Pond Dipping Platforms

Safe access to the water's edge

Greenspace Designs have been building pond dipping platforms, decks, viewing platforms and angling jetties for over twenty years. Platforms are often incorporated into wider wooden boardwalk installations, but equally we can create stand-alone platforms to provide safe access to the water’s edge. Platforms are a great way to encourage and facilitate visitor engagement with the aquatic environment whilst also providing a spot to stop and appreciate the views to be found in your green space.

Each of our pond dipping platforms is unique, created to meet the specific requirements of each installation site. Our wooden platforms are built from sustainably sourced timber with a hard wearing non-slip finish applied to each tread board.

Platforms can be circular, rectangular, square or curved – whatever suits your spot best. Pond dipping platforms provide safe access to the shallows at the edges of the pond, which are full of life, whilst preventing damage to banks and plants at the pond edge. Help visitors to bridge the gap between the aquatic environment and dry land without getting their feet wet.

Customised Handrails

Traditional rounded, planed handrails can be installed at varied heights depending on the intended use and audience of your platform. Alternatively, working with the renowned wildlife artist Mike Langman, we can create beautiful etched handrails. For a viewing platform these could highlight key points of interest that can be seen from the particular location. For pond dipping platforms they form an excellent wildlife identification display board. The deep engraving gives a tactile quality that children and adults love whilst educating visitors about the wildlife that can be found in the pond.

Joined up jetties

Jetties, decks and platforms can all be integrated with either existing infrastructure (eg fencing or handrails) or as extensions of wider installations such as boardwalks. Adding angling jetties to boardwalks can provide safe fishing spots whilst protecting fragile bankside habitats. For added security we can add lockable gates or security barriers to ensure that any platforms are only used under supervision. Access to our platforms can be graded to meet existing paths if required. We have a wide range of customised wooden seating and signage that can be used to complement your platform.

These are examples of some previous wooden pond dipping platforms, viewing platforms and angling jetties created by Greenspace Designs. Contact us to let us know what type of platform you want on your site.

Click on an image below for more details.

Pair of pond dipping platforms

A pair of dipping platforms installed in a farm pond for the Countryside Restoration Trust. The etched handrail illustrates creatures that visiting school children can find in the pond.

Etched wildlife handrails

Detailed artwork is etched into these 3 metre long cedar boards to help school children identify the species they find in the pond. Each set of artwork is specific to the wildlife found at the installation location.

Pond Dipping Platform in a Plymouth Nature Reserve

This semi-circular pond dipping platform opened up access to a pond at Efford Marsh. An existing barrier was removed to create access.

Angling jetties

Boardwalk providing access to angling jetties for a peaceful fishing spot at Lakeside Park, Guildford.

Pond Dipping Platform Etched Rail

A timber dipping platform built over a sloping bank. The wide top rail is etched with artwork created by local primary school children.

Curved pond dipping platform

Installed as part of a renovation of the outdoor space at an Oxford Science Park.

Circular pond dipping platform

The Oxford Trust now have a circular pond dipping platform at Stansfield Park. Apparently we are one of the only companies to offer curved timber decks.

Pond dipping platform

The rails are set just at the right height, so that children can have a really good look without the worry of going in! (that's the plan anyway - obviously due care and attention need to be taken when taking children near water).

Series of small pond dipping platforms

Multiple small access points to a wider pond for groups of school children.

Pond dipping platform

Installed at the National Trust's Fyne Court to provide safe access to the pond. The etched handrail is set at a low height to allow kneeling children to explore the waters with nets and dipping jars without falling in.

Engraved rail on pond dipping platform

The front rail of the pond dipping platform at Fyne Court is engraved with artwork detailing the wildlife to be found in the pond.

Semi circular viewing platform Okement

Semi-circular viewing platform above the point that the West and East Okement Rivers meet in the centre of Okehampton.

Circular pond dipping platform

Installed on the Sharpham Estate in Devon.

Custom seating rail around beach platform

Not a pond in site but a timber viewing platform on a beach at the end of a timber boardwalk with customised seating rail.

Beach access viewing platform

A level timber platform to provide a viewing spot on a beach for wheelchairs and other users who are unable to access the soft sand