Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, Dorset

Client: Bournemouth Borough Council
Contractor: Minster Macadams
Type of works: Natratex from Bituchem specified for pathways.

Bournemouth Borough Council has specified Natratex from Bituchem to provide a hardwearing and attractive landscaping solution for the pathways at Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, a scenic and historic headland on the South Coast of England in Dorset.

Hengistbury Head is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and so required a natural aggregate wearing course with the durability to withstand the thousands of visitors that walk along the nature reserve every year.

Surfacing contractor Minster Macadams specified Natratex to provide a resilient surface with the appearance of natural aggregate similar to the local geology, that is environmentally sympathetic to the immediate surroundings.

200 tonnes of Natratex with 6mm Fawley gravel was laid to the pathways leading up Hengistbury Head to the flat terrain of Warren Hill. Commenting on the project Steve Murzell, Managing Director at Minster Macadams said, “Continuous pressure of visitors walking on the land had caused the existing gravel pathway to become worn and muddy forcing visitors to stray from the path onto the heathland. Hengistbury Head is internationally important for its archaeology and ecology and so a permanent pathway was required to prevent further damage to the site.”

The specially formulated clear binder used in Natratex forms a fully bonded natural aggregate wearing course that is long lasting and low maintenance with a selection of natural aggregates available. Natratex is a hot applied process with a similar manufacture and application method to that of traditional macadams. Unlike other landscaping solutions, Natratex can be applied in nearly all weather conditions and offers quick installation time.