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FINE TURF Advertorial


PITCH CONTRACTOR FINETURF KNOWS WHAT IT TAKES TO CREATE AND MAINTAIN A SUCCESSFUL BOWLING GREEN


THE GRASS IS GREENER


D


uring the past two years, Fineturf, a leading sports pitch contractor, has experienced a sharp increase in bowling


green construction and renovation enquiries. Fineturf believes two main factors are


responsible: the availability of external funding and the ever growing list of bowls clubs requiring specialist construction knowledge, such as that possessed by Fineturf. Since its creation, the company has amassed


18 years of experience working with natural grass pitches in a multitude of sports. The skills and expertise acquired during this time have enabled Fineturf to fully understand the construction techniques and materials required that constitute a successful bowling green. Recently, Fineturf has completed bowling


green projects including Basildon, Hadleigh, Birstall, Batchwood and Burghfield. The most recent project in Basildon was for the design and construction of two full-size county standard bowling greens, complete with automatic pop-up irrigation systems. Simon Hutton, Managing Director of Fineturf, summarised the firm’s approach to construction and renovations. “The site is surveyed and levels set using digital instrumentation,” he said. “Surface vegetation is removed and, with the site clear, we engineer the green formation using


Volvo 360 excavators fitted with laser-guided equipment. The formation is then laser graded, creating a solid compacted base approximately 300mm below the proposed final playing surface.” Laser-guided equipment is essential to


ensure the accuracy of levels will meet the high standards set by Fineturf, and expected by its clients, and the stringent sports governing bodies’ design specification. On the drainage, Simon added: “This


comprises of perimeter main drains and lateral drains cut at 5m centres across the green. Pipe of 100mm and 80mm respectively, is laid in the trenches, again using laser instrumentation to ensure accuracy, which are backfilled with washed drainage gravel. “The green is then further formed from a


gravel carpet, a blinding grit layer and finally the all important rootzone growing medium is ready for the grass surface.” During each stage, the levels are set and


graded using precision laser instrumentation. Finally, the Fineturf team of fully qualified


and experienced technicians hand-rake and carry out the last ground preparation of the green, incorporate fertilisers and install Tillers greens turf custom grown on USGA Rootzone or sow Limagrain MM10 seed; depending on the project requirements.


It is essential to the successful development and future maturity of the grass surface that sufficient water, together with the correct aftercare, is provided


During the project, county concrete channels


are installed to the perimeter of the playing surface, complete with artificial turf to the face and rubber lining to the bottom, for bowl protection. Perimeter paths with disabled access are also installed as required. Simon stressed the importance of irrigation.


“All bowling greens which we construct have an irrigation system designed and installed by us,” he said. “It is essential to the successful development and future maturity of the grass surface that sufficient water, together with the correct aftercare, is provided.” Fineturf provides all clients with aftercare


and ongoing maintenance manuals and ongoing advice is always available. The firm even offers new and second-hand turf care machinery for sale or hire. Off site, the Fineturf office works closely with


its clients to facilitate site surveying, planning and design and funding advice. Anthony Hardy, Operations Manager, is particularly passionate about the funding opportunities that are available for sports clubs. “We constantly monitor funding organisations, including Sport England, National Lottery, regional funders and local authorities, communities and businesses. “We then discuss funding availability and


application procedures with our clients to aid in the delivery of their plans and ambitions.” Initial design, project proposals and budget


costs are carried out and provided to clients free of charge to try to facilitate potential projects for improving facilities for the game of bowls.


You can visit Fineturf at http://www.fine-turf.co.uk or contact them on 01400 251605.


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