Yuken Europe find a ecological solution for drawbridge at Brockholes Nature Reserve

Brockholes Nature Reserve, part of the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester & North Merseyside, aims to make nature accessible to all. This once active quarry site is now a 250-acre nature reserve and home to lots of different wildlife and stunning views overlooking the River Ribble.

Work was undertaken at Brockholes to create the Meadow Lake Suite, a pontoon which floats on the lake amongst a cluster of eco-buildings and nestles amongst the reeds. The award-winning floating Lancashire conference venue makes it the only business venue of its kind in the UK and it was achieved with the help of Yuken engineers.

The Meadow Lake, at Brockholes nature reserve, is the hub of birdwatching, when the water level is down, wading birds feed on small invertebrates in the exposed mud. The lake has some of the richest water plant life in and around it. The reed fringes hold some of the largest populations of birds on site, islands are perfect for safe roosting and breeding area for wading birds. 

The ecological solution

The brief for this innovative design was to provide a means of powering the ‘raise and lower’ functionality on the front and rear drawbridges, which are the only access points onto the pontoon. The system was originally intended to be hydraulic powered because of the weight of the bridges, but the noise levels proved to be too high and the size of the equipment too large. The potential for water contamination if a leak were to develop also had to be taken into consideration as any contamination would be devastating for the environment.

With the experienced Yuken team at the helm, the bespoke system successfully fulfilled its role on all points. Sound levels were successfully reduced by hiding the hydraulic power unit underground, which also served to keep it out of the public’s view, and bio-degradable oil was employed to reduce the risk of pollution if a leak were to develop.

Pete Ledson, project engineer at Yuken Europe explained that: 

“Being involved in the Brockholes project was particularly challenging due to its unique design & surrounding environment, but at the same time, was one of the more rewarding. Our team had the opportunity to work within a setting surrounded by natural wildlife, they applied their experience and skills to manufacture and install the gangway. This allows general public with all abilities to gain access, enabling education to the natural environment.”  

Some key features were added, such as remote control, which enables the last person off the pontoon to safely raise the drawbridge. Having remote control meant that there was no requirement to have any equipment shore-side that could be potentially damaged or tampered with to access the pontoon. The Hydraulic power unit was also located in an underground ‘pit’ which allowed it to be hidden from the public and had the added benefit of reducing the acoustics when operating. All this combined has led to the floating suites at Brockholes to be the only business venue of its kind in the UK, a true feat of engineering.”

Yuken Europe who we are 

Yuken Europe is part of the Yuken Group; a global company which has provided world class hydraulic engineering services since 1929.

Why Choose Yuken Europe Hydraulic Specialists?

Yuken is recognised globally for its outstanding products and bespoke services

• Yuken offers a bespoke service in design and build of new devices for customers
• Yuken listens to customers to fully understand your needs
• Yuken Europe Hydraulic Specialists provides the very best solutions helping you to face challenges head-on
• Providing precision engineering services since 1929 in Japan and from 1980 as Yuken Europe Ltd.

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