KBI UK Transforms Everton Nature Garden

KBI UK is pleased to announce the completion of our latest project: the installation of sustainable, root-friendly pathways at Everton Nature Garden in Liverpool.

Situated within Everton Park, the nature garden provides a crucial green haven for local biodiversity and visitors. However, the existing footpaths required significant modernisation to improve overall accessibility, withstand heavy foot traffic and prevent ongoing root damage to the surrounding mature trees.

Working in sensitive natural environments requires a specialised surfacing approach - one that balances long-term durability with strict environmental conservation.

Protecting Delicate Ecosystems and Tree Root Systems

Traditional rigid materials such as asphalt and concrete often cause long-term issues in woodland and parkland settings, Over time, expanding tree roots force the rigid surface upward, resulting in cracked, hazardous pathways. In response, local authorities are often forced to either sever tree roots - damaging the tree's health - or continuously perform costly repairs.

To solve this issue at Everton Nature Garden, KBI UK installed 190m² of KBI Flexipave HD1500 (35mm depth), our flexible, porous surfacing system engineered specifically for installation near established trees and delicate vegetation.

Flexipave is manufactured using a hybrid blend of recycled vehicle tyres and natural stone aggregate. Because the material remains flexible, it moves in harmony with natural ground settlement and root growth without cracking or lifting, protecting the surrounding woodland ecosystem for years to come.

Key Project Highlights & Environmental Impact

• Sustainable (SuDS compliant): The open-pore structure material allows rainwater to instantly percolate directly into the water table, preventing surface pooling and eliminating water run-off into adjacent habitat zones.

• Significant Waste Diversion: By incorporating recycled tyre rubber into the 190m² installation, the project successfully diverted 507 end-of-life vehicle tyres away from landfills and incineration.

• Carbon Reduction: The sustainable material profile and efficient installation process resulted in a direct carbon saved of 11,161 kg of CO₂ emissions, significantly reducing the carbon footprint compared to the standard paving alternatives.

• Long-Term Ecosystem Protection: The flexible matrix accommodates root expansion

11,161kg of O₂ emissions saved

507 end-of-life vehicle tyres recycled