California Country Park, Wokingham
Boardwalk decking replacement
| Location | Wokingham, Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Designer | Creative Timberwork |
A boardwalk through an ancient lowland bog and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
The Brief
Objective: Replace the deteriorating timber boardwalk at Longmoor Bog with a safe, sustainable and low-maintenance solution, sensitive to its precious ecological setting.
Client: Wokingham Borough Council
Completion: January 2024
Setting the Scene
Longmoor Bog, nestled within California Country Park, is no ordinary landscape. This 8,000-year-old lowland bog is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), celebrated for its ancient peat deposits and rare microorganisms. The site supports an ecosystem of national significance, providing a living record of Britain’s natural history.
But over time, nature had taken its toll on the softwood boardwalk that once guided visitors across this remarkable wetland. Exposed to constant moisture and heavy public footfall, the structure had become unsafe and unsightly. The challenge was clear: how to restore safe access while respecting and protecting one of Wokingham’s most treasured habitats.
The Challenge
The environmental conditions at Longmoor Bog presented a unique set of challenges. The boardwalk sits in an area of near-permanent dampness, where timber quickly deteriorates despite treatment. Regular maintenance not only proved costly, but also risked disturbing the fragile environment beneath.
Any replacement needed to:
- Endure the wet, acidic conditions without rotting or warping
- Minimise maintenance and environmental disruption
- Provide exceptional slip resistance for year-round public access
- Blend visually with the natural surroundings
The Council and its appointed designer, Creative Timberwork, considered several options – from pressure-treated timber to fully manmade alternatives. Their decision would need to balance natural aesthetics, durability, and value over time.
The Solution
After detailed comparison, the team selected Millboard decking as the ideal solution. Its wood-free composition – produced from a unique resin mineral blend – offers long lasting beauty and strength.
In a location where moisture is ever-present, Millboard’s non-porous surface means it won’t rot, swell or host algae growth. Its exceptional slip resistance, even in wet conditions, ensures a reassuring surface for walkers, families and nature enthusiasts exploring the park in all seasons.
The chosen profile and finish were carefully selected to complement the natural landscape, creating a structure that feels at home in its setting while offering the robust performance required for such a sensitive site.
“We are so pleased with the finished article that we are already planning new projects involving the same material.”
Bartlam of Wokingham Borough Council.
The Installation
Working within a protected SSSI environment demanded care and precision. Creative Timberwork coordinated closely with ecological specialists to ensure minimal ground disturbance during installation. The modular, lightweight nature of Millboard decking meant components could be carried and fitted by hand, avoiding the need for heavy machinery on site.
Every stage of the build was guided by respect for the bog’s ecology – protecting root systems, limiting vibration, and avoiding any contamination risks. The result is a new boardwalk that sits lightly on the land while providing a strong, lasting pathway for visitors.
The installation was completed efficiently, with zero reported environmental impact and no disruption to public access within the park.
The Result
The completed boardwalk is both beautifully understated and highly functional – a structure that celebrates the harmony between modern engineering and natural beauty.
Key outcomes include:
- Significant reduction in maintenance costs – thanks to the long lifespan and resilience to decay of Millboard decking boards.
- Reassuring under foot – the surface remains exceptionally slip resistant, even in damp or wet conditions.
- A seamless aesthetic fit – the natural tones and woodgrain texture of the boards echo the warmth and beauty of traditional timber, without its associated vulnerabilities.
Visitors now experience the bog as it was intended – immersed in its stillness and beauty, guided safely along a pathway that honors the landscape rather than competing with it.
Why Millboard products?
For environments like Longmoor Bog, Millboard decking and cladding represent the future of outdoor design. Unlike timber or some alternative composites, it:
- Requires virtually no maintenance
- Offers exceptional durability against moisture and biological decay
- Provides outstanding slip resistance, tested to the highest standards
- Retains its appearance without fading or splintering
- Is hand-molded from natural oak and hand colored, ensuring each board is unique
This combination of performance and craftsmanship makes Millboard the trusted choice for heritage sites, public parks and ecological projects across the UK.
A Lasting Legacy
Where once stood a rotting timber path in California Country Park, now lies a resilient, elegant route designed to last for decades.
By choosing Millboard decking, Wokingham Borough Council has reduced its long-term maintenance burden and reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable stewardship of its natural assets.
This project stands as a testament to what’s possible when science, design and respect for nature work hand in hand.
Project Summary
| Project | California Country Park Boardwalk Replacement |
| Location | Longmoor Bog, Wokingham |
| Client | Wokingham Borough Council |
| Designer | Creative Timberwork |
| Completion | January 2024 |
| Product Used | Millboard Enhanced Grain Decking |
| Application | Boardwalk through wetland (SSSI) |
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