Temporary Access Mats for Lodge Construction at Kielder Water and Forest Park, Northumberland
New luxury hillside lodges were under construction at Kielder Water and Forest Park in Northumberland, within a remote woodland setting. The civil engineering team needed a reliable way to get articulated lorries and heavy construction vehicles along narrow forest tracks to deliver modular cabins and materials. The priority was safe access without damaging the forest floor.
The Challenge: Remote Woodland Logistics, Narrow Tracks, and Soft Uneven Ground
The site location created immediate transport and handling constraints. Articulated vehicles had to negotiate tight forest routes, with limited room to pass or turn, while wet conditions made the ground soft and unpredictable.
With uneven terrain and the risk of rutting, bogging-in, and ground disturbance, the team needed a solution that would protect sensitive woodland surfaces and keep deliveries and construction activity moving on schedule.
Our Solution: MaxiTrack Access Mats for Remote, Difficult-to-Reach Sites
To overcome these challenges, the team used MaxiTrack heavy-duty trackway mats to form a temporary roadway through the forest.
Man-portable mats for restricted access
MaxiTrack mats are strong, lightweight, and fully man-portable, allowing installation without machinery. This was particularly useful where access was limited and bringing in additional lifting equipment would have increased disruption and cost.
High-traction surface for inclines and wet ground
The mats’ high-traction surface helped vehicles maintain grip on muddy or sloping sections of the route, improving safety and reducing the risk of wheelspin and surface damage.
Modular layout to adjust routes as the build progressed
Because the system is modular and quick to handle, the team could build, reconfigure, and extend access routes as the project evolved—supporting changing delivery points and work areas without delay.
Results: Reliable Vehicle Access and Forest Ground Protected
The on-site team found the mats quick to install, dismantle, and reposition as requirements changed. With no need to hire external contractors or specialist lifting equipment, the approach remained flexible and cost-efficient.
The temporary roadway provided robust support for heavy vehicles, while the sensitive forest ground was protected throughout. This enabled deliveries and construction activity to proceed smoothly in a challenging natural environment.
Key lessons for remote woodland and forestry construction access
- Plan access routes early on remote sites - narrow tracks and limited turning space can dictate the matting approach.
- Use man-portable mats where machinery access is difficult or undesirable in sensitive environments.
- Prioritise high-traction surfaces for wet, muddy ground and sloped routes to reduce risk and ground disturbance.
- Choose modular systems that can be reconfigured quickly as delivery points and work areas change.
- Protecting the route from the outset helps maintain programme certainty and reduces reinstatement risk.
Speak to GroundGuards about access mats for remote terrain
If your project involves moving heavy vehicles through forests or other hard-to-reach terrain, GroundGuards can help. We provide practical, effective access mats that protect sensitive ground and keep your programme moving. Contact our team to discuss your site and access requirements.
