A replacement boardwalk at Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve is set to be commissioned after a major fundraising effort following last summer’s arson attack.
Environmental charity The Greensand Trust said it is now in a position to begin work on a more resilient structure, thanks to a combination of public donations and an insurance payout.
Appeal nears £100,000
The Clophill Boardwalk Appeal has raised £95,961 so far, including Gift Aid, putting it close to its £100,000 target, which was based on the cost of the original boardwalk.
This fundraising total, combined with an insurance payment of £66,874, means the trust can now commission and install a replacement boardwalk and associated surfacing, with the full project costing at £164,000.
The original boardwalk was badly damaged in an arson attack in August last year.
Read: Appeal for public to support Bedfordshire nature reserve after arson attack
Rather than replacing the structure like-for-like, the trust has worked with contractors on a new design intended to be more resilient.
Plans include a non-flammable causeway separating two steel-framed and timber sections of boardwalk, alongside CCTV installation and improved access to and from the boardwalks.
Jon Balaam, director of development at The Greensand Trust, said the public response had been overwhelming.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support shown for our appeal to help us overcome this enormous setback at the site,” he said.
“This is an incredible example of the community coming together in the face of adversity, and we would like to extend our deep gratitude to all of our donors, supporters and visitors who’ve made this possible.”
Lake access to be restored
The new boardwalk will restore accessibility between the two lakes at the reserve, allowing visitors with buggies and mobility scooters to complete a shorter circular walk that has been unavailable since the fire.
Work is expected to begin on site shortly, with the trust encouraging visitors to follow its social media channels for updates.
Donations to the Clophill Boardwalk Appeal remain open as the charity works to reach its £100,000 fundraising target.
