Is Your Site Damaging the Ground? Here’s How to Fix It

Picture this scenario - you’re running a busy site, juggling materials, machinery, and deadlines, the last thing you want is unexpected damage to the ground you’re working on. 

The good news? Oxford Plastics has developed a pioneering range of ground protection mats designed to tackle exactly that. These site-safe solutions help contractors reduce surface damage, stay compliant, and avoid costly reinstatement of work. 

If you're managing an active construction site, preventing this type of surface damage isn't just smart – it’s essential. 

In this article, we’ll walk through what ground protection mats are, how they work, and how to lay them properly, so you can keep your site safe, tidy and free of damage. 

What Are Ground Protection Mats? 

Ground protection mats (also known as temporary road surfaces or temporary walkways), are employed when an area of grass or other sensitive ground needs to be protected from heavy equipment, or even foot traffic.  

This makes ground protection mats suitable for temporary car parks, construction sites, temporary pedestrian crossings for street works and events as well as for use in many other scenarios, such as winter use.  

During the winter, sites can become boggy and muddy, which is where our ground protection mats are the perfect solution. 

Temporary walkways can also be used as zebra crossings for pedestrians or as permanent walkways for street works and utilities, making them equally as useful for managing foot traffic as they are for managing traffic from vehicles. 

You’ll find them used on: 

• Temporary access roads 

• Construction compounds 

• Utilities works 

• Outdoor events 

• Landscaping projects 

If you’ve ever had to restore churned-up turf or repair a footpath after a project, these mats will save you a lot of stress (and money). 

 

How Ground Protection Mats Work 

 

Ground protection mats work by creating a temporary surface that redistributes weight across a wider area.  

This helps prevent: 

• Soil compaction 

• Deep tire ruts 

• Turf or tarmac damage 

• Drainage issues 

• Slip hazards on muddy sites 

They interlock (or overlap) to form a continuous surface and can be configured to suit your layout, whether it’s a small access route or a full compound. Some mats also come with anti-slip textures or handle for easier handling on site. 

 

Why Ground Protection Is Worth It 

If you’re balancing a tight schedule, tight margins, and tighter safety rules, protecting the ground might feel like a nice-to-have.  

But here’s why it’s a must: 

 

How to Lay Ground Protection Mats

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown: 

1. Plan your layout 
   Identify the area's that are most at risk, access routes, entry/exit points, turning zones and calculate how many mats you’ll need. 

1. Check the surface 
   Remove any large debris or obstacles that might interfere with the mat’s stability. 

1. Lay the mats 
   Position the mats by hand (or using mechanical lifting if needed). Interlocking mats should be securely clipped together, while overlapping systems should follow manufacturer guidelines. 

1. Secure in place 
   On sloped ground or high-traffic areas, you might want to peg or anchor mats to prevent movement. 

1. Inspect regularly 
   You should check mats during the project for shifting or wear, especially after heavy rainfall. 

The aim is to create a safe, solid surface that can take the weight, without compromising the ground beneath. 

What Happens When You Don’t Use Ground Protection 

 

 

 

 

How to Prevent Future Damage 

If your site’s already showing signs of damage, like ruts, churned-up grass, or compacted soil, don’t worry! There are a couple of easy ways to restore the ground and stop it getting worse: 

1. Level the Surface 

Use a shovel or machinery to even out deep ruts or uneven patches. For larger areas, a compact track loader with a grading attachment can speed things up. 

2. Aerate Compacted Soil 

Compacted soil doesn’t just look rough, it also impacts drainage. Use an aerator (manual or mechanical) to create space for water, air and nutrients to get back in. 

3. Re-seed or Turf Damaged Areas 

Is the grass not growing back? Reseed with a hard-wearing grass mix or lay new turf if you need faster results. Make sure the soil is healthy and level first. 

4. Lay Ground Protection Mats 

As you probably know, prevention is always better than cure. So, once you’ve fixed the damage, stop it happening again. Check out our full range of Ground Protection Mats here. Using the right mats keeps your site safe, compliant and easy to restore after the work is done. 

View Our Range of Mats and Ground Protection   

 

Want to Stop Site Damage Before It Starts? 

At Oxford Plastics, we know that site access can make or break a job. That’s why we’ve developed  ground protection mats designed to withstand tough conditions, reduce site damage, and support safer, smoother operations. 

Here’s a quick look at the ground protection products we offer: 

• EnduraMat 2400™ – A heavy-duty, durable mat ideal for construction, access to roads and plant movement. See our EnduraMat products here. 

• EnduraMat 2440™ – Designed for fast deployment and high performance in busy work zones. 

• ClearPath Mat® – A lightweight mat for pedestrian footpaths, perfect for events and public access routes. 

• EnduraRamp™ – A safe and simple ramp system that improves accessibility across site transitions. 

• EnduraGrid™ – A permeable, interlocking mat system that reinforces grassed areas and reduces ground erosion. 

Explore the full range here or get in touch to find out which solution is best for your site. 

CONTACT US  

 

FAQs 

What are ground protection mats made of? 
Most ground protection mats are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is strong, lightweight, and weather-resistant. 

How many ground protection mats do I need? 
This depends on your site layout, traffic flow, and the weight of machinery. Start by mapping out your high-traffic zones and consult product dimensions for coverage. 

Can I drive heavy machinery over them? 
Yes. Many mats, like those in the EnduraMat 2440 product, are rated for plant and vehicle access. Just check the load-bearing capacity before use. 

Do I need to fix the ground protection mats in place? 
In most cases, interlocking or overlapping mats stay put, but for sloped or high-use areas, fixing is recommended. 

Are ground protection mats reusable? 
Yes. They’re designed for repeated use and can be cleaned and stored between projects.