Case Study
Ilam Park Footpaths
In conjunction with the National Trust and Lathams Architecture + Urbanism
Heritage & Conservation
September 2024
£136,000
Ilam, Derbyshire
Project Overview
Sensitive access improvements in the heart of the Peak District
Working as Principal Contractor, Killingley undertook footpath enhancements at Ilam Park for the National Trust, as part of Phase 2 of a circular Easy Access Footpath route. Works included resurfacing existing riverside and woodland paths using self-binding gravel to improve accessibility while respecting the natural landscape character.
The working areas were in the vicinity of several Grade I, II* and II Listed buildings, as well as Scheduled Ancient Monuments, requiring careful planning of plant movements and working zones throughout. The site is also adjacent to a Site of Special Scientific Interest and an Area of Special Conservation, with the entire site sitting within the Peak District National Park.
An archaeological watching brief was maintained throughout, and excavations required adjacent to the Manifold Tearoom were closely monitored to ensure compliance with all heritage and environmental conditions.
Project Highlights
The Challenge
Resurface riverside and woodland paths within a highly constrained environment of listed buildings, scheduled monuments, a SSSI and a National Park, while maintaining an archaeological watching brief throughout.
Our Solution
Careful programming of plant movements and working zones around all constraints, with self-binding gravel resurfacing selected to suit the landscape setting and satisfy the National Trust’s conservation requirements.
The Result
Improved, accessible footpaths sympathetic to their heritage and ecological setting, delivered without incident to programme and to the satisfaction of the National Trust.
Project Team
Client: The National Trust
Landscape Architects: Lathams Architecture + Urbanism
Proven Results
On site at Ilam Park
Scope of Works
What we delivered
Pedestrian Access
Resurfacing of riverside and woodland footpaths to form Phase 2 of a circular Easy Access route through Ilam Park.
Hard Landscaping
Self-binding gravel installation across all path surfaces, selected to complement the natural character of the Peak District landscape.
Programme Delivery
Works carefully sequenced around heritage, ecological and access constraints, with an archaeological watching brief maintained throughout.
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