Hinksey Heights’ volunteers have been building and maintaining the boardwalk, which provides a clear path for locals.  The project began in May 2020 with a small group of volunteers, repairing the existing boardwalk. Since then, however, the path has deteriorated further, so they began to build new boardwalk.

Nick Thorn, 64, has been working on the boardwalk since the project began and states, “We had a request from the land-owner on the local Facebook for people to come out and help rebuild the boardwalk otherwise it would have closed to the public.” Nick then gathered a team of five individuals who brought their own tools until the team grew to 20 volunteers.

In August 2024, a bridge was also re-built, connecting the boardwalk over a stream. It took a team of 10 volunteers 5 days to replace the old bridge and build the new one which was strengthened by sinking parts of it into the bed of the stream.

Nick said that the project is very important as it is “essential that people are able to connect with nature and this is one of the most important nature reserves in the area.”

The project is being funded mainly through grants by the local council, charitable trusts and donations from the users of the trail. A fund from the Vale of the White Horse District Council of just under £10,000 will allow the team to build an additional 220 metres but not completely finish the boardwalk. The team “always welcome new volunteers. You just need to be fit and mobile and we give all necessary training and tools.”