Groundtrax CellPave AP Delivers Discreet Car Parking Reinforcement at Lyme Park National Trust Property

Client: National Trust

Project: Grass car park reinforcement

Product: CellPave AP

Area installed: 3,000m²

Project overview

Groundtrax (now part of Green-tech) was approached by the Facilities and Support team at Lyme Park, a National Trust property in Cheshire. With large areas of grassed car parking in place, the team were concerned about surface deterioration during periods of wet weather, when ground conditions became compromised under vehicle loading.

Our team visited the site to assess the most appropriate reinforcement solution. As with all historic properties, a key consideration was the visual impact of any intervention on the wider landscape and heritage setting.

It was immediately clear that CellPave AP was the most suitable system to meet both the functional and aesthetic requirements of the site.

The challenge

The site required a solution that would:

• Reinforce existing grass parking areas without altering the natural appearance

• Improve performance in wet weather conditions

• Avoid extensive excavation or disruption to the ground

• Maintain the historic visual setting of the estate

• Provide a long-term, stable parking surface for visitors

The solution

CellPave AP is a uniquely designed anchored grass reinforcement system that stabilises existing grassed surfaces without the need for full excavation or a traditional sub-base build-up.

The system is installed directly into existing grassed areas using a vibrating roller. The underside of each paver features small anchoring barbs that secure the grid into the ground, ensuring it remains firmly in place under vehicle loading.

Once installed, the system works as follows:

• The interlocking structure distributes vehicle loads laterally across the surface

• Grass grows through the open voids, integrating the grid into the natural root zone

• The surface becomes a reinforced grass system that retains a natural appearance

• Surface nodules improve grip for both vehicles and pedestrians, particularly in wet conditions

CellPave AP is specifically designed for projects where maintaining a grassed aesthetic is essential while improving load-bearing performance.

A key advantage is that on firm existing ground, CellPave AP eliminates the need for excavation and sub-base construction, making it one of the most efficient solutions for upgrading existing grass parking areas.

Performance and installation

The product was installed across 3,000m² of grassed parking and within approximately six weeks, the system had naturally integrated into the site, with the grid becoming largely invisible beneath established grass growth. The result was a reinforced parking surface that retained the appearance of a traditional grassed car park, while significantly improving usability and resilience in wet conditions.

The outcome

CellPave AP delivered a discreet, durable and practical reinforcement solution, ensuring Lyme Park could continue to accommodate visitor parking demand without compromising the character of the landscape.

David Marsh, Category Manager for Ground Reinforcement and Ground Protection at Green-tech, comments, “Historic sites like Lyme Park require a very careful balance between performance and appearance. CellPave AP is designed specifically for this type of application, reinforcing grassed parking areas without changing the visual character of the landscape. The system integrates naturally with the ground, delivering a practical solution that supports visitor access while protecting the site long term.”