9 Apr

Your Projects Brought to Life: Before and After Using Our Gravel

Selecting the right gravel for your property can significantly affect appearance, durability, drainage and maintenance. At MB Wilkes, we specialise in supplying and installing high‑quality primary sands and gravels - from decorative shingle and chippings to robust planings and crushed stone - tailored to the unique requirements of every customer.

With decades of experience serving homeowners, property managers and businesses across the UK, we understand how material choice, particle size and finish can transform driveways, pathways, patios and more.

In this blog, we’ll showcase some recent projects, with images courtesy of CW Stanley who executed the work using our products. With an array of options available, our aggregates will deliver lasting results, enhancing kerb appeal while offering excellent value for money.

New Driveway in Merley, Wimborne

What a difference a day makes! In Merley, Wimborne, CW Stanley transformed a tired tarmac driveway into a crisp, low‑maintenance surface in just one day. After removing the existing worn surfacing and installing a durable geotextile membrane for weed control and drainage, their team laid a neat charcoal block‑paving edge before spreading our 20 mm Dorset Limestone chippings.

The result is an attractive, uniform finish that enhances kerb appeal, improves water runoff and eliminates patch repairs. The customer chose Dorset Limestone chippings for their hard‑wearing quality, natural appearance and cost‑effective longevity - a perfect solution for a hassle‑free driveway upgrade.

Driveway in Merley Before

Driveway in Merley After

A Mega Undertaking in Poole, Dorset

A mega driveway transformation in Poole, Dorset, was completed in just 1.5 days using our 20 mm Ice Blue decorative gravel, laid over a geotextile membrane to ensure excellent drainage and weed suppression.

Crisp concrete kerb stones neatly define the driveway’s boundary, while a smooth asphalt parking bay provides a practical contrast. The finished surface delivers striking kerb appeal, low maintenance and long‑term durability for two neighbouring properties.

By combining MB Wilkes’ premium Ice Blue chippings with CW Stanley’s efficient installation, this project achieved exceptional value, performance and a standout aesthetic in record time.

Driveway in Poole Before

Driveway in Poole After

A Beautiful Result in Poole, Dorset

What a beautiful frontage this is now! CW Stanley completed a stunning driveway transformation this week at a property in Poole, Dorset. After removing the old, uneven gravel and preparing a stable, compacted sub‑base with a geotextile membrane for superior drainage and weed control, crisp grey block paving was installed to define the driveway’s perimeter.

Our 20 mm Polar Ice decorative chippings, were laid to a uniform depth, delivering a striking, low‑maintenance finish. The work significantly improved kerb appeal while extending and boosting practical performance - all achieved in minimal time, at exceptional value.

Old Gravel Driveway in Poole Before

New Gravel Driveway in Poole After

A Tasteful Finish in Colehill, Wimborne

In just two days, CW Stanley completed a tasteful driveway and frontage transformation at a property in Colehill, Wimborne. After removing old paving and uneven gravel, the team installed a compacted sub‑base topped with a geotextile membrane for superior drainage and weed suppression.

Concrete block‑paving edging defines the perimeter, creating a neat, professional finish. Our team supplied 20 mm Quantock Grey decorative chippings, which were laid to a consistent depth to deliver a striking, low‑maintenance surface. The result is enhanced kerb appeal, excellent durability and a practical, value‑adding upgrade.

Driveway in Colehill, Wimborne Before

Driveway in Colehill, Wimborne After

Why Should You Choose MB Wilkes?

When it comes to sourcing high‑quality aggregates, MB Wilkes stands head and shoulders above the competition. As a family‑owned sand and gravel quarry based in Dorset, we combine decades of local expertise with the largest product range on the market - from decorative gravels and garden stones to specialist sands, soils and construction materials.

Our team of aggregate specialists possesses unrivalled knowledge, enabling us to recommend exactly the right material for any project, whether you’re a homeowner upgrading your driveway or a national developer specifying bulk supplies.

MB Wilkes’ reputation for excellence extends across councils, utility companies, sports grounds and public landscaping schemes, reflecting our ability to deliver consistently outstanding service to clients of every scale.

Thanks to our strong industry relationships, we offer competitive, transparent pricing without compromising on quality - meaning you benefit from premium materials at the best value.

We also make waste disposal straightforward with our inert tip facility, while our versatile fleet of tipper lorries and grab trucks ensures precise, reliable deliveries direct to your site. Above all, our commitment to exceptional customer service means clear communication, punctual delivery and meticulous attention to detail from enquiry through to completion. Whatever your aggregate requirements, MB Wilkes guarantees the highest quality products, unbeatable expertise and complete peace of mind - all delivered from the heart of Dorset.

Get in Touch With the Experts

Ready to transform your project? Browse MB Wilkes’ full range of decorative aggregates, garden stones, sands and soils on our website and place your order in minutes. For personalised advice, competitive quotes or any enquiries, simply give our friendly team a call on 01258 857465 or complete our quick contact form.

Whether you need delivery to your doorstep or guidance choosing the perfect product, we’re here to help - offering expert support, transparent pricing and reliable service across Dorset and beyond. Don’t wait - get in touch with MB Wilkes today and discover why we’re the UK’s leading supplier of high‑quality aggregates now.

More general

15 May
Summer Gardening Tips and Tricks
The summer months are a busy time for gardeners, as gardening offers a great opportunity to enjoy those long, warm days and evenings. Despite most of the planting of flowers and vegetables being done earlier in the spring, there is plenty to be done over the summer. May and June are ideal times for bedding plants to be planted out, raising foliage plants, and sowing several outdoor seed varieties, including Alstroemeria, Achillea, Arabis, Canterbury Bells, Coreopsis, Erigeron, Myosotis and Sweet William. Weather can be unpredictable during these months, so during May, you want to protect more vulnerable plants with a horticultural fleece, which you can remove in June. As the threat of frost should have passed by June, it is the ideal time to plant bedding plants grown under cover either into borders or into hanging baskets and containers. Late-flowering Annuals Throughout May, you should sow late-flowering annuals such as Nasturtiums under glass. You can expect them to flower from August onwards if you sow them in early May. You may also want to sow fast-maturing annuals, like Clarkias and Calendulas. You will be able to enjoy them blooming throughout the summer, which will add an extra splash of colour to your garden. Don't forget to add some water gel crystals and slow-release fertiliser to your compost when planting. Who doesn't love a Dahlia? Use your time in May to plant Dahlia bulbs, but protect them from slugs. This will also work with your regular gardening jobs of watering, mowing and weeding. Don't forget to spruce up your window boxes too. Check that you have enough topsoil before doing this to ensure a smooth and easy process. Tidy Up June is usually a time for you to dedicate a few minutes to tidying up parts of your garden. Dead foliage should be removed from spring flowering bulbs, excluding daffodils and tulips, which should be left a little longer to die back naturally. Trim or throw away any faded plants and keep on top of your weeding, with a particular focus on your borders and beds. Install Protection Fruits bushes and trees should be inspected carefully to check for pests and diseases and treated if necessary. Soft fruit bushes, such as currants and strawberries, should be protected by a fruit cage or netting to prevent birds from eating the fruit. Carrots should be protected from carrot fly, and cabbages from caterpillar damage by covering them with protective materials. If you are keeping some plants in a greenhouse to keep them safe, they need to be kept well-ventilated during the day as extreme variations in temperature could adversely affect the fruiting of tomato plants. In addition, tapping the flowers of greenhouse tomatoes will improve pollination. Uncover Fruit and Vegetable Strawberry bushes that have been kept under glass should now be uncovered so that pollinating insects can gain access to them. Vegetables such as brussel sprouts, cabbage, celery, courgettes, cucumbers, marrows, runner and French beans that have been grown in a greenhouse should also now be planted out. Don't forget to keep them hydrated and keep the soil as moist as possible. If you have vegetables like marrows, peppers, tomatoes and courgettes, ensure that these are hardened off before you look to plant them outside. Mow Grass Regularly May is the start of the mowing season, and you will need to mow your grass more regularly and ensure that your mower blades are kept sharp. Water Regularly May through September can be hot and dry, so remember to water plants regularly to avoid wilting. To aid drainage, a layer of gravel or shingle is a great solution that also offers a touch of style and texture to your garden area! Renovate Your Garden Summer is also a great time to landscape your garden by adding some raised plant beds using sleepers or even fitting a paved section to create the perfect space for garden furniture.
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16 Jan
Grab-Away Waste Removal: Large-Scale Waste Management
Waste removal and disposal is a part of your business that you can’t ignore, yet it is often something that is left at the bottom of the to-do list to sort out because many businesses think it is a hassle. However, this doesn’t have to be the case with grab-away waste removal services. No matter what size business you are running, it is likely that you will be producing a fair amount of waste, so large waste removal services with tipper and grab lorries are often an ideal solution that ensures your waste is removed and disposed of responsibly and in a compliant manner. In the article, we discuss what our grab-away waste removal solutions include and why you should consider them for your waste disposal in Dorset. What are grab-away waste removal solutions from MB Wilkes? Grab-away waste removal services are exactly as they say on the tin; a licensed waste disposal company, such as ourselves, visits your site, grabs your waste, and removes it for disposal. Read our guide to grab hire and muck away service to learn more about what we offer. Grab or tipper truck for grab-away services? Usually, a grab lorry is used for this service, as they have grab arms that extend and pick up the waste from the site and place it into the bed of the lorry. This makes loading the waste from your site into the lorry easy and efficient. However, for some large-scale waste removals across Dorset, such as on construction sites, a tipper lorry may be used as they have the equipment to load the bed of the tipper lorry. We have a fleet of grab and tipper lorries, which are able to remove up to 20 tonnes of waste in one trip.  Waste types accepted Our grab-away waste removal service is able to accept a variety of waste types, making it a flexible solution for many businesses.  Waste types accepted include: Sand Concrete Gravel & aggregates Building & Landscape materials Not sure if we collect your waste type? Our team is always happy to discuss our services with you and answer any questions, so get in touch with us at 01258 857465. Frequency of grab-away collections Our grab-away services are flexible, so we can create a schedule that suits your needs. If you are working on a one-off project or infrequently have large amounts of waste to dispose of, a one-off grab-away waste removal is likely to be the best solution for you. This will ensure that you are only paying for what you need rather than paying for a large grab or tipper truck that you might not fill. Alternatively, if you frequently have large amounts of waste to dispose of, we can arrange a scheduled waste collection with our grab-away service. We can work with you to create a schedule that suits you; whether you need the waste removed once a week, once a fortnight or once a month, you can trust us to reliably remove your waste when you need it gone. Benefits of grab-away waste removal solutions No matter how often you use our grab-away service, there are many benefits.  Save stress Trying to find a way to remove large quantities of waste can be stressful, especially if you aren't sure what to do with it. Our large waste removal services remove the stress and make the disposal process smooth and hassle-free. We have a reliable and expert team, so you can trust that we will get the job done, allowing you to get on with other work that needs your attention. Lower carbon footprint Removing all the waste in one journey, as opposed to lots of smaller journeys is better for the environment and will help you run a more sustainable and environmentally friendly business. Additionally, waste removed by a professional service will be disposed of correctly, meaning it is more likely to go to a recycling centre than a landfill. Safe working environment Large amounts of waste can take up space on your site. Using a grab-away waste removal service will mean you don't have heaps of rubbish sitting around your site, creating a safer work environment for your staff. Why use MB Wilkes? MB Wilkes are waste removal experts, providing a stress-free grab-away waste removal solution to businesses across Poole, Bournemouth and the rest of Dorset. We are fully licenced to remove and transport waste from your site to a disposal facility, meaning we provide a fully compliant waste disposal service. Being able to remove up to 20 tonnes in one trip, our service makes waste removal quick. Our aim is to make large waste removals simple to sort so that the task can be ticked off your to-do list quickly and stay ticked off. The MB Wilkes team are always happy to discuss your needs and work with you to create a grab-away waste removal solution that suits you and your business needs. Contact our expert team today by calling 01258 857465 or completing our contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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21 Nov
How can soils and aggregates stop flooding?
Whether you are a keen gardener who spends an hour each day out tending to your plants or are a farm owner making money from the crops you grow each year, the last thing you want is flooding. To prevent flooding from happening when we have the typical British downpours, you should follow a seven-step plan that can improve the soil structure and reduce the risk of flooding. Below are the seven steps you should take to avoid flooding.  Minimise tillage Tillage refers to the agricultural practice of preparing and cultivating the soil in order to make it suitable for planting crops. When tillage is reduced, the soil structure tends to improve. This means that the soil has better aggregation, which allows it to hold more water. Well-structured soil with good aggregation can act like a sponge, absorbing and retaining water rather than letting it run off the surface and contribute to flooding. Reduced tillage practices will also preserve organic matter in the soil, which will help improve soil structure, water-holding capacity, and overall soil health. Soils with higher organic matter content can absorb and store more water, reducing the volume of water that runs off and contributes to flooding. Limit farm traffic Limiting farm traffic to moving during dry periods and avoiding travelling when wet is also a strategy that can reduce flooding. This is because farm machinery, such as tractors and combines, can exert significant pressure on the soil, leading to soil compaction. Compacted soil has reduced pore space, making it harder for water to infiltrate. When soil is compacted, it acts more like a hard surface, increasing the amount of runoff during rainfall. Limiting farm traffic can help reduce soil compaction, allowing the soil to absorb more water.  Manage drainage Properly managing drainage can be a crucial factor in preventing and mitigating flooding in both urban and rural areas. Drainage systems will redirect water flow away from vulnerable areas, such as soil areas that are likely to flood. Use cover crops, green manures and mulches Using cover crops, green manures, and mulches can be an effective strategy for preventing and mitigating soil flooding in agricultural and gardening contexts. These practices offer a range of benefits that help improve soil structure, reduce water runoff, and enhance the soil's ability to absorb and retain water. Cover crops, green manures, and mulches contribute organic matter to the soil as they decompose. The organic matter will help soils absorb more water reducing the amount of water running off the surface and flooding.  Cover crops and mulches also create a protective layer on the soil surface, reducing the impact of rainfall on bare soil. This, in turn, minimises soil crusting and allows for better water infiltration. Water can penetrate the soil more easily when cover crops or mulch are present, reducing the amount of water that runs off. Use grass leys to improve organic matter Grass leys are essentially fields or areas planted primarily with grasses and legumes and help improve organic matter in the soil and contribute to flood mitigation. As the legumes and grasses die, they add organic matter that enriches the soil and creates a better soil structure that will hold more water in times of heavy rain.  Grassroots will also create a network in the soil, promoting soil aggregation and reducing compaction. This leads to improved soil structure, which will also enhance water infiltration and storage. You will probably have learnt by now that well-structured soil is better equipped to handle excess water, reducing the risk of surface flooding. Use plants with large roots Large roots create channels within the soil, improving its structure. These channels increase pore space and reduce compaction, allowing better infiltration. This will result in the soil being able to hold more water rather than the water running off the surface and creating a flood. Plants with large, deep roots can also absorb water from deeper soil layers, which not only prevents surface water from accumulating but also helps recharge groundwater. This can be especially important during periods of heavy rainfall, as the plants help remove water from the surface, reducing the risk of flooding. Try agroforestry Agroforestry is a land management system that combines the cultivation of trees or woody shrubs with the growing of crops or the raising of animals on the same piece of land. It is a sustainable and integrated approach to agriculture that promotes the coexistence of trees, crops and/or livestock, often in a mutually beneficial manner. Like most of these steps, the presence of trees and woody shrubs in agroforestry systems helps enhance soil structure. Similar to having plants with large roots, the tree roots create channels that will improve the soil's aggregation and increase water infiltration. The trees will also be able to absorb significant amounts of water, which is helpful in wet periods that last a prolonged period. Bonus tip As well as following these seven steps, you can also use specific aggregates to reduce flooding in specific areas. Drainage aggregates, often referred to as drainage stones or aggregate materials, are typically made of materials like gravel, crushed rock, or other porous substances. These materials provide a porous medium through which water can easily infiltrate the soil. When placed in or around areas prone to flooding, they allow water to penetrate the ground quickly, reducing surface runoff and the accumulation of standing water. They can also store and temporarily hold excess water during heavy rainfall or flooding events. This controlled storage capacity can help reduce the risk of flash flooding by allowing for a gradual release of water, preventing rapid, uncontrolled runoff. Help from MB Wilkes At MB Wilkes, we are able to deliver a variety of drainage aggregates directly to your sites in Dorset. Whether you are looking for a large load for your farming fields or a small load for your garden, no order is too big or too small. Get in touch with us today to discuss what you might need and how we can help. Call us on 01258 867465 or email us at [email protected].
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Most Recent Stories

17 Jun
MB Wilkes sponsor local Lytchett Matravers Summer Festival
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.
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3 Jun
MB Wilkes sponsor local West Moors festival
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.
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29 May
Gravel Driveways: Pros, Cons, and Choosing the Right Type
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.
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