Quarried from Cotswold Hills, Cotswold chippings carry an amazing history. Read this blog to the end to find out everything about the stones.
Cotswold Hills, one of the most aesthetic and pleasing places in Queensland, is known for its exceptional beauty and rare history, including Chedworth, Cotswold sheep, and much more. You might be amazed to hear that Cotswold used to be the largest excavation site for Jurassic-period echinoderm fossils, including rare and previously unknown species.
However, the region is not limited only to indigenous species but is also home to popular Cotswold stones. You might have seen a honey-coloured stone with a white surface area used in the driveways and patios of countless homes in the United Kingdom, stealing the showlight like none else. Those luxurious stones are called Cotswold Buff. Their unique colour combinations make them aesthetically pleasing. Not only in terms of looks, the stones carry a mesmerising story in all aspects, from their applications to their composition.
Cotswold Chippings: Everything You Need To Know
Whether you are planning to use Cotswold Buff in your home or commercial place or are someone who loves to know the history behind stone and chippings, this blog is for you. The article explores the geological origins, advantages, and composition of Cotswold chippings.
Understanding the Geological Origins
Cotswold- a region of central South West England, is the home of world-famous Cotswold stones. The stones are formed due to the amazing natural blend of the upper River Thames and the zonal pressure of the earth's surface. These stones were formed around 150 million years ago when the region was submerged under the shallow sea. The bedrock of Jurassic limestone characterises the area. The limestone covering creates a type of grassland habitat that is the major source of the golden-coloured Cotswold stones.
Exploring the Geological Composition of Cotswold Buffs
As stated above, Cotswold stones are primarily made from limestone, a sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate. Generally, limestone is formed from the accumulation of organic sea items such as shells, coral, algae, and faecal debris. For millions of years, these materials have compressed and solidified into durable limestone. Chemically, Cotswold stone chippings contain minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and clay.
What do Cotswold stones look like?
Because of the presence of minerals, the Cotswold stone is characterised by its texture and durability. It radiates a signature creamy honey colour that is elevated further by its non-slippery and weather-resistant properties. The stones are durable enough to serve the needs of every commercial and residential space without undergoing significant wear and tear.
However, the difference is that not all the Cotswolds are the same colour, and you can observe a unique variation if you walk across a Cotswold village. Most of the architecture on the northern side is made from honey-coloured yellowish stone, the central village features a golden stone collection, and on the same ground, buildings of the southern region feature a pearl white colour, respectively.
Historical Uses of the Cotswold Buff
The locals of Cotswold have been using the stones for a long time. Moreover, due to their durability and versatility, they have always been a preferred choice in the Midlands.
However, the historical evidence suggests that the Romans were the first to discover the properties of Cotswold. And they started constructing major sites using the stones. Presently, you can find the prominent use of Cotswold stones in the construction of the famous church St Paul's Cathedral, Blenheim Palace, and even several Oxford colleges. Not only in historical places, but you can also spot Cotswold stones in the local area, such as the Moreton-in-Marsh market. Even in villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, many roadsides and fields are separated by low walls built with Cotswold chippings.
Presently, they serve as versatile and affordable landscaping along the Cotswold countryside and other corners of Britain.
Quarrying and the Extraction Process of Cotswold Chippings
As mentioned at the start of the article, Cotswold Stone quarries near the Cotswold Hills of Queensland, also called Midland or Cotswold Edge. Numerous small quarries cater for the demands of Britain and the world beyond. Interestingly, most of these quarries originate from the Middle Ages. Once quarries, the fine Cotswold rock is split into blocks, making transportation easier. The continuous weathering makes the stone extremely durable.
Modern Days Uses of the Cotswold Chippings
Presently, Cotswold stones are used in different parts of the country for different purposes. The common uses of the stones include,
- Garden Paths
- Driveways
- Landscaping Needs
- Pathways
- Drainage Purpose
- Patios
(Also read how to maintain driveways in winter?)
Why is Cotswold Stone Popular?
Cotswold stone chippings are popular because of their unique characteristics, which include the following:
- The attractive colour and luxurious texture radiate sophistication and class to every setting.
- A lavish design that seamlessly blends with all kinds of modern and traditional landscapes, complementing a minimal yet chic appeal.
- The easy-maintenance properties make the stones perfect for all commercial settings.
- The stones provide excellent drainage, making the surface slip-resistant and preventing water from pooling on the paths and driveways.
- The chippings are highly durable and don't require to be replaced frequently.
- For the local British, the chippings are sourced from the region itself, thus causing minimum transportation costs.
- Lastly, Cotswold Chippings are a sustainable and eco-friendly choice, thus contributing to your role in protecting the environment and safety.
(Also read Cotswold Chippings vs Slate Chippings: Which is Better?)
Installation Tips for Cotswold Stone
Wondering how you can install Cotswold stones? There are two ways: either opt for professionals or follow a DIY approach. If you are opting for a DIY approach, all you need is to:
- Level the ground and remove all unwanted plants.
- Lay a weed protection membrane to suppress the further growth of the weeds.
- Now spread the chippings evenly to a depth of about 2-3 inches for optimal coverage.
How to Maintain the Cotswold Stones?
Once you lay the stones on the surface comes the maintenance of the stones and chippings. It is essential to clean the stone surface regularly to maintain the pristine shine of stones. Here are a few tips to maintain the Cotswold buffs:
- Keep the surface clean from regular debris and dust.
- Top up the chippings as per your needs and desired depth.
- Clean the stones using DIY washing solutions to make them look fresh.
Brisks: Find the Premium Quality Cotswold Stone
Are you planning to buy premium landscaping stones to meet your needs? Brisks is your go-to destination for sourcing Cotswold stone. You can even place a sample order to check the quality of the stones before placing a bulk order. Further, you can find a range of products in different sizes to serve your every requirement.
Wrapping Up
It wouldn't be wrong to state that Cotswold Chippings carry a whole story with them. From their origin to their composition, Cotswold stones boast next-level durability and functionality. So, for your next project, consider using Cotswold Chippings without any doubt.