Friends of Holt Island Nature Reserve

01480 385999

Enhancing a beautiful town-centre habitat to offer peace, tranquility and an educational resource.

We promote and improve the reserve and maximise the wonderful resource it represents. We assist the HDC Rangers with habitat management tasks, recruit practical volunteers, and fundraise for projects to improve both the educational value of the reserve and the visitor experience.

Save our Boardwalk
The raised boardwalk is an essential feature of Holt Island. As well as enabling access for visitors with prams, wheelchairs and other mobility aids, it also means that the Island's rare wet woodland habitat can be enjoyed safely, even when it is partially flooded or otherwise inaccessible.

However, looking after the wooden boardwalk on Holt Island is a constant round of regular board replacement and maintenance - our volunteers liken it to repainting the Forth Bridge! The wooden boards have a lifespan of 10-12 years and the non-slip surface needs frequent repair. This continual repair means continual costs.

Following discussions with HDC and other conservation bodies, and in line with our management plan, we have decided to replace the wooden boards with Fibregrid which is made from a composite of glass reinforced plastic (GRP) and resin. It is tough, waterproof, lasts for 40+ years and is maintenance-free. We are currently undertaking a trial, installing 66 metres of Fibregrid - approximately 10% of the total boardwalk.
Fibregrid is more expensive than timber - costing around £200 a panel to supply and install but its longevity and resilience means that longer-term it is more cost-effective than wooden boards.
We are actively fundraising for this project and would be very grateful for your support.

Thank you

Why the community needs us
We raise awareness of the reserve and promote it as a perfect place to relax in beautiful natural surroundings to receive the healing power of nature. This is now recognised as a definite health benefit for adults, and is of particular importance for the development of children. We especially want teachers to treat the reserve as an outdoor classroom so children can gain experiences of nature and the natural environment. Today's young people will become ambassadors for our environment.

Our impact on the community
Our banner indicates when the reserve is open and how to gain access and has increased visitor numbers. Opening and closing is managed by the Friends using committee members and Volunteer key holders. We increased open days this year through October. Our extra seating and interpretation panels have encouraged visitors to linger longer. Our willow display and weaving demonstration for HODS day was popular, and our new hut and Education Pack will encourage teachers and children to visit.

What your gift could provide

£15

Provide a replacement timber board for the boardwalk

£200

Provide a Fibrgrid panel to improve the durability and sustainability of the boardwalthe boardwalk

£25

Educational materials

Charity Information

Friends of Holt Island Nature Reserve

Telephone: 01480 385999

Address: 18 Redwell Close, St Ives Cambridgeshire PE27 6NY

Established in: 2007

Registered charity no.: 1198894