Out-wintering pads (OWPs) are a cattle-housing system in which a layer of timber residue (often ~50 mm
woodchips[1] is placed over an artificially drained surface to control solid and liquid
excreta from animal confinement.[2][3] In some climates such as the United Kingdom and Ireland, OWPs allow livestock to be housed outdoors over winter.
“Spent” timber residues (STRs, timber residues soiled with animal excreta) can be applied to land as a source of
organic matter and nutrients.[4][5]
^Smith, K. 2005. Final Report: Survey of Woodchip Corrals and Stand-off Pads in England and Wales: Construction, Operation and Management Practices, and Potential. Wolverhampton, UK:
Environmental Protection Agency, ADAS