Accessible New Boardwalk Opened on Exmoor
Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) has unveiled a brand-new boardwalk at Porlock Marsh, to improve accessibility and help protect local nature.
Flooding over the past five years has affected this section of the South West Coast Path/King Charles III England Coast Path. The new boardwalk will improve access for walkers on both long distance and short circular walks, between Porlock Weir and Porlock.
Exmoor Ranger Charlotte Wray has been leading on the project, she said: “We are really excited to see this boardwalk built. It has been a real team effort, from consulting with the landowner, drawing up the plans, securing funds, milling the timber from our own woodlands to final construction. Building the boardwalk has improved the surface of the coast path and allowed for the natural flow of water onto this special piece of marshland habitat.”
The boardwalk has been designed to mimic the surrounding landscape with a soft curve and was made possible by the generous support of ‘The Best of Exmoor’, donating to CareMoor for Exmoor, with match funding from the South West Coast Path Association.
Lorna Sherriff, National Trail Officer at the South West Coast Path Association, said, “Helping to fund improvements like this on the South West Coast Path is at the heart of our charity. The boardwalk is fantastic and now makes this part of the Coast Path walkable all year round, whilst also protecting and enhancing the important marshland habitat.”
Chris Lister, The Best of Exmoor said: "We chose to support CareMoor for Exmoor because looking after this special landscape benefits everyone - our guests, our local community, and the wildlife that makes Exmoor so magical. The new boardwalk at Porlock Marsh is a perfect example of how small contributions from local businesses can make a real difference to the places people love to visit."
Ranger Charlotte continued: “We are really grateful for CareMoor donations like this, from individuals and businesses, they’re essential in making expensive projects like this happen. Those who love and enjoy Exmoor and contribute to our CareMoor for Exmoor campaigns, are helping to support nature, heritage conservation, and access projects that can be enjoyed by everyone.”
Find out more about CareMoor for Exmoor and CareMoor Business Champions at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/caremoor-for-exmoor
