UK estuaries or saline ponds. I have seen catches at both bridges and I suspect there is a population in the pond itself but I have never confirmed that. Its a pretty resilient beast as far as salinity is concerned . As an aquatic ecologist, I actually find it an ugly little animal, but I am not supposed to say that. I am sure that other local ecologists have information or opinions. Be good too hear from them.
ReplyDeleteAs already noted, both bridges are often called the 'crabbing bridge', but I agree that the bridge at the corner junction of New Lane and Saltgrass Lane is 'Cut Bridge' and the bridge nearer to The Lighthouse at Sturt Pond is the 'Crabbing Bridge'.
ReplyDeleteAs an aside, please attend one of the Environment Agency 'Public Exhibitions' previously mentioned in this milford.org site as sometime in the not too distant future, the exit route of the Danes Stream may well change in years to come!