A NEW walkway has been created to open up public access to a hidden and widely forgotten ancient wetland near York.

The 10.21 hectare nature reserve is at the heart of Upper Dunsforth village, between Aldborough and Great Ouseburn, and had been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Those responsible for its care have likened the reserve to a hidden time capsule holding increasingly rare examples of habitat and wildlife that were once widespread across the low-lying Vale of York.

Now months of hard work by staff and volunteers at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, and funding from the Two Ridings Community Foundation, has resulted in the installation of a renewed and extended walkway, essential for improving visitor access whilst protecting the fragile wetland ecology.

The wildlife charity successfully applied to the community foundation for £47,000 from the Allerton Waste Recovery Park Landscape and Cultural Heritage Fund to pay for the walkway.

An existing wooden boardwalk, constructed by the trust more than a decade ago, had been closed off to the public for safety reasons after deteriorating rapidly in woodland which was wet for much of the year.

The 230 metres of new walkway is made from recycled plastic, and is expected to last four to five times longer than treated softwoods.

The plastic is also chemically inert, meaning there is no risk of soil contamination or subsequent impacts on plants and other wildlife, which is a risk with treated timbers.

James Searle, project leader, said: “Quite rightly, waste plastic continues to hit the headlines as a serious form of pollution. It’s an added bonus for this project that we’ve been able to utilise such material in a really positive way.

“The recycled plastic used is sourced exclusively from UK materials, such as milk bottles and other plastic containers which would otherwise be destined for landfill.

“It’s estimated that the new boardwalk could contain between 50,000 and 60,000 recycled milk bottles. Whilst to some a walkway may seem mundane, it’s a really important addition to this reserve.”

The trust also plans to use the grant to re-fence reserve areas.