New Timber Walkway Open At Stoke Meadows Nature Reserve

Published on: 22 Apr, 2013
Updated on: 24 Apr, 2013

A new timber walkway and bird hide has been constructed at the riverside nature reserve at Stoke Meadows. It is designed for visitors who wish to enjoy the open space and perhaps spot some wildlife at the same time.

The new walkway at Stoke Meadows nature reserve that also features a bird hide. All photos by Malcolm Fincham

The bird hide is 1.8m high and has 10 portholes at various heights with seats. It has been designed for use by families visiting the reserve.

There is a carved rail that goes around the inside of the bird hide which will consist of four carvings representing images across the different landscape types at the riverside location.

Parks project officer from Guildford Borough Council’s parks and leisure services, Sally Astles, said: “We wanted to create something interesting for children and adults to enjoy to introduce them and encourage them to experience the joys of wildlife at the nature reserve.

“All of the reserve is a great bird watching area, and this has been the case without a bird hide up to now for regular bird watchers. However, I hope that dedicated bird watchers will also find they enjoy the hide. There are benches provided to sit on which should help them to see through the port holes at the right height.

“The bird hide is designed for families and is not necessarily aimed at professional birdwatchers – hence the portholes at varying heights which worked best with the materials we used.”

The wooden walkways have been created by Guildford Borough Council in partnership with Greenspace Designs Ltd. The project has cost £210,000 and has been funded by contribution agreements from planning applicants.

An opening event is being planned for around mid to late May, once all the carved seats and railings are in place.

Stoke Meadows can be accessed from the towpath of the River Wey Navigation near Stoke Lock. You can pick up the towpath from Stoke Bridges in Woking Road, or at the Burpham end from Bowers Lane, off Clay Lane.

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