An old tractor tyre makes a fantastic sandpit for the younger set, and is a super easy recycling project. Old tractor tyres are easier to come by than you may think. I got hold of this one by putting a “Wanted” ad on Freecycle and a local smallholder was happy to part with it, I just had to pick it up. For this you need two strong people and a roof-rack on your car, or a trailer. The hardest part of this project is definitely getting the large tyre home, but once you’ve got that out of the way, it’s plain sailing.

Step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Acquire an old tractor tyre. I recommend giving Freecycle a try, or if you know a farmer, ask him.

Step 2: Scrub the tyre well with a scrubbing brush and some soapy water.

Step 3: Dig out a section of lawn to fit the tyre into. Aim for getting about 1/2 of the width of the tyre into the ground.

Step 4: Once the tyre is in place, dig out the middle some more, go about a foot and a half down to make room for the sand.

Step 5: Fill with sand. You can buy sand specifically for sandpits from garden centres.