Aggregate News

5 March 2026

Spring into action with Cotswold Path Gravel

As spring arrives and days grow longer, it’s the ideal time to refresh your outdoor spaces and begin landscaping projects.

Whether you’re planning a new garden pathway, enhancing your driveway, or designing beautiful borders, quality aggregates are essential, and there’s no better choice than our Cotswold Path Gravel.

Cotswold Path Gravel from Hills Quarry Products, premier supplier in the South West of England

What is Cotswold Path Gravel?

Cotswold Path Gravel is a golden-coloured, durable, and low-maintenance limestone aggregate that’s perfect for both decorative and practical landscaping applications.

Its warm tones complement traditional cottages and modern homes alike, making it a versatile choice for gardens and driveways across the UK.

Why spring is the perfect season for gravel projects

Spring isn’t only about blooming flowers… it’s prime landscaping season. With more favourable weather on its way, now is the time to:

Lay new, or refresh existing, pathways before summer gatherings
Refresh tired gravel areas after winter
Install drainage-friendly surfaces that deal well with spring showers

Cotswold Path Gravel is inherently permeable, helping water drain through naturally – reducing surface water build-up and helping to protect your outdoor space year-round.

Benefits of using Cotswold Path Gravel

Here’s why homeowners, landscapers, and DIY enthusiasts love Cotswold Path Gravel:

Landscaping aggregates with plants by Hills Quarry Products

Visually appealing

Soft honey and beige tones blend beautifully with planting schemes, lawns, patios, and architectural features, instantly boosting your curb appeal.

Easy to install

Perfect for DIY projects: simply lay down a weed membrane, add solid edging, and spread the gravel for a smooth and finished look.

Decorative aggregates from Hills Quarry Products

Durable & low-maintenance

Cotswold Path Gravel stands up well to regular foot traffic and even vehicle use, with minimal upkeep required – just the occasional raking and topping up.

Excellent drainage

Unlike sealed surfaces, loose aggregates like this allow water to pass through, making it an environmentally friendly choice before April showers descend.

Where you can use Cotswold Path Gravel

Cotswold path gravel isn’t just for paths. It’s ideal for a range of outdoor applications:

Garden pathways and walkways
Driveway surfaces
Cycleways and patios
Decorative borders and beds
Heritage and country landscape designs

Available options & flexible supply

Hills Quarry Products supplies Cotswold Path Gravel in loose loads, with flexible delivery options across the south of England. Whether you’re undertaking a small domestic gardening project, or a larger commercial landscape scheme, our friendly team can help you choose the right quantity and delivery solution. With a 125 years in the business, you can trust Hills to deliver.

27 February 2026

Transform your outdoor space with quality landscaping aggregates

The right materials make all the difference.

Whether you’re planning a garden makeover, installing a new driveway, or creating welcoming pathways, the right landscaping materials make all the difference.

At Hills Quarry Products, we supply a wide range of high-quality aggregates, topsoil, decorative gravels and more, all trusted by landscapers, garden designers and DIY enthusiasts across southern England.

From aesthetics to performance, the materials you choose will define how your outdoor space looks and functions for years to come. Here’s how our products can help you create beautiful, durable and sustainable landscapes.

What are landscaping aggregates?

Landscaping aggregates are naturally occurring or processed materials, like gravel, stone and sand, that provide structure and visual appeal to outdoor spaces.

They’re used both as functional foundations and decorative features in gardens, paths, patios, driveways and borders.

Popular landscaping materials and their uses:

Cotswold hoggin

Cotswold hoggin is a classic landscaping surface made from a blend of clay, sand and gravel.

When compacted, it forms a firm yet permeable surface, perfect for:

Garden pathways
Courtyards and driveways
Heritage or country-style landscapes

Its warm, golden colour blends beautifully with lawns and planting schemes while providing excellent weather resistance.

Cotswold Hoggin from Hills Quarry Products, premier supplier in the South West of England

Decorative gravels and stones

Decorative gravels such as 20mm washed gravel and 20mm golden flint are ideal for enhancing the look of your garden:

Brighten planting beds
Define borders or edging
Add texture to water features or rockeries

These stones are washed to remove fines, ensuring good drainage and long-lasting beauty in your outdoor design.

Decorative aggregates are versatile: they can be used to create visually striking areas, contrast with paving slabs, and highlight architectural elements in your landscape.

Nutrient-rich topsoil

Healthy planting begins with quality topsoil. Our screened topsoil is rich in organic matter and nutrient-dense, ideal for:

Turfing lawns
Flower and shrub planting
Raised beds and borders

Good topsoil supports plant growth by improving root access to water and air, resulting in greener, stronger landscapes.

Topsoil from Hills Quarry Products, premier supplier in the South West of England

0-20mm ballast, 0-20mm washed ballast, 10-20mm concreting ballast from Hills Quarry Products, premier supplier in the South West of England

Structural aggregates for stability

Materials like 6F5 crushed aggregate and 0–20mm ballast are essential beneath the surface.

They form strong sub-bases for paths, patios and driveways, ensuring:

Excellent compaction and load-bearing strength
Stability under foot and vehicle traffic
Better drainage and reduced surface water build-up

Recycled options such as 6F5 also support more sustainable landscaping practices by reducing waste and promoting circular resource use.

The benefits of choosing quality landscaping aggregates

Using the right materials doesn’t just improve the look of your outdoor space, it also delivers long-term performance:

Improved drainage: Gravel and stone allow rainwater to soak into the ground rather than pool on the surface, helping prevent waterlogging and supporting healthy plant growth.
Low maintenance: Unlike organic mulches, aggregates don’t break down or require regular replacement, keeping maintenance time and costs to a minimum.
Structural support: Good sub-base materials help prevent shifting or erosion under paved areas, ensuring paths and driveways stay stable and durable.
Aesthetic versatility: Different sizes, textures and colours of aggregates offer endless design possibilities, from natural landscapes to contemporary garden styles.

Hills-Video-Banner-of-Hills-Quarry-Truck

Why landscapers choose Hills Quarry Products

Landscapers and landscapers value us for our:

Wide choice of materials: from decorative gravels to topsoil and structural aggregates.
Consistent quality: products sourced and processed with care.
Reliable supply and delivery: across Berkshire, Dorset, Devon, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.
Expert advice: our team can help you choose the right materials for your specific project.
Sustainable practices: including the use of recycled aggregates for long-lasting, environmentally considerate landscaping.

Build better landscapes with Hills Quarry Products

From hard-wearing driveways to picturesque garden paths and thriving planting beds, the right materials are the cornerstone of successful landscaping.

Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a keen DIYer, choosing quality aggregates and soils from Hills Quarry Products helps you create outdoor spaces that are beautiful, robust and built to last – and we’ve been in the business for over 125 years. Talk to our friendly team today…

27 November 2025

Advantages of washed animal bedding sand: A practical guide for modern livestock farms

When it comes to livestock comfort and farm efficiency, bedding choice plays a bigger role than many realise.

For dairy farmers, equine yards, and other livestock operations, switching to washed animal bedding sand can lead to significant improvements in animal health, hygiene, and long-term sustainability.

At Hills Quarry Products, we’ve seen a growing number of farmers move toward washed bedding sand because it solves everyday challenges, from bacteria management to improving stall comfort, while offering reliable, long-term performance.

Below, we share a detailed, practical look at the benefits of washed bedding sand and why it’s becoming an essential part of modern, welfare-focused farming.

Advantages of washed animal bedding sand: A practical guide for modern livestock farms

What is washed animal bedding sand?

Washed animal bedding sand is a carefully graded, thoroughly cleaned sand designed specifically for livestock bedding.

The washing process removes silt, clay, dust, and organic impurities, resulting in a clean, free-draining material that enhances comfort and reduces health risks.

For farmers, this means a bedding material that is:

Consistently clean
Naturally hygienic
Soft and supportive for livestock
Easy to manage in a farm environment

Enhanced livestock hygiene and lower bacterial growth

One of the biggest advantages of washed bedding sand is its ability to minimise bacterial development. Unlike organic bedding materials, such as straw or sawdust, sand is inorganic, meaning it provides no nutrients for bacteria to thrive.

This directly supports:

Lower mastitis rates in dairy cows
Cleaner udders and coats
Reduced ammonia odour
A healthier, more sanitary environment

For dairy operations in particular, clean bedding translates to healthier herds and fewer veterinary interventions.

Superior animal comfort and welfare

Livestock rest quality affects growth, milk yield, stress levels, and overall well-being.

Washed sand provides a soft, supportive and naturally conforming surface, enabling animals to lie down comfortably for longer.

Benefits include:

Reduced hock lesions and injuries
Improved traction and joint support
A comfortable surface even for older or recovering animals

Good welfare practices aren’t just ethical; they improve herd performance and productivity.

Excellent drainage and moisture control

Moisture is one of the leading contributors to bacterial growth, bedding breakdown and odour.

Washed sand’s free-draining properties help keep bedding:

Drier for longer
Easier to clean
More comfortable for livestock

This helps maintain good stall conditions even in high-use areas such as dairy cubicles.

Long-lasting and cost-efficient bedding

Washed sand is durable and reusable, offering long-term value that many organic materials simply can’t match.

Farmers benefit from:

Longer bedding cycles before replacement
Less frequent full-bed cleanouts
Reduced bedding waste
Potential to reclaim and rewash used sand if the farm has separation systems

This makes it a cost-effective option over the life of the bedding.

Improved sustainability and reduced waste

Sustainability is increasingly important in modern agriculture.

Washed bedding sand supports more environmentally responsible farm operations by:

Reducing waste output
Eliminating reliance on one-use organic bedding
Minimising the volume of contaminated material

Because sand is reusable and naturally abundant, it offers a lower-impact alternative that aligns with long-term environmental goals.

Consistent quality you can depend on

Quality matters when it comes to animal bedding. Using unwashed or poor-quality sand can lead to drainage issues, dust, or contamination.

That’s why Hills Quarry Products carefully processes and grades our washed animal bedding sand, ensuring every load meets the high standards farmers expect.

With our washed bedding sand, you can rely on:

Uniform particle size
Minimal dust
Clean, low-risk material
Reliable year-round availability

A dependable bedding source helps streamline farm management and eliminates unwanted surprises.

Best practices for using washed bedding sand

To get the most from your bedding

Top up regularly to maintain depth and comfort

Keep sand piles sheltered from contamination

Use the correct grade recommended for livestock

For dairy farms, consider sand-manure separation systems for reclaiming material

Why farmers across the region choose Hills Quarry Products

For decades, Hills Quarry Products has supplied high-quality aggregates across the region.

Our washed animal bedding sand is produced with consistency, cleanliness, and animal welfare in mind, making it a trusted choice for dairy farms, equestrian centres, and mixed livestock operations.

We supply:

Reliable, local high-quality sand
Flexible delivery options
Experienced support from our knowledgeable team
Consistent grading and cleanliness every time

A smarter bedding choice for livestock comfort and farm efficiency

Washed animal bedding sand offers a powerful combination of comfort, hygiene, longevity and sustainability, benefits that directly support healthier animals and more efficient farming.

Whether you’re looking to improve cubicle hygiene, enhance welfare, reduce long-term costs or adopt more sustainable practices, washed bedding sand from Hills Quarry Products is a proven, dependable solution.

If you’re ready to upgrade your bedding system or want advice on choosing the right grade, our team is here to help.

Ready to improve your cattle’s bedding?

Contact the Hills Quarry Products experts today to discuss your requirements.

Choose a brand you can trust.

26 November 2025

Rock salt guide: Prepare for winter with Hills Quarry Products

When temperatures drop and the frost begins to bite, keeping driveways, car parks, paths, and public spaces safe becomes a top priority.

At Hills Quarry Products, we supply high-quality white and brown de-icing rock salt to help businesses, local authorities, and homeowners stay winter-ready with confidence.

Whether you’re stocking up for seasonal maintenance or responding to sudden cold snaps, understanding which rock salt to choose, and why, can make all the difference.

Below is your complete guide to rock salt, its benefits, and why it’s essential for effective winter safety management.

Rock Salt from Hills Quarry Products, premier supplier in the South West of England

Stay winter-ready. Order your rock salt today.

Don’t wait for frost to strike. Prepare now with the right de-icing materials and ensure your premises stay safe, accessible and fully operational throughout the colder months.

Contact Hills Quarry Products today for competitive pricing and fast delivery of white or brown rock salt.

Types of rock salt: White vs brown

Choosing between white and brown rock salt depends on where and how you plan to use it. Both offer excellent de-icing performance but serve slightly different purposes which can make all the difference depending on your requirements.

Brown rock salt

Brown rock salt is the UK’s most widely used de-icer, particularly on roads and highways.

Because brown salt contains natural impurities, it leaves a small residue, often welcomed for added grip but less suitable for areas where cleanliness matters.

Key features:

Conforms to BS3247:2011, the British Standard for de-icing salt
Contains 5–8% naturally occurring grit particles, helping to improve tyre and foot traction
Treated with an anti-caking agent for easy spreading
Cost-effective and ideal for large, outdoor areas

Best for…

Roads

Motorways

Car parks

Industrial yards

White rock salt

White rock salt is cleaner, brighter, and almost 100% pure sodium chloride, harvested sustainably from marine sources around the Mediterranean Sea.

White salt is the preferred choice when aesthetics and cleanliness are important, with no muddy residue left behind.

Benefits of white de-icing salt:

Leaves minimal residue, keeping walkways and entrances clean
Free-flowing and ideal for use in spreaders
Contains graded particle sizes for even coverage
Conforms to BS3247:2011
Each particle contributes directly to rapid ice melting due to high purity

Best for…

Schools

Hospitals

Retail parks

Footpaths

Tarmac meltaway rock salt

For fast-acting winter protection, Tarmac meltaway rock salt delivers reliable performance:

Features & benefits:

Quickly dissolves ice and snow for instant grip and safety
Effective in sub-zero temperatures
Perfect for driveways, paths, steps, and car parks
Simple to scatter by hand or spreader system

This makes it an excellent all-round solution for households and commercial premises looking to improve winter resilience.

Why choose Hills Quarry Products?

Hills has delivered quality products for over 125 years. When it comes to aggregates, sand, concrete, and specialist materials, you can trust Hills. We care about you, our products, and responsible aggregate extraction. Our restoration of land is award-winning.

Reliable winter stock availability
Bulk bags, loose loads, and smaller quantities to suit any requirement
High-quality, BS3247-compliant white and brown rock salt
Trusted by local authorities, developers, facilities managers and homeowners
Fast delivery across the region

Whether de-icing a small pathway or maintaining a busy commercial estate, Hills Quarry Products has the right rock salt to keep your site safe all winter.

Stay winter-ready. Order your rock salt today.

Don’t wait for frost to strike. Prepare now with the right de-icing materials and ensure your premises stay safe, accessible and fully operational throughout the colder months.

Contact Hills Quarry Products today and talk to the experts about your project for competitive pricing and fast delivery of white or brown rock salt.

11 November 2025

Top-quality specialist sports surfaces

Every great pitch, track, or golf course starts with the right materials beneath your feet.

At Hills Quarry Products, we supply the specialist sands and aggregates that form the backbone of exceptional sports and leisure surfaces across southern England.

Whether you’re constructing a golf bunker, maintaining an equestrian arena, or upgrading a multi-use games area, choosing the right material makes all the difference.

Sports facility builders and groundskeepers trust our products for their consistency, drainage properties, and long-term durability.

Specialist sports surfaces, Hills Quarry Products

Sand aggregates from Hills Quarry Products, the premier supplier for the south west.

Specialist sands and aggregates for every surface

We understand that different sports surfaces have very specific requirements. That’s why we produce and supply a wide range of washed, graded and blended materials to meet them.

Here are just a few examples of where our materials perform best:

Golf courses and bunkers

Our materials deliver excellent drainage, even texture, and resistance to compaction, helping maintain playable and visually appealing golf surfaces all year round.

Silica sand: a fine, clean, free-draining sand ideal for bunker construction and maintenance.
Rootzone: a carefully mixed combination of sand and soil to support healthy turf growth on greens and fairways.
Top dressing sand: for consistent ball roll and drainage performance on greens.

Sports Sector supported by Hills Quarry Products, premier suppler in the South West of England

Equestrian Sector supported by Hills Quarry Products, premier suppler in the South West of England

Equestrian arenas, gallops & ménages

Hills’ equestrian silica sand is free from silt and clay, ensuring consistent compaction and minimal dust. Combined with our drainage aggregates, it keeps arenas dry, stable and low-maintenance.

Silica sand: a premium washed silica sand that provides traction and cushioning for horse and rider.
Drainage gravel: used as the sub-base layer to promote drainage beneath the riding surface.
Arena base aggregates: graded material forming a stable, free-draining foundation for performance surfaces.

Sports pitches (natural and synthetic turf)

Our graded sub-base aggregates and sharp sands create long-lasting, stable layers that drain efficiently, essential for reliable, all-weather playability.

0–4mm washed sharp sand: perfect for top layers and as a blinding material beneath synthetic systems.
Type 1 sub-base aggregate: forms the structural foundation beneath sports surfaces.
Clean drainage stone (10–20mm): supports fast water run-off and prevents waterlogging.

Tennis courts, running tracks & playgrounds

Our materials create smooth, stable, and resilient bases that prevent movement and maintain surface flatness, essential for both performance and safety.

Crushed limestone aggregates: for firm, level base layers.
Washed sharp sand: ideal for laying and bedding beneath resin-bound or asphalt systems.
Type 3 open-graded sub-base: supports sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) often required for outdoor sports areas.

Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) & leisure surfaces

These materials form the backbone of durable, multi-sport surfaces, helping maintain evenness, support drainage, and reduce maintenance needs.

Blended sports sands: fine, consistent sands suitable for infill or leveling layers.
Graded drainage aggregates: for sub-surface drainage systems to maintain dry, usable areas.
Type 1 MOT aggregate: a robust, compactable base material for heavy-traffic zones.

Landscaping & leisure facilities

Our decorative gravels and topsoils help create safe, attractive environments surrounding sports areas, from spectator paths to landscaped gardens.

Decorative gravels (e.g., Cotswold gravel, flint gravel) – for pathways, spectator areas, and golf course features.
Topsoil: ideal for landscape restoration and turf establishment around sports facilities.

Ready to start your project?

Get in touch with our team today to discuss your requirements or request a quote.

6 November 2025

Mortimer flint: Versatile, durable, lasting performance

As we commemorate 125 years of supplying high-quality aggregates, Hills Quarry Products is proud to highlight one of our standout materials: Mortimer Flint.

Mortimer flint is a product that has earned its reputation for blending durability, beauty and versatility.

It reflects our commitment to excellence through more than a century.

What is Mortimer Flint?

Mortimer Flint is a naturally attractive flint aggregate, available in both 10 mm and 20 mm grades.

Colour-rich in gold, buff, black and white tones, it delivers striking visual appeal while offering the hard-wearing performance you’d expect from an aggregate underpinned by 125 years of expertise. (Product information exists on our gravel / aggregates page.)

Why use Mortimer flint?

Durable

Built to perform, withstand footfall, vehicular use and heavy duty landscaping

Versatile

Ideal for decorative landscaping, driveways, pathways, drainage systems and specialist non-calcareous installations.

Aesthetic

The blend of gold, buff, black and white tones adds character that enhances planting schemes, borders or open landscaping.

Reliable

As part of the Hills Quarry Products offering our clients can expect consistency, availability and support.

20mm Mortimer flint:

Perfect when strength and decorative impact matter.

Use for driveways, high-traffic paths, open outdoor spaces, drainage mediums and non-calcareous applications.

10mm Mortimer flint:

Ideal for fine-finish work.

Garden paths, contemporary landscaping, decorative borders and areas where underfoot comfort and texture are important.

Mortimer flint: Versatile, durable, lasting performance

Why choose Hills Quarry Products?

With 125 years behind us, we have the heritage, resources and expertise to deliver materials that meet both aesthetic and functional demands.

Mortimer Flint encapsulates our focus on quality, versatility and customer satisfaction. When you choose Hills, you choose a partner committed to your project’s success.

We care about responsible quarrying, meaning we dedicate ourselves to land restoration after aggregate extraction has been carried out.

Our restoration is carried out to a high standard by working closely with partner organisations such as Wiltshire Wildlife Trust who manage over 40 nature reserves across Wiltshire and Swindon, including wetland, woodland, meadow and chalk downland habitats and the Cotswold Lakes Trust who are dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of the Cotswold Water Park for the benefit of wildlife and people.

Whether you’re designing a statement driveway, creating a low-maintenance garden landscape or installing a drainage solution, Mortimer Flint offers a trusted solution.

Restoration giving back, Hills Quarry Products

15 October 2025

Restoration: How we make sure our quarries give back

When we think of quarries, it’s easy to picture busy sites supplying essential materials for construction: the sand, gravel, and stone that form the foundation of our homes, roads, and infrastructure.

But beyond extraction, quarries can also play a vital role in restoration: enhancing biodiversity, protecting heritage, and supporting local communities.

At Hills Quarry Products, responsible quarrying means more than producing high-quality aggregates. It’s about planning for the future, ensuring that when a quarrying operation comes to an end, the land is restored to create thriving wildlife habitats and spaces that tell the story of our natural and cultural heritage.

Restoring landscapes for nature

Site manager overlooking newly set up quarry at Cerney Wick

Every Hills Quarry Products site is managed with a comprehensive restoration plan, developed in consultation with ecologists, local authorities, and community partners.

These plans ensure that each site has a sustainable future, whether as wetland reserves, grassland meadows, woodlands, or agricultural land.

Our rolling programme of progressive restoration means that even as extraction continues in one area, others are already being transformed into valuable habitats for wildlife and people alike.

A standout example of this commitment is Lower Moor Farm in Wiltshire.

Once an active sand and gravel quarry operated by Hills Quarry Products, the site was restored and later transferred to the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

Today, Lower Moor Farm is a much-loved nature reserve. The reserve is a mosaic of three lakes, two brooks, ponds and wetland scrapes linked together by boardwalks, ancient hedges, woodland and meadows.

It was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

It is a powerful demonstration of how restored quarries can become havens for biodiversity.

Biodiversity in quarries

Restored quarry sites often provide the perfect conditions for nature to flourish.

By working with organisations such as the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, we help strengthen Wiltshire’s network of nature reserves and green corridors, connecting wildlife populations and promoting resilience across the landscape.

For over 35 years, The Hills Group has supported the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust through the Landfill Community Fund. We’ve donated land and money, and are proud to see nature reserves such as Langford Lakes and Lower Moor Farm flourish, especially with the recent opening of visitor centre and cafes.

Restored quarry sites often provide the perfect conditions for nature to flourish.

The combination of open water, wildflower meadows, and varied terrain creates diverse ecosystems that support birds, insects, amphibians, and rare plants.

At several Hills sites, careful restoration has led to the return of native species: from butterflies and newts to wildflowers once scarce in the region.

Hills Quarry Products, Restoration progammes

Preserving archaeology & palaeontology

Quarrying also provides a unique opportunity to uncover the hidden history beneath our feet.

Hills Quarry Products provides significant financial and practical resources towards the identification, excavation, recording and reporting of the geology, archaeology, and palaeontology in the areas where the company has established sand and gravel quarries.

Over three different years, our quarry at Cerney Wick has hosted a renowned archaeological and paleontological dig, led by Sally & Neville Hollingworth.

Between digging up mammoths, Ice Age horses, and crocodiles, they had David Attenborough with the BBC come to visit, to film ‘Attenborough and the Mammoth Graveyard’.

Subsequent digs in 2024 and 2025 attracted over 200 volunteers from more than 20 universities, indicative of the importance of this site to the palaeontological community.

Site visits from television news crews, live radio broadcasts and coverage in national newspapers ensured that the palaeontological discoveries didn’t go unheralded.

A free ‘Mammoths at The Museum’ public exhibition was held at the Corinium Museum in Cirencester in the early 2025. To enable this, extraction, preserving and cataloguing of all the discoveries happened within just six months. Another dig at the mammoth graveyard occurred in 2025, where Hills once again supported the efforts of team #TuskForce.

Working with communities

Neigh Bridge Country Park Play Area supported with aggregates from Hills Quarry Products

Our environmental and restoration work is part of a broader commitment to the communities we serve.

Hills Quarry Products actively supports local conservation, education, and wellbeing projects, often through partnerships with wildlife trusts and community organisations.

By transforming former industrial sites into public green spaces and nature reserves, we’re helping to create lasting environmental and social value across Wiltshire and beyond.

Building for the future

At Hills Quarry Products, we believe that sustainable quarrying means leaving a positive legacy.

Each restored quarry is a testament to how industry and the environment can work together: producing materials essential for modern life while supporting biodiversity, heritage, and community wellbeing.

As we look to the future, our goal remains clear: to continue balancing the demands of construction with the needs of nature, ensuring our quarries remain gateways to regeneration, discovery, and conservation for generations to come.

Swindon Concrete Plant, Hills Quarry Products

24 September 2025

Mortimer Flint: The gravel where durability meets design

Durable design in your garden

When it comes to landscaping and construction, choosing the right aggregate can make all the difference, not just in performance, but also in appearance.

At Hills Quarry Products, our 20mm Mortimer Flint is a customer favourite, and it’s easy to see why. This distinctive gravel combines timeless durability with stunning natural colours, making it the perfect blend of form and function.

A natural palette for outdoor spaces

Mortimer Flint is instantly recognisable by its gold, buff, black and white tones.

This unique mix creates a warm yet striking finish that complements a wide variety of settings, from traditional cottage gardens to sleek, modern landscapes. Whether used as a decorative border, on a pathway, or as a driveway surface, it adds depth and visual appeal that enhances the overall design.

Built to last

Mortimer Flint doesn’t compromise on strength.

Its hard-wearing nature makes it ideal for high-traffic areas such as driveways and pathways, where it will retain its decorative charm without sacrificing resilience. For homeowners and landscapers seeking both practicality and beauty, this gravel delivers on both counts.

Practical uses beyond decoration

While Mortimer Flint is best known for its decorative appeal, its non-calcareous properties also make it an excellent choice for specialist applications.

It serves as a reliable drainage medium for pipe bedding, ensuring both functionality and visual harmony where water features and landscaping projects meet.

On-trend for modern gardens

Current landscaping trends favour natural, multi-functional materials that offer texture and character, qualities that Mortimer Flint provides in abundance.

From stylish courtyard paving surrounds to low-maintenance garden pathways, it aligns perfectly with the growing demand for sustainable, visually appealing outdoor solutions.

The best of both worlds

With 20mm Mortimer Flint, there’s no need to choose between durability and design.

Its natural colouring provides a decorative flourish, while its toughness ensures long-lasting performance. That’s why it continues to be a go-to choice for landscapers, builders, and homeowners alike.

Explore the versatility of 20mm Mortimer Flint today with Hills Quarry Products…

The perfect balance of practicality and style for your next project.

9 September 2025

Washed animal bedding sand: A smart, sustainable choice for livestock comfort

For decades, Hills Quarry Products has supported the farming community with aggregates crafted for agricultural settings.

From cattle track stone to soil-enhancing oolitic dust.

Our washed animal bedding sand stands out as a key solution for improving animal welfare while controlling costs.

For farmers and livestock managers, comfort and cleanliness are non-negotiable. Hills Quarry Products’ washed animal bedding sand delivers both: boosting health, improving milk yield, reducing injuries, and offering a cost-effective alternative to wheat straw.

Five reasons why washed animal bedding sand makes a difference

1. Healthier livestock

By significantly reducing dust compared to traditional wheat straw, this sand helps minimise respiratory issues and irritation in livestock.

Cleaner bedding promotes better overall health and reduces the occurrence of infection or respiratory stress.

This solid foundation supports stronger, healthier animals on your farm.

2. Better milk yields

Comfort matters for dairy cows. A clean, stable bedding surface encourages longer, more restful periods lying down.

That leads to improved blood circulation and reduced stress, which often translates to increased milk production: an outcome every dairy farmer aims for.

3. Fewer injuries

Dust-laden, uneven bedding can lead to slips, abrasions, and other injuries.

Washed sand delivers an even, stable surface that reduces the risk of harm.

Safer cattle mean less downtime and vet costs, keeping both animals and operations running smoothly.

4. Enhanced comfort & cleanliness

With excellent drainage and cleanliness, this bedding option supports a drier, more hygienic environment.

It’s easier to manage and maintain, keeping farm buildings in better condition and supporting livestock comfort.

Cattle Track Stone, Hills Quarry Products

5. Cost-effective alternative

Wheat straw can be pricey and labour-intensive to manage. Washed sand offers a durable, economical replacement, often lasting over longer periods, even reducing the need for frequent replacement.

That helps rein in costs while maintaining consistent performance and supporting livestock comfort.

How it fits into your farming strategy

Dual benefits

Enhances animal welfare and optimises running costs, good for the livestock, good for the balance sheet.

Versatility across sectors

From dairy barns to equestrian facilities, washed animal bedding sand is a practical choice for high-traffic or hygiene-sensitive environments.

Ease of use

Combining comfort, cleanliness, and maintenance efficiency, it’s a reliable option for daily farm management.

Ready to offer your livestock cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective bedding?

Get in touch with Hills Quarry Products to discuss your needs or to place an order today.

Woodsford, Mortimer, Cotswold gravel (1350 x 1350 px) (600 x 400 px) (2)

5 September 2025

Between a rock and a hard place? Choose gravel instead!

At rock bottom picking the right aggregates for your garden?

Look no further and pave the way with style by choosing gravel!

At Hills Quarry Products, we know that the right aggregate can make all the difference in your project – whether it’s creating a beautiful garden, a durable driveway, or a reliable drainage solution.

That’s why we supply a wide range of high-quality materials, including Mortimer flint, Woodsford flint, and Cotswold gravel. Each has its own unique qualities, colours, and applications, giving you plenty of choice to suit your project needs.

Mortimer flint

A striking aggregate with a blend of gold, buff, black and white tones, Mortimer flint is both decorative and hard-wearing.

Available in 10mm and 20mm, it’s a versatile choice for projects that demand both performance and style.

Common applications:

Decorative landscaping
Pathways
Decorative borders
Driveways (20mm)
Water features (20mm)
Non-calcareous uses
Drainage medium

Woodsford flint

Composed of natural creams, browns and black tones, Woodsford flint is another durable option that offers an attractive finish.

Available in 10mm, 20mm and 40 mm sizes to suit different projects.

Common applications:

10mm Woodsford flint: Perfect for decorative landscaping, non-calcareous uses, and as a drainage medium.
20mm Woodsford flint: A versatile choice for landscaping, non-calcareous uses, and as a drainage medium.
40mm Woodsford flint: Well-suited for larger-scale landscaping, non-calcareous applications, and drainage.

Woodsford flint, durable & attractive finish from Hills Quarry Products

Cotswold gravel

With its warm, natural appearance, Cotswold gravel is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Available in 10mm, 20mm and 40mm sizes, it brings versality to a wide range of projects.

Common applications:

10mm Cotswold gravel: Ideal for pipe bedding, drainage systems, and smaller driveways.
20mm Cotswold gravel: A popular choice for driveways, pathways, and decorative borders, thanks to its visual appeal.
40mm Cotswold gravel: A functional option, commonly used in land drainage systems, Type B media filters, and rejects.

Why choose Hills Quarry Products aggregates?

Choice

Wide range of sizes and materials to suit your project

Durable

Hard-wearing, high-quality products

Aesthetic

Decorative finishes with natural colour variations

Reliable

Trusted supplier with decades of industry experience

Ready to level-up your garden?

Whether you’re designing a a decorative garden, laying a new driveway, or working on a specialist drainage system, Hills Quarry Products has the right aggregate for the job.