As regular visitors to Low Barns will be aware, we unfortunately had to close the reedbed boardwalk this summer.  Over the years we have performed ongoing maintenance to ensure it is safe for visitors and events, but, following an assessment by a professional timber engineer, we have regrettably concluded that the boardwalk is no longer fit for purpose or cost effective to repair. 

We know that the boardwalk is a popular part of a walk around the nature reserve and that is loved by school children who are able to pond dip from it during field trips.  We are therefore busy exploring options that will allow us to safely open the reedbed to the public again.  We invited local contractors to quote for the work with options for different routes and materials, and now, with an indication of costs, we are pursuing funding options. 

The timescale for any works will be dependent on the lead in for obtaining funding and the availability of materials and contractors, but, in a best-case scenario, we hope to be able to undertake work prior to next spring.  If this isn’t possible, we would then plan to undertake the work in autumn 2023. 

We know that the closure of the boardwalk is disappointing for many visitors, and we apologise for this, but our priority is ensuring our infrastructure is safe for your use.  Further updates will follow in due course.