Eco flies high after landing deal to supply airport turf   (posted 22/07/2009)

A Dorset organics recycling firm is flying high after supplying 10,000 square metres of turf to Bournemouth Airport.

It’s the largest amount of turf ordered from Eco Sustainable Solutions for a single job.

“To say we’re delighted to have landed such a prestigious deal is an understatement,” said Justin Dampney, Eco’s Business Development Manager.

The turf was grown on 400 acres of sandy loam soil at Eco’s Parley site, less than a mile from the airport. It was laid at several locations across the airport including areas adjoining the runway and aircraft aprons.

Contractors used a hessian biodegradable net and pegs to hold down the turf to avoid it being blown away by aircraft. Work could only take place between 11pm and 5am due to plane activity.

Mike Porto, Airside Engineering Manager, said it was Bournemouth Airport’s policy to use local suppliers, wherever possible.

He added: “We’re very pleased with the quality of turf supplied by Eco. The fact that is was grown using totally sustainable methods within a mile of the airport was an added bonus.”

Bournemouth Airport is currently undergoing a £45 million revamp which will allow it to handle up to three million passengers a year.

The investment includes a new departures terminal, larger aircraft aprons and improved navigation and lighting systems. Bournemouth Airport is part of the Manchester Airports Group.

Eco grows about 500,000 m2 of turf annually with compost produced on-site used in the growing process. As well as making the turf sustainable it also enhances its abilities to be drought tolerant and hard wearing.

ENDS

Picture caption: Landing the deal: Mike Porto, Airside Engineering Manager (left) with Justin Dampney, Eco’s Business Development Manager.

Editor’s Note: Founded in 1994, Eco annually processes 150,000 tonnes of material on its 14-acre site at Parley, Dorset. End products include turf, enriched topsoil, compost and woodchip. The company, which employs 32 staff, was named KPMG Company of the Year in the 2008 Dorset Business Awards.

For more information please contact: Justin Dampney, Business Development Manager, Eco Sustainable Solutions, on 01202 593601 or Andrew Diprose, PR Account Director, Deep South Media on 01202 534487.