7.7 Million Bottle Tops Turned Into 300 Steps
Box Hill, Surrey
Access to the iconic Box Hill, a landmark within the Surrey Hills National Landscape, has been dramatically improved following the extensive refurbishment of the 300 steps leading to its summit.
Originally constructed by volunteers in the 1980s, these steps had significantly deteriorated over time due to erosion, making them difficult to navigate and forcing visitors to detour off the designated path onto unsafe and slippery terrain. The recently reconstructed steps, which traverse the steep hillside and link the popular Stepping Stones path to the top of Box Hill, have been designed to enhance visitor safety and encourage a more sustainable way for both residents and tourists to enjoy the area. Moreover, the project aimed to protect the fragile biodiversity of the site, which had been compromised by the detours.
The refurbishment project was undertaken by landscape construction specialists, Maydencroft, over a period of 3 months. Due to the challenging and steep location of the steps, much of the construction work had to be done manually rather than using machinery. Workers had to transport materials to the site each day on foot, overcoming the difficult terrain to ensure the steps could be built in a way that would minimise environmental impact. A floating pontoon was even installed across the River Mole to facilitate the transport of materials, demonstrating the innovative and environmentally conscious methods used in the construction process.
In a further effort to prioritise sustainability, the new steps were built using approximately 15 tonnes of recycled plastic, which equates to the recycling of 7,731,360 milk bottle tops. This durable and eco-friendly material was chosen for its long-lasting properties, which will help reduce future maintenance costs and prevent the need for regular replacements. By using recycled plastic instead of traditional oak boards, the project also avoided sending more plastic to landfills and eliminated the need for the felling of trees. It is estimated that five oak trees would have been cut down if oak had been used for the steps. This environmentally responsible choice not only highlights the importance of sustainable construction methods but also serves as a model for future conservation efforts in protected landscapes like Box Hill.
The refurbished steps have restored safe and easy access to one of Surrey's most beloved natural landmarks, inviting visitors to explore the area's stunning views and rich biodiversity in a way that respects and preserves the natural environment. Through the combination of careful craftsmanship, eco-friendly materials, and a commitment to sustainability, the project has ensured that Box Hill will remain accessible and protected for future generations to enjoy.
