At the northernmost tip of Dorset, just a few hundred yards from where Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire meet, there is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest. It is an area of very marshy grassland, nestled under the scarp edge of Cranborne Chase and West Wilts National Landscape. Once upon a time it was not so: a footpath led from the ancient Sandways settlement in Bourton up the hill towards Kite’s Nest and the border with Somerset. Until some five years ago, this footpath was in disrepair and effectively unusable, due to the perils of deep black mud.
Supported by Dorset Council’s Rangers, the local Bourton Wildlife and Habitat Group (BWHG) has set about pushing through a series of boardwalk sections to make the path navigable again.
The Rangers have supplied designs and material, and Bourton delivered the manpower and oomph to make it happen. Everyone knew, though, that until an old sunken track could be bridged, the project would remain half done: in the wetter months this steep-sided gulch has been a significant obstacle.
The answer? A near five metre bridge, partly constructed at the Rangers workshop and then manhandled in and completed in situ.
A final single morning’s work resulted in a secure and safe bridge.
The Bourton community thanks Rangers Stuart, Yorgos and Luke for their effort, good humour and passionate interest. By undertaking this project in-house and with direct community engagement, the Rangers have cut the cost by four-fifths compared with using an external contractor, and have also delivered learning and experience for their own team while cementing a strong relationship with a capable local group (who have plenty more ideas for future activity!).
Treading the boards now on Footpath 11, a visitor can see ponds and the life they attract, marshy slopes, some rough grassland (ideal for Barn Owls – there is a new box in one of the big oaks) and many mature native trees before continuing to the glory of the downland above.
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