WORK to recreate a ruined landmark at a National Trust property near Pershore has kicked off with a fishy start.

The original Chinese Bridge at Croome Court was lost to decay in the late 19th Century, but work has started to rebuild the bridge, starting with the draining of a section of river.

Katherine Alker, garden and park manager, said: “It’s really exciting to see work beginning to rebuild the Chinese Bridge. I can’t wait to see the end result in July which will produce dramatic new views across the parkland and have a brilliant impact as it spans the river.”

Prior to the new Chinese Bridge being installed, two huge dams had to be constructed to hold back the water to create a dry river bed to make way for the bridge's foundations.

Hundreds of gallons of water was then pumped out of the section and into the river either side of the dams to create a dry working area for the contractors, WM PlantHire.

Visitors then got to watch as an amazing array of different species such as freshwater mussels, perch, tench, rudd and even eels where caught with nets and safely replaced into the river.

“This is our second project at Croome, the first being eight years ago when we dredged three-quarters of a mile of the river," said Dave Ryan, WM PlantHire’s site manager.

“It’s great to be back working in such an beautiful setting and see such an abundance of wildlife that is thriving here at Croome.”

The new bridge, constructed using English Oak, will soon arrive and be lifted into position.

The new design for the bridge was based on the original bridge by William Halfpenny.

Families can chat to the contractors and have an opportunity get hands on and have a go at woodwork or sit on one of the diggers at one of the activity days taking place on Thursday, April 30, Tuesday, June 2 and Saturday, June 20 between 11am and 1pm.