The project consisted of the installation of soil erosion protection and vegetation establishment to a newly formed slope at the recently extended DHL/Primark distribution centre at Thrapston near Kettering.

Pre-Seeded Covamat Fresh was selected as to provide a grassed surface in a short space of time, while the blanket continued to protect the slope until the root matrix had grown sufficiently to ensure good erosion control. Covamat Fresh increases germination speed due to the incorporation within the blanket of organic fertiliser, micro-organisms and 5mm of top soil. The additional layer of topsoil allows seed to commence germination once rolls are manufactured. With this in mind the Covamat Fresh blankets required immediate installation upon arrival on site. For this site standard seed mix 2A was incorporated into the Covamat Fresh, consisting of 35% Creeping Red Fescue, 30% Chewings Fescue, 30% Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass, and 5% Brown Top Bent. This mix is low maintenance, shade tolerant, use in better quality soils. It shows strong root development and erosion protection.

The surface was prepared in accordance with Greenfix’ installation instructions. Rolls were then laid out loosely down the slope, with paper side down. The supplied pinning pattern was followed to ensure good ground contact for successful germination. Greenfix timber stakes were used to secure the matting. Spreading a maximum of 5mm of soil on top of the matting further aided ground contact. The toe of the slope was secured behind a timber edging.