A REVOLUTIONARY low-tech bridge design is helping conservationists to nurse damaged New Forest mires back to health.
The special causeways have been put in along three of the most important wetland areas in the Forest - Holmhill and Redhill near Brockenhurst, and Denny Bog near Lyndhurst.
The mire-mending design includes earth banks leading in from opposite sides of the bogs, connected by small wooden bridges.
A gentle flow of water is channelled through gaps which act like rows of pipes.
Forestry Commission Ranger Vicky Myers said: "The flow has slowed right down and spread across the width of the mires, so ecologically-valuable mosses will be able to re-colonise the damaged areas. In time, the scars will heal completely and the causeways make ideal walkways for people and animals."
The New Forest LIFE partnership is ploughing £5 million into restoring rare habitats.
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