The Challenge: Delivering Stability and Compliance Beside the River

In the coastal town of Rye, East Sussex, a project team faced the task of creating a safe and stable access route for wheeled plant machinery along the edge of a quayside. The works required careful consideration due to the proximity to the tidal river, pedestrian areas, and nearby housing. Initially, the client considered using traditional timber bog mats, but concerns were raised over durability, contamination risk, and suitability for rolling plant.

For the site team, keeping the area compliant with biosecurity standards was essential. A solution was needed that could support heavy machinery while also aligning with the ‘check, clean, dry’ protocol, helping to reduce the spread of invasive species in sensitive water-adjacent environments.

The GroundGuards Solution: XtremeMat Trackway

After assessing the site conditions and project requirements, GroundGuards supplied XtremeMat – a high-performance ground protection mat designed for extreme durability and load-bearing capacity. The mats feature a hard foam core and rugged grip surface, making them ideal for wheeled plant and vehicular traffic.

All XtremeMat panels were pressure-washed and fully cleaned before dispatch to support biosecurity best practice. Installation was handled by GroundGuards’ expert team, who ensured that the mats followed the line of the riverbank and joined securely to form a continuous and stable surface.

Thanks to the modular design of the 4m x 2m mats, the access route could be laid out quickly and precisely, avoiding the irregular edges of the existing quay and maintaining a neat perimeter.

Results & Outcome: A Durable, Compliant Quayside Route

Once installed, the bright yellow XtremeMat panels created a clear and resilient access path for plant operations along the entire length of the riverside working area. The client was pleased with both the speed of deployment and the quality of protection provided.
By switching from timber bog mats to XtremeMat, the project team benefited from improved grip, reduced cleaning time, and long-term material resilience. The mats will now remain in place throughout the duration of the quayside works, offering dependable support with minimal impact to the surrounding area.

Speak to Us About Quayside and Riverside Access

If your project involves riverside works, tidal zones, or sensitive waterside environments, GroundGuards can help you stay compliant and protected. Contact our team to discuss your access and protection needs today.