We are going to be doing work on the boardwalk at the Purfleet hide over the next few weeks, to replace the wooden surface with new planking.
This work will start on Monday 6 January, and is likely to last 6 weeks.
Access to the Purfleet hide will not be possible for a while – but we plan to sequence the work in such a way that means we will get it back open as soon as we can. In the meantime views across the Purfleet scrape of all the wintering duck can still be enjoyed from the path at the bottom of the ramp below the Visitor Centre.
A complete circuit of the reserve will still be possible, but only by going in an anti-clockwise direction (ie via the woodland first) and then returning to the visitor centre along the riverwall using the exit-only turnstile near the giant anthill. Unfortunately, this turnstile and path are not suitable for visitors with push-chairs, wheelchairs or mobility scooters so a complete loop wouldn't be possible - we would advise visitors to consider how far to go around the trails before setting out.
It will still be possible to get to the marshland discovery hide and beyond to the high seat, but from here you will need to retrace your steps back to the exit-only turnstile near the giant anthill.
We will keep you up to date!
.
Here you can see the team working on previous sections of the boardwalk. The team will be taking off the top layer that you walk on and replacing boards and fixing if needed.