EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS
We have an irrigation
system that comes from the sky; we do not need one really. If there is a good
”
drought in the summer, we do have taps next to the cricket square to attach hoses and sprinklers
When the main drains first went in, it cost around forty-five thousand pounds. Since then, we have applied five hundred tonnes of Davila sand from a local quarry which is free draining - every year for the last fourteen years. Additionally, gravel and sand banding work has been carried out in the low points and worst areas. All the money has been spent on improving the playing surface on the main field, nothing on the other areas.” I asked Robert if, with the changing weather patterns and the winters becoming much wetter, there’s a need to carry out more drainage work in the future? “Not really, except for the areas behind the cricket squares and at the edge of the field where I would like to do some work. With the drains now on the main field, all I have to do is verti-
draining with a bit of heave to loosen up the soil. On a day like today, as soon as the rain stops, you would be able to play on there.” This question then led us on to the need for an irrigation system. “We have an irrigation system that comes from the sky; we do not need one really. If there is a good drought in the summer, we do have taps next to the cricket square to attach hoses and sprinklers. We also have access to a large water bowser we can borrow from the local golf course if there is any need.” Robert is hoping to invest in some new covers for the squares as the ones he has have become unserviceable. “I’m hoping to get some proper new covers I have spoken to the Bursar about the issue. We are currently trying to get funding through Cricket Scotland as they use this facility in the summer.” Robert talks me through the seasonal maintenance of the main showpiece field. "In summer, we will cut with the John Deere 3235C at a height of 23mm. In winter, for the rugby, the height of cut is going to be higher this year. Our rugby coach wanted it quite short last year, so we were cutting at 30mm and there was quite a lot of damage done. As you know, rugby players like to work off a line. They come out of the pavilion, go into a line, and that is where they stop and start practising and running back and forward, causing a lot of wear in one area. The new length will be reviewed nearer the time.” "I will get a contractor into verti-drain a few times a year, normally before I apply my sand and then we will brush it into the holes. We don’t carry out any scarification on the main field, just the cricket square.”
82 PC October/November 2020
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