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EDITOR'S BLOG

NOT A SIMPLE 'NO WATER' PROBLEM
Turf professionals facing a complex future
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

Water stress is likely to become a more material constraint for UK grassroots sports clubs,with a mix of drought pressure, usage restrictions, rising costs, and competing priorities for water.

Now into May, we should start to see some consistently warmer weather, specifically in terms of soil and air temperatures. Last month (April 2026) the UK was notably warmer and drier than average for many areas, especially across southern and eastern England, though conditions varied through the month.

The first half of the month brought a spell of unseasonably warm weather, with temperatures rising well above average. Some spots reached into the mid 20s°C, which is exceptional for early April - among the warmest starts to that month in recent years.

However, by mid-April conditions turned more unsettled and by late April, a blocking high pressure system became dominant over or just north of the UK. This created largely dry, bright, and settled weather for most regions. Rainfall totals in southern and eastern England ended up very low - some counties saw less than 20% of average April rainfall.

The picture I am building up is that, now we are coming into May, many areas of the country are unseasonable dry. Sports grounds are having to resort to watering / irrigating their pitches much earlier in the growing season than normal.

This spell of dry weather could affect many sports pitch renovations that are underway or planned. Those with irrigation will be ok but many local authorities and some clubs do not have watering facilities and are essentially in the lap of the gods.

Plenty of local authorities have in recent years given up on the renovation their pitches, largely due to cost, but one of the other reasons has been due to the fact they are not able to water their pitches.

I personally think that water is going to become a much-needed commodity in the coming years. Water stress is likely to become a more material constraint for UK grassroots sports clubs, but it won’t show up as a simple ‘no water’ problem everywhere. Instead, expect a mix of drought pressure, usage restrictions, rising costs, and competing priorities for water.

Water resources are likely to become scarcer as UK climate projections show more extreme weather variability, such as hotter, drier summers and more intense rainfall events.

Organisations like Waterwise already focus on reducing consumption because UK water stress is expected to rise in the coming decades.

What this means operationally for clubs, is that water will become a cost + compliance issue, with the need for metering, tariffs or abstraction licences. Hosepipe bans or usage limits may affect pitch maintenance regimes.

We will need to plan and prepare a strategy of water management in the form of efficient watering, rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling storage ponds and attenuation features.

Borehole extraction licences are another way to secure a water resource. You generally pay for a survey, cost of drilling a borehole and then an annual fee depending on the amount of water you require. Total realistic cost picture (for a grassroots club).

For a typical UK sports club installing a borehole the costs could be something like:

Year 0 (setup)

Licence application: £200 – £1,500+
Surveys & studies: £1k – £10k
Borehole drilling + kit: £10k – £30k+ (industry typical)

Ongoing (annual)

Licence: £100 – £1,000+
Electricity + maintenance: £500 – £2,000
Testing/compliance: £200 – £1,000

You will not require a licence if you only need to draw 20 m³/day (20,000 litres/day).

Many small clubs can stay under this threshold, so the only cost would be the cost of survey and drilling a borehole.

Cricket pitch preparation

Speaking of watering, I am sure that many cricket clubs at the moment are spending a lot of time watering their pitches to help with their ten day preparation of a new wicket.

Preparing a cricket wicket in the UK requires careful planning, considering the weather and soil conditions. The general rule of thumb for preparing a decent pitch is centred around a 10-day preparation plan.

At county level it is more likely to be centred around a 14-day preparation as they need spend more time and effort on producing county standard pitches.

The following 10-day preparations are only a guide to the core operations to be undertaken to produce a pitch for play. Local conditions, manpower and resources will dictate what can be achieved. Each turf professional may have their own interpretations on what needs to be done during this preparation window.

Also, the weather may dictate what can be achieved or the shear pressure of fixtures may restrict what you can do in the time you have between matches.

Some clubs do not have access to covers and sheets and are at the mercy of the elements so pitch preparations will be dictated by what can be achieved during favourable weather fronts.

Day 1-2: Initial Preparation

Mowing: Cut the wicket to 10-12mm to remove excess grass.
Scarifying (optional): Lightly scarify the surface to remove thatch and encourage dry conditions.
Rolling: Use a heavy roller (500-1000kg) in dry conditions to start firming up the pitch. Roll 30 minutes
Watering: soak or apply light watering if the wicket is too dry, ensuring even moisture distribution and if required cover with flat sheet.

Day 3-5: Consolidation

Mowing: Reduce height to 8mm
Rolling: Increase rolling intensity, using the roller in multiple directions (morning and afternoon if conditions allow). Roll 30 minutes
Brushing: Brush off loose debris and grass cuttings.
Watering (if needed): Only add light water if the wicket is excessively dry - avoid overwatering

Day 6-8: Refining the Surface

Mowing: Cut the pitch to 6-7mm.
Rolling: Continue rolling to harden the surface further. Roll 15 minutes
Scarifying (optional): Lightly scarify the surface to remove thatch and encourage dry conditions.
Marking out the pitch: Lightly mark crease positions.
Drying: If rain is forecast, use covers but allow airflow to prevent sweating.

Day 9: Final Preparation

Mowing: Reduce grass to 5mm.
Final Roll: Use a heavy roller for a long session in the morning.
Brushing: Remove any loose material.
Watering: Only if required, but typically avoid at this stage.

Day 10 (Match Day)

Mowing: Final cut at 4-5mm.
Marking: Paint the creases clearly.
Final Light Roll: Use the roller just before play if conditions allow.
Pitch Assessment: Ensure even bounce and firmness, removing any excess debris.
Weather Considerations: Adapt rolling and watering based on rain forecasts.
Grass Type: If it's a green seamer, leave a slight covering of grass; for a turning pitch, remove more grass.
Cover Management: Keep covers handy to protect against rain but remove them early to allow natural drying.
As for the outfield maintenance, it is a case of mowing the outfield at least once week or if you have the time twice a week to improve density and smoothness.
Aeration and an application of fertiliser of the outfield would be helpful to increase porosity and initiate some grass growth.

NEWS

PITCH OF THE YEAR AWARD PRESENTED
Recognises standards in pitch preparation and presentation

Hastings MacHale Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo has been presented with the GAA National Pitch of the Year 2025 award

In our first WEB ONLY story the award recognises the work of grounds teams and volunteers responsible for maintaining high standards of pitch quality, presentation and performance.

DELEGATES GO BEHIND THE SCENES AT LORD'S
Experiencing elite-level turf management

In our next WEB ONLY story, hosted by Lord’s head groundsman Karl McDermott, the day combined practical learning, networking, and insight into the precision and planning required to maintain world-class cricket surfaces.

TRANSFORMATION DRIVEN BY SUSTAINABLE COURSE STRATEGY
Improved playing conditions

A long-term programme focused on sustainability and biodiversity has club reporting some of the best course conditions in its history.

A long-term programme focused on sustainability, biodiversity and improved playing conditions is helping to transform Cold Ashby Golf Centre, with the club reporting some of the best course conditions in its history.

Since becoming a member-owned cooperative in 2019, the Northamptonshire venue has adopted a more natural approach to course management, led by Course manager Ashley Hammond and supported by retired golf course architect and long-time member Roger Griffiths.

Working with a five-strong full-time team, Ashley has overseen a gradual shift towards more environmentally conscious maintenance practices, with a focus on improving playing surfaces while enhancing the course’s biodiversity.

Griffiths, who has been a member since 1978, said the course is now “in better condition than I’ve ever seen it”, crediting the steady, long-term approach taken by the club and its greenkeeping team.

Part of that transformation has involved a close working relationship with Agrovista Amenity and area sales manager Charlie Seager, who has supported the club’s maintenance programme from the outset.

A monthly tank mix programme using E2PRO Soluble and HumiMax has become central to the club’s approach from March through to October, helping improve plant health, soil condition and recovery across the course.

Ashley said the programme had contributed to stronger, more consistent greens performance and reduced early-season disease pressure, while also fitting the practical needs of a smaller maintenance team.

ROger Griffiths added that members had noticed quicker recovery and improved playing quality throughout the course, particularly during the current season.

Ashley concluded that the course is now in the best condition it has ever been, with the club continuing to pursue a balance between high-quality playing surfaces and sustainable long-term management.

ROBOTIC PARTNERSHIP EXTENDED
Exclusive UK distribution agreement

Distributor says they are proud of the partnership they have built with robotic line-marking specialist and look forward to their future collaboration.

Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) have announced the extension of their exclusive UK distribution agreement with robotic line marking specialist, TinyMobileRobots.

L-R: Daniel Breum, CEO TinyMobileRobots and OAS managing director, Richard Walton

Richard Walton, OAS managing director, said, “From the very beginning, TinyMobileRobots demonstrated a second to none level of understanding. From robotic engineers to grounds professionals working at all levels of the game, their focus is, and always has been, on understanding how technology could be enhanced to better serve the end user. From their knowledge and research and our feedback from the field, the result is a range of products that are intuitive, highly-efficient and easy to use.

“We are incredibly proud of the strong and successful partnership we’ve built with TinyMobileRobots and look forward to our future collaboration as we look to take the technology to the next level.”

Daniel Breum, CEO of TinyMobileRobots added, "Working with a partner of Origin’s calibre and reputation in the UK market is a distinct privilege for us. Our relationship has evolved and our two organisations interact on multiple levels daily, driven by a shared goal to deliver an exceptional customer experience.”

50 YEAR PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATED
Described as an 'enduring collaboration'

Built on mutual trust and aligned values, the parties say the relationship has grown into one of the most respected and longstanding distributor-manufacturer partnerships in the sector.

GGM Group has announced the celebration of a remarkable milestone: 50 years of partnership with Kubota.

Chris, Hilary, Thomas and Andrew Gibson

Since the partnership began in 1976, GGM Group and Kubota have worked side by side to deliver equipment and support to customers nationwide. Built on mutual trust and aligned values, they say the relationship has grown into one of the most respected and longstanding distributor-manufacturer partnerships in the sector.

Henry Bredin, division Manager kubota commented, "Reaching 50 years in partnership with GGM Group is a testament to the strength of our shared vision and the dedication of both businesses over the decades. GGM has consistently represented the Kubota brand with professionalism, expertise, and a deep understanding of customer needs. We are proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited for what lies ahead."

Chris Gibson, managing director GGM Group, added, "This milestone is not just about longevity, it’s about relationships. My father was always driven by new ideas. When he purchased the Ramsbottom business at Kirkham in 1976, he set out to find a product that would transform the way horticultural growers operated in glasshouses. Following discussions with John Croft, Kubota’s sales agent at the time, he became the first dealer to sign up, and that marked the beginning of the compact tractor business in the UK.

"As a family, we are incredibly proud of the foresight he showed. It’s remarkable to think that five decades have passed since we sold our first Kubota B6000. I believe his entrepreneurial spirit continues to guide us today, as we constantly look for new opportunities to evolve our product offering and deliver the highest level of service to our customers."

As GGM Group celebrates its history, it also looks firmly to the future with the introduction of the next generation of leadership: Andrew and Thomas Gibson. Representing the continuation of a family-led business, both bring fresh perspectives, energy, and a commitment to upholding the values that have defined the company for decades.

Andrew Gibson said "Growing up around the business, Kubota has always been part of our story. It’s an honour to step into this next chapter and continue building on such a strong foundation. We’re focused on innovation, sustainability, and ensuring we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers."

Thomas Gibson added, "This partnership has stood the test of time because of its authenticity and shared purpose. As we look ahead, we’re excited to play our part in shaping the future of GGM Group while strengthening our relationship with Kubota and our customers, supported by outstanding customer service and support that stands as a testament to the whole team at GGM.”

The milestone will be recognised and celebrated at two dedicated customer events in June, providing an opportunity to thank customers and showcase the strength of the partnership. The 50-year anniversary will also be highlighted throughout the show season, with a strong presence across key industry events. As part of the celebrations, a customer competition is being launched to find the oldest Kubota machine still in operation today.#

Chris Gibson concluded, “Fifty years is an incredible milestone, but we see it as just the beginning of the next chapter, together with Kubota, our team, and our customers, we look forward to continuing this journey."

PALLISERS OF HEREFORD ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
Adds to product portfolio

Pallisers of Hereford have taken on a new franchise

Dealership says they have always been about providing customers with machinery that is built to last and backed by exceptional service.

Pallisers of Hereford has announced the addition of the Nugent Trailers range to its product portfolio.

As an official dealer, Pallisers will now supply the complete Nugent lineup, including its livestock boxes, sheep trailers, flatbed trailers, and utility ranges. This partnership marks a significant expansion for Pallisers they say, ensuring that farmers and commercial businesses across the region have access to a range of towing solutions.

Camilla Palliser, director at Pallisers of Hereford, said, "At our core, we have always been about providing our customers with machinery that is built to last and backed by exceptional service. Nugent’s commitment to engineering excellence and durability mirrors our own values perfectly.

"Adding its full range of trailers to our yard allows us to offer a truly complete solution to our customers, whether they are moving livestock or hauling heavy equipment. We can’t wait to get these trailers out into the fields of Herefordshire."

Ronan O’Neill, Nugent sales manager, added, “With a strong reputation for quality and customer service, Pallisers are a natural fit for the Nugent brand and our commitment to delivering premium, reliable trailers.

"We look forward to a successful partnership and supporting their continued growth as part of the Nugent dealer network.”

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