Project Summary

Civil Water Management trialled Hydrotrench, a permeable drainage solution made from recycled tyre rubber, designed to reduce flooding and improve resilience of rural paths. The system was installed along 198m of a flood‑prone route on NCN6, using no‑dig construction to protect wildlife. The aim was to increase year‑round accessibility, reduce maintenance demand and demonstrate a scalable, low‑carbon drainage alternative aligned with sustainable drainage principles.

Project Achievements

The solution reached TRL 9 and secured specialist supplier status with Sustrans. The trial improved accessibility by widening the path to three metres and improving drainage, with 60% of surveyed users reporting better walking, running and cycling access, and 40% noting improved connectivity to businesses. Construction emissions were reduced by 50% compared to traditional methods, and social value reached £2.78 per £1 spent.

Conclusions

The Hydrotrench trial demonstrated that the system can be successfully installed in rural path environments and deliver measurable improvements in drainage, accessibility and resilience. The no‑dig construction method proved effective in reducing surface water, protecting ecology and lowering carbon impacts compared to conventional solutions. Partners confirmed the system’s suitability for wider use on rural walking and cycling routes, with the trial providing strong real‑world evidence to support future deployment and commercial growth.

Next Steps

Civil Water Management will extend the Hydrotrench installation along additional sections of the National Cycle Network and explore further opportunities within local authority and Sustrans networks. Commercial efforts will focus on securing procurement frameworks, expanding manufacturing and distribution capacity, and promoting the solution through industry events and awards. The company will continue positioning Hydrotrench as a scalable, market‑ready solution for rural active travel infrastructure.