Ecotribo Public Park Benches (from fishing waste)

Ecotribo makes lovely park benches, made from recycled ghost fishing waste. These are sold in 2 designs in a range of colours, and very durable in wet weather (just wipe clean now and then, and they’ll last for years).

Ghost fishing waste is the ropes, lines and nets left behind from fishing boats, either deliberately thrown overboard or more likely, simply lost in storms and detached from boats. It causes hundreds of thousands of deaths each year to seabirds and marine creatures. So removing it to make other items is a wonderful idea. They also tend to be naturally coloured in blue or green.

For park planning, read about pet-friendly plants (avoid bulbs and conkers near dogs). And learn of trees to avoid near horses (including yew, oak and sycamore). 

Benches made from recycled plastic milk bottles

Marmax Products makes also makes park benches  (this time from recycled plastic milk bottles), along with other items like litter bins (including dog poop bins) and path posts (just assemble with a spanner).

These are colourful and resistant to rain and rot, sold with 25-year guarantees (wheelchair-friendly options are also sold). There are even wheelchair-accessible picnic benches and platforms for wildlife ponds.

We like the Goal Wall that is better than football nets (which can tangle foxes and other wildlife, when not stored away).

We don’t recommend the recycled plastic birdhouses (these could overheat, choose ones made from untreated wood instead – learn more on how to buy and site bird houses).