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Built by Bison

Environmental Conservation / Wildlife Trust Infrastructure

National Trust Carvers Rocks Bridge and Boardwalk Installation

  • the start of a boardwalk in the countryside, across marsh wetlands
  • Looking along a pedestrian bridge on to a boardwalk made from recycled plastic
  • a section of boardwalk with green bracken fronds. the boardwalk is made from recycled plastic to prevent it from rotting
  • a section of boardwalk in the countryside
  • brown recycled plastic boardwalk with vegetation around it
  • an aerial view of a pedestrian bridge with a boardwalk leading up to the bridge
  • looking towards foremark reservoir across a recycled plastic boardwalk

Project Details

Client: National Trust
Location: Carvers Rocks, Foremark Reservoir, Derbyshire DE73 7JP

Project Overview

Bison delivered the removal and full replacement of a failed timber bridge and boardwalk at Carvers Rocks, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) at the southern end of Foremark Reservoir.

The site features rare lowland heath habitat, one of the last of its kind in Derbyshire. While ecologically valuable, the damp ground conditions had caused the existing timber structure to decay, creating safety risks and ongoing maintenance issues.

The brief was to install a durable, low-maintenance access solution that would perform reliably in a wet, environmentally sensitive location.

The solution

The project involved the complete dismantling and disposal of the existing timber bridge and boardwalk, followed by the installation of a new Bison Bridge and recycled plastic boardwalk system.

Bridge Installation

An 8-metre long x 1.2-metre wide Bison Bridge was installed, designed for long-term structural performance and user safety.

Key elements included cast concrete abutments providing a stable and level foundation, galvanised steel structural beams for strength, and recycled plastic decking and parapets fixed to the structure.

The bridge was set at the correct height above the watercourse to ensure resilience against fluctuating water conditions.

Recycled Plastic Boardwalk

To create safe, step-free access to the bridge, a 31 metre recycled plastic boardwalk was installed.

The boardwalk was constructed using Re-Life 100% recycled plastic posts installed at 1 metre centres, with bearers and joists forming a robust subframe. Re-Life grooved deck boards were used to provide slip resistance, along with integrated kickrails for edge protection.

The deck was set approximately 250mm above ground level, adjusting along the approach to maintain a smooth transition onto the bridge.

Why Recycled Plastic

Traditional timber had failed on this site due to constant exposure to moisture. Built By Bison specified Re-Life 100% recycled plastic as a long-term alternative.

This material is rot-free, resistant to moisture and provides a slip-resistant surface suitable for year-round use. It is also fully recyclable at end of life and does not require chemical treatments, making it suitable for sensitive environments.

Outcome

The completed installation provides a safe, durable and low-maintenance access route through a sensitive natural habitat.

The new structure eliminates the maintenance issues associated with timber, improves safety for visitors and supports long-term conservation goals by reducing the need for future material replacement.

About Built By Bison

Built By Bison design, supply and install recycled plastic bridges and boardwalks for demanding outdoor environments.

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