Attracting visitors and locals alike, Porlock Marsh is well known for its plantation of stunted trees, long dead, raising their bare branches skywards and is a focal point for many photographers. It is also home to a petrified forest visible at low tide, dating from some 6000 years ago, before melting ice from the last Ice Age caused sea levels to rise and shift the shoreline inland.
As an integral part of the South West Coast Path, as well as forming parts of several popular circular walks around Porlock and Porlock Weir, this area has long suffered from flooding by freshwater from neighbouring field ditches to the south, which take large amounts of surface run off, as well as from the various springs that run into the stream through Porlockford.
The issue had been ongoing for several years, but with climate change bringing unprecedented rainfall in recent times, the issue had worsened. The lack of drier weather meant that the standing water remained, and the path stayed flooded for longer periods, making it inaccessible for individuals without wellies.
The creation of a boardwalk to overcome these issues and make the area more accessible was led by Exmoor National Park Authority, with significant funding from the South West Coast Path Association. The boardwalk is 70 metres in length and 1.5 metres wide and made from untreated hardwood harvested from Exmoor National Park woodlands with ramps at each end for improved accessibility. Metal hex studs have been installed on each board as an anti-slip measure. Offering comfort underfoot for walkers year-round, it will be particularly appreciated during the winter months when flooding would have prevented many from exploring this incredible section of Coast Path.
The structure will be maintained by the Exmoor National Park Authority and inspected annually as part of the regular Coast Path survey.
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.
Geoff Garfield, Volunteer Area Path Rep at the South West Coast Path Association, said of the new boardwalk,
Porlock Bay, stretching between Bossington and Porlock Weir, is very popular with walkers, both locals and visitors. Regular visitors are aware that the bay is changing. Some 30 years ago, the sea breached the defensive shingle ridge, turning large parts of the land into saltwater marsh. More recently, some of the freshwater streams that drain into the bay have escaped their beds, creating freshwater marshes. All of this is great for wildlife. Many more bird species are seen on the bay, with regular sightings of curlews, shelducks and little egrets. However, the marsh can make walking difficult for visitors, including those who are enjoying the first (or last) stretch of the South West Coast Path. To overcome this, Exmoor National Park Authority has constructed 4 boardwalks, with the support of the Association. The latest of these opened this autumn, in good time for the winter.
Exmoor Ranger, Charlotte Wray, who has been leading on the project, 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.
Chris Lister, from The Best of Exmoor who also supported the project, 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.
The boardwalk has been designed to mimic the surrounding landscape with a soft curve and was made possible by the generous support of one of our Way Maker businesses, The Best of Exmoor, donating to CareMoor for Exmoor, with match funding from the South West Coast Path Association.
£20k = Total cost of the project
£10k = South West Coast Path Association contribution
With the installation of the boardwalk, it is hoped that new audiences will be inspired to visit and experience this extraordinary landscape.
Tread the boards and explore Porlock
Porlock Marshes
Easy: 3.4 miles
A leisurely amble along paths around Porlock’s fascinating saltmarshes, a coastal wildlife area of national importance, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Children will love the shingle beach, the wilderness atmosphere and the tumbledown limekilns and pillboxes.
https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/228/
Porlock Woodland Walk
Moderate: 4.2 miles
A delightful stroll around the western side of Porlock Bay, through the woodland cloaking the hills above Porlock Weir, along the clattering pebbles of Porlock Beach and back around the edge of marshy pastures.
https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/230/
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Help us support more improvements to the South West Coast Path to make your journey even better! We rely on fundraising to make significant improvements like this boardwalk. Donate today and give something back to the Path you love.
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Images, unless otherwise stated, courtesy of Exmoor National Park.
The South West Coast Path 