Harrytown High School, Romiley, Stockport

Budget: 18k

The school had an area of natural grass that had been worn away due to the footfall from the students, as a result the area was muddy and the students were bringing the mud into the school with them after break and lunchtimes.
Initially, the school wanted to surface the remaining area with artificial grass, however, we were unable to do this because of the existing tree stumps and subsequent protruding roots in the area. Instead, we suggested using a rubber mulch surface, this surface is made up of recycled rubber that is coated with a natural colour, it looks like bark but instead of being loose like bark the rubber pieces are bonded together and do not move once the mixture is set. The school chose the brown colour to provide a contrast between the existing sections of green artificial grass.

The rubber mulch option was also the most cost effective solution for the area, this is because it is the only surface that does not require a sub base underneath, as long as the area it is being installed onto is not boggy and doesn’t have any drainage issues. When artificial grass is installed onto soil it always has to have a sub base underneath and this does increase the cost considerably.

The school also asked us to install some sleepers along the back part of the area to contain the bushes and trees that were growing there.

The school’s investment in the new surfacing means that they now have a beautiful, natural looking space that the students can use all year round without the worry of mud being brought into the school.

Vicky, the School’s Business Manager, said she is very happy with their new area, she also told us that the schools Headteacher is very impressed too and that they will certainly work with us again on any future projects.