Oliver Brown Ltd first started works on the Spalding to Eye Bypass in 2008 providing a complete soft landscaping package along the 23 mile new carriage way construction. Commisioned on the scheme by contractors UPM Tilhill, OBL’s works initially included ground preparation, hydroseeding, and wildflower seeding services and now extends to landscape maintenance across the entire scheme.

OBL has conventionally seeded over 46 miles of verge and 80 hectares of Wildflower meadow on the A1073 project. Firstly the areas were power harrowed to achieve a soil tilth of 20mm, this was then followed by spring tine harrowing to further reduce the soil tilth down to 10 mm. Following the ground preparation the seed was sown using OBL’s Einbock Airseeder and once sowing was complete the seeded areas were finally rolled.

UPM Tilhill also commissioned OBL to Hydroseed in the region of 40 hectares of tight access areas – this included hydroseeding over-bridge embankments, ditches and steeply profiled batters that could not be seeded conventionally. Hydroseeding is an extremely effective bank stabiliser and was used in steep sloping areas across the scheme to help retain profile shape, prevent erosion and avoid soil run off to the carriageway.

OBL has also secured the 5 year maintenance contract across the new carriageway route, including; grass cutting, weed control, tree maintenance and watering.

• Main Contractor: Morgan Sindall

• Service: Landscaping, Hydroseeding, Wildflower Seeding and Maintenance

• Contract Duration: 2008 – 2010

• Location: Spalding, Lincolnshire