Two courses are being organised by the LDCA for all those with an interest in sportsturf and agriculture to cover the basic principles of land drainage.

The LDCA says whereas the practical side of land drainage installation such as machine control and setting out the site are usually learnt ‘on the job’ these courses provide an opportunity for operators and all contracting staff to gain an understanding of the theory of land dainage but in a very practical way.

Topics covered include soils and water, drainage design layout and installation, materials, machinery, and the use of GPS in site survey and design. The course covers both Agricultural and Sportsturf Drainage and includes practical exercises.

Bruce Brockway, Secretary of the LDCA said, "Years ago most drainage contractors and others learnt the theory and practice of land drainage on courses that were run by ADAS or notably Silsoe College but these are no longer available. The LDCA has therefore been providing these courses for LDCA Members for several years but is now opening them up to all those with an interest in land drainage.

"In running these courses we find companies often send a number of their staff along as a ‘group’ which works well.

"We are holding two courses in February, one at Myerscough College near Preston Lancashire on the 3rd February, and one on 5th February at Mastenbroeks, manufacturers of trenching machines at Boston in Lincolnshire."

For further details visit the LDCA website, email secretary@ldca.org or call 0845 5191 243