Walkers and visitors at the Moorend Spout Nature Reserve do not have to worry about wet feet thanks to a new boardwalk.

The original raised wooden structure was installed in 2010 to allow walkers on the public footpath to pass over a very boggy and wet area which was particularly flooded during the winter months.

14 years on and the structure was subsiding badly and starting to rot, so the decision was taken to replace the structure using recycled plastic materials which will have a much more robust lifespan of at least 50 years.

A grant was obtained from North Somerset Council and the work was completed in August 2024.

Ian Chambers, from the Nailsea Environment and Wildlife Trust (NEWT), said: "We are very grateful to North Somerset Council for the grant for the new raised 90-metre boardwalk.

"It is visually very impressive and we have had many comments on the high quality of the workmanship.

"Walkers are now able to safely access the nature reserve without getting their feet wet and can walk around the site with its fabulous wildflowers including many orchids.

"There are also two ponds to visit which are teeming with life during the summer months."

(Image: Nailsea Town Council)

Moorend Spout Nature Reserve is located off Pound Lane to the north of Nailsea.

It is well known for its natural beauty, with the additional attraction of a constantly flowing waterfall.

This is a particularly valuable wildlife habitat: low lying and water logged, which is traversed by a well-used public foot path.

The site is owned and managed by NEWT and was acquired in December 2009.

NEWT welcome all supporters who are interested in and want to assist in the work that they are doing to restore the wildlife potential and biodiversity of the land at Moorend Spout.

If you would like to support NEWT and volunteer, please contact Ian Chambers at ian.chambers676@gmail.com.