KBI UK delivers sustainable, root-friendly pathway solutions at historic Lotherton Hall Estate

KBI UK partnered with Leeds City Council to upgrade the footpaths at the historic Lotherton Hall Estate, delivering a durable, eco-friendly surface as part of the councils regional accessibility improvements.

Protecting Heritage Landscape and Tree Routes

Lotherton Hall, an iconic Edwardian estate near Aberford, welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to explore its house, gardens and woodland walkways. However maintaining footpaths across mature woodland presents a significant challenge: traditional rigid surfaces like asphalt or concrete often crack as underlying tree roots grow. Furthermore, impermeable materials starve tree root systems of vital oxygen and water, creating long-term environmental damage and hazardous trip hazards for visitors.

To resolve these issues without impacting the estate's protected trees, KBI UK was commissioned to install its KBI Flexipave system along the key high-traffic pedestrian routes.

Sustainable & Highly Porous Innovation

KBI'S installation team replaced damaged, uneven footpaths with a smooth, highly durable surface tailored specifically for sensitive natural environments:

• Tree Route Protection - Formulated using a blend of recycled vehicle tyre rubber, natural stone aggregate and a specialised polyurethane binder, Flexipave offers inherent flexibility. It absorbs subtle ground movement and root expansion without cracking or lifting.

• Superior Drainage - With a porosity rate exceeding thousands of litres of water per square meter per minute, rainwater drains directly into the underlying sub-base. This eliminates standing surface water, mud accumulation and localised flooding along woodland trails.

• Eco-friendly Construction - By incorporating thousands of end-of-life recycled tyres, the project directly diverted waste from landfills while providing a long-lasting, low-maintenance surface.

A Modern Upgrade for Heritage Grounds

Selected for it's proven durability, environmental credentials and foot-friendly compliance for pushchairs and mobility equipment. KBI Flexipave ensures that Lotherton Hall's footpaths remain safe, attractive and free from puddles for years to come.

To learn more about KBI UK and its expertise in tree root protection and sustainable porous surfacing for heritage and public spaces, visit our page to get in touch with our specialist team.

KBI transformed the existing routes while protecting the surrounding trees. Using the CellWeb system - a 3D cellular structure designed for environmentally sensitive areas, we created a stable, load-bearing surface without compacting the soil. 

This solution allows oxygen and water to move freely through the ground, supporting healthy root systems. The perforated cells enable natural drainage and reduce surface run-off, helping to maintain soil structure and moisture balance. As a result, the pathways are durable and accessible, while the trees continue to thrive in a protected, sustainable environment.