A tree planted for every online order

Gripsure to plant a local tree for every online decking order.

Throughout 2021, we’ve pledged to plant a native British tree at a nearby Cornish farm for every online order. Through our support for the Field to Forest Foundation, we are aiming to plant 1,000 trees over the year. That means that, when you place an online order for our decking, you will not only create a beautiful outdoor space of your own but will also help to establish a beautiful new British woodland.

A new woodland created by Gripsure's support

Our sponsorship will fund new woodland, featuring around 25 native species, on both pasture and wetland on the 260-acre farm. It will include well-loved varieties, such as oak, birch, rowan, silver birch and cherry, as well as lesser-known species, such as hornbeam and sea buckthorn. The woodland sponsored by Gripsure is being created at Clowance Farm on the River Hayle in Cornwall. It will eventually become home to a diverse mix of wildlife, including a pair of beavers.

Supporting the growth of native plants and wildflowers, the woodland will create a haven for a range of birds, bees and other pollinators. It also has the potential to capture and store more than 500 tonnes of atmospheric carbon dioxide. This process, known as sequestering carbon, is important for reducing climate change.

Bringing beavers to Clowance Farm

Once part of the historic Clowance Estate, Clowance Farm is situated in a valley between Helston and Gwithian. New owners, Ellie and Simon Morris, bought Clowance Farm in 2020, with the vision of creating a farm that not only produces food but also has a positive impact on the environment.

When the trees are established, Ellie and Simon will introduce a pair of beavers to wet woodland on the farm. Sometimes called ‘nature’s engineers’, beavers can play a vital role in regenerating the land. On Woodland Valley Farm, which is also supported by the Field to Forest Foundation, beavers have built dams, which are cleaning up the river and managing water flow, creating a habitat for a range of rare fish, birds and insects.

The Field to Forest Foundation

Established in 2019, the Field to Forest Foundation is a community interest company that supports British farmers to create woodland. Founder Zennor Pascoe first started the project on her family farm in Cornwall. Recognising that it is not always financially viable for farmers to create woodland, the foundation enables businesses to sponsor tree planting on local farms and offers carbon audits to businesses.

Zennor Pascoe of the Field to Forest Foundation said: “I can’t emphasise enough how much Gripsure’s sponsorship means to us. We have been garnering support from local businesses over the last few months, but to get such a high profile company on board is a major step forward for the foundation. By supporting Field to Forest, Gripsure has made a really strong statement about the company’s commitment to the environment and sustainability. It is particularly special that they have chosen to support a local project, which will have a real impact here in Cornwall. It’s been a very challenging year for businesses, so we particularly appreciate their support now. Over the coming years, the woodland they have sponsored at Clowance Farm will become an important habitat for a range of plant and animal species.

A commitment to the environment

Gripsure’s support for the Field to Forest Foundation is our latest environmental initiative and is part of our wider commitment to sustainability. All timber used in Gripsure’s range of non-slip decking comes from sustainable forests, certified under the industry flagship standards of FSC and PEFC. Moreover, we recently donated bamboo decking to support a rewilding project run by Edinburgh Zoo and are working towards achieving the ISO 14001 environmental certification.

Gripsure Managing Director Mike Nicholson said: “The Field to Forest Foundation embodies our values and ambitions around conservation and the environment. As a company that works with timber, it is vital that we have a stance on sustainability and we take our commitment very seriously indeed. Whether they are buying decking for a commercial project or for their own back garden, our customers are increasingly interested in our environmental ethos. While we are involved in a range of projects, all of which help us to have a positive impact on the environment, getting behind Field to Forest is a way for us to make a real difference at a local level. We are very excited to see how these native British trees establish at Clowance Farm and are especially intrigued to hear how the beavers – nature’s engineers – help to create a habitat for other species on the farm.

10 reasons why garden decking is so popular

Trends come and go but there are many benefits in choosing garden decking to create a beautiful space for outdoor living.

The pandemic has seen many people investing more in their homes and gardens as we have stayed at home during lockdowns. The restrictions have reminded us of the health and wellbeing benefits of being outdoors. Our gardens have become so much more to us so we’re looking for ways to make the very best of our outdoor spaces. Perhaps it is no surprise that in the last 12 months, we have experienced a surge in demand from homeowners for our non-slip decking. Here are 10 reasons why garden decking is so popular…

1. The beauty of timber garden decking

Wood has a timeless natural beauty. As well as being aesthetically stunning, high quality timber decking will also feel good underfoot and bring a natural atmosphere to your garden.You will be faced with many options when considering garden decking. Do your research to make sure you choose timber that meets your needs in terms of aesthetics, durability and environmental sustainability.

If you want to achieve a modern look with clean lines, our Contemporary decking could be ideal. Or your garden may be better suited to our Home profile, which features grooved boards crafted from high quality northern European Redwood Pine. All of our non-slip decking will help you create a safe and beautiful space.

2. It's easy to install

One of the reasons decking remains so popular is that it quickly and easily transforms a garden. Compared to laying a patio, garden decking is relatively straightforward to install. However, make sure you understand what is involved and consider hiring a professional builder to install your deck if you are unsure. We have some tips to help you install Gripsure non-slip decking.

For an even simpler garden upgrade, you might be interested in our non-slip decking tiles or decking kits. Whatever you choose, garden decking should help you to swiftly create a beautiful new outdoor living space.

3. High quality garden decking adds value to a property

Garden decking is often a very smart investment. Because it creates a more usable living space, property experts say it can add up to 10 percent on the value of a home. And according to Online Mortgage Advisor, a timber deck can give you a staggering 82.8% return on your investment. This is good news if you are not sure how long you will stay in your current home.

It goes without saying that decking disasters, done on the cheap without proper planning, will not add value to a property. Choose high quality timber decking and make sure it is properly installed to achieve the best result.

4. It's low maintenance

A deck is ideal for a low-maintenance garden that fits with a busy lifestyle. Once you have installed your decking you should be able to enjoy it for years to come. Unlike a lawn, there’s no mowing and it should need less cleaning than a patio.

Although Gripsure non-slip decking is easy to maintain, it is important to follow a few basic steps to keep it looking stunning. Regularly sweeping your deck with a stiff brush will help clear excess leaves and dirt, while an annual pressure wash will shift more stubborn dirt and algae. Taking precautions, such as using rubber feet on garden furniture and sitting plant pots on trays to collect water, will help sustain the life of your garden decking.

5. It helps zone a garden

Garden zoning means creating different areas in one garden. For example, you might create a peaceful seating area in a quiet corner and another space for children or grandchildren to play. Garden zoning has become more relevant than ever. During the pandemic, our gardens have become our gyms, our pubs, occasionally our offices and even our holiday destinations.

Installing a deck instantly creates a new zone in a garden. It could be positioned at a different level from the rest of your outdoor space. Perhaps you will accessorise it with lighting, furniture and carefully chosen potted plants to create a particular vibe. Think about what you want your deck to be: somewhere for alfresco dining, a peaceful spot to sit and daydream or a practical space for the family to get together. This will help you identify the best location for your deck and the look and feel you want to achieve.

6. On average, decking is cheaper than paving

Of course, prices of paving slabs and decking boards vary enormously. However, on average it costs less to build a deck than a patio. Remember that cheap does not always mean good value. Choosing the lowest priced decking boards might save you money initially but could cost you more in the long term if they need to be replaced.

Choosing non-slip decking will also give you more value out of your outdoor space. Because it does not get slippery in wet or icy weather, anti-slip decking will help you enjoy your garden all year round.

7. Timber decking can be the environmentally friendly option

e are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the choices we make for our gardens. For many, sustainability will be a key factor in choosing landscaping materials. Timber decking can be a far more environmentally sustainable option than other landscaping products. However, if you want to make the right choice for the environment, ask your potential decking supplier about their timber. Is it PEFC and FSC certified? Which wood species is it made from? And where are the boards manufactured?

At Gripsure we are passionate about working in an ethical and sustainable way for the long-term benefit of the environment. We source timber from sustainable forests and operate under the industry flagship standards of FSC and PEFC. All our decking boards are crafted by our dedicated team here in Cornwall. We are proud that our decking is used by many environmental pioneers including Kew Gardens, the Eden project and Edinburgh Zoo. And, through our partnership with Field to Forest, we plant a tree for every online order for our non-slip decking.

8. Decking works in any garden

From the smallest courtyard to a country estate, decking has a place in any garden. Whether yours is small, a funny shape or on a slope, chances are there’s a deck to suit it. Decking boards are far easier to cut than paving slabs so a deck can generally be built to fit in any space. If you need a deck for a small space or even a balcony, decking tiles might be the perfect solution.

And whatever your taste, there’s more variety than ever when it comes to choosing decking. You might want dark or light wood, grooved boards or smooth. You can now even personalise your deck with our DeckArt boards to create an outdoor space that’s uniquely yours.

9. It's durable and long-lasting

Your decking should provide you with many years of outdoor enjoyment. Boards made from strong, high-quality timber, such as European Redwood pine or bamboo, are extremely durable and, with the right installation, fixtures and fixings (as well as a little care) will be long lasting.

Because we are so confident in the quality of Gripsure non-slip decking, our boards come with a 15-year warranty on their non-slip performance and an expected service life of 15 to 20 years. The Timber Decking and Cladding Association has some great advice in choosing long-lasting timber decking.

10. It's ideal for outdoor living

Despite the practical considerations of cost and installation, most of us choose decking simply because we want to enjoy our gardens more. A deck instantly creates an outdoor living space that’s perfect for al fresco dining, entertaining friends and relaxing with loved ones.

As we all learn to adapt to the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, it’s hard to exaggerate the benefits of having a space that allows you to live well outdoors. Perhaps the main reason why decking is so popular is that we all want to get more out of life – and that includes getting more out of our gardens.

Get in touch

If you have any questions or would like more information, get in touch with one of our friendly team.