Southmoor Nature Reserve

Polydeck supplied and installed a 400 linear metre sustainable GRP boardwalk at Southmoor Nature Reserve in Hampshire, forming part of the King Charles III England Coast Path. Designed to provide safe public access through a sensitive coastal habitat, the raised walkway delivers a durable, low-maintenance solution that blends naturally into the surrounding environment with a timber effect finish.

The Project

Project Aim and Challenges

After the original coastal path at Southmoor Nature Reserve became inaccessible following the collapse of the sea wall, Hampshire County Council required a new raised walkway solution that would safely restore public access while protecting the site’s sensitive saltmarsh habitat and wildlife.

The new route needed to withstand tidal flooding and harsh coastal conditions, while also delivering long-term durability, high slip resistance, fire-retardant properties and strong sustainability credentials. In addition, the structure needed to blend naturally into the surrounding environment and be installed with minimal disruption to the protected landscape.

Polydeck worked closely with Hampshire County Council and multiple project stakeholders to develop a bespoke solution that satisfied the environmental, structural and accessibility requirements of the scheme, while also adapting elements of the design to accommodate revised height requirements associated with changing sea level conditions.

The Project

Design and Collaboration

One of the first stages of the project involved producing detailed design drawings, structural calculations and Approval in Principle (AIP) documentation to demonstrate that the proposed structure would meet all client requirements.

Working with multiple stakeholders, we were able to ensure that the final design aligned with the environmental conditions and long-term needs of the reserve. All structural designs were independently checked and signed off by specialist bridge engineers, providing complete confidence in the performance and longevity of the boardwalk.

The Project

Project Outcome

The completed boardwalk has successfully reopened this section of the coastal path, allowing visitors to safely access and enjoy the reserve throughout tidal changes. Manufactured using Polydeck’s sustainable GRP system, the project diverted more than 75,000 plastic bottles from landfill while delivering a long-life structure designed to last in excess of 75 years with minimal maintenance and disruption to the surrounding habitat.

Unlike traditional timber alternatives, the GRP system will not rot, corrode or deteriorate in the coastal environment, significantly reducing long-term maintenance requirements, while improving safety and accessibility through its slip-resistant castellated decking surface.

By combining sustainability, durability and sensitive environmental design, the Southmoor Nature Reserve Boardwalk demonstrates how modern GRP infrastructure can support long-term public access while helping protect the reserve’s sensitive coastal habitat and wildlife.