Predominantly shale and clay based, the ground in the outfield area was especially prone to flooding, as rainwater could not naturally drain away. As such, heavy rainfall often caused the pitch to become waterlogged due to the high levels of standing surface water.
Consequently, the main outfield required an intensive improvement programme. The works, which cover approximately 1.9 ha, included the installation of more than 4km of drainage, in addition to surface cultivation and levelling to the existing grade of the site. White Horse Contractors has also made improvements to the storm water infrastructure with the installation of a new attenuation tank and automatic irrigation system.
By using its own Mastenbroek 10/12D trenching equipment, White Horse Contractors was able to carry out the main drainage works, installing more than 3.6km of lateral drains and 294m of ring drains. These pipe trenches were later backfilled using CT12 crawler trucks. Due to the speed with which the machines were able to handle the scale of the site the final pieces of turf were laid on schedule, ensuring the outfield would be ready for use soon after.
Sean Williams, Head Groundsman of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, commented: “White Horse Contractors was chosen for this project due to its experience in this area, alongside the ability to deliver a cost competitive service that helped to keep overall project costs down. These services were delivered in a very professional manner and completed on time, allowing us to start using the ground again soon after.”
Considering the high profile of the site, White Horse Contractors was keen to ensure works were completed on time. Nigel Law, Contract Manager from White Horse Contractors, said, “Due to the nature of the site, combined with the impending cricket season, it was important to ensure our work was finished on budget and on time. As we have worked on similar projects in the past, we were able to draw upon our skills and knowledge base to ensure the works were completed quickly in accordance with the site plans.” Find out more about our natural turf pitch construction services.
