Recycled Plastic Trim Trail for St Andrews School LAPSW – Buckland Monachorum, Devon – April 2026

In April 2026, Rhino Play returned to St Andrews School in Buckland Monachorum, Devon, to design, supply and install a brand new recycled plastic trim trail. St Andrews is part of the LAPSW academy trust, and LAPSW continue to choose Rhino Play for multiple projects thanks to our commitment to excellent products, reliable and professional service and close attention to detail.

Replacing The Old Timber Trim Trail

When the school’s old timber trim trail reached the end of its working life, we were invited back to quote and design the replacement. The school decided against installing another timber trim trail, because the short lifespan of timber simply didn’t compare with the sustainability and longevity of our recycled plastic trim trail items.

Key reasons the school chose recycled plastic

• A much longer lifespan compared with timber
• Splinter free, non rotting and resistant to strimmer damage
• A strong, visible example of recycling and re using in the school environment
• A sustainable match for the hard work the school had put into fundraising

Installation Through A Very Wet Winter

Once awarded the project, our teams set about planning the install, which was a task in itself due to hugely wet ground and constant rain. Despite the conditions, the teams battled through and created a project to be proud of.

The Design Approach

The new recycled plastic trim trail snakes its way along the edge of the field, lining the access pathway with the existing recycled plastic play system already in situ. This created a long course that spreads children out, allows them to access or exit from any point, and can still be used as a continuous challenge by those capable and keen to complete the full run. We also provided some separate low level pieces for Reception and KS1 children.

Equipment Installed at St Andrews

KS1 Trail

• Triple Balance Beams covering 6m, with 1x Rubber Log Post
• Leading to an Inclined Balance Weaver at 3m long

KS1 & KS2 Trail

• Rope Crossing 3m long, linked on one end to the existing play tower and to a post at the other
• Vertical Net 3m long x 2.3m high, linked to the post of the Rope Crossing
• Ramp Net Climber 3m long x 1m wide x 1.5m high
• Swinging Log Steps 3m long
• Monkey Bars 3m long x 2m high
• Traversing Trees x 6, set at angles with a gap of no more than 500mm apart

Safety Surfacing

• A total of 115.5m2 of Rubber Grass Mats
• Edges dug in and all mats linked together
• Installed across the full KS2 trail route and the required falling areas for the higher level equipment
• Fully compliant with BSEN1176

You can view our full range of safety surfacing and HDPE recycled plastic products online.

The Results

Now that Spring is here, the children are able to fully enjoy the fabulous new facility. They can also learn about recycling and re using in their own environment, and enjoy a splinter free, non rotting trim trail that will be there for many years to come.

Thinking About A Similar Project?

If your school or multi academy trust is considering replacing a tired timber trim trail with a sustainable alternative, please get in touch with the Rhino Play team.