Rural Payments and Services

Boardwalks allow public access to difficult areas such as marsh and wetland while protecting habitats, and can be used to extend access for wheelchairs, pushchairs etc.

Any land is eligible and the boardwalk should be part of an existing path or be selected alongside the IPA “upgraded path” or “new path” capital item.

• May be constructed from treated timber or from recycled plastic.
• Edging rails should be installed on the deck, min 75mm square.
• Boardwalk will normally be 1.2m minimum deck width measured between edging rails.
• Wider sections of deck width 1.7m to be installed as passing places or at busier sections.
• Decking boards of min 50mm thickness to be laid at right angles to the direction of flow, with max 12mm gap between boards, and should include anti-slip measures to improve grip.
• Deck should be level or have gradient not greater than 1:12.
• Be linked smoothly with a ramp to the adjoining path at either end.

You can claim £91 per square metre of clear deck.

The inspectors will check:

• The location and extent of the work as is detailed in the contract schedule of works and contract map.
• That the capital item requirements have been met as detailed above.

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