Read More About Our Gabion Stone
Gabion Stone - Decorative & Environmentally Friendly
Gabion Stone is used in Gabion Baskets usually for large retaining walls. It is a more decorative and environmentally friendly product than other methods of creating a retaining wall, and is also used for rockeries and river bank protection. Available loose tipped by the tonne, sized to suit your basket aperture.
Gabion Stone Available
Gabion Stone 45-75mm (6C)
Smaller graded gabion stone, ideal for smaller decorative baskets, architectural cages, rockeries and feature walls. Loose tipped bulk delivery.
FROM as low as £80.20 Per Tonne
Gabion Stone 100-200mm (6G)
Larger graded gabion stone for standard retaining walls, river bank protection and structural gabion installations. Loose tipped bulk delivery.
FROM as low as £80.20 Per Tonne
Gabion Stone Applications
Retaining & Structural
- Large retaining walls
- Engineered gabion structures
- Sound barrier walls
- Flood defence works
Landscaping & Decorative
- Garden retaining features
- Architectural gabion cages
- Rockeries & rock gardens
- Decorative boundary walls
Civil & Environmental
- River bank protection
- Erosion control
- Embankment stabilisation
- Habitat creation features
How We Help With Your Gabion Project
Right Size Selection
Advice on whether 6C (45-75mm) or 6G (100-200mm) suits your basket aperture, project type and finished appearance.
Quantity Calculation
Gabion stone fills approximately 1.5 tonnes per cubic metre of basket. Tell us your basket dimensions and we will calculate the tonnage required.
Loose Tipped Delivery
Direct bulk delivery to your site, home or project location across Thatcham, Newbury, Reading and the surrounding region.
Gabion Stone Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gabion stone and what is it used for?
Gabion stone is a graded angular stone used to fill gabion baskets — wire mesh cages that, when filled, form decorative and structural retaining walls, river bank protection, sound barriers and architectural features. It is a more decorative and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional concrete or block retaining walls, and provides natural drainage through the basket. We supply 6C (45-75mm) and 6G (100-200mm) gabion stone loose tipped by the tonne.
What's the difference between 6C (45-75mm) and 6G (100-200mm) gabion stone?
6C Gabion Stone (45-75mm) is graded smaller and is ideal for smaller decorative baskets, architectural cages, rockeries and feature walls where a finer finish is required. 6G Gabion Stone (100-200mm) is the larger standard grade used for typical gabion retaining walls, river bank protection and engineered structures. The correct size depends on the aperture of your gabion basket — the stone must be larger than the mesh openings so it stays inside. Both grades are priced from £80.20 per tonne loose tipped.
How much gabion stone do I need for my baskets?
As a working guide, gabion stone fills approximately 1.5 tonnes per cubic metre of basket volume. So a 1m x 1m x 1m basket needs roughly 1.5 tonnes; a 2m x 1m x 0.5m basket needs around 1.5 tonnes also. Hand-packed stones use slightly less; machine-tipped baskets use slightly more. Call us on 01635 865679 with your basket dimensions and quantity and we will calculate the exact tonnage and arrange loose tipped delivery.
Do you supply granite or limestone gabion stone?
Gabion stone is available in both granite and limestone material depending on the look and durability you require. Granite is the most durable, weather resistant choice with a darker, harder-wearing appearance — ideal for engineered structures and exposed locations. Limestone offers a lighter, more natural appearance at a more cost-effective price point and is well suited to landscaping and decorative use. Contact us on 01635 865679 to discuss the best material for your project.
Can gabion stone be used for river bank protection?
Yes — gabion baskets filled with stone are widely used for river bank protection and erosion control because they are flexible, free-draining and allow vegetation and habitat to establish over time. They absorb hydraulic forces better than rigid concrete walls and can be specified by civil engineers for embankment stabilisation, scour protection and flood defence. We typically supply 6G (100-200mm) gabion stone for this application — call us to discuss specification and quantities.
How is gabion stone delivered?
Our gabion stone is supplied loose tipped by the tonne, delivered direct to your site, home or project location. We deliver throughout Thatcham, Newbury, Reading and surrounding areas in Berkshire, North Hampshire and Southern Oxfordshire. For larger civil and engineering projects we can arrange multiple loads. Call Thatcham 01635 865679 or Newbury 01635 40009 to confirm delivery options and lead times for your postcode.
Is gabion stone environmentally friendly?
Yes — gabion construction is widely recognised as an environmentally friendly retaining and erosion control method. The stone-filled baskets allow water to drain naturally rather than ponding, plants and vegetation can colonise the gaps over time, and the structures provide habitat for invertebrates and small wildlife. Gabions also avoid the cement, formwork and concrete carbon footprint associated with traditional retaining walls.
Can I use gabion stone for a rockery or decorative garden feature?
Absolutely. Gabion stone — particularly the 6C (45-75mm) grade — is popular for rockeries, decorative garden features, raised beds and small architectural cages. It offers a natural, hard-wearing appearance and pairs well with planting. For larger feature walls and seating cubes, the 6G (100-200mm) grade gives a bolder look. We can advise on quantity and arrange loose tipped delivery direct to your garden project.
Read More About Our Play Surfaces & Equestrian Products
Play Surfaces & Equestrian Products - Safety Certified Materials
Willis & Ainsworth supply a complete range of Play Surfaces & Equestrian Products including BS EN 1177 certified play chip and play bark, BSEN 1177 play sand, silica sand and rubber chippings for riding arenas and ménages, animal bedding sand and USGA bunker sand. Most materials are available loose tipped by the tonne or M³, with bulk bags available for larger orders of 10 bags or more. Delivery throughout Thatcham, Newbury, Reading and surrounding areas.
Our Play & Equestrian Materials
Hardwood Play Chip BS EN 1177
5-30mm certified hardwood play chip. Premium impact-absorbing safety surface, longer lifespan than softwood alternatives. Loose tipped delivery.
FROM as low as £80.73 Per M³
Pine Play Bark BS EN 1177
FSC certified, BS 4790 fire tested and BS EN 1177 play certificated. Light, bulky and impact absorbing for child-safe play areas.
FROM as low as £80.73 Per M³
Play Sand BSEN 1177
Double-washed silica sand conforming to BSEN 1177-2008. Tested for impact absorption from falls. Available in bags or loose tipped.
FROM as low as £5.99 Per Bag
Equestrian Rubber Chippings
Recycled tyre polymer with nylon fibres. Premium riding surface additive for improved cushioning and reduced dust in arenas and ménages.
FROM as low as £281.76 Per Tonne
Silica Sand
Premium sub-angular silica sand selected for equestrian arenas and ménages. Excellent grip, drainage and stability for riding surfaces.
FROM as low as £56.10 Per Tonne
Animal Bedding Sand
Premium animal bedding sand for cattle, livestock and zoo applications. Comfortable, hygienic and absorbent. Loose tipped delivery.
FROM as low as £48.90 Per Tonne
0-2mm USGA Bunker Sand (Rootzone)
98% silica USGA-spec bunker sand, washed and screened to United States Golf Association rootzone standards for golf course construction.
FROM as low as £56.76 Per Tonne
Woodchip
Natural chipped tree material providing economical mulch, ground cover and weed suppression. Ideal for paths and informal play areas.
FROM as low as £39.20 Per M³
10mm South Cerney Gravel
4-10mm soft rounded oolitic limestone gravel in cream/buff/yellow tones. Popular decorative gravel for paths and gardens.
FROM as low as £75.85 Per Tonne
20mm South Cerney Gravel
10-20mm screened oolitic limestone in characteristic cream/buff colouring. Hard-wearing decorative gravel for driveways and landscaping.
FROM as low as £75.85 Per Tonne
2-6mm Grey Limestone Chippings
Fine angular grey limestone for detailed decorative coverage, paths and specialist landscaping. Loose tipped bulk delivery.
FROM as low as £55.40 Per Tonne
4-20mm Grey Limestone Chippings
Versatile angular grey limestone for decorative coverage and specialist applications. Neat, clean finish for landscaping projects.
FROM as low as £55.40 Per Tonne
20mm Grey Limestone Chippings
10-20mm angular grey limestone for driveways, landscaping and pathways. Excellent value, hard-wearing decorative chipping.
FROM as low as £55.40 Per Tonne
80-40mm Crushed No Fines
Single-sized crushed stone with no fines. Open-textured, free-draining material providing structural support and water permeability.
Call to order
10mm Recycled Shingle
Sustainable reclaimed and processed aggregate. Environmentally friendly alternative to primary materials. Loose tipped delivery.
FROM as low as £51.10 Per M³
20mm Recycled Shingle
Eco-friendly 20mm recycled aggregate processed from reclaimed materials. Quality-controlled and cost-effective for landscaping.
Call to order
40mm Recycled Shingle
Larger 40mm recycled aggregate for sustainable construction and landscaping projects. Reduces primary resource use.
Call to order
Play & Equestrian Applications
Play & Education
- School playgrounds
- Nursery play areas
- Public parks
- Soft landing zones
- Climbing frame surfacing
Equestrian Use
- Riding arenas & ménages
- Indoor schools
- Lunge pens
- Stable bedding
- Yard surfaces
Sports & Specialist
- USGA golf bunkers
- Sports rootzones
- Multi-use games areas
- Cattle & livestock bedding
- Zoo enclosures
How We Help With Your Project
Right Material Selection
Advice on whether BS EN 1177 play chip, play bark or play sand suits your fall height, age range and surface specification.
Quantity Calculation
Tell us your area dimensions and we calculate tonnage. Play surfacing typically 300mm depth; arena surfaces 75-150mm depth.
Loose Tipped & Bulk Bags
Cost-effective loose tipped loads for large projects, or bulk bags for orders of 10+ where access is restricted.
Safety & Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BS EN 1177 and why does it matter for play surfaces?
BS EN 1177 is the British and European standard for impact-attenuating playground surfacing. Materials carrying this certification have been independently tested for impact absorption to specified Critical Fall Heights. Our Hardwood Play Chip, Pine Play Bark and Play Sand BSEN 1177 are all certified, making them suitable for use beneath swings, climbing frames and play equipment in schools, nurseries and public play areas.
What's the difference between play chip, play bark and play sand?
Hardwood Play Chip (5-30mm) is the most durable and longest lasting, made from hardwood timber and ideal for high-traffic play areas. Pine Play Bark is FSC certified, lighter and gives a softer natural look but breaks down faster. Play Sand BSEN 1177 is double-washed silica sand specifically tested for impact absorption. All three meet BS EN 1177 / BSEN 1177 standards — choice depends on appearance, longevity and budget.
Which materials are best for a horse ménage or riding arena?
For most private and professional arenas we recommend Silica Sand as the base riding surface, often blended with Equestrian Rubber Chippings to improve cushioning, reduce dust and add stability. The exact specification depends on the discipline (general riding, dressage, jumping), arena base and drainage. Call us on 01635 865679 to discuss the right blend and quantity for your ménage.
Do you supply USGA bunker sand for golf courses?
Yes — our 0-2mm USGA Bunker Sand (Rootzone) is a 98% silica washed and screened sand meeting United States Golf Association specifications for golf bunker construction and rootzone applications. Suitable for new course builds, bunker renovations and sports field rootzones. Loose tipped bulk delivery available across Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire.
Can I order in bulk bags rather than loose tipped?
Yes — most of our play and equestrian materials are available in bulk bags for orders of 10 bags or more. Bulk bags suit projects with restricted access, smaller gardens or where measured placement is needed. For large schools, riding arenas and commercial projects, loose tipped delivery is more cost-effective per tonne.
How much play surfacing do I need for my play area?
For BS EN 1177 compliance, play chip and play bark are typically installed at 300mm depth to deliver the certified Critical Fall Height. As a guide, a 5m x 5m area at 300mm depth needs roughly 7.5 M³ of material. Tell us your dimensions and equipment fall height and we'll calculate the exact tonnage and arrange delivery.
How is delivery arranged?
We deliver loose tipped loads and bulk bags throughout Thatcham, Newbury, Reading and surrounding areas in Berkshire, North Hampshire and Southern Oxfordshire. Multiple loads can be arranged for large school, council or equestrian projects. Call Thatcham 01635 865679 or Newbury 01635 40009 to confirm options for your postcode.
Do you supply animal bedding sand for cattle and livestock?
Yes — our premium Animal Bedding Sand is the agricultural industry's preferred choice for cattle, livestock and zoo applications. Comfortable, absorbent and hygienic, it improves animal welfare and reduces lameness. Supplied loose tipped by the tonne for direct delivery to farms and yards.
Read More About Our Self Binding Gravel
Self Binding Gravel - Specialist Mix for Rustic Surfaces
Self binding gravel is a specialist mix of gravel used to create a rustic driveway or path. Most products are limestone based, with flint and granite versions available for specific applications. We supply recognised products including Cotswold, Coxwell, Gill Mill, Redpave and Hoggin, and can source other named brands such as Breedon self binding gravel on request.
Self Binding Gravel Available
Cotswold Self Binding Gravel
0–32mm oolitic limestone with a warm Cotswold buff colour — ideal for traditional driveways, paths and heritage projects. Loose tipped.
FROM as low as £86.27 Per Tonne
Coxwell Self Binding Gravel
Carefully graded 0–30mm limestone that compacts to a firm, distinctive surface. Bulk pricing tiers available for larger deliveries. Loose tipped.
FROM as low as £129.90 Per Tonne
Gill Mill Self Binding Gravel
Premium pathway material with excellent natural compaction — a popular specification for country estates, parks and public realm pathways. Loose tipped.
FROM as low as £128.11 Per Tonne
Redpave Path Dressing
Distinctive pinky/red dolomitic limestone path dressing — a striking feature finish for paths, drives and decorative surfaces. Loose tipped.
Call for pricing — 01635 865679
Hoggin
The original self binding gravel — an unwashed / unprocessed raw material traditionally used for rustic paths, tracks and bridleways.
Call 01635 865679 for trade rates
Breedon & Other Brands
We can also source recognised brands including Breedon self binding gravel and other specifically named products to your designer or architect specification.
Contact us to confirm availability
Self Binding Gravel Applications
Domestic & Heritage
- Rustic driveways
- Garden and estate paths
- Heritage properties
- Country estates
Public Realm & Parks
- Park pathways
- Cycle tracks
- Bridleways
- Visitor attractions
Commercial & Specified
- Designer specified projects
- Conservation areas
- Car parks
- Light access roads
How We Help With Your Project
Product Selection
Advice on choosing between Cotswold, Coxwell, Gill Mill, Redpave or Hoggin based on colour, finish, traffic and budget.
Quantity Calculation
Typical coverage is 10–12m² per tonne at 50mm depth. Tell us your area and depth and we will calculate the tonnage required.
Direct Site Delivery
Loose tipped bulk delivery direct to your site across Thatcham, Newbury, Reading and the surrounding region.
Self Binding Gravel Benefits
Installation & Coverage
Self binding gravel requires proper sub-base preparation and correct compaction for optimal performance. Typical coverage is 10–12m² per tonne at 50mm depth. Our team can advise on quantities, build-up and installation methods for your specific project — call 01635 865679.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is self binding gravel?
Self binding gravel is a specialist graded mix of gravel and fines that, when laid and compacted, naturally binds together to form a firm, free-draining, rustic-looking surface. It is most commonly limestone based but is also available in flint and granite versions. It is ideal for driveways, paths, country estates, heritage properties, park pathways, cycle tracks and bridleways. We stock several recognised products including Cotswold, Coxwell, Gill Mill, Redpave and Hoggin, and can source named brands such as Breedon on request.
Which self binding gravel should I choose?
Cotswold Self Binding Gravel (0–32mm oolitic limestone, from £86.27 per tonne) gives a warm Cotswold buff colour ideal for traditional driveways and heritage settings. Coxwell Self Binding Gravel (0–30mm limestone, from £129.90 per tonne with bulk pricing) compacts to a distinctive, hard-wearing finish. Gill Mill Self Binding Gravel (from £128.11 per tonne) is a premium pathway material widely specified for parks and estates. Redpave Path Dressing offers a distinctive pinky/red dolomitic finish. Hoggin is the original unprocessed self binding gravel for the most rustic look. Call 01635 865679 to discuss the right choice for your project.
Do you supply Breedon self binding gravel?
Yes — whilst we don't currently list Breedon self binding gravel online, we can supply it and other named branded self binding gravels on request for designer or architect specified projects. Provide us with the product name or specification sheet and we will confirm availability, lead time and pricing, and arrange direct loose tipped delivery to your site.
How much self binding gravel do I need?
Typical coverage for self binding gravel is approximately 10–12m² per tonne at a finished compacted depth of 50mm. So a 50m² path or driveway at 50mm depth would need around 4–5 tonnes. Depth, sub-base build-up and product type all affect the final figure. Call us on 01635 865679 with your dimensions and we will calculate exact tonnage and provide a delivered price.
How is self binding gravel installed?
Self binding gravel performs best when installed over a properly prepared sub-base — typically a compacted Type 1 or MOT sub-base of suitable depth for the traffic load. The self binding gravel is then laid in layers, lightly watered and compacted with a vibrating roller or plate to activate the binding fines. Edge restraints help retain the surface. We can advise on the correct build-up and supply matching sub-base materials.
Is self binding gravel permeable / SuDS-friendly?
Yes — once correctly laid and compacted, self binding gravel allows water to drain through the surface rather than running off, making it a SuDS-friendly choice for driveways, paths and car parks. This reduces surface water runoff and supports sustainable drainage requirements while maintaining a firm, trafficable finish.
What's the difference between self binding gravel and decorative gravel?
Self binding gravel contains fines that allow it to compact and lock together into a firm, walkable surface — ideal for paths, driveways and bridleways. Decorative gravel is washed clean of fines and remains loose, giving a free-flowing decorative finish but no structural binding. If you need a firm finished surface choose self binding gravel; if you want a loose decorative top dressing choose washed decorative gravel.
Do you deliver self binding gravel locally?
Yes — we deliver self binding gravel loose tipped by the tonne direct to your site, home or project location throughout Thatcham, Newbury, Reading and surrounding areas in Berkshire, North Hampshire and Southern Oxfordshire. Bulk pricing tiers are available on Coxwell. Call Thatcham 01635 865679 or Newbury 01635 40009 to confirm delivery options for your postcode.
Willis & Ainsworth can supply most gravel from all across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Decorative Gravel usually refers to any gravel, pebble or shingle that is used for a driveway, path or planter. Although some of these materials are very pretty they can be considered expensive.
Please see our Local Gravel page for more materials.
Gravel Matching
Please use the images provided to try and match or choose what you are looking for. If you are unsure then please feel free to bring a sample into the office with you and we will do our best to match it for you.
Samples
We have many samples of Decorative Gravel that are available. However due to the variation in sizes and different products that are available we are unable to stock samples of everything.
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