Matting trials on CL's.

JayOutdoors
JayOutdoors Forum Participant Posts: 572
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edited December 2017 in Certificated Locations #1

Re recent discussion in Motorhomes section - CMC in the MMM.  Aspenshaw the OP posts “According to the article, the CMC is looking at its CLs, a number of which are trialling matting that can help driving of grass.” Just wondering if anyone knows if there is any info for members telling us which are the trial sites?  I have emailed HO but have only received the automatic reply - no info as yet.

Comments

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,144 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2017 #2

    Come on Jay the CC is in the leisure industry so no one will be around until after the holidays, I.e. 3 Jan 18winklaughing

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited December 2017 #3

    Just confirmed by Rowena on the EV charging threadwink

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,040 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2017 #4

    There are some CLs that already use plastic matting and grow grass through, we have used one of two in the past. Just needs identifying on the CL facilities search to assist members. A good idea if more CLs want to offer a longer season, and not just for MHs. 

  • Fisherman
    Fisherman Forum Participant Posts: 2,367
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    edited December 2017 #5

    Nothing new here. Colin Jones who owned Brecon  Beacns previously had them installed and the CC have retained them. Most pitches just after the entrance barrier are thus created. Its a good idea and fairly simple and cheap to install.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,858 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2017 #6

    Fisherman

    Can I ask when was the last time you visited the Brecons Beacons site? We were there in September and I could find no trace of matting being used on the grass pitches and I can't see anything in the site description. I suppose it's possible they are well disguised but usually any form of reinforcement is obvious, particularly towards the end of the season. 

    David

     

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,636
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    edited December 2017 #7

    Jay, Ian Kelly at Birch Hill Farm has pitches with plastic matting. Why not contact him and ask? Belle Vue Farm, Guilden Sutton, Chester may be another that has similar.

  • Fisherman
    Fisherman Forum Participant Posts: 2,367
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    edited December 2017 #8

    Yes they are well disguised/ matured and properly bedded in. As you head out past the reception through the barrier strait in front those on the right hand side are matted. Yes I was there this year.

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,040 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2017 #9

    Splash Farm CL, under Matlock, actually near Cromford, has plastic matting underpinning the grass pitches. We were there last Winter, and while pitches were worn in places because it was extremely wet, we had no problems whatsoever driving on and off daily, no sinking in of wheels at all. Lovely CL as well, one we return to quite regular.

  • JayOutdoors
    JayOutdoors Forum Participant Posts: 572
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    edited January 2018 #10

    The following is the info I asked for from HO via email which may be of help to other members.  

    The six sites who kindly trialled the vehicle matting to assist getting on and off pitches in bad weather were:

    Town End Cottage
    CA11 0AW
    Cholsey Grange
    HP14 3XT
    Ford Farm
    SO42 7TB
    Good Life @ Blaenllan
    SA45 9RS
    Green Gables
    BS16 1SS
    Hollington End Farm
    DE6 2AU
     

    We got some favourable responses and have fed this back to all our owners.  We are looking to see whether it is a product that we can source at a favourable rate for CL Owners and will be in touch with our owners again in their next newsletter.

    The matting is with all the Club Sites who do not have hard standing for the same purpose.  It is not a product that is in position permanently but used ad hoc when required.

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited January 2018 #11

    Probably the matting we were offered at club site  Bladon a couple of years ago, very useful. It certainly helped. Thanks for your reply.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,858 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2018 #12

    The matting is with all the Club Sites who do not have hard standing for the same purpose. It is not a product that is in position permanently but used ad hoc when required.

    Quite honestly that sounds awful! I hope I never have to use a pitch with it. I have been on a few pitches where they have a plastic grid embedded into the grass surface and I like like that either although better of course that a wet pitch that you sink into. Is it not just a case of creating proper hardstandings which solves the problem completely?

    David

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited January 2018 #13

    David, we found it worked very well at Bladon and stopped us getting stuck on soggy rain soaked grass. The wardens handed us two big pieces and they were much heftier and bigger than anything we could carry around with us. The only downside for the wardens is getting the mud off for the next users. In good weather they wouldn't be needed at all.

  • BirchHillFarmCL
    BirchHillFarmCL Forum Participant Posts: 187
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    edited February 2018 #14

    Although we are not part of the new CAMC matting trial, as Nellie says, we have used ground reinforcement matting for around 10 years. 

    It is not maintenance-free, but does means that our CL stays open all year.  Around 15% of our bookings are in the months when we would otherwise have been closed.

    Ian Kelly

    01691 622951
    Holiday@BirchHill.co.uk


    Birch Hill, The Cross, Ellesmere, Shropshire, SY12 0LP
    www.BirchHill.co.uk


    Birch Hill Farm - an award-winning hideaway in the beautiful lake-lands of Shropshire - exclusively for members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club