Sustainability at St Nicholas – St Nicholas RC School, Exeter – October 2025

During the later summer of this year, we at Rhino Play installed a new recycled plastic trim trail at St Nicholas RC School in Exeter, Devon. The school were fed up with the rotting existing timber trail that became smaller each year with pieces being taken away due to rotting. The PTA worked very hard over several years in raising the funds to be able to make this new trail a reality.

Material Selection Rationale

The school staff and PTA decided upon our recycled plastic trim trail equipment as the main focus. This decision was driven by several important factors:

• Desire for a long-lasting legacy to reward years of dedicated fundraising efforts
• Elimination of rot issues typically affecting timber trails within 10-15 years
• Environmental benefits of using equipment made from 100% recycled plastic
• Splinter-free surface for improved safety and reduced maintenance
• Minimal ongoing maintenance requirements compared to traditional materials
• Aesthetic compatibility with the school’s existing landscape and surroundings

Customised Design Process

We worked hard with the school to ensure that the items they wanted fitted and were designed specifically for them. This collaborative approach included:

• Development of a new ‘Peg Monkey Bar’ to meet their specific requirements
• Strategic trail layout planning to maximise year-round usability
• Careful consideration of space constraints and pupil traffic patterns
• Integration with existing playground features and infrastructure

The resulting project delivered exactly what the school had envisioned, creating an attractive, durable and environmentally-responsible outdoor play space. Since the installation, the pupils have been enjoying their new provision greatly, with increased usage levels and positive feedback from both children and staff.