Play Surfaces & Equestrian Products
Read More About Our Play Surfaces & Equestrian Products
Play Surfaces & Equestrian Products - Safety Certified Materials
Willis & Ainsworth supply a complete range of Play Surfaces & Equestrian Products including BS EN 1177 certified play chip and play bark, BSEN 1177 play sand, silica sand and rubber chippings for riding arenas and ménages, animal bedding sand and USGA bunker sand. Most materials are available loose tipped by the tonne or M³, with bulk bags available for larger orders of 10 bags or more. Delivery throughout Thatcham, Newbury, Reading and surrounding areas.
Our Play & Equestrian Materials
Hardwood Play Chip BS EN 1177
5-30mm certified hardwood play chip. Premium impact-absorbing safety surface, longer lifespan than softwood alternatives. Loose tipped delivery.
FROM as low as £80.73 Per M³
Pine Play Bark BS EN 1177
FSC certified, BS 4790 fire tested and BS EN 1177 play certificated. Light, bulky and impact absorbing for child-safe play areas.
FROM as low as £80.73 Per M³
Play Sand BSEN 1177
Double-washed silica sand conforming to BSEN 1177-2008. Tested for impact absorption from falls. Available in bags or loose tipped.
FROM as low as £5.99 Per Bag
Equestrian Rubber Chippings
Recycled tyre polymer with nylon fibres. Premium riding surface additive for improved cushioning and reduced dust in arenas and ménages.
FROM as low as £281.76 Per Tonne
Silica Sand
Premium sub-angular silica sand selected for equestrian arenas and ménages. Excellent grip, drainage and stability for riding surfaces.
FROM as low as £56.10 Per Tonne
Animal Bedding Sand
Premium animal bedding sand for cattle, livestock and zoo applications. Comfortable, hygienic and absorbent. Loose tipped delivery.
FROM as low as £48.90 Per Tonne
0-2mm USGA Bunker Sand (Rootzone)
98% silica USGA-spec bunker sand, washed and screened to United States Golf Association rootzone standards for golf course construction.
FROM as low as £56.76 Per Tonne
Woodchip
Natural chipped tree material providing economical mulch, ground cover and weed suppression. Ideal for paths and informal play areas.
FROM as low as £39.20 Per M³
10mm South Cerney Gravel
4-10mm soft rounded oolitic limestone gravel in cream/buff/yellow tones. Popular decorative gravel for paths and gardens.
FROM as low as £75.85 Per Tonne
20mm South Cerney Gravel
10-20mm screened oolitic limestone in characteristic cream/buff colouring. Hard-wearing decorative gravel for driveways and landscaping.
FROM as low as £75.85 Per Tonne
2-6mm Grey Limestone Chippings
Fine angular grey limestone for detailed decorative coverage, paths and specialist landscaping. Loose tipped bulk delivery.
FROM as low as £55.40 Per Tonne
4-20mm Grey Limestone Chippings
Versatile angular grey limestone for decorative coverage and specialist applications. Neat, clean finish for landscaping projects.
FROM as low as £55.40 Per Tonne
20mm Grey Limestone Chippings
10-20mm angular grey limestone for driveways, landscaping and pathways. Excellent value, hard-wearing decorative chipping.
FROM as low as £55.40 Per Tonne
80-40mm Crushed No Fines
Single-sized crushed stone with no fines. Open-textured, free-draining material providing structural support and water permeability.
Call to order
10mm Recycled Shingle
Sustainable reclaimed and processed aggregate. Environmentally friendly alternative to primary materials. Loose tipped delivery.
FROM as low as £51.10 Per M³
20mm Recycled Shingle
Eco-friendly 20mm recycled aggregate processed from reclaimed materials. Quality-controlled and cost-effective for landscaping.
Call to order
40mm Recycled Shingle
Larger 40mm recycled aggregate for sustainable construction and landscaping projects. Reduces primary resource use.
Call to order
Play & Equestrian Applications
Play & Education
- School playgrounds
- Nursery play areas
- Public parks
- Soft landing zones
- Climbing frame surfacing
Equestrian Use
- Riding arenas & ménages
- Indoor schools
- Lunge pens
- Stable bedding
- Yard surfaces
Sports & Specialist
- USGA golf bunkers
- Sports rootzones
- Multi-use games areas
- Cattle & livestock bedding
- Zoo enclosures
How We Help With Your Project
Right Material Selection
Advice on whether BS EN 1177 play chip, play bark or play sand suits your fall height, age range and surface specification.
Quantity Calculation
Tell us your area dimensions and we calculate tonnage. Play surfacing typically 300mm depth; arena surfaces 75-150mm depth.
Loose Tipped & Bulk Bags
Cost-effective loose tipped loads for large projects, or bulk bags for orders of 10+ where access is restricted.
Safety & Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BS EN 1177 and why does it matter for play surfaces?
BS EN 1177 is the British and European standard for impact-attenuating playground surfacing. Materials carrying this certification have been independently tested for impact absorption to specified Critical Fall Heights. Our Hardwood Play Chip, Pine Play Bark and Play Sand BSEN 1177 are all certified, making them suitable for use beneath swings, climbing frames and play equipment in schools, nurseries and public play areas.
What's the difference between play chip, play bark and play sand?
Hardwood Play Chip (5-30mm) is the most durable and longest lasting, made from hardwood timber and ideal for high-traffic play areas. Pine Play Bark is FSC certified, lighter and gives a softer natural look but breaks down faster. Play Sand BSEN 1177 is double-washed silica sand specifically tested for impact absorption. All three meet BS EN 1177 / BSEN 1177 standards — choice depends on appearance, longevity and budget.
Which materials are best for a horse ménage or riding arena?
For most private and professional arenas we recommend Silica Sand as the base riding surface, often blended with Equestrian Rubber Chippings to improve cushioning, reduce dust and add stability. The exact specification depends on the discipline (general riding, dressage, jumping), arena base and drainage. Call us on 01635 865679 to discuss the right blend and quantity for your ménage.
Do you supply USGA bunker sand for golf courses?
Yes — our 0-2mm USGA Bunker Sand (Rootzone) is a 98% silica washed and screened sand meeting United States Golf Association specifications for golf bunker construction and rootzone applications. Suitable for new course builds, bunker renovations and sports field rootzones. Loose tipped bulk delivery available across Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire.
Can I order in bulk bags rather than loose tipped?
Yes — most of our play and equestrian materials are available in bulk bags for orders of 10 bags or more. Bulk bags suit projects with restricted access, smaller gardens or where measured placement is needed. For large schools, riding arenas and commercial projects, loose tipped delivery is more cost-effective per tonne.
How much play surfacing do I need for my play area?
For BS EN 1177 compliance, play chip and play bark are typically installed at 300mm depth to deliver the certified Critical Fall Height. As a guide, a 5m x 5m area at 300mm depth needs roughly 7.5 M³ of material. Tell us your dimensions and equipment fall height and we'll calculate the exact tonnage and arrange delivery.
How is delivery arranged?
We deliver loose tipped loads and bulk bags throughout Thatcham, Newbury, Reading and surrounding areas in Berkshire, North Hampshire and Southern Oxfordshire. Multiple loads can be arranged for large school, council or equestrian projects. Call Thatcham 01635 865679 or Newbury 01635 40009 to confirm options for your postcode.
Do you supply animal bedding sand for cattle and livestock?
Yes — our premium Animal Bedding Sand is the agricultural industry's preferred choice for cattle, livestock and zoo applications. Comfortable, absorbent and hygienic, it improves animal welfare and reduces lameness. Supplied loose tipped by the tonne for direct delivery to farms and yards.