Explored something growing maybe, having crossed bridge (8)
I believe the answer is:
searched
'explored' is the definition.
('search' can be a synonym of 'explore')
'maybe having crossed bridge' is the wordplay.
'maybe' becomes 'seed' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'having crossed' indicates putting letters inside.
'bridge' becomes 'arch' (I've seen this before).
'seed' placed around 'arch' is 'SEARCHED'.
'something growing' acts as a link.
This may not be correct. Some or all of it may belong to another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for searched that I've seen before include "Sought to find" , "Sought, looked through" , "Spent time trying to find" , "Sought, scoured" , "Tried to locate" .)