The Highlander Super Strength

Designed for exposed locations, this is our strongest hobby structure yet.


The Highlander Super Strength has been designed with commercial greenhouse parts and fittings combined with the ‘Easy Build design’ features and outstanding strength, this makes the Highlander the class-leading hobby polytunnel on the market.

Strength and simplicity were the driving forces behind the Highlander design. we wanted to design the strongest polytunnel, which could be built in a fraction of the time without any specialist tools.

 

Each component easily fastens together using specially designed brackets, removing the chances of making mistakes whilst also removing the requirement for carpentry skills (which would be required when using timber components). 

 

Wiggle wire polyethene fixing system secures the polythene and enables you to fix and refix the polythene if you make a mistake.

 

To increase the strength, we’ve used commercial polytunnel steel tube size 50.8mm ⌀ and commercial fittings on a hobby polytunnel, put this together with the Easy Fix Aluminium wiggle wire box profiles from our Easybuild range, the result is without doubt, the best quality and strongest hobby polytunnel on the market.

The brackets are stronger, the aluminium rails have been increased, making this the strongest polytunnel around.

Not all polytunnels are built the same

With over 50 years of experience designing and manufacturing polytunnels, we know that quality counts, that’s why we build our polytunnels to last. If you are comparing us on price against a competitor, you must look at the detail of what you are actually buying, here are some tips on what to look for:

As standard, all our polytunnels are built with ArmourGuard Steel which lasts 10x longer than normal pre-galvanised steel.

Our hoops are made of just 2 pieces (the fewer connections, the stronger the hoop).

The diameter of the tube size equals strength, and our standard size tube is 32mm, other manufacturers supply 25mm as standard.

Need an even stronger tunnel? We also offer a 50mm diameter on our Highlander - Super Strength range, perfect for those exposed areas.

Polytunnel Foundations

Competitors Corroded Ground Tube

We know from experience that the first things to fail on a polytunnel are the foundation tubes as these are in constant contact with the ground which causes ground-level corrosion. Over time, this corrosion will cause them to fail, that is why ALL our foundation tubes have a 2.5mm walled thickness as standard along with our ArmourGuard corrosion resistance finish.

Polytunnel Foundations

It’s crucial that the polythene cover remains tight throughout the seasons, if not then it will vibrate which reduces its life span considerably.

That’s why we incorporate our unique cover tensioning system as standard on ALL of our polytunnels.

Our steel tubes are coated with Armourguard - our unique high endurance tube which offers up to 20 times the corrosion resistance of pre-galvanised steel tube thanks to its revolutionary combined zinc, aluminium and magnesium coating.

Polytunnel Foundations

Don’t underestimate the time and effort required to build a polytunnel.

With our Easy Build range of polytunnels, we have designed them to be easier and quicker to build by incorporating our wiggle wire fixing system, we also make all our parts pre-cut to length for ease.

It’s simple, timber will rot, aluminium won’t. It may cost more initially but in the long run, aluminium will save you valuable time and money and won’t need to be replaced when you recover your polytunnel.

Northern Polytunnels have over 50 years of retail experience, designing and manufacturing polytunnels. We pride ourselves on the quality we offer. When you buy a tunnel from us you’re buying from an established company that will be here for another 50 years.

Your purchase is a long-term investment which will serve you for many years, so make sure you know what you are getting for your money.

Super Strength Polytunnel School

30ft long Super Strength

Highlander Polytunnel outside flats

Strong and Sturdy

Inside Super Strength Highlander Polytunnel

Inside the Super Strength

Northern Polytunnel Super Strength

Sliding Doors Availble on Both Ends


The Super Strength Galvanised Steel Hoops are 50mm in diameter, that's 4.3x stronger than our strong Easy Build

ArmourGuard® is Northern Polytunnels’ newly developed high-endurance tube, combining extraordinary levels of corrosion resistance with the durability of high-strength steel. ArmourGuard® offers up to 20 times the corrosion resistance of an ordinary pre-galvanised tube thanks to its revolutionary zinc, aluminium and magnesium coating.

“ArmourGuard”

ArmourGuard Coatings

Environmentally Friendly

ArmourGuard® even protects the environment by reducing the amount of zinc which is used in the manufacturing process compared to fully galvanised steel tubes, and by extending the product life.

50 Years of Exposure without Deterioration

ArmourGuard® is designed not just to survive in the most hostile environments but also to offer extreme longevity. In exhaustive tests carried out by Rotech Laboratories, one of the UK’s leading test houses, ArmourGuard® endured the equivalent of 50 years of exposure to the harshest elements without undue deterioration.

“ArmourGuard

Comparing Options





Aluminium profiles are free from defects (such as knots, splits etc) and will last a lifetime. Therefore we use aluminium on our Easy Build range as you'll only ever need one base rail, it's easy to build, and all the pieces are cut precisely to length

The aluminium profiles are designed to take our wiggle wire fixing system, this makes the poly quick and easy to fix by simply weaving the ‘W-Wire’ into the open channel of the aluminium rails & frames, securely trapping the polythene in place.

Don’t worry if you need to redo a section, it’s easily unclipped and can be ‘wiggled’ back into place ensuring a tight, neat finish every time

“Aluminium

Highlander Base Rail



“two

Two Piece Hoops

Stronger than 3 or 4 section hoops

Hoops that are made from three or four sections are easier to make and more convenient to deliver, however, they are not as strong as a two-piece hoop and often require extra bracing bars to support them.

That is why we only make two-piece hoops on our hobby range of polytunnels.



Polytunnel Foundations

Our range of foundations

Our Highlander Super Strength Polytunnel comes with the strongest foundations possible, the Traditional foundation tubes which we strongly recommend are concreted in to the ground.

We also give the option of using base plates if you would like to sit the polytunnel on to a concrete base or railway sleepers (fittings included).




Aluminium Doors

Generally the hardest part to get right when using timber as all the pieces need to be cut accurately and assembled squarely, then when you’ve done all that, hinged doors have a tendency to drop over time

Aluminium Door

Door profile with corner plate andbrush strip

For the Easy Build, we designed a new aluminium door with laser-cut bolt-together corner plates to make it easy to assemble, a brush strip to seal the door and wiggle wire poly fixing to make it easy to cover

PVC Double Zip Vent Door

A PVC 3in1 door that suits all weather and gardener.

This door comes with 2 heavy-duty zips for ease of access, a Velcroed panel that can be removed partially or entirely to allow as much or as little ventilation as required and two Velcro tabs that secure your door in place out of the way for those long hot summer days.




It’s essential for the poly cover to be drum-skin-tight, this stops the polythene from vibrating in the wind, causing it to degrade quickly.

As part of the maintenance of your polytunnel, the cover must be kept tight. If your cover is installed when it is cold it will need tensioning when the temperature rises.

Our cover tensioning system is simple just loosen the collar (A) lift the hoop (B) lift the collar and re-tighten in place.

Polytunnel Foundations
We build this feature in all our polytunnels as it is essential for the life of the poly cover.


Brace Bars Crop Bars

Brace Bars


Also knows as Widthways Crop Bars

Although often used to hold hanging baskets or to support lateral poles on which to tie up your tomatoes, peas etc, they are more often added to a polytunnel to give it extra strength. Even though we boast that our polytunnels are the strongest available, they give peace of mind during severe, windy storms and also when heavy snow is expected.

They increase the structural strength by at least 20%.

Can be retrospectively fitted to existing polytunnels.




Ridge Bars

Your basic polytunnel should always have a central ridge bar, but additional ridge bars can be added to either one or both sides of a polytunnel.

They will of course increase the strength a little, but the main use for these is to provide crop support along the length of the polytunnel. They can be positioned and re-positioned to the most convenient place for the crop you are growing.




Single or Double?

Choose either single or an extra wide double door option when you choose a 4m or 5m wide Highlander Polytunnel.

Single Door Width = 800mm
Double Door Width = 1600mm


Aluminium Sliding Doors

Aluiminium Sliding Door

Made from easy-to-assemble aluminium sections and incorporating our unique ‘W-Wire’ polythene fixing system. Supplied with enough materials to fully clad it with polythene, or to clad the top half with netting for extra ventilation.

We are the only manufacturer who offers long-life aluminium doors.


PVC Double Zip Vent Door

3in1 zip door


A PVC 3in1 door that suits all weather and gardeners. This door comes with 2 heavy-duty zips for ease of access, a Velcroed panel that can be removed partially or entirely to allow as much or as little ventilation as required and two Velcro tabs that secure your door in place out of the way for those long hot summer days.




Side Vents Polytunnel Side Vents

Although doors allow adequate ventilation on shorter polytunnels throughout most of the growing season, additional ventilation is often required. This simple-to-operate, low-cost ventilation system offers a practical solution during the summer months, especially for longer polytunnels where stale, humid air can build up in the centre of your polytunnel.

Simply wind up the polythene side screen/s when required, and wind down when you want to retain the heat.

Can be fitted to one or both sides of your polytunnel. The kit includes aluminium side rail, external polythene wind-up screen, and netting (to cover the ventilation holes). The holes are cut into the main cover once the side rail has been attached. This kit can be fitted to existing polytunnels.

Available on Super Strength, Easy Build and Hobby Ranges



Roof Vents Polytunnel Roof Vents
Easy to install roof vent, with simple pull-cord operation.

Used to release excessive heat build-up in your polytunnel without having to open the doors. The spring closing design allows it to be closed tight shut when ventilation is not required. Useful in longer polytunnels where heat can build up in the middle, or when the doors need to be closed (e.g. to keep unwanted visitors out).

Simply cut out a 30-35 cm hole in the roof of your polytunnel cover, insert the fan from the inside in a rotating motion, clip on the support bars (sold separately) and it’s done.

Available on all ranges




Drop Down Polytunnel Bench

Drop Down bench for polytunnel


This drop-down bench is great for potting up in the polytunnel and once you’re done you can simply secure it out of the way. Easily installed in new or existing polytunnels. Several can be linked together to create a continuous bench.

Frame: Galvanised steel Top: Tanalised timber



Staging

Polytunnel staging


Our polytunnel staging kits are a low-cost solution where a full-length bench is required for your polytunnel. We ONLY provide the steel frame, leaving you to provide your own tabletop. Some customers use heavy-duty, galvanised weld mesh, whereas others choose timber slats. Whatever your choice, our staging kits provide the ideal framework on which to grow your potted plants.

Supplied with fasteners for fixing timber slats (Timber not included). Can be installed in new and existing polytunnels.



Free Standing Benching

Free standing bench


Easy to assemble flat-pack bench, manufactured from 25mm pre-galvanised steel tube with a steel mesh top.

Supplied with four corner bracing bars to give extra stability. The bench is 1m wide, 0.8m high, and comes in 1.2m long sections, allowing you to create a continuous bench to suit the length of your polytunnel or plant display area.

Size
  • Unlimited length (in 1.2m increments) minimum length 2.4m
  • Robust design
  • Fully galvanised
  • 3” x 1” Steel mesh top (3mm diam.)
  • Quick self-assembly
  • Simple slot together frame



Polythene film: Diffused or Clear?

Light Transmission
  • Light transmission is the quantity of light going through the polythene, measured by %.
  • For temperate climates, a rate of higher than 85% is the target.
Thermal Efficiency
  • Where the heat in the tunnel is retained during the night.
  • This is measured by thermal retention + thermal transmission = 100 and is expressed as %.
  • The higher the thermal efficiency, the better the polythene retains heat.
  • The higher the thermal transmission the more energy is lost.
Anti-Drip
  • The anti-drip coating reduces condensation droplets and produces more of a film of water.
Benefits of Anti-Drip
  • Reduces the risk of droplets then dripping which can cause fungal diseases.
  • Improves the quality of light for photosynthesis, Droplets of water cause light refraction reducing the quality of light.
Note: requires adequate management of the internal micro-climate through ventilation.

Lumisol Clear - Clear Polythene

Lumisol Clear Polythene


The clear polythene improves the passage of light into the tunnel to promote photosynthesis.
Clear polythene is measured by haze. The lower the % the clearer the polythene appears and the more light is allowed to be transmitted.

  • Our clear polythene has 30-35% haze.
  • Our clear polythene has 88-92% light transmission.
  • Our clear polythene has 80-85% thermic effect.
Benefits of clear polythene:

Improves the quantity of light to encourage photosynthesis.
Encourages early crop yields and crop strength.
Increases daytime temperatures.
5-year incremental guarantee, although a 12-14 year lifespan is not uncommon.


Lumisol Diffused - Diffused Polythene

Lumisol Diffused Polythene


The diffusion effect ensures better light distribution inside the polytunnel, Diffused Polythene is measured by haze.
The higher the % the cloudier the film is, the more light it defuses.

  • Our diffused polythene has 90-93% haze.
  • Our diffused polythene has 87-91% light transmission.
  • Our diffused polythene has 80-85% thermic effect.
Benefits of diffused polythene:

Reduces the stressful effect of direct sunlight on the plants.
Reduces the risk of leaf burn and crop deformation.
Encourages a more uniform ripening and colouring of the fruit as less shadowing is cast.
Note: designed for use in very luminescent areas of the UK.
5-year incremental guarantee, although a 12-14 year lifespan is not uncommon.




Drip-Line: The Most Water-Efficient Method Of Soil Irrigation

Driplin Irrigation


The need for water conservation makes a Drip-Line kit the ideal low-level watering system which places the water where it is required, on the roots, not the foliage/flowers or soaking the pathway.It also saves time, money and effort.

Supplied with all the necessary fittings, drippers, and a hose connector. The kits are supplied with plenty of pipe and fittings for both sides of the polytunnel.

Ideal for both polytunnels and raised beds.

The kit comes with a 16mm OD (1/2” ID) commercial dripline, with pressure compensating emitters positioned every 30cm (12”) along the pipe to ensure even irrigation over three runs per side. Supplied with plain 16mm OD black header pipe for the manifold. Hose connector and all fittings included.


Overhead Sprinkler: For A Blanket Coverage

Overhead Sprinkler


A little less water-efficient than dripline, Overhead Sprinkler kits imitate rainfall, gently watering the whole area, ensuring blanket coverage inside your polytunnel tunnel.

The Overhead Sprinkler Kit is fastened to the central ridge of your polytunnel with individual sprinklers suspended on 30cm drop tubes. Although its popularity has declined in recent years, it’s still the preferred system for a lot of growers.

The kits are supplied with commercial sprinklers, all the necessary fittings and a hose connector. This central, single spray line is suitable for polytunnels up to 16ft wide. Can be operated with a water timer.


Self-Adhesive Guttering: Harvest Rainwater For Future Use

Guttering irrigation


Harvesting rainwater takes advantage of a clean and free source of water.

Socially acceptable and environmentally responsible, it promotes self-sufficiency and helps conserve resources, and unchlorinated rainwater is better for cultivated plants and crops.

Our simple self-adhesive gutter strips can be easily fitted to new/existing tunnels to provide an excellent method of water collection.

Click on the image below to open a PDF version in a new window

Compare the Range of Hobby Polytunnels

Click Here For Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Things to look out for when buying a polytunnel?

These are the 5 main aspects most people consider when they buy a polytunnel;
1 Sizes of the tunnel,
2 Hoops,
3 Foundations,
4 How to secure the polythene in place,
5 Polythene,
Visit our 5 considerations when buying a polytunnel blog to learn more

What makes the Super Strength Polytunnel so strong?

The hoops are 50mm in diameter, which gives the Highlander it’s super strength. This means that the polytunnel can stand up to high winds in exposed areas without compromise.

How long does it take to build a Super Strength Polytunnel?

Depending on your experience, a Super Strength would take between 1 - 2 days, around 18 hours.

Can I add side vents and roof vents to the Super Strength Polytunnel?

Our Super Strength Polytunnel allows many additional extras, from full length side vents to benching, irrigation and extra ridge bars for extra storage and hanging and more.

Are there any specialist tools required to build the Super Strength Polytunnel

Strong wire cutters for the wiggle wire and a hack saw for the aluminium door frames that will need cutting to length.

Can you build a polytunnel on a slope?

Yes you can, slopes can be a challenge but with our easy to follow build on a slope guide, we can show you the best way to build your polytunnel on an incline.

How does wiggle wire secure the polythene in place?

The polythene is stretched over the C channel and the wiggle wire is simply fixed within that c channel. Wiggle the wiggle wire up and down as you fix it in place. The wiggle wire not only keeps the polythene tight and in place, but also means it can be easily removed should you need to without damaging the polythene.

How do you make sure the hoops are at a regular distance apart?

We suggest using the 3:4:5 Triangle Method to position the foundation tubes correctly.

Click here for more information

How do you keep the polythene tensioned?

Using our unique polythene tensioning system is as easy as this - ‘loosen a bolt, lift the hoop, tighten the bolt.’

What’s the difference between Lumisol Diffused and Lumisol Clear polythene?

Lumisol Clear transmits up to 92% of light. In the UK where light levels can be lower, clear polythene allows more light to enter which in turn can bring picking time forward.
Lumisol Diffused polythene scatters the light as it passes through the polythene. This enables the light to penetrate deep in to the plant canopy, as it hits the plant from all directions, not just from the direction of the sun.

Super Strength Instructions

Not all polytunnels are built the same

With over 50 years of experience designing and manufacturing polytunnels, we know that quality counts, that’s why we build our polytunnels to last. If you are comparing us on price against a competitor, you must look at the detail of what you are actually buying, here are some tips on what to look for:

As standard, all our polytunnels are built with ArmourGuard Steel which lasts 10x longer than normal pre-galvanised steel.

Our hoops are made of just 2 pieces (the fewer connections, the stronger the hoop).

The diameter of the tube size equals strength, and our standard size tube is 32mm, other manufacturers supply 25mm as standard.

Need an even stronger tunnel? We also offer a 50mm diameter on our Highlander - Super Strength range, perfect for those exposed areas.

Polytunnel Foundations

Competitors Corroded Ground Tube

We know from experience that the first things to fail on a polytunnel are the foundation tubes as these are in constant contact with the ground which causes ground-level corrosion. Over time, this corrosion will cause them to fail, that is why ALL our foundation tubes have a 2.5mm walled thickness as standard along with our ArmourGuard corrosion resistance finish.

Polytunnel Foundations

It’s crucial that the polythene cover remains tight throughout the seasons, if not then it will vibrate which reduces its life span considerably.

That’s why we incorporate our unique cover tensioning system as standard on ALL of our polytunnels.

Our steel tubes are coated with Armourguard - our unique high endurance tube which offers up to 20 times the corrosion resistance of pre-galvanised steel tube thanks to its revolutionary combined zinc, aluminium and magnesium coating.

Polytunnel Foundations

Don’t underestimate the time and effort required to build a polytunnel.

With our Easy Build range of polytunnels, we have designed them to be easier and quicker to build by incorporating our wiggle wire fixing system, we also make all our parts pre-cut to length for ease.

It’s simple, timber will rot, aluminium won’t. It may cost more initially but in the long run, aluminium will save you valuable time and money and won’t need to be replaced when you recover your polytunnel.

Northern Polytunnels have over 50 years of retail experience, designing and manufacturing polytunnels. We pride ourselves on the quality we offer. When you buy a tunnel from us you’re buying from an established company that will be here for another 50 years.

Your purchase is a long-term investment which will serve you for many years, so make sure you know what you are getting for your money.

Super Strength Polytunnel School

30ft long Super Strength

Highlander Polytunnel outside flats

Strong and Sturdy

Inside Super Strength Highlander Polytunnel

Inside the Super Strength

Northern Polytunnel Super Strength

Sliding Doors Availble on Both Ends


The Super Strength Galvanised Steel Hoops are 50mm in diameter, that's 4.3x stronger than our strong Easy Build

ArmourGuard® is Northern Polytunnels’ newly developed high-endurance tube, combining extraordinary levels of corrosion resistance with the durability of high-strength steel. ArmourGuard® offers up to 20 times the corrosion resistance of an ordinary pre-galvanised tube thanks to its revolutionary zinc, aluminium and magnesium coating.

“ArmourGuard”

ArmourGuard Coatings

Environmentally Friendly

ArmourGuard® even protects the environment by reducing the amount of zinc which is used in the manufacturing process compared to fully galvanised steel tubes, and by extending the product life.

50 Years of Exposure without Deterioration

ArmourGuard® is designed not just to survive in the most hostile environments but also to offer extreme longevity. In exhaustive tests carried out by Rotech Laboratories, one of the UK’s leading test houses, ArmourGuard® endured the equivalent of 50 years of exposure to the harshest elements without undue deterioration.

“ArmourGuard

Comparing Options





Aluminium profiles are free from defects (such as knots, splits etc) and will last a lifetime. Therefore we use aluminium on our Easy Build range as you'll only ever need one base rail, it's easy to build, and all the pieces are cut precisely to length

The aluminium profiles are designed to take our wiggle wire fixing system, this makes the poly quick and easy to fix by simply weaving the ‘W-Wire’ into the open channel of the aluminium rails & frames, securely trapping the polythene in place.

Don’t worry if you need to redo a section, it’s easily unclipped and can be ‘wiggled’ back into place ensuring a tight, neat finish every time

“Aluminium

Highlander Base Rail



“two

Two Piece Hoops

Stronger than 3 or 4 section hoops

Hoops that are made from three or four sections are easier to make and more convenient to deliver, however, they are not as strong as a two-piece hoop and often require extra bracing bars to support them.

That is why we only make two-piece hoops on our hobby range of polytunnels.



Polytunnel Foundations

Our range of foundations

Our Highlander Super Strength Polytunnel comes with the strongest foundations possible, the Traditional foundation tubes which we strongly recommend are concreted in to the ground.

We also give the option of using base plates if you would like to sit the polytunnel on to a concrete base or railway sleepers (fittings included).




Aluminium Doors

Generally the hardest part to get right when using timber as all the pieces need to be cut accurately and assembled squarely, then when you’ve done all that, hinged doors have a tendency to drop over time

Aluminium Door

Door profile with corner plate andbrush strip

For the Easy Build, we designed a new aluminium door with laser-cut bolt-together corner plates to make it easy to assemble, a brush strip to seal the door and wiggle wire poly fixing to make it easy to cover

PVC Double Zip Vent Door

A PVC 3in1 door that suits all weather and gardener.

This door comes with 2 heavy-duty zips for ease of access, a Velcroed panel that can be removed partially or entirely to allow as much or as little ventilation as required and two Velcro tabs that secure your door in place out of the way for those long hot summer days.




It’s essential for the poly cover to be drum-skin-tight, this stops the polythene from vibrating in the wind, causing it to degrade quickly.

As part of the maintenance of your polytunnel, the cover must be kept tight. If your cover is installed when it is cold it will need tensioning when the temperature rises.

Our cover tensioning system is simple just loosen the collar (A) lift the hoop (B) lift the collar and re-tighten in place.

Polytunnel Foundations
We build this feature in all our polytunnels as it is essential for the life of the poly cover.


Brace Bars Crop Bars

Brace Bars


Also knows as Widthways Crop Bars

Although often used to hold hanging baskets or to support lateral poles on which to tie up your tomatoes, peas etc, they are more often added to a polytunnel to give it extra strength. Even though we boast that our polytunnels are the strongest available, they give peace of mind during severe, windy storms and also when heavy snow is expected.

They increase the structural strength by at least 20%.

Can be retrospectively fitted to existing polytunnels.




Ridge Bars

Your basic polytunnel should always have a central ridge bar, but additional ridge bars can be added to either one or both sides of a polytunnel.

They will of course increase the strength a little, but the main use for these is to provide crop support along the length of the polytunnel. They can be positioned and re-positioned to the most convenient place for the crop you are growing.




Single or Double?

Choose either single or an extra wide double door option when you choose a 4m or 5m wide Highlander Polytunnel.

Single Door Width = 800mm
Double Door Width = 1600mm


Aluminium Sliding Doors

Aluiminium Sliding Door

Made from easy-to-assemble aluminium sections and incorporating our unique ‘W-Wire’ polythene fixing system. Supplied with enough materials to fully clad it with polythene, or to clad the top half with netting for extra ventilation.

We are the only manufacturer who offers long-life aluminium doors.


PVC Double Zip Vent Door

3in1 zip door


A PVC 3in1 door that suits all weather and gardeners. This door comes with 2 heavy-duty zips for ease of access, a Velcroed panel that can be removed partially or entirely to allow as much or as little ventilation as required and two Velcro tabs that secure your door in place out of the way for those long hot summer days.




Side Vents Polytunnel Side Vents

Although doors allow adequate ventilation on shorter polytunnels throughout most of the growing season, additional ventilation is often required. This simple-to-operate, low-cost ventilation system offers a practical solution during the summer months, especially for longer polytunnels where stale, humid air can build up in the centre of your polytunnel.

Simply wind up the polythene side screen/s when required, and wind down when you want to retain the heat.

Can be fitted to one or both sides of your polytunnel. The kit includes aluminium side rail, external polythene wind-up screen, and netting (to cover the ventilation holes). The holes are cut into the main cover once the side rail has been attached. This kit can be fitted to existing polytunnels.

Available on Super Strength, Easy Build and Hobby Ranges



Roof Vents Polytunnel Roof Vents
Easy to install roof vent, with simple pull-cord operation.

Used to release excessive heat build-up in your polytunnel without having to open the doors. The spring closing design allows it to be closed tight shut when ventilation is not required. Useful in longer polytunnels where heat can build up in the middle, or when the doors need to be closed (e.g. to keep unwanted visitors out).

Simply cut out a 30-35 cm hole in the roof of your polytunnel cover, insert the fan from the inside in a rotating motion, clip on the support bars (sold separately) and it’s done.

Available on all ranges




Drop Down Polytunnel Bench

Drop Down bench for polytunnel


This drop-down bench is great for potting up in the polytunnel and once you’re done you can simply secure it out of the way. Easily installed in new or existing polytunnels. Several can be linked together to create a continuous bench.

Frame: Galvanised steel Top: Tanalised timber



Staging

Polytunnel staging


Our polytunnel staging kits are a low-cost solution where a full-length bench is required for your polytunnel. We ONLY provide the steel frame, leaving you to provide your own tabletop. Some customers use heavy-duty, galvanised weld mesh, whereas others choose timber slats. Whatever your choice, our staging kits provide the ideal framework on which to grow your potted plants.

Supplied with fasteners for fixing timber slats (Timber not included). Can be installed in new and existing polytunnels.



Free Standing Benching

Free standing bench


Easy to assemble flat-pack bench, manufactured from 25mm pre-galvanised steel tube with a steel mesh top.

Supplied with four corner bracing bars to give extra stability. The bench is 1m wide, 0.8m high, and comes in 1.2m long sections, allowing you to create a continuous bench to suit the length of your polytunnel or plant display area.

Size
  • Unlimited length (in 1.2m increments) minimum length 2.4m
  • Robust design
  • Fully galvanised
  • 3” x 1” Steel mesh top (3mm diam.)
  • Quick self-assembly
  • Simple slot together frame



Polythene film: Diffused or Clear?

Light Transmission
  • Light transmission is the quantity of light going through the polythene, measured by %.
  • For temperate climates, a rate of higher than 85% is the target.
Thermal Efficiency
  • Where the heat in the tunnel is retained during the night.
  • This is measured by thermal retention + thermal transmission = 100 and is expressed as %.
  • The higher the thermal efficiency, the better the polythene retains heat.
  • The higher the thermal transmission the more energy is lost.
Anti-Drip
  • The anti-drip coating reduces condensation droplets and produces more of a film of water.
Benefits of Anti-Drip
  • Reduces the risk of droplets then dripping which can cause fungal diseases.
  • Improves the quality of light for photosynthesis, Droplets of water cause light refraction reducing the quality of light.
Note: requires adequate management of the internal micro-climate through ventilation.

Lumisol Clear - Clear Polythene

Lumisol Clear Polythene


The clear polythene improves the passage of light into the tunnel to promote photosynthesis.
Clear polythene is measured by haze. The lower the % the clearer the polythene appears and the more light is allowed to be transmitted.

  • Our clear polythene has 30-35% haze.
  • Our clear polythene has 88-92% light transmission.
  • Our clear polythene has 80-85% thermic effect.
Benefits of clear polythene:

Improves the quantity of light to encourage photosynthesis.
Encourages early crop yields and crop strength.
Increases daytime temperatures.
5-year incremental guarantee, although a 12-14 year lifespan is not uncommon.


Lumisol Diffused - Diffused Polythene

Lumisol Diffused Polythene


The diffusion effect ensures better light distribution inside the polytunnel, Diffused Polythene is measured by haze.
The higher the % the cloudier the film is, the more light it defuses.

  • Our diffused polythene has 90-93% haze.
  • Our diffused polythene has 87-91% light transmission.
  • Our diffused polythene has 80-85% thermic effect.
Benefits of diffused polythene:

Reduces the stressful effect of direct sunlight on the plants.
Reduces the risk of leaf burn and crop deformation.
Encourages a more uniform ripening and colouring of the fruit as less shadowing is cast.
Note: designed for use in very luminescent areas of the UK.
5-year incremental guarantee, although a 12-14 year lifespan is not uncommon.




Drip-Line: The Most Water-Efficient Method Of Soil Irrigation

Driplin Irrigation


The need for water conservation makes a Drip-Line kit the ideal low-level watering system which places the water where it is required, on the roots, not the foliage/flowers or soaking the pathway.It also saves time, money and effort.

Supplied with all the necessary fittings, drippers, and a hose connector. The kits are supplied with plenty of pipe and fittings for both sides of the polytunnel.

Ideal for both polytunnels and raised beds.

The kit comes with a 16mm OD (1/2” ID) commercial dripline, with pressure compensating emitters positioned every 30cm (12”) along the pipe to ensure even irrigation over three runs per side. Supplied with plain 16mm OD black header pipe for the manifold. Hose connector and all fittings included.


Overhead Sprinkler: For A Blanket Coverage

Overhead Sprinkler


A little less water-efficient than dripline, Overhead Sprinkler kits imitate rainfall, gently watering the whole area, ensuring blanket coverage inside your polytunnel tunnel.

The Overhead Sprinkler Kit is fastened to the central ridge of your polytunnel with individual sprinklers suspended on 30cm drop tubes. Although its popularity has declined in recent years, it’s still the preferred system for a lot of growers.

The kits are supplied with commercial sprinklers, all the necessary fittings and a hose connector. This central, single spray line is suitable for polytunnels up to 16ft wide. Can be operated with a water timer.


Self-Adhesive Guttering: Harvest Rainwater For Future Use

Guttering irrigation


Harvesting rainwater takes advantage of a clean and free source of water.

Socially acceptable and environmentally responsible, it promotes self-sufficiency and helps conserve resources, and unchlorinated rainwater is better for cultivated plants and crops.

Our simple self-adhesive gutter strips can be easily fitted to new/existing tunnels to provide an excellent method of water collection.

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Compare the Range of Hobby Polytunnels

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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Things to look out for when buying a polytunnel?

These are the 5 main aspects most people consider when they buy a polytunnel;
1 Sizes of the tunnel,
2 Hoops,
3 Foundations,
4 How to secure the polythene in place,
5 Polythene,
Visit our 5 considerations when buying a polytunnel blog to learn more

What makes the Super Strength Polytunnel so strong?

The hoops are 50mm in diameter, which gives the Highlander it’s super strength. This means that the polytunnel can stand up to high winds in exposed areas without compromise.

How long does it take to build a Super Strength Polytunnel?

Depending on your experience, a Super Strength would take between 1 - 2 days, around 18 hours.

Can I add side vents and roof vents to the Super Strength Polytunnel?

Our Super Strength Polytunnel allows many additional extras, from full length side vents to benching, irrigation and extra ridge bars for extra storage and hanging and more.

Are there any specialist tools required to build the Super Strength Polytunnel

Strong wire cutters for the wiggle wire and a hack saw for the aluminium door frames that will need cutting to length.

Can you build a polytunnel on a slope?

Yes you can, slopes can be a challenge but with our easy to follow build on a slope guide, we can show you the best way to build your polytunnel on an incline.

How does wiggle wire secure the polythene in place?

The polythene is stretched over the C channel and the wiggle wire is simply fixed within that c channel. Wiggle the wiggle wire up and down as you fix it in place. The wiggle wire not only keeps the polythene tight and in place, but also means it can be easily removed should you need to without damaging the polythene.

How do you make sure the hoops are at a regular distance apart?

We suggest using the 3:4:5 Triangle Method to position the foundation tubes correctly.

Click here for more information

How do you keep the polythene tensioned?

Using our unique polythene tensioning system is as easy as this - ‘loosen a bolt, lift the hoop, tighten the bolt.’

What’s the difference between Lumisol Diffused and Lumisol Clear polythene?

Lumisol Clear transmits up to 92% of light. In the UK where light levels can be lower, clear polythene allows more light to enter which in turn can bring picking time forward.
Lumisol Diffused polythene scatters the light as it passes through the polythene. This enables the light to penetrate deep in to the plant canopy, as it hits the plant from all directions, not just from the direction of the sun.

Super Strength Instructions


Why a Highlander Super Strength Polytunnel?

U.K. Manufactured from the brackets to the polythene.

 

Our hoops are between 22% & 75% larger in diameter than some competitor models. - The Super Strength Galvanised Steel Hoops are 4.3x stronger than our strong Easy Build and come as 50mm as standard

 

Armourguard Coated Steel Framework – Galvanised to last a lifetime

 

Foundation Tubes - 2.5mm thick (others use 1.5mm or less)

 

Unique Polythene tensioning system - Allows the polythene to be tensioned or loosened as needed throughout the year

 

Lumisol Polythene - A British made, 7 layered polythene that has been specifically engineered for the British weather

 

Aluminium Base Rails, Aluminium Door Frame & Aluminium Doors with brush seal as standard – No specialist tools required, minimal sawing and definitely, no rot.

 

Combination of Doors - One aluminium door kit and one PVC 3-in-1 door with built in ventilation as standard. This combination allows full access, front and back whilst the PVC 3-in-1 door's Velcro panels can be partially or fully opened to allow as much or as little ventilation as required.


Highlander Polytunnel Sizes


Found Your Perfect Polytunnel?

Our Hobby Polytunnels are dispatched within 3 - 5 working days, so you can get your crops started almost straight away! If you want to talk to our in-house experts, call today and they will happily help you find a tunnel from our range to suit your needs. 

or

Call one of our team on
01282 873120