Help Us Rebuild the Mida Creek Eco-Walkway!

Hello! My name is Andy Payne. I’m the founder of Blue Forest Treehouses, but long before I started building fabulous treehouses when I was just a young man (!), I built an adventurous boardwalk made from series of rustic rope bridges and through the stunning mangroves of Mida Creek on the coast of Kenya.

In 2002, I was living in Japan but returned to my birthplace of Kenya to help protect one of the most unique and beautiful ecosystems on earth, and in doing so, support the communities who live alongside it. That’s when the Mida Creek Eco-Walkway was born.

Winding 260 metres through the dense mangrove forest of Mida Creek – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – the walkway has since offered thousands of visitors an unforgettable glimpse into this rich, fragile environment. But more importantly, it’s changed lives.

Through the incredible work of A Rocha Kenya and their ASSETS Eco-bursary Scheme, all profits from the walkway have gone directly to supporting local children. To date, nearly 800 students have received scholarships to attend secondary school – an opportunity that’s out of reach for most children in this region. The walkway also provides sustainable jobs for local guides, vendors, and artisans.

Sadly however, the boardwalk is at breaking point. Built with limited funds over 20 years ago, it’s finally reached the end of its serviceable life. Sections are quite unsafe, and repairs are no longer viable. That’s why I’m reaching out – we urgently need your help to rebuild it.

We’re teaming up with Flipflopi, an inspiring not-for-profit organization leading the way in creative and impactful environmental action by recycling single-use plastics into something extraordinary – in this case sustainable recycled decking for the new Mida Creek Eco-Walkway!

Also based on the Kenyan Coast, Flipflopi gained global recognition for building the world’s first dhow (a traditional sailing boat) made entirely from recycled plastic waste, including discarded flip-flops collected from beaches. Their innovative approach not only tackles the urgent issue of plastic pollution but also raises awareness and sparks meaningful conversations around sustainability and circular economies. Through community engagement, education, and advocacy, Flipflopi is transforming waste into wonder while empowering local communities to be part of the solution and where better to use their recycled decking than the new walkway.

What We’re Raising Funds For:

We’re looking to raise GDP £300,000 (USD $402,000) to completely rebuild the Eco-Walkway using durable, sustainable materials including recycled single use plastics washed up on the Kenyan coast.

We are seeking to expand and significantly enhance the structure to better serve growing ecotourism demand train and equip local guides, ensuring long-term income and quality visitor experiences.

Most importantly, we want to dramatically scale up the impact of ASSETS – allowing many more children to go to school and more families to benefit from conservation-based livelihoods.

Every £1 you give is a step closer to protecting this vital ecosystem and empowering the people who call it home. £1,000 funds one metre of walkway, and £2,500 covers the training and equipment for a local guide.

Why It Matters:

Mida Creek is one of Kenya’s least developed ecotourism destinations – yet one of its most important. Home to some of Africa’s rarest species and a sanctuary for endangered birds and marine life, it’s also a place where poverty is widespread, and education is a luxury.

This project bridges that gap. It’s a rare opportunity where conservation, community, and culture come together – and it works.

But without your help, it cannot continue.

If you’re able to make a financial contribution, your generosity will have an inter-generational impact and create a genuine, tangible difference for the people who need it most.

If you’d like to sponsor a part of the walkway – perhaps a deck board with your name or a personalised inscription engraved on it – we would be extremely grateful and we would love to hear from you. Please contact us directly if you would like to do so.

Every bit helps, and together we can build something that lasts and genuinely changes lives.

From my heart to yours – thank you for getting behind this project and supporting us.

Warmly,

Andy Payne

Founder, Blue Forest Treehouses

Living in the UK - left my heart in Kenya….