Bark and Wood Chippings
Read More About Our Bark, Woodchip, Play Bark & Mulch by the Cubic Meter
Bark, Woodchip, Mulch & Play Bark - Delivered Loose Tipped by the Cubic Meter
At Willis & Ainsworth we supply a full range of bark, woodchip, mulch, soil improver and BS EN 1177 certified play chip. Because these products are bulky and lightweight, we sell them by the cubic meter (M³) rather than by the tonne. Loose tipped deliveries from 1 M³ up to 80 M³ on an articulated lorry, covering Berkshire, North Hampshire and Southern Oxfordshire.
Family-run business established 1983 • Serving Berkshire for over 40 years • Trade & DIY welcome
Featured Wood Products by M³
Pine Play Bark (BS EN 1177)
Certified Safe Play Surface
Playgrounds • Schools • Nurseries • Home Play Areas
Hardwood Play Chip (BS EN 1177)
Long-Lasting Play Chip
Public Playgrounds • Schools • High-Use Areas
Contract Ornamental Bark 10-40mm
Decorative Garden Bark
Borders • Beds • Landscaping • Mulching
Woodchip & Compost Mulch
Screened Woodchip + Compost
Garden Mulch • Weed Suppression • Soil Conditioning
More Wood Products by M³
Ornamental Whole Tree Chip 40mm
Coarse Decorative Chip
Paths • Borders • Large Landscaping • Hedge Rows
Woodchip (Loose Tipped)
Standard Woodchip
Paths • Walkways • Bulk Coverage • Hedge Rows
20mm Woodchip Fines (Soil Improver)
Aged Soil Improver
Soil Conditioning • Borders • Beds • Composting
Applications & Uses
Children's Play Areas
Playgrounds • School play areas • Nurseries • Public parks • Home play zones
Garden & Landscaping
Decorative borders • Beds • Hedge rows • Ornamental schemes
Mulching & Soil Health
Weed suppression • Moisture retention • Soil conditioning • Improver layers
Paths & Practical Cover
Garden paths • Walkways • Allotments • Large area ground cover
BS EN 1177 Certified Play Chip & Play Bark
Our Pine Play Bark and Hardwood Play Chip are certified to BS EN 1177, the British and European safety standard for impact-attenuating playground surfaces. This makes them the right choice for schools, nurseries, public playgrounds and home play areas where safety compliance is essential. Hardwood Play Chip generally lasts longer in heavy-use settings, while Pine Play Bark gives a softer, more traditional bark appearance.
Why Choose Willis & Ainsworth
Loose Tipped Delivery from Thatcham & Newbury
All bark, woodchip, mulch and play chip is delivered loose tipped by the cubic meter (M³). We supply loads from 1 M³ up to 80 M³ on an articulated lorry, with smaller vehicles available for restricted-access sites. Ideal for home gardens, schools, nurseries, parks, landscapers and large landscaping schemes across Berkshire, North Hampshire and Southern Oxfordshire. Bulk pricing applies — the more M³ you order in one delivery, the lower the price per cubic meter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you sell bark, woodchip and mulch by cubic meter (M³)?
Bark, woodchip, mulch and soil improver are bulky, lightweight materials whose weight changes significantly with moisture content. Selling by cubic meter (M³) means you pay for the volume you actually need to cover an area, regardless of how wet or dry the load is. As a rough guide, 1 cubic meter (1,000 litres) is roughly equivalent to 2 standard bulk bags of material.
How much bark or woodchip do I need to cover my garden?
As a guide, 1 cubic meter of bark or woodchip will cover approximately 10 square meters at a depth of 100mm (4 inches), or 20 square meters at 50mm (2 inches). For effective weed suppression and good moisture retention we usually recommend a 75–100mm layer. Tell us the area and desired depth on 01635 865679 or 01635 40009 and we'll calculate the right volume for you.
What is the difference between Pine Play Bark and Hardwood Play Chip?
Both products are certified to BS EN 1177 for impact-attenuating playground surfaces, but they suit different applications. Pine Play Bark has the softer, traditional bark appearance favoured for home gardens and many school play areas. Hardwood Play Chip is denser, harder-wearing and tends to last longer in high-use public playgrounds and busy school sites. If you're not sure which is right for your project, give us a call and we'll advise.
What is Woodchip & Compost Mulch and what is it used for?
Woodchip & Compost Mulch is a screened woodchip blended with compost specifically for mulching. It works as an organic ground cover that suppresses weeds while improving soil structure and nutrition over time as it breaks down. It's ideal for borders, beds and around shrubs and hedges, and is far more economical loose tipped by the cubic meter than buying multiple small bags.
What is 20mm Woodchip Fines used for?
20mm Woodchip Fines is a finer, more broken-down material best used as a soil improver. It can be dug into existing borders to lighten heavy soils, improve drainage and add organic matter, or used as a fine top dressing. It is not a decorative product — for finished borders we'd recommend Contract Ornamental Bark or Pine Play Bark.
What is Contract Ornamental Bark 10–40mm best for?
Contract Ornamental Bark 10–40mm is a graded decorative bark used widely by professional landscapers and serious gardeners. The mixed 10–40mm grade gives a natural, textured finish that suppresses weeds, retains moisture and gives borders and beds a tidy, premium look. It is loose tipped by the cubic meter, making it ideal for medium and large landscaping schemes.
What is the minimum and maximum delivery size?
We deliver loose tipped loads from 1 cubic meter up to 80 cubic meters on an articulated lorry. Smaller loads suit home gardens and small projects, while 60–80 M³ loads are ideal for schools, parks, large landscaping schemes and contractors. We have a range of vehicles to match access and volume — call us to discuss the right size for your site and access.
Do I need vehicle access for a loose tipped delivery?
Yes — because the load is tipped directly from the lorry, we need clear vehicle access and a suitable hard tipping area such as a driveway, yard or close-access lay-by. Smaller vehicles can reach more restricted sites, while large articulated loads need open access and turning room. If access is tight, please mention it when ordering and we'll match the right vehicle to your delivery.
Do you offer bulk discounts on large M³ orders?
Yes — our bark, woodchip and mulch products are priced on a sliding scale, so the more cubic meters you order in a single delivery, the lower the price per M³. Trade customers, schools, landscapers and large garden projects all benefit from significantly reduced rates on bigger loads. Call 01635 865679 (Thatcham) or 01635 40009 (Newbury) with your volume and postcode for a tailored quote.
Order by the Cubic Meter Today
For quotes on bark, woodchip, play bark, mulch and soil improver by M³:
Willis & Ainsworth - Established 1983 - Your Local Family Building Merchant