The Challenge: Building Lodges in a Remote Forest

At Kielder Water and Forest Park in Northumberland, new luxury hillside lodges were under construction within a stunning but remote woodland setting.

This location, known for being home to the largest man-made lake in Europe, posed significant logistical hurdles. Articulated lorries and heavy construction vehicles needed to navigate narrow forest tracks to deliver modular cabins and construction materials. Wet, soft, and uneven ground added to the challenge, with potential for serious disruption to the natural environment if ground protection was not handled correctly.

The GroundGuards Solution: Lightweight Mats, Heavy Duty Results

To overcome these challenges, the civil engineering team turned to GroundGuards' MaxiTrack system.

MaxiTrack mats are strong, lightweight, and fully man-portable, making them ideal for use in forested and difficult-to-access locations. The mats feature a high-traction surface, helping vehicles maintain grip on steep or muddy inclines. Their modular format allows easy installation without machinery, meaning the team could build and adjust access routes on the fly using just manual labour.

Thanks to MaxiTrack’s ease of handling and interlocking design, a safe and stable temporary roadway was quickly laid through the dense forest. This allowed heavy vehicles to reach the hillside lodge site safely, without damaging the forest floor.

Results & Outcome: Quick to Install, Easy to Rely On

The on-site team were impressed by how easily MaxiTrack could be installed, dismantled, and reconfigured as the project evolved. Without needing to hire external contractors or lifting equipment, the team remained flexible and cost-efficient throughout.

The mats provided robust support for all vehicles, and crucially, the sensitive forest ground was left unharmed once the project was complete. The efficient access road enabled works to proceed without delay, contributing to a smooth construction schedule in a challenging natural environment.

GroundGuards is Here to Help

If your project involves navigating heavy vehicles through forests or other remote terrain, GroundGuards can help. Our team provides practical, effective ground protection solutions to keep your project moving and your site protected. Contact us today to discuss your access needs.