Councillors Approve £628,000 Scheme To Replace Nature Reserve Boardwalk

Published on: 24 Apr, 2026
Updated on: 24 Apr, 2026

Guildford Riverside Nature Reserve. Picture: Guildford Borough Council

By Emily Dalton

local democracy reporting service

Guildford borough councillors have approved a £628,000 scheme to replace a boardwalk at Riverside Nature Reserve in Burpham – but the decision has raised some eyebrows over the growing cost.

Members of the council’s executive unanimously backed the five-month contract for Keystone Environmental Ltd to rebuild the structure, which officers said is now beyond repair and poses an “increasing risk to public safety”.

The decision was approved without debate or opposition on Thursday (April 23).

The site is designated as both a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace and a Local Nature Reserve. The boardwalk is said to play a critical role in helping visitors access the nature reserve while protecting environmentally sensitive habitats.

A report to councillors read: “The replacement of the existing boardwalk is necessary as the current structure has deteriorated beyond repair and presents an increasing risk to public safety if left unaddressed.”

The new boardwalk – to be constructed from recycled plastic – will cost £628,045, with optional extras pushing the total slightly higher. This is significantly above the original £300,000–£400,000 estimate set out last year.

The project will be funded from existing reserves earmarked for countryside infrastructure.

Members heard that the present timber walkway is at the end of its life and, if left untreated, could lead to restricted access or potential safety risks at the popular nature reserve.

The scheme was described as a “positive investment” that would keep the site safe and accessible while protecting the surrounding habitat.

But the increase in cost was acknowledged, with officers noting earlier estimates “were not a true reflection” of the final price. The council argued that the higher spend is justified by improved durability, reduced long-term maintenance and the use of more sustainable materials.

The replacement will use recycled plastic rather than timber. Officers said it would last longer in wetland conditions and reduce environmental impact over time.

Cllr Angela Goodwin

Portfolio holder Cllr Angela Goodwin highlighted the ecological benefits, saying the new structure would help prevent damage caused by visitors straying off paths and protect biodiversity in the sensitive fen habitat.

At the same time, officers stressed the urgency of the decision. Delays could push construction into autumn, when wetter conditions would make building work more difficult and potentially more damaging to the environment.

Despite the higher-than-expected cost, councillors agreed that doing nothing was not a realistic option, citing safety concerns and the risk of reputational damage if the structure continued to deteriorate.

Responses to Councillors Approve £628,000 Scheme To Replace Nature Reserve Boardwalk

Jim Allen Reply

April 24, 2026 at 7:36 pm

It is important to clarify that this area has always been, and continues to be, a seasonal wetland situated within an active floodplain, rather than a “fen.”

Had the council officers recognised this distinction 15 years ago and refrained from attempting to alter this natural habitat into something it is not, the walkway’s lifespan would have been preserved. The elevation of the water level, which caused the causeway to rot due to prolonged submersion, directly contributed to the premature deterioration of the walkway. This alteration reduced the planned nine-month exposure to air to only 4/5 months, thereby nullifying its warranty. We experienced the loss of the shorter walkway several years ago for precisely the same reason.

The removal of the bench and panels, undertaken for safety considerations at the time, resulted in total loss. The remaining art installations on the current benches will be losing their contextual relevance soon to be placed in “other areas” within the reserve.

Regarding the containment of visitors within designated walkways, this measure claimed to safeguard the local flora and fauna. It should be observed the presence of meter-deep ditches effectively restricts public access to off-path areas, with only livestock roaming beyond the established pathways while tree surgeons keep cutting down the natural willows at some considerable expense, and example of the council fighting nature not working with it!

As a dedicated user of this valuable natural asset since 2004 years, I express my earnest hope that the council will refrain from transforming it into a superficial recreational area. This location currently serves as a serene sanctuary amidst the visually impactful development of the adjacent Weyside village, soon to overpower this location.

This concern is heightened by the incomplete status of the Burpham Court Farm SANG project, specifically the quiet discontinuation of the second bridge from the original plan, which was reportedly due to financial constraints.

While I welcome refurbishment I fear Walt Disney rather than Costa Rica will be the end result!
Valerie Thomas Reply

April 25, 2026 at 1:19 pm

Whatever can be done to help us enjoy nature is commendable, our natural areas are extremely important for humans as well as our precious wildlife life, which has suffered in recent years, from cruel heartless building development destroying their habitats.

If we don’t care for our wildlife now, it will soon be too late to save some species. We need to be sensible & caring, instead of concentrating on building & profits. There are less babies being born now, so we shouldn’t need so many new builds.
Angela Richardson Reply

April 25, 2026 at 3:10 pm

Why do Lib Dems always seem to go for the most expensive option?
- Paul Robinson Reply
  
  April 28, 2026 at 8:16 am
  
  Good news, but I am little bemused by Cllr Angela Goodwin’s comment “the new structure would help prevent damage caused by visitors straying off paths”.
  
  Like Jim Allen, I have used this local amenity since it was opened and I have never seen “visitors straying off path”. It is a wetland and unless you come equipped with waders you will not be casually going off path unless you have vandalism in mind, although sadly this does occur.
  
  The only life venturing into the wetland “off-piste” are cattle and volunteer groups or tree surgeons carrying vegetation maintenance.
  
  In more recent years, my disabled wife has used the boardwalk on her mobility scooter. I hope there will be some disabled user consultation before the design is finalised. We have spoken to GBC Parks officials on an informal basis when we have seen them around the reserve and mentioned the boardwalks need to be wider and the passing places more scooter friendly. In addition the boardwalk ’roundabout’ needs to be less tight.
- Angela Goodwin Reply
  
  April 28, 2026 at 2:04 pm
  
  I can confirm that the Executive did not choose the most expensive option. It was roughly in the mid-costing range.
  
  Many important factors were taken into our decision namely the successful contractor is very experienced in this type of work and will deliver long-term environmental protection, improved accessibility including Disability Discrimination Act compliance, and reduced maintenance costs.
  
  Angela Goodwin, is the Lib Dem borough councillor for Onslow at GBC and the lead councillor for Environment and Sustainability.
Tony Harrison Reply

April 26, 2026 at 10:51 am

“Beyond repair”. So, total failure to maintain it, resulting in a massive bill for the taxpayer. What a surprise.
Martin Elliott Reply

April 27, 2026 at 7:09 pm

And the ‘new’ nature reserve, SANG, country park adjacent, Burpham Court Farm is like all Council managed projects over time and budget.

A couple of months ago, “unexceptional” flooding reorganised all the boardwalks. They’d been laid out but with no fastenings.

I hope, given the riverside location and lack of routine periodic inspection and maintenance, this has been noted and the new materials were used.
Frank Emery Reply

April 27, 2026 at 7:31 pm

It would be a lot cheaper, and raise revenue, if Wellington boots were hired out to anyone who wants to walk in the bog.
Dylan Thomas Reply

May 1, 2026 at 8:24 am

When will the nature reserve on the side of the river ever open? The car park is in Clay Lane.