Since April 2020 a group of local volunteers has been meeting twice a week to repair and improve the path and boardwalks through the wonderful Hinksey Heights Nature Trail (www.hinkseytrail.org). The Trail is not only part of an official Local Wildlife Site, but also a much-valued local amenity for people who like to come and walk and enjoy the wildlife and the rare and vulnerable alkaline wetland areas.

Our work ensures that visitors can use the Trail safely and enjoyably all year round, so that we can all appreicate and preserve this wonderful place.

In 2023 we built 330 metres of brand new raised boardwalk through wetland and steeply sloped areas, and applied new techniques that are longer-lasting and durable, with more to follow in 2024. We also carry out a constant year-round cycle of repairs and clearance. We are also using newly acquired skills in coppicing and other methods to generate sustainable materials from the site itself.

Repairs to the boardwalk do not come cheaply. It costs around £50 a metre in materials alone to replace the raised wooden boardwalk completely, and £5 a metre simply to upgrade the anti-slip wire. A temporary duckboard for muddy or uneven sections costs £20 per 2.4metre section.

We are entirely dependent on public donations and grants for the materials we use. All the labour is provided by our local volunteers. Thank you for supporting our work.