Sustainable Porous Paving Solutions
Normanby Hall Case Study
Normanby Hall
Located in the stunning North Lincolnshire Countryside, Normanby Hall is an historic residence that holds a position as one of the areas top tourist, wedding and hospitality destinations. In conjunction with Museum & Heritage Manager Susan Hopkinson, North Lincs Council (the operators of the property) and Natural England, KBI Flexi™-Pave was selected as the primary material for a new woodland pathway within the grounds of the hall. The path had been naturally created over many years by people walking through the woodland. In order to make the pathway more accessible to a wider range of user groups, and to allow it to be used all year round, a decision was made to lay material to create a man-made path. The heavily wooded nature of the location required a material that would be sympathetic to the surrounding tree roots, easily manipulated through the undulating woodland, low-maintenance and visually unobtrusive. The result is a stunning woodland path that has added another facet to the public offering at Normanby Hall.
Technical Case Study – Normanby Hall
Top Left: A Walking to Health group enjoying the new pathway and the forgiving nature of the KBI Flexi™-Pave material. Top Right: The path is briefly interrupted by a wooden bridge. Bottom Left: The land on either side of the path has quickly re-established itself following the installation. Bottom Right: A wheelchair user sings the praises of the new path, which she says has allowed her access to the woodland with her three young daughters. Technical Case Study – Normanby Hall
“When constructing pathways in a woodland location you have to consider the potential damage that can be caused to the tree root system. KBI FlexiTMPave ticked all the right boxes when it came to the installation as it required minimal excavation. The other major benefit is that the system negates the requirement for a separate edging, avoiding additional excavation and a saving on material. Using KBI FlexiTM-Pave, the installation team achieved a path with a smooth flowing curve that meanders harmoniously through the woodland, which was perfect in the context of the location.” Peter Beschizza, Landscape Architect
The woodland setting called for a product that would not affect the surrounding tree roots, and equally be unaffected as a material by their growth and movement. KBI Flexi™-Pave met both these criteria. It’s flexibility prevents cracking or splitting in the event that tree roots grow or move, whilst its highporosity ensures that groundwater recharge is unaffected.
Technical Case Study – Normanby Hall
The pathway sweeps through woodland before connecting grassland areas of the property. Technical Case Study – Normanby Hall
Top Left: Dog walkers and their four-legged friends enjoying the benefits of the new path. Top Right: KBI UK staff meet walkers using the new path. Bottom Left: The new path has increased accessibility for new user groups. Bottom Right: The path sweeps through the woodland, mimicking the natural contours. Technical Case Study – Normanby Hall
When undertaking any project on the Normanby Hall site, a major factor in the process is getting the approval of the Normanby Estate Company . In 1964 North Lincolnshire Council leased the property from him for 99 years but are required to ensure that any major changes or additions to the site are first of all passed by the owner. “Credit for the shape of the path has to go to the excellent ground works team that were responsible for the installation. We could direct them to an extent, but ultimately the path has never been planned, it’s simply been worn in over the years. This meant that they had to use some artistic license to lay the path in such a way that it complemented the woodland and maintained as natural a look as possible.”
Paul Beetham, Head Gardener, Normanby Hall Despite one of the wettest winters on record, the project itself was extremely lucky as far as the weather was concerned.. Installation was carried out under good conditions, allowing the project to proceed and be completed on time. A deadline stipulated by Natural England also meant that the path had to be completed by the middle of March in order to receive its funding. “We’re delighted that not only has the path been completed to the clients satisfaction, but that the public have also been very forthcoming in expressing their own delight in the completed project.”
Graham Pell, KBI UK Sales & Marketing Director
Technical Case Study – Normanby Hall
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