Lytchett Matravers Summer Festival is an annual event that aims to bring the local community together around fun, food and music. It is held on the Recreation Ground at the centre of Lytchett Matravers on Saturday 28th June from 2pm – 10pm For MB Wilkes, sponsoring the festival is a great way to give something back to the community and enjoying a fun day out. What’s on at the Festival Starting at 2pm there is the Fun Dog Show with categories such as waggiest tail and handsome dog, plus a few competitive aspects including obedient, recall and retrieval exercises, plus a barn hunt trainer demonstration and some pooch parquor. Family entertainment starts over by the Village Hall with the bouncy castle village and features the Aqualights Pom & Twirl troop parade and Nikkis Little Play Café dance and play by the big stage from 3-4pm. The music festival kicks off at 4:30pm hosted by the great Heather Williams and includes an open mic session. The evening’s entertainment includes Holly-Jay and the Muscovy, The Red Hot Dorset Naga, a Red Hot Chilli Peppers tribute band, and headliners Flynns arcade, a local rock & pop band that will have you dancing until 10pm. And of course, there is lots of food and drink to sample, including the Scout Hut Cream Teas, and lots of craft stalls to peruse. The festival has always been a great community day. Entry is free and you can take a look at the event page for more information about what to expect on the day! MB Wilkes – Local, Family-Run Business At MB Wilkes, we love being a part of the local community, and as a family-run quarry we're always looking for ways to get involved in events across Dorset. Our business centres around supplying aggregates and building materials throughout the county, supplying gravel, sand, stones and topsoil across different industries. To hire our services, or find out more about what we do, give us a call on 01258 857465 or send us a message via our contact form.

Westival is an annual event that is aimed at bringing the local community together, held in the centre of West Moors on Fryer Field from 12pm - 4pm. For MB Wilkes, sponsoring Westival is a great way to give something back to the community. We're looking forward to a fun day out; plus, we'll be bringing some fun activities for families to get involved with! Activities at Westival Throughout the afternoon there will be loads of things for family to do at Westival, with live music, entertainment, games, ferret racing and fairground rides – to name a few. MB Wilkes will be sponsoring the shade gazebos situated near the music truck – the perfect location for us to be a central part of the action! We'll also be bringing two large MB Wilkes lorries along to the event, giving little ones a chance to sit in the cab. Plus, children will also be able to take away their very own hi-vis vest, complete with branded MB Wilkes logo! Each year the event is a real hit, and we can't wait for another excellent afternoon of activities and fun. Entry to Westival is free and you can take a look at the event page for more information about what to expect on the day!   M B Wilkes – Local, Family-Run Business At MB Wilkes, we love being a part of the local community, and as a family-run quarry we're always looking for ways to get involved in events across Dorset. Our business centres around supplying aggregates and building materials throughout the county, supplying gravel, sand, stones and topsoil across different industries. To hire our services, or find out more about what we do, give us a call on 01258 857465 or send us a message via our contact form.

Is your driveway due for an upgrade, but you’re unsure where to start? Imagine a clean, attractive entrance to your home, edged with colourful plants and crunching softly underfoot. If that sounds like your kind of welcome, a gravel driveway could be exactly what you need. Whether you're dealing with cracked concrete, surface puddles, or just want something with a bit more character, we understand the challenge. This guide covers the pros and cons of gravel driveways, shows you how to choose the right one, and gives practical tips to keep it looking fantastic. At MB Wilkes, we supply high-quality materials and expert advice to help you every step of the way in creating a modern gravel driveway. The Upsides of Gravel Driveways When it comes to practical, stylish drive solutions, gravelled driveways tick a lot of boxes. They’re affordable, easy to maintain, and endlessly customisable. With so much going for them, it’s easy to see why gravel is such a popular material. Here’s why a stone driveway might be the right choice: Affordability: One of the most cost-effective surfacing options. You’ll save money on both materials and installation. Low Maintenance: No need for sealing or power washing. A simple rake and occasional top-up is often enough. Visual Versatility: From rustic Cotswold chippings to sleek basalt, there's something to suit every home. Weather Resistance: Gravel holds up beautifully in both scorching sun and frosty winters. Added Security: The crunch of tyres or footsteps on gravel can help alert you to visitors (welcome or not). Explore our wide range of driveway gravel, shingle and pebbles to discover your perfect match. The Drawbacks of Gravel Driveways Now, let’s look at the other side. While modern gravel driveways offer plenty of perks, they’re not entirely hassle-free. It’s worth considering the cons of gravel, as this could very well highlight a possible dealbreaker that might make an alternative option more appealing. Dust: Especially in dry conditions, dust can kick up with passing vehicles. This can settle on cars, windows, and nearby plants. Stone Shifting: Over time, gravel can migrate and form dips, ridges, or even bare patches. Weed Growth: Weeds can push through the surface if not properly managed. Loose Stones Underfoot: Smaller gravel pieces can get caught in shoes or dragged into your home. Not Ideal for Snow or Ice: In winter, clearing snow or ice from a gravel surface is trickier than with tarmac or paving. Popular Gravel Types for UK Driveways At MB Wilkes, we stock a variety of types of gravel for driveways and more. We have decorative aggregates that suit different styles and needs, such as blue slate. Blue Slate has a subtle grey-blue tone that shifts with the light, making it ideal for a cool, contemporary stone driveway. Shingle is the classic choice, offering a golden hue with flecks of black and white. It blends beautifully with traditional and countryside homes. Or you might opt for Red Granite which stands out with a bold, warm terracotta tone. It’s hard-wearing and perfect for high-traffic areas. Another great option is Cotswold Chippings with their creamy gold finish, great for softening the look of a property and adding that rural charm. Or there’s Recycled Gravel, which is the sustainable option. Made from crushed concrete or asphalt, it’s eco-conscious, tough, and still great-looking. You can view our full gravel range here and see which style works best for your driveway. How to Choose the Right Gravel for Your Driveway With so many options, narrowing down your ideal gravel takes a bit of thought. Here’s what we recommend considering when weighing up the pros and cons of gravel driveways: Size Matters: Larger stones (e.g. 20mm) are better for driveways as they lock together more securely. Match Your Home’s Style: Go for something warm and natural for cottages, or a clean grey for modern looks. Consider Durability: High-traffic areas need tougher, more compact gravel like red granite or basalt. Think Drainage: Most gravelled driveways are naturally permeable, but layering properly ensures no puddling. Still unsure? Get in touch for tailored advice – we’re happy to help you choose. How to Maintain Your Gravel Driveway Even the most low-maintenance option needs a bit of care. If you’re wondering how to make a gravel driveway solid, it’s all about regular upkeep. Rake it often to keep the stones evenly distributed. Keep a bag or two of the same gravel on hand to fill in any low spots. And make sure to stay on top of weeds by using a membrane underneath and treating growth as it appears. Whether you prefer a rustic feel or a modern gravel driveway, proper maintenance will keep it looking fresh for years.   Get in Touch and Start Planning Your Modern Gravel Driveway Ready to transform your driveway with a beautiful new finish? At MB Wilkes, we’re here to make it easy. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing an existing surface, we supply everything you need – including expert advice, small load collections, small load delivery, and a full range of gravel types to suit any look. We’ve been family owned for over 60 years, and we’re proud to be one of the UK’s leading names in landscaping materials. Great service, top quality products, and competitive prices come as standard. To speak with our friendly team, give us a call on 01258 857465 or send us a message via our contact form. We’d love to help you design a modern gravel driveway that looks fantastic and lasts for years.