Strulch - has anyone tried it ?

I've been recommended to buy strulch for my beds to put it round my young shoots coming up ?  I have thin sandy soil and so I understand it will also help with that.

It seems it is used by the RHS and I have to say I'm excited about going to Wisley this weekend and buying some ( I think I need to get out more).  It seems quite expensive but I don't need to put it everywhere although I guess if funds allowed I'd probably try it instead of manure.

Would be interested to hear if anyone else on here has used it and your thoughts.