Blending Heritage with Innovation: A Historic UK Airfield Adopts Morclean’s EcoFlex™ Wash Pad

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At a renowned former RAF station in the southeast of England, history and modern sustainability have come together in a practical and forward-thinking way. This historic airfield—still home to vintage aircraft, a busy general aviation hub, and a popular events venue—has recently installed a Morclean EcoFlex™ Semi‑Permanent Wash Pad.

This move reflects a growing need among heritage sites to balance preservation with regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.



A Site Steeped in Aviation History

Active since World War I and a critical part of aviation history, this iconic airfield remains in daily use by private pilots, vintage warbird operators, and emergency services. With a constant flow of aircraft and service vehicles, regular cleaning is essential.

However, being a heritage-sensitive location with aging hard surfaces and planning restrictions, traditional concrete wash bays weren’t an option.

The EcoFlex™ Solution

To solve the challenge, the airfield turned to Morclean’s EcoFlex™ semi-permanent wash pad—a robust, surface-mounted system that’s fully self-contained and doesn’t require excavation.

Key Benefits:

  • Zero Ground Disturbance: Ideal for sensitive, historic tarmac and apron areas.

  • Quick Installation: Fully operational in under an hour, with no downtime.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Meets UK guidelines for water containment and pollution prevention.

  • Completely Portable: Can be relocated for events, aircraft repositioning, or future site changes.

Supporting Modern-Day Operations

The wash pad is now a key part of the airfield’s ground operations, helping protect both its aviation assets and its surroundings.

  • Aircraft Cleaning: Keeps vintage aircraft and general aviation fleets clean without risking runoff into protected ground.

  • Service Vehicle Maintenance: Fire and emergency vehicles can be cleaned safely and quickly on site.

  • Event Flexibility: From classic car rallies to airshows, the portable pad supports a dynamic event calendar.

Sustainability Without Sacrificing History

At this storied airfield, the decision to use EcoFlex™ demonstrates how heritage operators can embrace sustainability without altering the character of their site. It’s a low-impact, high-reward solution that enhances daily operations while preserving the past.

Thinking of upgrading your wash facilities at a historic or restricted-use site?
Morclean’s EcoFlex™ system could be exactly what you need—flexible, compliant, and designed to respect both your environment and your legacy. Call our team on 01246 471147 or email info@morclean.com. 

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