CASE STUDY

Boardwalk & Bridge Foundations, Chalfont St Peter

Ground screw foundations for a 70-metre composite boardwalk and Bison Bridge, installed as part of the redevelopment and expansion of a nature reserve in Chalfont St Peter. Delivered by No More Digging Guildford, the project created an accessible route through wetland while preserving the surrounding environment through a low-impact foundation solution.

Client:
Chalfont St Peter Parish Council

Location:
Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire

Project:
Ground screw foundations, composite boardwalk and Bison Bridge installation

Install Team:
No More Digging Guildford

Challenge

The project formed part of the expansion of the local nature reserve, requiring a new access route that would allow visitors to safely navigate wetland areas without compromising the surrounding habitat.

The foundations needed to support both a 70-metre composite boardwalk and a Bison Bridge while avoiding the disruption associated with traditional concrete foundations. Minimising excavation, preserving the natural landscape and delivering a long-lasting structure were key priorities throughout the project.

Achieving a consistent level across the length of the boardwalk and bridge was also essential to ensure a safe, high-quality finish.

Solution

Following a detailed site survey and setting out of the works, No More Digging Guildford installed the required RADIX ground screws using a hydraulic drive head mounted to a SANY mini excavator. Each foundation was laser-levelled to ensure precise alignment across the full 70-metre structure.

Once the foundations were complete, the team constructed the supporting framework before installing the composite decking and handrail system, along with the Bison Bridge. Materials were transported efficiently around the site using a Kubota tractor fitted with pallet forks, allowing the installation to progress smoothly while keeping ground disturbance to a minimum.

By using ground screw foundations, the project eliminated the need for concrete and extensive excavation, protecting the sensitive wetland environment while providing immediate load-bearing capacity. The completed boardwalk and bridge now provide safe, durable access through the nature reserve, supporting its continued development while demonstrating the versatility of ground screw foundations for public access and conservation projects.