Landscape & Urban Design Issue 14 2015 | Page 105

T E L E P H O N E 0 1 2 8 3 5 5 1 4 1 7 E M A I L E N Q U I R I E S @ T U R F D R Y . C O M SPORTS TURF DRAINAGE & CONSTRUCTION W E B W W W . T U R F D R Y . C O M P I T C H C O N S T R U C T I O N S T O K E - O N - T R E N T Continuing its strong working relationship with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Turfdry undertook a ‘Design & Build’ project that saw the creation of three football pitches adjacent to Hanley Town FC’s pitch in Abbey Hulton. The construction process was complicated by the site’s history as a dumping ground for mining waste, which left the subterranean conditions far from ideal. In addition to substantial debris buried beneath the surface, significant problems with groundwater and running sand were encountered, which meant that parts of the site could not even be walked on. This was overcome by the installation of a ‘deep-drainage’ system, which de-watered the site and allowed construction to continue, which included the installation of Turfdry Drainage Systems using Hydraway Sportsdrain, in all three pitches. Despite the problems faced during construction, a recent independent site assessment visit by Kevin Duffill, West Midlands Regional Advisor for the Institute of Groundsmanship, confirmed that progress has been excellent, and that the Council will receive excellent new facilities at August 2015’s handover. T U R F D R A I N A G E C H E L S E A P H Y S I C G A R D E N Turfdry was recently contacted by the historic and prestigious Chelsea Physic Garden – the oldest botanic garden in the capital, under Grade 1 Listed protection and with HRH The Prince of Wales as patron– due to considerable waterlogging issues on its marquee lawn. The works needed completion in time for the impending 2015 opening, so speed - as well as the close care and attention demanded by a site with such rich heritage - was required. Particular attention was paid to the protection of the trees and their roots, and special care had to be taken to ensure the site’s valuable topsoil was preserved without contamination. This was complicated by the tight nature of the site, which demanded careful planning and execution by Turfdry’s skilled team. The work was completed with ‘Big Roll’ turfing just in time for the opening of the gardens, with Turfdry packing up just as the eager public were ushered into the garden. Subsequent visits have revealed that the turf has taken very well – despite its heavy usage – and that the Garden’s summer events schedule is in full swing. W E T L A N D S C O N S T R U C T I O N E D M O N T O N , L O N D O N Following a series of successful works for Enfield Council – including drainage at Whitewebbs Golf Club, Enfield Golf Club, and the creation of a watercourse and construction of a flood barrier at Firs Farm Park – Turfdry was recently contracted to construct wetlands scheme at Pymmes Park, Edmonton, designed primarily to improve the water quality of the lake in the park. The Council’s Senior Engineer designed the scheme, though Turfdry was able to contribute to design changes as the project progressed, which included the re-levelling of a badly undulating football pitch in the park, using material excavated from the wetlands cells. Despite complications posed by the uncovering of a large WWII-era bomb shelter – which saw Turfdry work in conjunction with a team of archaeologists to ensure the discovery became part of historical record – the works ran very smoothly. With all excavation and re-levelling works completed, planting has already taken place in the wetlands, which should flourish over the next 12 months, adding aesthetic value to the park, and providing a rich habitat for plants and animals. G E T I N T O U C H T O D A Y, A N D L E T T U R F D R Y T R A N S F O R M Y O U R D R E A M S I N T O R E A L I T Y. . .