Excavating the transformation of Norfolk glamping site

Background

Kiwi Farm Partnership is a King’s Lynn-based arable farming and contracting business that’s run by husband and wife team Will and Alex. They also develop recreational outdoor spaces, such as glamping and camping sites.

One of the most recent projects is the renovation of Holt Hollow, a 15-acre lakeside camping and glamping site that’s nestled in woodland and surrounded by beautiful North Norfolk countryside near Cromer.

Although Holt Hollow was a previously established site, it hadn’t been in use for years and had become very overgrown. The natural lake was also full of silt, leaves and wood and couldn’t be seen for brambles. Will and Alex wanted to bring the site back to its former glory and develop it even further with a new parking area, pathways and island for a hot tub.

The woodland also needed managing, and the dense conifers eventually replanted with native species to protect the local habitat.

The need for a small and versatile excavator

Will was first introduced to Global Machinery Solutions’ Vic Mallett at the nearby Royal Norfolk Show. Will was so impressed with Vic’s industry knowledge and technical expertise, he decided to invest in a SANY SY35U mini excavator.

This small but mighty powerhouse’s short tail swing allows the team to work in between the tight rows of trees and can do neat 360 turns. Logs are easily lifted and moved around the site – and with the tree shear and flail head attachments, they can also cut hedges and clear undergrowth with ease.

Being able to easily move timber means larch from the wood is being milled for cladding the shepherds’ huts other wood processed for the fire-heated hot tub, showers and firepits.

A larger excavator to move earth and create access paths

With the lake being full of silt, Will and Alex needed a larger excavator to make good of existing hard standing area and improve existing roads and paths around the site, leading from the entrance and winding down the hill to the shepherds’ huts.

They were so happy with the SY35U and Vic’s aftersales support, they approached him again and after a demo, decided on the 7.2 tonne SY75C, one of the most powerful SANY compact excavators.

This machine has been used to remove the silt from the lake, dig paths for the roads and car park. Earth from the roads has been used to create an island, which will be an idyllic spot for a hot tub!

The SANY excavator has also shifted more than 1,000 tonnes of crushed granite for the roads and car park.

What Kiwi Farm Partnership said

Will Chapman said: “The SANY excavators tick all the boxes for us. They do everything we need and are fantastic value for money. They’ve been instrumental in the development of the site and delighted at how they’ve performed

“What’s also impressed us is the ongoing support Vic – and the rest of the Global Machinery Solutions team – provides. When we had a niggle with the smaller machine, Vic organised the repair straight away through the warranty and we were back in action in no time. Having this backup is priceless and I know Vic’s always there to help.

“The SANY machines do exactly what they say on the tin, they’re high performing, powerful, comfortable, versatile – and very affordable. We’re looking forward to using them on our next project.”

In the words of Will’s grandad: “if it’s got a heater and a wireless, it’s a good ‘ol tool!”

What Global Machinery Solutions said

Vic Mallet, SANY Equipment Sales Manager, said: “It’s fantastic to see how the SANY machines have been so instrumental in developing Holt Hollow. Working on hilly and uneven terrain shows how well these machines perform even on tricky sites.

“It’s a pleasure working with Will, Alex and the rest of the Kiwi Partnership team and look forward to continuing to support them as they renovate and redevelop future sites.”