BTME PREVIEW
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In the months since June , we ’ ve had a lot of rain , so we ’ ve already seen how the drainage work has improved the area no end .
To address the problem of waterlogged fields during the winter , a significant lateral and sand slit drainage project was undertaken simultaneously to ensure year-round play and allow Hamblin Trust Head Groundsman Neil Brown to raise the quality of the pitches .
With timings tight for the work to take place and the grow-in period , pre-planning was a crucial aspect of the project , and Neil puts the success down to the work done by Duncan Ross Ltd in the build-up .
“ In the months since June , we ’ ve had a lot of rain , so we ’ ve already seen how the drainage work has improved the area no end ,” Neil said . “ We ’ ve had no holding water at all on the main field , and by the time we ’ re into winter , the drains will have settled , and they will only be more effective , so we won ’ t have to worry about cancelling fixtures , training sessions or lessons .
“ We decided to start work during the summer term because of the timings involved , which meant we needed a comprehensive plan , and that ’ s what Managing Director Duncan Ross , gave us . He investigates the area properly and gives you an honest opinion on what should be done and won ’ t do anything for the sake of it .
“ He addressed all our issues , and now we can focus on improving the quality . Good drainage helps everything . The grass coverage will improve , we won ’ t be taking tractors or mowers onto boggy ground , and we can confidently implement a programme that will see continuous improvement over the coming years .”
AGSB aims to take the school ’ s tradition of sporting excellence to a new level , and a key part of that is consistency . With Phase 1 of drainage installation complete , Duncan Ross Ltd will return to mirror the work on the school ’ s second field , ensuring quality across the entire site .
Duncan Ross on 01257 255321 www . duncanrossltd . co . uk
GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | January / February 2024 9