A HELICOPTER carried around 40 tonnes of machinery and materials up a steep hill as part of a tricky reservoir improvement project in rural Dorset.

Wessex Water’s Ulwell Reservoir is located on a site of special scientific interest 80 metres above the village of Ulwell, near Swanage

As the service reservoir is only accessible by foot, the water and sewerage company used a helicopter to carry its equipment up the hill.

Project manager Dave Fear, who led the refurbishment work, said: “The decision to use a helicopter to transport machinery and materials came after we realised other options, such as using a crane, weren’t feasible.

Bournemouth Echo: Wessex Water called in a helicopter to transport machinery for work at the company's Ulwell Reservoir near Swanage

“We liaised with our environment team, Natural England and the local authority to decide which option would have the smallest impact on the local environment.

“By using a helicopter, we were able to ensure green spaces on the hill weren’t damaged during the scheme.

“The work will also help us maintain a safe supply of drinking water to our customers in the surrounding area for long into the future.”