Improving access and interpretation at an internationally important peatland
Site
Do: pathwork
The first part of pathwork was the construction of a floating aggregate path. Once that had been completed, 'spur' paths were made to slow people down.
One of these, using slate from a local quarry, is now known as 'The Contemplative Path'. It has no interpretation on-site, but simply allows vistors to enjoy the feel of the bogland around them and to take their time to notice small details of plants, sounds and scene.
Another part is a roughly 450-metre-long boardwalk, made from recycled plastic. This was built in sections in the car park, so that plastic debris from construction did not fall onto the surface of the Moss. Sections were then flown out by helicopter. Each section was laid on the bog surface and its height adjusted using wedges in a low-impact installation.
A clear benefit from the various sections of path is that groups of various ages and abilities can now go out onto part of the Moss in a safe, comfortable way. See Art on the Moss for an example of how this has been used to good effect by local school pupils, teachers and artists.
