New biocide Enclean offers caravan parks an eco-friendly cleaning solution
A new biocide which is being used to clean decking on holiday parks is being praised thanks to its eco-friendly cleaning credentials and its effective performance. Following its recent launch, new biocide Enclean has made a successful introduction into the caravan park sector following positive reports from early adopters confirms agronomist Robert Bone, Amenity Specialist with Agrovista. Mr Bone, who has over 35 years of industry experience, first saw the biocide in its development phase 18 months ago and was impressed with both its speed of action in eradicating algae and its positive effect on dealing with other green deposits that often build up on hard surfaces. “I followed Enclean’s progress across a number of trials during 2019 and although it’s designed primarily to remove algae, trials have consistently shown the biocide’s main active ingredient, Nonanoic acid, also has a secondary effect on breaking down other green deposits that can accumulate on hard surfaces. “Enclean is plant-derived, safe to use, and it has no environmental hazard classification. It’s fast-acting and, once applied, it quickly degrades into natural elements leaving behind no harmful residue,” he confirms. Since the March launch Robert has been working with his customer base of ground maintenance contractors, county councils and local authorities conducting operator training courses to help them better understand the new biocide, its efficacy and level of control under different operating conditions and on different surfaces such as pavements, the outer surfaces of greenhouses, wooden decking and fence panels. Despite the restrictions on face-to-face meetings due to Covid-19, Robert believes that Enclean has rapidly gained wide acceptance amongst his clients due to the success of the training courses and product demonstrations. “Application advice is a key part of the agronomic service I provide to customers and the training courses are a good way of promoting best practice. Although there are a number of established biocides able to deal with algae, Enclean’s very low dilution requirement of 1L of product to 14L of water offering users over 550m2 of coverage is a potential game-changer allowing the operator to apply the product using a small knapsack sprayer. “Often, when there is a build-up of algae, it occurs in narrow pathways that have limited access to sunlight or wind. Many biocides tend to require large water volumes and that can be a serious problem if the large tank on an ATV or UTV mounted sprayer can’t access the area you need to treat. If you’re working in a relatively remote place, far away from a water source, another potential issue is accessing significant volumes of water to be able to do the job. Using a biocide that requires a relatively small amount of water from a knapsack sprayer can be a major advantage,” he explains. Trials prove Enclean is an “effective hard surface biocide” Colin Simpson, Estimating and Purchasing Manager with Ray Skelton (Harrogate) Limited, also sees a positive future for Enclean following extensive product trials this year across a number of the company’s school maintenance contracts. “We’re one of the largest horticultural and ground maintenance service providers in North Yorkshire and, until recently, we had been struggling to find a really effective hard surface biocide. With many schools closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic earlier this year it had caused a build-up of algae on pathways around many school buildings due to the simple fact that people weren’t using them as often. “One of the key considerations when we apply any chemical is the safety aspect. Not only the safety of our operator, but the health and safety of children using the pathways and making sure we don’t harm the environment. Enclean’s very low environmental hazard classification combined with a high level of operator safety ticked both boxes. “When we look at contracts where we are spraying large areas, time is also a factor so the fact that Enclean does not foam in the tank meaning it can be cleaned out quickly following use was another positive. Based on our experience it is best to apply the product in dry, sunny conditions. Try to find a 2-3 day window of dry weather after application if possible. In the right conditions surfaces were completely clear within 14-21 days of application and there was no requirement for a follow-up spray,” he confirms. Simon Race, Director of Sports Turf Services Limited – a family run business based near York – also found that tank cleaning post-application was both time-consuming and problematic when using biocides that required large water volumes. “We used to use a different biocide but, although it performed well enough, it foamed in the tank leaving a residue that required significant washing out of both the tank and pipes after the product was applied. We wanted something that was both quicker to mix and easier to apply using smaller quantities of water. Enclean was the obvious answer. “As long as you apply at the advised rate in dry conditions you should see the correct visual signs of the algae and other green deposits beginning to turn brown and decay after just 2-3 days. Whilst 1 application will generally clear most surfaces we did find that when dealing with black algae engrained into older stone surfaces a follow-up application will often be required to complete the job,” he concludes.
Remote site toilets
The arrival of the pandemic has brought increased opportunity for British caravanning, camping and glamping with staycationing becoming the new preferred and often necessary means of a break for many of us. This year NatSol have seen many enquiries from landowners interested in setting up an area for people to stay and looking for toilet solutions. With 15 years’ experience in provision of waterless toilets for remote sites NatSol can provide a solution for most such sites. Camping sites are often open to the public, many of whom will not be familiar with dry toilets. It is important to take this into account when choosing a toilet solution so as to make the use and management of facilities as simple as possible. For those sites which have access for a slurry tanker the NatSol Zero Discharge toilet (ZD) is the lowest maintenance system. It is the company’s most recently introduced product and is proving popular for busy public sites where a number of toilets are required in a facilities block. The National Trust and The Royal Parks are amongst our customers for this model of toilet. We will soon have available a smaller version of this which will be easier and cheaper to install where single toilets are required. The ZD is also good for sites where discharge to ground is undesirable or difficult, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Some campsite owners may prefer to opt for the NatSol Full Access Composter (FAC). This is a urine separating toilet (urine is sent to a soakaway) and it can cater for around 6 campers as a daily average spread across a year. It will absorb peaks and troughs in use and, like the ZD, is conveniently free from freezing risks over the winter. The running costs are very low and it will provide a reliable solution on sites where users are respectful of facilities. Both the ZD and the FAC are waterless toilets which can operate without mains connections. They can both function with a passive venting system to eliminate odours. For more information visit www.natsol.co.uk or call Ellen on 01686 412653, or email her at ellen@natsol.co.uk.
Huck’s play equipment couldn’t get more spectacular!
Creating play equipment that provides play enjoyment coupled with reliable and safe materials is always Huck’s ambition. As such, they are always looking for new and exciting ways to entertain and stimulate children’s imagination. Together with one of their customers – The LeisureWay, a young team of architects from Spain – they have developed a completely new series of innovative and modern play equipment – the ‘Glasses Frame’ is one of them. YOU ARE IN FOR A PLEASANT SURPRISE! To most of us the Glasses Frame is simply a visual aid, for Huck it is their most original and diverse piece of play equipment. It is an object which we come across often in our daily lives or is something we have constantly with us. Except for the arms it is a static object. As soon as eyes are added the frame is given motion and individuality. Exactly what Huck realised with their adaptation to play equipment. The Glasses are a new double swing frame for the playground. Each is bespoke. By adding various climbing elements of Huck’s rope play such as climbing nets, rope ladders, hammocks, swings or their original Bird’s nest which is in use across the world, there is suddenly an innovative and exciting new piece of play equipment which will turn eyes! To see Huck’s full range of innovative play equipment, visit www.hucknet.co.uk Huck also offer a full design, installation and maintenance service for new and existing outdoor and indoor play areas. Their team can work with you to completely refurbish or redesign your play area or simply replace or repair worn-out netting and/or equipment. To discuss in more detail or to find out more information about Huck’s supporting design and installation services call 01308 425100 or email sarah.reynolds@hucknetting.co.uk.
Domapp – The Home of Domestic Appliances
Domapp is the UK’s leading supplier for caravan manufactures, with competitive prices and exact replacements available you don’t need to look far for the ideal appliance for your caravan. Our expert staff have a comprehensive knowledge of both domestic appliances and the caravan industry. Domapp was established due to the growing need for quality domestic appliances at great prices. We pride ourselves on our outstanding customer service and quality products. Whether you’re looking for a new microwave or full kitchen appliances suite, with our extensive industry knowledge we’ll be able to provide you with the perfect replacement. All of our stock is accompanied with manufacturer’s guarantees from reliable brands you can trust. Our distribution centre is located in East Yorkshire, allowing us to provide you with swift free deliveries to 99% of the UK. Grab a bargain and visit our website today www.domapp.co.uk
