Testwood Lakes Boardwalk Appeal
Thanks to an incredibly generous response from supporters, the target for this appeal was reached after just one week – thank you to everyone who donated!
Trust staff and volunteers at Testwood Lakes are already working on removal of the old boardwalk. Timber and other materials required for the new boardwalk have now been purchased and work on installing the replacement boardwalk will take place over the next few weeks.
This webpage will be updated when Trust staff and volunteers have completed the new boardwalk.
Thank you again to all supporters of the Testwood Lakes Boardwalk appeal.
New boardwalk being installed at Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve © Helen Skelton-Smith
New boardwalk being installed at Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve © Helen Skelton-Smith
New boardwalk being installed at Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve © Helen Skelton-Smith
FAQs
Why does a new boardwalk need to be installed so urgently?
The route to the bird hides passes through an area that is waterlogged after heavy rainfall in winter. Without a boardwalk the area would be impassable during the winter months. The current boardwalk needs to be replaced but the installation must be finished before the end of autumn, or the area will be too wet for safe access by staff and volunteers to do the work.
What has happened to the current boardwalk?
The boardwalk has decayed over time. Increased rainfall, due to climate change, means the boardwalk supports spend prolonged periods of time submerged in water each winter. This has accelerated the rate of decay of the wooden supports, so replacement of the boardwalk is required sooner than expected. Running repairs have been carried out in recent years, but the damage to the current boardwalk is such that a replacement is now required.
Who will carry out the work?
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust staff based at Testwood Lakes will lead teams of regular practical conservation volunteers to install the new boardwalk.
What materials will be used?
The new boardwalk will use heavy duty UC4-treated timber, sourced from a local merchant. This is the most suitable timber for use in wet conditions as the UC4 treatment resists rot.
How long is the boardwalk?
The existing boardwalk is approximately 90 metres, and the full length will be replaced.
Will the boardwalk need to be replaced again in a few years?
The treated timber to be used for the new boardwalk is generally expected to last at least 15 years, so we hope the boardwalk will be in place into the 2040s.
What happens if the fundraising target is not met?
The Trust will need to explore other avenues for raising the funds required to install the new boardwalk.
What happens if the amount raised exceeds the target?
If the Trust is lucky enough to raise more funds than required to install the new boardwalk, any donations above the target will be used to support Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s nature recovery work across the two counties.
I saw information recently about a new boardwalk that has just been completed on a Trust nature reserve near Totton. Is this the same story?
After prolonged delays, we have recently celebrated the installation of a new boardwalk over the River Test at the Trust’s Lower Test Nature Reserve. This boardwalk forms part of the Test Way long distance footpath, so the work has been carried out by Hampshire County Council. Lower Test is one mile south of Testwood Lakes.
When will the new Testwood Lakes boardwalk be completed?
We aim to have finished installation of the boardwalk by November 2026.