Oltco: Transforming Sherborne's Paddock Gardens

Overview

Nestled in the heart of Sherborne, The Paddock Gardens has served as a cherished green space for the community for generations. However, over time, the pathways had deteriorated, becoming uneven, prone to flooding, and increasingly difficult to maintain. Sherborne Town Council faced the challenge of finding a solution that would preserve the natural beauty of the gardens while providing a sustainable, long-lasting surface that could withstand heavy foot traffic and the unpredictable British weather.

Enter Oltco South Central, led by the dedicated Rob Wilson and his exceptional team. Renowned for their innovative Recycle Bound product—a groundbreaking resin-bound surface incorporating recycled plastic waste—Oltco offered a solution that aligned perfectly with the council's environmental values and practical requirements.

Brief

Sherborne Town Council approached Oltco South Central with specific requirements for The Paddock Gardens renovation:

1. Create pathways that complement the natural landscape and historical character of the gardens
2. Implement a SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage System) compliant solution to address drainage issues
3. Utilize environmentally responsible materials that reflect the council's commitment to sustainability
4. Deliver a low-maintenance surface that would remain attractive and functional for years to come
5. Complete the project with minimal disruption to garden visitors and local wildlife

Solution

Rob Wilson and his team at Oltco South Central embraced the challenge with characteristic enthusiasm and professionalism. After a thorough site assessment and consultation with council representatives, they proposed using their award-winning Recycle Bound product throughout the gardens.

The installation process began with careful preparation of the existing pathways, ensuring proper foundations for the new surface. Working methodically through the gardens, the Oltco team applied their Recycle Bound mixture with precision and care, paying special attention to edges and transitions to create a seamless look that blended with the surrounding landscape.

What makes this project particularly remarkable is the environmental impact. Each square meter of Recycle Bound installed contains the equivalent of 3,000 plastic straws diverted from landfills and oceans. For The Paddock Gardens project, this translated to over 500,000 pieces of plastic waste being repurposed into beautiful, functional pathways.

The results exceeded all expectations. The newly installed pathways feature a natural stone appearance with subtle color variations that harmonize perfectly with the gardens' flora. The permeable surface allows rainwater to drain effectively, eliminating puddles and reducing runoff. Visitors can now enjoy the gardens year-round without navigating muddy or flooded paths.

The success of The Paddock Gardens renovation has garnered attention throughout the region, with other municipalities expressing interest in similar solutions for their public spaces. For Oltco, it represents another milestone in their mission to transform outdoor spaces while helping to tackle one of our planet's most pressing environmental challenges.