Jurassic Park's bridge

At times, as this long, tumultuous, year finally winds down, it can appear as though the Brexit debacle is engulfing everything. When one emerges briefly from behind the sofa, barely anything seems to have escaped its touch.

It is pleasing, therefore, to see a piece of news emerge that is not only entirely different but also a rare positive. After months of campaigning, the Friends of Crystal Palace Dinosaurs have secured the funds  needed to proceed with trying to install a bridge in Crystal Palace Park to enable them to maintain and celebrate the Victorian masterpieces.

Slash, with top hat

More than 600 people – many just local supporters – backed the plan, contributing to the more than £70,000 required to make the plan a reality. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan gave it a kick start with £30,000, Arup another £9,000 and the architects behind the bridge, Tonkin Liu, at least £2,500. It was assisted by an extra sprinkling of stardust from Guns N Roses guitarist Slash, who fondly remembers visiting them as a child. Taking a break from his world tour with Axl, Slash donated one of his trade mark top hats to an online auction as well as making a donation, attracting much needed wider attention to the scheme in its final few weeks. I'm sad, and a bit happy, to report that, even for a Guns N Roses nut, the hat proved to be beyond my price range.

That said, it was a close-run thing, only hitting its target in the last few hours of the appeal. And now, those behind the project have a job to do persuading some critics that its construction is for the best, amid fears it could damage wild life or attract vandalism.

The dinosaurs are of global significance. Designed by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, the 30-odd statues were the first attempt in the world to create full-scale models of what dinosaurs would have looked like when they ruled the planet. While mainly sited on an island in a lake in Crystal Palace Park, proud locals are not hesitant to boast they’re also in Penge.

Despite some of the models being almost comically inaccurate – demonstrating how our knowledge of the creatures’ physical appearance was at such a formative stage 160-years-ago – the dinosaurs are Grade I listed, the highest status available. But, exposed to the elements, the dinosaurs do need constant maintenance and the last cold winter had, according to the Friends, ‘a disastrous effect upon the sculptures’.

It is understandable that some might worry the creation of a bridge might prove invasive and upset the wildlife. The lakes are well laid out, providing a lovely spot around which to walk and it is teeming with birds. But it isn’t a site of special scientific interest or a rare bird reserve. Pedaloes and rowing boats can be hired, people gather and feed the perennially aggressive Canada geese; it’s worth asking whether the wildlife would be there at all if it were not for the dinosaurs.

Those behind the project also insist the bridge will be secure from vandals and that the only visits allowed will be for works and particular tours. Overall, the local community is very supportive of the plan but hopefully those who have concerns will be assured about its benefits. It would be such a shame if it was derailed through misunderstandings, especially as I know that it has been tremendously difficult to get anything done to improve and restore Crystal Palace Park. 

This is the ambition and plan of the Friends of Crystal Palace Dinosaurs

And, apart from anything else, if the bridge opens on time next summer it will hopefully provide a delightful spot to escape from the daily nonsense that dominates the news these days.


Postscript

I would love to track down a copy of this book; Dinosaurs Don't Die, by Ann Coates. First published in 1970, the cheapest copy I have managed to find costs Aus$95. It appears to feature the Crystal Palace dinosaurs coming alive. Sadly, I doubt I'll source a copy for my two daughters this Christmas.