Arena installers - NORFOLK

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louisewarner

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I am inheriting a 20x40 sand/woodchip arena in my new place in South Norfolk soon. Before we move there I want advice on best way to improve the existing surface which is old and now quite shallow.

Does any one recommend anyone locally - or at least in East of England, that would be good for a site visit and some advice following.

Obviously aware of all the national 'names' but wonder if there is a local option meaning perhaps a better quicker service and even a better price!

Thanks very much
 
I wouldn't know where to start in Norfolk, and I live here!! I would however, make a suggestion. When you find those who tell you how experienced they are, ask them for references and then go and check. Check the work that they've done previously and speak with the owners to gauge how well the surfaces supplied have held up to use. I've seen some truly appalling work, done by those who should know better.

Alec.
 
Sand & woodchip together????
IMO woodchip is disatrous, it tracks terribly & eventually erodes to silty mush. have also found it slippery when wet & you usually end up riding down onto the membrane.


Might be an idea to take old surface off & see what the drainage has been done like, as that is quite often key to a succesful arena.

Good points are that you do not need to get planning permission & the sight is already there.

Our arena is sand & rubber, been down 7 years & looks & rides as good as the day it was put in.
 
Agreed, wood chip and sand together is not my choice - however, the original surface was put down many years ago and was topped up 3 years ago with just sand, so, it is now mainly sand......it has never flooded, and I am sure the drainage is good and membrane intact.

I dont think though that the sand is of top quality but I think, as there is so little left of it now, that it will provide a good base for a better topping......?
Hope so as to start over with removing existing surface will be lots of £££'s!
 
Bearing in mind everyone WANTS to sell you a surface ;) as long as you are serious about parting with money, be honest about the amount you are willing to invest. You need to be sure of your drains and membrane beforehand, in summer and winter before adding to possible woes.

If it's depth and stability, the company will usually be able to formulate a mix, or just provide stabilising fibre.

I'm another one going :eek: about the original mix as woodchip rots away and the resultant mush is a prime membrane blocking material.

I'd do a winter with it if you possibly can, then you'll know if you are adding good to bad, before it's too late.
 
I think there's a farmer near Martham (Gt Yarmouth way) who has installed a number of top quality silica sand schools(ive ridden in them and they're lovely). His name is James Chapman, they have a livery yard too. Thats all the info I have though, but may be worth a phonecall (if you google them!).
 
Would whole heartedly recommend KLH Arenas.
Keith is the owner, and will do a lot of work himself, and is 1st class at ground works, and will source you high grade surfaces at a sensible price.
He will come down and live in his camper van :)
Give him a call, as he's really straight and will be honest as to whether its a viable job.
http://www.klhukarenas.co.uk/
I'm in no way related to him, but he did a mahoosive flood damage repair to ours, and would highly recommend him to anyone
 
Currently I have a very nice man called Gary from fishlock stables rebuilding my yard for me from scratch , and his last job entailed stables , manège , acres of fencing , and all the groundworks . Would recommend him absolutely without hesitation , and having seen his previous work , it really is to an outstanding standard . By all means pm me for his number , but if you do decide to use him, book well in advance .
 
millimoo said:
Would whole heartedly recommend KLH Arenas.
Keith is the owner, and will do a lot of work himself, and is 1st class at ground works, and will source you high grade surfaces at a sensible price.
He will come down and live in his camper van :)
Give him a call, as he's really straight and will be honest as to whether its a viable job.
http://www.klhukarenas.co.uk/
I'm in no way related to him, but he did a mahoosive flood damage repair to ours, and would highly recommend him to anyone
Click to expand...

I have used Keith to build 2 arenas and would use him again.

Have a look also at Chapelstone areanas. They are is Essex so prob not that far from you. Never used them though
 
Thank you everyone for your recommendations.
Am just back from hols so apologies for late thankyous.....I am in South Lopham and need to do a fair bit of updating.

Just need to win that double rollover!
 
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