Eco Plastic and Recycled Material Playground Equipment

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I went on a site visit this week to see a school who were interested in replacing their trim trail play equipment on their playground as it had been deemed unsafe to use and was beginning to rot and splinter quite badly (especially around the posts where it is dug into the ground). The school wanted to replace it like for like with some new timber trim trail items so I began to explain that the best way of doing this was not to use timber again but to use recycled plastic instead which does not rot or decay, lasts ten times longer than timber and is very environmentally friendly because it is manufactured out of recycled plastic cartons. She said however that she didn’t think the school would like this because they are an accredited Eco Schools and that plastic is harmful to the environment and is non-biodegradable.

I realised that I have a bit of informing to do with schools regarding this range in order to emphasise how our recycled plastic play equipment actively contributes to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

  1. Explanation of the recycling process

The informational video below shows how waste plastic is transformed into durable play equipment. This will help convey the positive environmental impact it has.

Compare The Environmental Impacts: It is important to remember that recycled plastic:

  • Diverts waste from landfills and oceans. Each piece of our equipment saves many kg of waste plastic from landfills making them part of the solution rather than the problem.
  • Requires less energy and resources than producing virgin plastic or wood alternatives.
  • Has a longer lifespan, reducing the need for replacements.
  • At the end of its lifespan, recycled plastic can actually be recycled again, so the recycling loop is maintained for many years to come
  • The educational value, our products can be used as tools to teach children about recycling and sustainability

 How  recycled plastic equipment outperforms traditional materials:

  • Weather-resistant: Lasts longer than wood, thereby reducing waste.
  • Non-toxic: It is totally safe for children and doesn’t leach harmful chemicals.
  • Maintenance-free: Saves money and resources.

Interactive Lesson Plan

We have put together a lesson plan for your school which involves children finding out facts about the environment and the whole recycling process and how then these facts all relate back to our products. This can be seen by clicking on the link below.

We now have many schools who have made the transition from using traditional timber materials to recycled plastic and have some case studies we can share with you.

For more information on this range, please visit the dedicated website on our recycled plastic product range

School Lesson Plan In Recycling

Outdoor Classroom at Dolphin House

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We  have recently completed a project for Dolphin House in South Ayrshire. This job was a fully enclosed 5m octagonal outdoor classroom with hardwood Sapele French doors and a cedar shingle tile roof. It is also featured our unique educational renewable energy equipment to teach children all about how renewable energy is created from the wind and sun and how this energy can be turned into usable power.

An article on this project is given below:

https://www.ayradvertiser.com/news/24731388.dolphin-house-outdoor-centre-gets-new-classroom-facility/

enclosed outdoor classrooms

With cedar shingle tile roof and hardwood Sapele doors

School Lesson Plan In Recycling

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We offer a range of play equipment and playground products which is manufactured out of recycled plastic. This material has numerous benefits but one of its main attributes is that it diverts plastic waste away from landfill as it can be fully recycled and is therefore incredibly eco friendly and it protects the environment. We are teaching our children all about how to be more environmentally friendly and aware and how they can be more involved in the whole process rather than just learning about it. In fact the projects that schools complete as part of their Eco Schools initiative are usually led by pupils and the accreditations look for how these young people have been involved in the whole process.

So it was interesting to learn that one of the primary schools we have recently supplied with some recycled plastic play equipment had used it as a lesson plan to teach children about the recycling process.

Here’s a lesson plan therefore designed to engage primary-aged children on the topic of recycling and the environmental benefits of using recycled plastic for playgrounds.

Lesson Plan: Understanding the Importance of Recycling Plastic

Objective:
To teach children about the environmental benefits of recycling plastic and how their playground equipment can be made from recycled materials, thereby promoting sustainability and engaging in the green economy.

Materials To Be Used:

  • Visuals of playground equipment made from recycled plastic – these can be taken from our website
  • Plastic items (water bottles, containers, milk cartons) to be used as examples
  • A whiteboard or interactive display for discussion and Q&A
  • Printed stats or images about plastic waste, litter and recycling
  1. Introduction

The teacher could start by asking the class how they think their new playground equipment in recycled plastic is made and what it is actually made from. The children could then explore how recycling helps the environment and the planet and how that throw-away waste can now become a new part of the school playground! The pupils could be asked about their perceptions of the recycling process and how this works. They could also give examples of when they have seen plastic waste on the roadside cast aside as litter and how they feel about this.

Key Facts to Share:

  • 100 billion pieces of plastic are thrown away every year in the UK—that’s heavier than 30 aircraft carriers!
  • But there’s good news: 125 million plastic containers are recycled in the UK each year, which saves 3.5 million kilograms of carbon from going into the air.
  1. Activity 1: Plastic to Playground

They could do some research on how waste is turned into a product such as playground equipment and  how it is safe to use

  • Use visuals to show the transformation: Plastic waste → Recycling plant → Playground equipment.

Some Example Engagement Questions:

  • How do you think plastic bottles become playground play towers or picnic benches?
  • Would you rather see plastic floating in the sea or litter beside the road or used for something useful like your school’s playground?
  1. Activity 2: Quiz & Stats

Some suggestions for some questions which the children could research and come up with answers for

Questions for Children:

  1. How many pieces of plastic are thrown away each year in the UK?
    • (Answer: 100 billion, which is heavier than 30 aircraft carriers!)
  2. How many plastic containers are recycled in the UK every year?
    • (Answer: 125 million containers, which saves 3.5 million kilograms of carbon and 12,500 trees being cut down!)
  3. Why is recycling plastic important for animals and nature?
    • (Answer: It stops plastic pollution, which hurts animals and habitats.)
    • Conclusion: How We Can All Help Save the Environment and Protect the Planet

The teacher could encourage the children to think about the processes of recycling and encourage them to think about how they and their families can be part of the recycling loop. Ask them to give examples of what they have done in this instance and what they are doing to stop waste going to landfill or being discarded into the oceans and seas thereby harming sealife.

Homework Suggestion:
Ask children to bring in a plastic item from home that can be recycled, and discuss how it could be turned into something useful.

This lesson plan should help children understand the importance of recycling and how their school playground can be part of a bigger solution for protecting the environment and saving the planet for many more generations to come.

 

We have also put together some videos on this subject too which can assist in this lesson plan

These can be viewed by clicking on the link below:

Video

 

If your school would like to benefit from some playground equipment in recycled plastic, please contact the Hideout House Company on 01832 275902 or email: info@hideouthouse.com

Twin tower play system

Trim Trails for Schools Using Recycled Plastic

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The “go-to” material for trim trails or adventure trails as they are sometimes called has pretty much always been rounded timber posts in UK schools. Whilst this is undoubtedly a good material, there is now available a far better option. And that is by using recycled plastic as the manufacturing material instead. You may already know this material as a lot of schools buy picnic tables for their school playgrounds which are made out of this.

So here are the key benefits a school should consider in this respect when deciding upon a trim trail supplier:

 Sustainability and the Environment

By using recycled materials, we don’t have to manufacture anything new as we are just recycling old plastic bottles. This means creating less energy, not having to use more resources such as oil for the production of plastic and having a lower carbon footprint. It also means less landfill requirements and plastic waste going into and polluting rivers, seas and oceans. You as a school are therefore fostering an environment where materials are reused and repurposed rather than simply being discarded.

Environmental Awareness

It helps children understand about sustainability, recycling and the environmental process and agenda. Many UK schools are embracing eco-friendly initiatives and having trim trail playground equipment made from recycled plastic complements these goals, helping schools achieve green certifications or awards such as the Eco Schools programme.

Value for Money

While the initial cost of recycled plastic trim trails might be higher than traditional materials (although there is not so much of a difference nowadays), their long life expectancy and low maintenance requirements can result in significant cost savings over a period of time. And unlike its timber equivalent, it does not need to be replaced in five years time or faulty parts replaced. This is an important factor for schools to consider as budgets are always under pressure and therefore schools have to prove “value for money” when electing upon a supplier.

Safety 

Of course, another big issue for schools. Recycled plastic does not use any toxic materials so it cannot be harmful to children playing on it. Again unlike timber, it cannot splinter either so children will never get any splinters from running their hands and fingers across it. It also does not have any cracks or “shakes” like timber where children can get their fingers into. It is also very easy to clean being non-porous so any build up of dirt or mould can easily be cleaned away making it a very hygienic play environment for children.

Durability 

Let’s face it, you can never rely on the British weather so any play equipment outside will get exposed to the elements quite a lot over its lifespan. However, recycled plastic is very much weather resistant to all weather conditions so it will not deteriorate or rot over time. Again, this makes it very good value for money. It also requires very little ongoing maintenance as well (again unlike wood which does) as it cannot rot or decay. It is also UV resistant.

So there are many benefits a trim trail manufactured out of recycled plastic play equipment can bring to a school – safe, durable, value for money, cost-effectiveness and which also promotes the whole sustainability issues and environmental awareness

For more information on our trim trails, please call us on 01832 275902 or email: info@hideouthouse.com

Trim trail

 

Delivery and Siting of The Outdoor Classroom Pod

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Our very popular outdoor classroom pod – which can be used for a whole host of applications such as an outdoor library, outdoor learning space, break-out room, meeting room, sensory room etc – is one of the only products we manufacture completely in the factory and is then delivered to the school site on the back of a specialist transport truck.

Being delivered on transport truck with fork lift

They are then positioned on site either through craning off the back of the truck via a hi-ab crane (we must be able to get this to within 12 metres of the site) or by using a Moffat forklift. When we use a Moffat forklift, the pod is transported lengthways (as per below) so we also ask our schools to note that we always need a 4m clearance (minimum) otherwise this is not possible. We are able to lift over lower level playground fences for example.

Where to?

Our on site time at the school is therefore minimal and we are usually on the school site for only a couple of hours. In fact, one school in Northamptonshire ordered four pods to be sited in different positions around the school playground. We arrived in the morning soon after the school had started their first lessons of the day and by the time the children came outside for their mid morning break, we had already been and gone and they were somewhat surprised to find 4 unique looking buildings on their playground!

The prices we quote for the pods initially are an ex-works price – that is, no delivery or siting charges have been allowed for at this stage. The price for delivery and siting typically depends on the location of the school and the ease of access. We can either come and do a site survey or a lot of schools nowadays send us videos and photos via email or whatsapp messages. We are then able to send this information onto our transport company who in turn will revert back with a price.

The outdoor classroom pod has to sit on firm ground – so for example, a tarmac playground is ideal but if it has to be on grass, then a concrete base has to go down first (we can advise on the specification for this) or we are able to supply and install special ground screws which the pod sits upon. Please contact us for further details on this.

Installing the ground screw foundation system

There are various options that we offer with the pod and one of those is an electrics pack which includes electrical sockets, lights and heating. If you did elect for this package, please note that you would have to bring electricity out to the pod site from the nearest electrical distribution point at the school and arrange for this to be done with your local contractor. This is not work that we can undertake ourselves.

Click on the outdoor classroom pod link for further details.

 

 

 

Greening the Curriculum: How Schools Can Embrace Environmental Learning into Outdoor Programmes

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In today’s world, fostering environmental awareness and sustainability is no longer just an option; it’s a necessity. Schools now play a crucial role in shaping the attitudes and behaviours of future generations towards the environment. One powerful way to instill these values is through outdoor learning programmes that immerse pupils in nature while teaching them about environmental stewardship and awareness. At The Hideout House Company Ltd, we specialize in providing eco-friendly products for UK schools, and we’re passionate about helping educators incorporate environmental learning into their own outdoor programmes. Here’s some examples how schools can embrace environmental education into their outdoor curriculum:

  1. Create Outdoor Classrooms and Shelters: Outdoor classrooms provide a unique setting for hands-on learning experiences. Schools can designate areas on their grounds for outdoor lessons, equipped with benches, whiteboards, and eco-friendly materials. Our eco friendly materials incorporate solar powered water irrigation systems linked to planters and roof guttering, solar panels and wind turbines linked to monitoring boards and systems, dynamo bikes the children have pedal (or hand cranks to turn)to create power and sedum covered roofs. These spaces offer opportunities for exploring various environmental concepts, from biodiversity and ecosystems and rainwater harvesting to renewable energy and conservation.
  2. Gardening and Sustainable Agriculture: Establishing school gardens not only teaches students about plant life cycles and ecosystems but also instills a sense of responsibility for caring for living things. Schools can incorporate lessons on organic gardening practices, composting, and water conservation. Students can also learn about the importance of locally sourced food and the impact of food miles on the environment.
  3. Eco friendly play equipment: We have a unique range of play equipment which is made out of recycled plastic (mainly from recycled plastic milk containers). Not only is this environmentally friendly and low maintenance, it can also be incorporated into children understanding the recycling loop and recycling-into-action programmes.
  4. Environmental Projects: Encourage pupils to take action through environmental projects that address real-world issues. Whether it’s organizing a litter clean-up around the school and its local streets, planting trees to combat deforestation, or implementing a recycling programme at school, hands-on projects empower students to make a positive impact in their community. These initiatives not only foster environmental stewardship but also develop valuable skills in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.
  5. Outdoor Workshops and Demonstrations: Invite guest speakers, environmental experts, or local artisans to conduct workshops and demonstrations outdoors. From renewable energy technologies like solar panels and wind turbines to traditional crafts using natural materials, these interactive sessions expose students to innovative solutions and traditional practices that promote sustainability.
  6. Wildlife Nature Habitat Enhancement: Transform school grounds into wildlife-friendly habitats by creating areas that attract native species. Planting native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers provides food and shelter for birds, insects, and other wildlife. Schools can also install bird feeders, bat boxes, and insect/bug hotels to encourage biodiversity and ecological balance.
  7. Citizen Science Initiatives: Engage the children in citizen science initiatives that contribute to ongoing research efforts. By participating in projects such as bird counts, biodiversity surveys, or water quality monitoring, students can collect data that scientists use to better understand and protect the environment. Citizen science not only promotes scientific literacy but also fosters a sense of connection to the natural world.

By integrating environmental learning into outdoor programs, schools can inspire a new generation of eco-conscious citizens who are equipped to tackle the environmental challenges of the future. At The Hideout House Company Ltd, we’re committed to supporting schools in their efforts to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. Together, we can nurture a generation of environmental stewards who will work towards a greener, more sustainable future.

For more information, please contact the Hideout House Company on 01832 275902 or email info@hideouthouse.com and we can go through with you some case studies where we have worked with schools to promote their environmental learning programmes

 

STEM for Outdoor Learning in Schools

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As part of our eco outdoor classroom range, we offer an educational renewable energy piece of equipment which has a wind turbine mounted on the roof as well as a solar panel which feeds down into a panel mounted monitoring and control board. As well as teaching children about the benefits of how we can create sustainable and green energy harnassed from the elements, it also is able to teach children about certain curriculum based STEM learning outcomes.

Below are some of these:

  1. As part of the system, we offer a meter or datalogger – it is therefore possible to be able to output some data from the system which the children/school can then use for logging onto graphs/pie charts etc. For example, they could compare this data against seasons and weather changes within certain time periods. Monthly data comparisons could also be undertaken which could then be linked back to studying climate change anomalies
  2. We can also offer special bikes and handcranks which the children can pedal or turn to create power and electricity – a school can therefore introduce a link to pedal/effort/reward ratios – so the children understand that the harder and faster they pedal, the more energy/watts/power is created – this is then related back to household items for everyday relevance – rather than a poster as below, this potentially could be done on the app (currently being worked on) or as LED light displays giving children a visual representation of “watts to effort”

    Electric pedal dynamo bike

  3. The bikes can power up a music bluetooth system with drum and sound pads the children can hit to create different sounds and notes – useful to link too with sounds and notations which are also studied within the curriculum

    Children pedalling bikes for the music

  4. The board itself could be relevant to STEM based learning as children study electrical circuits and switches, batteries, bulbs, buzzers, forces and light

    energy monitoring board

We are always developing new systems in regards to this so for further information, please do contact us on 01832 275902 or email: info@hideouthouse.com

The Benefits of Trim Trail Play Equipment for Schools

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These items of play equipment are very popular in schools as they encourage and promote physical play (strength), co-ordination and balance skills as well as teaching children about spatial awareness and resilience. Let’s not forget that they are fun to play on too and get children fit which is most important as a high level children in the UK are now overweight.

There are many products that can make up a trim trail (sometimes called adventure trails or fitness trails) and the great thing is that a school can easily add to the trail over a period of time. Some of these products are listed below:

  • Balance beam
  • Log climber
  • Stepping stones
  • Log walks
  • Hanging log crossing
  • Wobbly log bridge
  • Spring balance beam
  • Log weaver
  • Crawl net
  • Double traverse wall
  • We as a company offer some recommended trail packages which we know have worked well in schools (there are six in the range currently) and offer a good mix of product to promote the afore-mentioned skillsets. Or alternatively a school can “mix and match” from the extensive product range of trim trails we offer.

The other good news is that trim trails are suited a wide age range – from 3 to 12 years old depending on the product mix used.

At the Hideout House Company, we offer trim trails both using rounded timber with steel feet to go in the ground (otherwise the timber will rot over time) or using recycled plastic which is becoming ever more popular with schools. This is because recycled plastic has many advantages such as it lasts 5 times longer than timber, does not rot or corrode and is relatively maintenance free. And of course with the climate change crisis still very much at the forefront of everyone’s minds, sustainability and eco awareness has to count for quite a lot nowadays – and recycled plastic cannot be more eco-friendly as it is made out of recycled waste and plastic.

If your school would therefore like to have an initial consultation with us about our range of trim trails, then please contact us on 01832 275902 or email info@hideouthouse.com

Trim trail

 

Litter and Schools

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I have started to litter pick around where I live. Bear in mind, I live in a small country village which is outside a town about 5 miles away so it is not a major route shall we say. On the first day, I filled up two big black sacks of rubbish taken from the roadside and the grass verges – the second day in the other direction another bag’s worth. And this is just about a mile radius from my house.

In my opinion, this is an absolute disgrace and I am not sure what it says about us as a nation – well I do actually but it is not repeatable on a blog such as this! I have spent a lot of time travelling in France and other parts of Europe by road and bike and they do not have anything like the litter problem we have in this country. Litter not only looks unsightly like the whole of our towns and countryside are now used as a giant litter bin but also it is harmful to wildlife (the RSPCA receives numerous calls every day about wildlife getting caught up in or injured from items of litter). Litter breeds litter that is for sure but it is beyond me why we cannot simply wait till we get home and then throw the litter in the bin – it really is not that hard.

I am sure that there are many ways to cure this problem and again, this blog is not for going into more detail on this but suffice it to say, I was delighted to see that litter forms one part of the Eco Schools topics in raising awareness about the problem and about being actively involved in doing something about it as a school within the community…such as litter picking days and initiatives such as The Great British Spring Clean. I only hope that if children learn at school about how dropping litter is bad for the environment, wildlife and local communities, then in later life they will hopefully not be the people who think that it is okay to throw cans, plastic bottles and packaging out of their cars.

Imagine too how much of the 20 million discarded plastic bottles and cans could be recycled into new drinks vessels – again massively benefitting the environment. The public cost for clearing up the country’s mess could be better spent on education or healthcare.

Let’s hope!

Recycled Plastic vs Timber

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A picture can tell a thousand stories….

I recently took these photos of two picnic tables in a school playground – both bought at roughly the same time.

No words needed really