CONIPAVE RA, the new permeable paving designed to promote sustainable urban drainage, is actively teaching students at the Margam Discovery Centre in Wales about the importance of drainage in towns and cities.

The porous, slip-resistant paving from CONICA is designed specifically to target the growing problem of flooding in towns, cities and built-up areas. Rather than pooling on the surface and water run-off causing slip hazards for pedestrians and vehicular traffic alike, it effectively drains through the porous surface, leaving no residue and reducing flood risk.

CONIPAVE RA was recently installed at The Margam Discovery Centre in Port Talbot, Wales, where Head of the Centre, Jane Richmond, explains its use - both practical and conceptual, for the site.

"We teach sustainable development and urban geography at both GCSE and A level," explains Jane, "so [we] wanted something we could talk about and have as an example of good practice for our pupils to see.

"The new surface is great - there are no more puddles and the paths remain clean and are not slippery."

The illustrative use of the surface as showing sustainable urban drainage solutions in action is proving invaluable to Jane and the team. What's more, it keeps the site's grounds dry and slip-free for cyclists, wheelchair users and pedestrians.

"It's great all round," she adds. "We chose it as we wanted a surface that would be fully accessible for all including wheelchair users. I'm very impressed."

The CONIPAVE RA range is available in three standard blends with yellow, red or silver aggregate. The Margam Discovery Centre site showcases the yellow blend. Each blend is part recycled, with recycled rubber granules from end-of-life tyres, which further benefits the environment. Importantly, it does not necessarily require a newly engineered base and can be installed with minimal groundwork, and may not need planning permission in the UK.

The surface is ideal for footpaths, cycle ways, tree surrounds, playground walkways, graveyard pathways, canal and river paths and rural pathways. Other uses include equestrian trails and bridleways.

For more information about CONIPAVE permeable paving, visit www.conica.com, contact CONICA on 01636 642 460 or email enquiry@conica.com