Transforming Trails: How Eco-Friendly paving reconnected Matlock's Hurst Farm Community

Walking through the picturesque woodlands surrounding Matlock, Derbyshire, its easy to see why the local landscape is so cherished. Rich in history and natural beauty, the area around Hurst Farm estate links iconic landmarks. However connecting community spaces with historic, ecologically sensitive environments comes with a unique challenge: How do you build a smooth, fully accessible pathway without harming the environment - or the trees along the way?

That was precisely the mission behind the Hurst Farm Heritage Trail project and KBI UK were thrilled to play a central role in bringing it to life.

The Challenge: Accessibility Meets Environmental Protection

The vision for the trail was clear: create a durable, all-weather and wheelchair-accessible walking path connecting the Hurst Farm housing estate directly to local heritage sites and community facilities.

The obstacle? A significant portion of the route wound through woodland packed with delicate tree root networks and subject to heavy natural water runoff. Tradtional paving methods were out of the question:

• Asphalt/Concreate - Impermeable, prone to cracking over root networks and detrimental to tree health by blocking water and oxygen.

• Loose Gravel  - Difficult for wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters to navigate and easily washed away during heavy rainfall.

To make a trail a reality, the project required a surface that was strong, fully porous, flexible and completely safe for the surrounding area.

The Solution: KBI Flexipave & "No-Dig" Engineering

To Solve the puzzle KBI UK installed 889m² of Flexipave, our flagship surfacing material. Made from a specialised blend of recycled vehicle tyres and natural stone aggregate, Flexipave offered the perfect combination of strength, flexibility and environmental sustainability for Hurst Farm.

To protect the ancient root systems, the surfacing was paired with a Cellweb "no-dig" sub-base, constructed above the ground level rather than excavating into the soil so the tree roots beneath could continue to breath and thrive. Additionally, Flexipave's extreme porosity allows water and air to pass directly through its surface into the ground, eliminating puddling, preventing soil erosion and ensuring natural moisture reaches surrounding vegetation. Unlike loose gravel, Flexipave forms a bound that is highly durable and smooth making it accessible for wheelchairs and walkers alike, making the heritage trail truly inclusive for the whole community.