Westhay moor BOARDWALK

As part of Somerset Wildlife Trust’s ongoing Peatland Restoration Project at Westhay Moor, we were commissioned to design and build a raised boardwalk and viewing platform that enables visitors to engage with the evolving landscape while protecting the sensitive peat environment below.

The structure provides a dry, accessible standing area from which to observe wildlife and the surrounding bogland as the field is returned to its natural wetland state. To minimise ecological impact, we used timber piles driven directly into the peat and protected each with Postsaver bitumen wraps at ground level — avoiding the need for any concrete foundations and ensuring a long-lasting, low-impact footprint.

The sub-frame of the walkway is constructed from oak sleepers, shielded from moisture ingress by a DPC membrane, adding a robust and durable foundation to the structure. The walking surface is finished in robinia decking, a naturally hard-wearing timber, fitted with anti-slip grip strips to ensure safe footing in all weathers. An oak toe board runs around the perimeter of the deck to provide added security for wheeled users, preventing accidental roll-offs.

To the side of the viewing platform, we’ve installed a robinia pillar bearing a QR code, encouraging visitors to record and submit wildlife sightings directly to the Somerset Wildlife Trust — turning the structure into a hub for both observation and citizen science.

This boardwalk now stands as a functional and sympathetic addition to Westhay Moor, supporting both conservation and public access without compromising the fragile ecology it’s designed to serve.