Next Step Trust Memorial Garden

First installation combining Rosehill Drainage Mats with Rosehill TPV® proves ideal for inclusive outdoor spaces

Project Overview

The Next Step Trust, a specialist care provider for adults with learning disabilities, complex health needs, and Autism, transformed an overgrown, disused area into a welcoming memorial garden designed for year-round use. With waterlogging and uneven terrain making the space inaccessible, the project became the first to combine Rosehill Drainage Mats with Rosehill TPV® — creating a smooth, free-draining, and wheelchair-accessible surface tailored to the needs of its users.

The Challenge

Previously unusable space: overgrown, muddy, and waterlogged after rain
Poor drainage: standing water and puddles made the area inaccessible
Uneven surfaces: unsuitable for wheelchair users and individuals with mobility aids
Requirement for a sensory-friendly, low-maintenance finish

The Solution

Rosehill Drainage Mats installed along the length of the garden to manage water below the surface
SBR rubber base layer laid over and around the mats to stabilise the foundation
Rosehill TPV® softfall surfacing applied on top, delivering a vibrant, cushioned, and seamless finish
Accessible pathway and play zone created in a single integrated surface
Water directed away from the active area to maintain performance in wet weather

Results

Fully accessible for wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility
No standing water or pooling after rainfall — the surface remains usable in all seasons
Enhanced sensory experience with a safe, soft, and brightly coloured TPV finish
Durable and low-maintenance, ideal for long-term use in a community care setting
Proof of concept: this successful integration of Rosehill Drainage Mats and Rosehill TPV® sets the benchmark for similar inclusive installations

Why It Matters

This project showcases how intelligent drainage design and specialist surfacing can unlock the potential of otherwise inaccessible spaces. The upgraded memorial garden provides a therapeutic outdoor environment for the people supported by The Next Step Trust — encouraging relaxation, engagement with nature, and moments of quiet reflection in a safe, inclusive setting.