Enhancing public spaces with a durable natural edged path for Cheltenham Borough Council

Greenfields Ltd was proud to partner with Cheltenham Borough Council to deliver a high-quality, long-lasting natural-edged pathway designed for everyday use and community enjoyment.

For this scheme, our expert landscaping team constructed a durable, natural edge path using quarried Type-1 aggregate as the base, carefully laid and compacted to form a strong foundation. The surface was then finished with Deansett gravel, a premium self-binding material known for its stability and year-round performance across changing weather conditions. Every step of the construction process focused on durability, ensuring the pathway would stand up to frequent use by walkers, cyclists, and local residents.

As part of the works, we made efficient use of excavated materials to form a series of bunds — gently graded earth berms that help direct surface water. These bunds play a key role in enhancing site drainage by channeling runoff into newly installed swales, shallow vegetated channels designed to slow and absorb rainfall, reduce surface flow and improve the hydrological performance of the landscape. The integration of swales is increasingly recognised in public landscaping and sustainable drainage solutions (SuDS) for its environmental benefits, including reduced flood risk and support for biodiversity.

This project not only improved public access and connectivity across the area but also contributed to Cheltenham Borough Council’s wider ambitions for greener, more resilient urban spaces. Creating a pathway that blends durability with natural aesthetics reflects our commitment to delivering infrastructure that benefits the local community, enhances amenity value, and encourages outdoor activity.

At Greenfields Ltd, we’re proud to deliver landscaping and civil works that make a real difference for councils and communities across Gloucestershire. Whether it’s durable pathways, swale systems, or sustainable drainage solutions, we bring experience and quality to every project we undertake.