Mottisfont, National Trust

In January 2020, Mottisfont contracted the help of William’s Engineering Solutions Ltd to find a solution for three popular footbridges located around the property’s wider estate. Given the high footfall these paths receive, they required a product that was durable, low maintenance, and above all safe. It had to replace the chicken wire that had previously been laid and become dangerously slippery.

Mottisfont chose Gripsure Heritage, a cost-effective softwood board with excellent anti-slip properties as a result of the high aggregate coverage. They also opted to have the timber treated to UC4, given the wet location, offering enhanced longevity and ultimate protection.

This project didn’t come without unforeseen challenges. With the initial order placed in January 2020, it was only a short while later when the pandemic struck, throwing the nation into its first lockdown just before the delivery was to be made in early March. As a result of the tumultuous and uncertain times, the National Trust was then forced to halt all projects until the end of the year. One year on and. after much effort and determination, the boards have finally been installed and are ready to welcome visitors to explore acres of beautiful woodland once again.