Large gravel/shilly covered area - best options

[rich172]

Hi All - I hope this is the right section for this couldn't find an obvious one....
we have a large courtyard/drive way serving several properties, ~ 450-500 metres square (i've not measured it accurately) currently simply covered with gravel/shillies from the local quarry. the area has a slope, I would estimate ~1:20 ?
Problem - recent wet weather has pressed the gravel in and now looks rather "muddy" as well as copious amounts of grass/weeds. I want to cover it again but simply dumping gravel will not stop the weeds, matting prior to gravelling will cause gravel to "roll away".
Any comments on cost effective alternatives - slabbing/block paving or imprinted concrete @ 60-70 £/m² is very expensive on a job this size...
even gravel containment matts add up to quite a sum....
any ideas most welcome
thanks!
Rich

 

[HERTS P&D]

If you Google 'plastic gravel grid'

You will find various companies that sell a grid that is laid on the floor which is filled with gravel. It stops gravel roll.

You would have to remove your gravel and start with a flat surface. Then you lay a membrane which stops weeds growing through and stops the gravel going into the soil making a mud bath.
Than lay the gravel grid, which comes in sections and clips together which can be cut to size.
Then you lay the gravel.

Hope this is helpful.

Andy

 

[rich172]

thanks Andy appreciate the info - whilst I was aware, this search term has pulled up a lot more options.

still looking a £5K+ though...maybe I make do with regular weedkilling spray until i can afford it...

thanks

 

[r896neo]

Save your 5000 and pay your local gardener to give it a spray and a bit of a rake over over couple of months.