As the operators of the Horning Foot Ferry in Norfolk announced its closure due to a shortage of volunteers and a drop in the number of people using it, those in the ferry industry have spoken out about the wider issues affecting the future of foot ferries in the UK. The fact that the Department for Transport figures show a decline in river ferries usage by over 10% from 2012 to 2022 is a prime example of the problems many water crossings are now facing. These ferries, in all shapes and sizes, from small rowing boats to large motor-powered vessels, are an integral part of many communities across the UK.
Many towns and villages rely on their foot ferries for tourism and local transport, with some, such as the Butley Foot Ferry, Suffolk, dating back to 1383. Roy Truman, a descendant of Edward Smith, the captain of the Titanic, is head ferryman of the Butley Foot Ferry, which carries passengers across the creek between Butley and Orford. Truman argues that the loss of any foot ferry is tantamount to “losing a little bit of history”. The ferry is a recreational and transport necessity, and an essential component of the local economy and community infrastructure.
However, luring new volunteers to work on these crossings can be challenging, especially with an ageing workforce, and increasing costs. Christian Zemann, an Austrian water sports enthusiast who runs the Harwich Foot Ferry, Suffolk, says he “naively” took over the operation and opened himself up to spiralling costs over the years. He says that many of these small operations have closed, but he remains optimistic and believes that with more clever marketing and investment, foot ferries could once again become an essential part of the country’s transport network.
Foot ferries, like many forms of heritage transport, offer a unique experience, giving passengers a different perspective and memorable experience of the area. As society pushes for more eco-friendly options, the revival of foot ferries could present an opportunity for sustainability, but they require investment, innovation, and support from local communities and business.
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