APEX utilises large volumes of compost in creating general-purpose topsoils for use within the landscape industry. The soils supplied are not derived from screened ‘muck away’ sources as achieving consistency in the physical and chemical properties is of paramount importance.

APEX via its Freeland partner, operates out of 3 soil blending sites which around west, south and east London, effectively cover London and the Home counties with competitively priced top soil.

Freeland utilises quarry overburdens in combination with green composts, which are highly suitable for this application. The soil created possess the same physical and chemical properties no matter which site the soil is collected/delivered from thus customers receive the same soil day in day out which is the key to a successful project.

All the base mineral material is of a sandy nature and when combined with compost produces a sandy loam designed to drain at 10-6m/s. Drainage is the key area to get right as plants suffer through water logging, which is the single biggest influence over performance. Sandy loam soils drain and can be handled when weather conditions are not in line with soil placement.

The nutrient content of the soil adheres with BS 3882 thus providing an adequate source for plant uptake.

Freeland specialise in the supply of top soil to new housing developments as they can guarantee the soils are free from extraneous materials and contaminants either heavy metals or that which would be considered from a hydrocarbon source.

Customers include:

Soil scientists undertake regular, comprehensive analysis of the soils and this is supplied to the customers on request.

In order to obtain an NHBC warranty for the new build, it is now the norm for the topsoil to meet with the planning conditions. Freeland soil sites are well positioned to supply the needs of the market.

Two more soil sites are planned for the next year – one in Birmingham and one in Bristol.

From the soil operation based at Bat & Ball Quarry near Sevenoaks, Freeland designed all the soils required for the Jubilee Park landscapes project at Canary Wharf. In all approximately 1000 loads were delivered which all conformed to the tight specification laid out by the landscape architects. Freeland supplied the main contractor, Willerby Landscapes who recently won the BALI Grand Award for their efforts on what was a very large prestigious landscape scheme.