The client asked The Habitat Restoration Co. to install a set of embankment steps, complete with handrails and non-slip timber decking, plus 2 dog access steps into the River Hayle
St Erth Access Steps
Client brief
Something a bit different for The Habitat Restoration Team this week!
Our client, on behalf of St Erth Parish Council, asked us to install a set of embankment steps linking two existing footpaths running through the newly developed River Hayle nature reserve. These steps were to be completed with Gripsure’s non-slip timber decking boards and provide safe and easy access to walkers and dogs up and over the flood barrier embankment.
We were also asked to install two sets of dog access points along the river in places of prominent erosion. These were to be constructed so dogs could easily access the river safely without contributing to further erosion and without encroaching on the existing pathway.
THRC solution
We set about sourcing our materials that were strength graded, and pressure treated to ensure maximum life span and structural integrity for providing a commercial grade specification for the decking to be fastened to. Our team installed the steps and handrails following industry best practice tolerances and allowances on step heights and installed the fantastic non-slip timber decking that our parent company, Gripsure (UK) Ltd, manufactures.
For the dog access steps, our rivers team carefully excavated areas suitable for installing several 3-inch oak planks to form the shuttering from which the main body of the steps would form. Our team used a 1.5t excavator to do so, without entering the river course under any circumstances as per the stipulations provided by our client for environmental reasons.
The oak boards were fastened securely and deeply into the ground using lengths of threaded bar and backfilled with gravel that suited the surrounding environment. Our team also widened the path in some areas to maintain a clear and unobstructed gap between the edge of the steps and the existing hedge.
End Result
The embankment access steps installed now join to the main sections of the footpath, allowing walkers to complete a loop around the nature reserve, linking up the newer sections to the existing sections. Using Gripsure’s non-slip timber decking these steps can be used safely all year round without fear of slipping.
St Erth Parish Council now has 2 locations of dog access steps off the main footpath and into the river Hayle, where the dogs can easily and safely access the water without creating more erosion to the river bank. Using naturally water-tolerant timbers, the environmentally friendly steps are securely fastened into the ground to prevent further movement or damage.
Interested in how The Habitat Restoration Co. can help you in your next project? Get in touch and speak to our friendly team today.
