Project Brief: Replace an existing broken pond liner with protective rubber matting at the entry point of the Lake at Lee valley white water centre
Total Project Area: 90M²
Product Used: Rubber grass mats
Maintaining lakes used for multiple sport activities requires careful consideration of durability, protection and long-term performance. When existing liners or gravel layers become disturbed, it is important to find a solution that is practical to install, strong enough to withstand demanding conditions and capable of protecting the lakebed for years to come. Cost effectiveness and ease of installation are also key factors, particularly when working across large surface areas.
This was the challenge faced at Lee Valley White Water Centre, where 90m² of disturbed lakebed required reinforcement after the existing liner and gravel layer needed replacing. Aquamaintain Ltd, who specialise in the design & delivery of pond and river restoration projects across the UK, were brought in by the Lee Valley team to complete this project!
The Project
The Aquamaintain Ltd team were tasked with restoring and protecting a 90m² area of lakebed at Lee Valley White Water Centre after the existing liner and gravel layer next to the entry point of the lake had been disturbed by ongoing activity.
With such a large area to cover, the project required one continuous solution that would protect the bottom of the lake whilst providing a level of hold for the gravel layer.
With the centre being so busy, the Aquamaintain team quickly researched and sought out a solution that would meet the requirements of their client! The product selected was Rubber Grass Mats, supplied by GCL Products.
The Installation
For the installation, Aquamaintain Ltd carefully planned the process due to the scale of the area and the need for one continuous section of matting. With the existing liner removed and the 90m² of lakebed ready to be covered, the team set to work.
The grass mats were assembled on the bank, allowing them to prepare the full area before it was moved into position. Each 1.5m x 1m mat, was securely connected using heavy-duty cable ties to create the required 30m x 3m section. Once fully assembled, the matting was carefully manoeuvred into the water and accurately placed onto the lakebed.
After installation, gravel was reapplied across the surface, with the heavy-duty matting helping to retain the covering while protecting the exposed area where the damaged liner had been removed. The result was a durable, cost-effective solution designed for long-term performance in a demanding environment.
The Outcome
