school surfaces

hi advice on suitable surfaces for schools

since this is a rented house & even with permission from the owner i am reluctant to spend money here,

but.....

i could do with somewhere to make a small school/lunging area, & i was a wonderin' what i could do that would be
(1) fairly cheap (2) work! (3) able to be gotten rid off if i move on.

so far shavings/bark chippings would seem an option, possibly mixed with sand as a semi /temp choice, assuming it needs to be got rid off it would become a huge compost heap?

i don't expect it would last well, but even if i only get the current rescues going before summers end it would be worth it if not megga expensive.

brainstorm here folks, let me know your opinions, experiences etc & does anyone know where to buy a lot of cheap chippings?

thanks bye

A surface won't come cheaper than this, but has it's downsides:

Firstly prepare the area, very important to make sure it drains ok.
a) let the muckheap rot down, use the oldest stuff to form a soft springy base.
b) mix in woodchips - get one of those B&Q type chipping machines and chip up every small branch you can lay your hands on. Ask everyone you know to donate their small branches too as you will need lots.

When you've done with it, it will return to nature.

PS: You could add sand but that can be expensive as it will require a few tons for even the thinest layer, and a thin layer will be lost into the surface very quickly.

I think that sounds like a brilliant idea but does need some forward planning.
pen

Thanks, it's good to know I can have a bright idea now and then.