Sustainability in Practice: How Small Decisions Shape a Bigger Impact

Sustainability at Woodhouse isn’t a statement. It’s a standard. It’s built into how we design and deliver sustainable temporary stabling and trade stands, from long-term planning to everyday decision-making.
From the materials we choose to the way we move, clean, and care for our kit, every decision is designed to deliver better outcomes: for the environment, for our clients, and for everyone who uses our stables and trade stands.
That starts with the materials we select – not just for durability, but for hygiene, safety, and real circularity.
1. Sustainable Materials That Go the Distance
Every Woodhouse stable wall is made using double-walled HDPE recycled plastic, chosen for strength, durability and ease of disinfection in high-use environments. And when that plastic reaches the end of its usable life, it’s returned to the manufacturer, recycled, and turned into new sheets.
This is real circularity in action. We recently shared footage of old plastic panels being returned for processing – part of a broader commitment to ensuring every component has more than one life
We apply the same principles to our stable mats. Made from over 60% recycled rubber, they’re welfare-led in design: 24mm thick, softer underfoot, with a dimpled base for drainage and secure interlocking to prevent movement. They’re made to support horse comfort and rest, while reducing waste and giving a second life to industrial rubber.
But sustainability isn’t just about recycling. It’s about selecting materials that perform well, last longer, and avoid premature replacement. Combined with consistent craftsmanship and pride in our work, our kit is built to stand up to real-world use. And when something can be repaired, we repair it.
You can read more about our temporary stables here.
2. Planning for Sustainable Stabling and Trade Stand Delivery
Planning is one of the most powerful tools we have for delivering sustainably.
Months before a build begins, we create a detailed site plan, mapping out what’s needed, where it’s going and how it will be built. This informs everything that follows, from kit selection to delivery.
Every item of stock is then allocated through our inventory management system, overseen by a full-time planning manager. Each component is assigned on an event-by-event basis and tracked individually, giving us real-time oversight of location, condition and usage across the season.
From there, the yard team picks and loads the right components in the right order, guided by the site plan and a project-specific ‘Job Blueprint.’ These tools also support the on-site team, clearly mapping where each component goes once the build begins.
Wherever possible, we use full-load transport methodology. This streamlines delivery, reduces fuel use, and lowers emissions, while improving value for clients.
It’s a system built for scale, clarity and efficiency, and it ensures that every build begins with a joined-up plan, from yard to site.
3. Smarter Systems for Temporary Stabling and Trade Stands
Efficient builds start at home. Our kit is stored and moved in custom stillages designed to protect, organise, and support full-load delivery.
Each item, from panels to fixings, is packed securely and in the right sequence for safe, efficient unloading. A colour-coded system distinguishes product types, while our modular approach ensures everything is compatible, compact, and quick to deploy.
Combined with good planning and experienced teams, this allows us to reduce waste, avoid damage, and move with speed and accuracy.
Sustainability isn’t a separate initiative…
It’s built into our standards, our systems, and our culture.
4. Reusing and Regenerating Temporary Stabling and Trade Stands
Our structures are designed for long-term use, not one-off delivery. They’re robust enough for long-term hire and refined enough for high-profile venues, meaning we can reuse and repurpose them across seasons.
When full replacement isn’t needed, we regenerate. Over winter, we restored a batch of our traditional Quickstables to match the functionality of our newest units. Their first outing was at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, housing horses from the King’s Troop.
They weren’t second-best. They met the same standard for comfort, quality and usability.
Our trade stand structures are built with the same reuse-and-refine approach, designed to perform across multiple seasons and site types. This ensures consistency across our sustainable temporary stabling and trade stands offering. Read more about our trade stands here.
This approach runs through the way we work. Our team regularly suggests reuse and recycling ideas from the field. And our engineering team focuses on design improvements that support durability, simplicity and sustainability, such as airflow refinements and minimising the fixings needed.
Sustainability isn’t just in the materials. It’s in how every element is shaped, maintained and designed to last.

5. Minimising Impact with Sustainable Stabling and Trade Stands
We build to leave no trace.
From heritage venues to grassroots fields, we treat every site with care. Our systems are clean, temporary and non-invasive, and our takedowns are carefully planned to reduce disruption.
All of our forklifts are fitted with grass tyres to protect the ground and soil structure during events. It minimises surface damage and can help avoid costly repairs or restoration afterwards.
Sustainability isn’t just what we bring. It’s also what we don’t leave behind.
We’re also proud members of MUTA, the UK’s only trade association dedicated to marquees, tents and temporary structures — and we follow their Best Practice Guide to ensure our work is safe, respectful, and professionally delivered on every site.
6. Long-Term Hire: A Flexible, Sustainable Alternative
Long-term stable hire offers a flexible, responsible alternative to permanent construction, especially during times of change, growth, or renovation.
Structures can be scaled, moved, or removed without the permanence, cost, or environmental impact of traditional builds.
For events, yards, and private clients, it means investing in what’s needed now, and nothing that isn’t.
7. Everyday Choices That Support Sustainability
Some of our most meaningful sustainability actions happen in our everyday work.
At HQ, a large underground rainwater tank collects thousands of litres for washing down kit, reducing demand on the mains. We use biofuel for our forklifts at the yard, supporting lower emissions during daily operations.
We’ve also trialled rainwater harvesting at events, and our site leads travel in shared vehicles to reduce congestion and road use.
These aren’t sweeping changes. But they add up to a working culture of responsibility, from planning to pack down.
8. Helping Clients Choose Sustainable Stabling and Trade Stand Solutions
We don’t just build structures. We help clients make better decisions.
That includes refining layouts, supporting airflow, planning smarter sequences, and choosing stabling that prioritises welfare and reduces impact.
These conversations raise expectations. And when expectations are higher, everyone benefits – especially the horses.
A Shared Responsibility
We don’t claim perfection. But we believe in the power of thoughtful decisions.
Sustainability at Woodhouse isn’t a separate initiative. It’s built into every part of how we deliver sustainable temporary stabling and trade stands, from material selection to long-term use.