But despite its environmental risks, using plastic in the Broads has been given the seal of approval by the waterway's officials.

Increasingly, the Broads Authority is turning to plastic as an alternative to the use of timber, believing it to be more affordable and longer lasting than traditional options.

Floating pontoons, which are partly made of plastic, are currently being considered for installation at sites across the network of rivers.

A map of the section of boardwalk and bridge that could be replaced (Image: Broads Authority)

And at How Hill Nature Reserve, members recently approved plans to replace an ageing wooden boardwalk and bridge with recycled plastic materials.

At a planning meeting earlier this month, where permission was granted for the changes at the beauty spot, Leslie Mogford praised the decision to use the material, stating that the "world is changing".

Leslie Mogford, a Broads Authority member (Image: Newsquest)

The Broads Authority member added: "Recycled plastic is more stable in the environment than the wood it's replacing.

"Wood uses preservatives which leach out into the environment. You are better off with plastic than wood."

At the meeting, officials were pushed over whether they could guarantee there was no pollution risk through using plastics at How Hill, which is a sensitive nature site.

Officers said the material would not have any impact on the environment and that any drilling or cutting of the plastic boardwalk and bridge would be completed away from the marsh where it will be installed - on the opposite side of the Ant to the main house - to avoid any fragments being spread into the wetland.

The view towards the River Ant and Turf Fen Mill at How Hill on the Norfolk Broads. (Image: Newsquest)

The quality of plastics has improved in recent years, the BA said. Previous use of the material at How Hill has also proven successful.

While officials are increasingly choosing these materials for projects, anyone considering choosing plastics for things like moorings must prove that there would be no ecological impacts, such as plastic decaying and impacting wildlife and water quality.

© Eastern Daily Press