Added: 16TH OCTOBER 2023
Following the success of a larger sports pitch completed for Telford & Wrekin Council in 2021 at Orleton Lane, Wellington, Shropshire, Turfdry was delighted to get the go-ahead for another sports pitch design and build contract at nearby OD Murphy field in Wellington.
The site was identified as a football pitch in the local authority plans but had not been used as such for some while. Undulating topography over much of the field made it only suitable for small-sided games, but even in the flatter areas of the site the uneven pitch levels were not up to modern football pitch standards. The new project’s design was centred around a new FA U15/U16 pitch, but also also included: a reinforced grass car-parking for football use; the construction of a new Breedon gravel perimeter path to be enjoyed by all local residents and joggers; benches for users to enjoy beautiful views of The Wrekin and the adjacent lake; and new wildflower planting.
The project began with the application of herbicide to clear vegetation from the working area, preparing it for the topsoil strip operations. Topsoil was then stripped and stockpiled for later use by excavators and dozers equipped with GPS sensors linked to the 3D model of the design, for optimal accuracy.
Subsequent operations saw the sub-base of the pitch constructed using the same equipment as the topsoil strip, before the stockpiled topsoil was spread in an even layer over the pitch plateau. This was followed by initial cultivation works, prior to the installation of the pitch drainage system. As with the vast majority of Turfdry pitches, the client opted for the technical superiority and proven cost-effectiveness of Hydraway Sportsdrain for the lateral drainage. This was installed at 5m spacing across the pitch, connecting to conventional plastic pipe carrier drains that ran to a new outfall in the adjacent Murphy's Pool pond.
Works in the vicinity of the pond required especial care and attention due to the bountiful wildlife that call Murphy's Pond home, including a particularly charismatic swan named Herbert, who is something of a local celebrity! Indeed, some local residents were initially strongly opposed to the works taking place, as they were concerned that the construction would irrevocably disturb the birds that nested in and around the pond. However, residents were assured of Turfdry's exemplary track record of ecological and environmental sensitivity, and despite initial resistance were ultimately pleased to see that the care of the local wildlife was paramount throughout the delivery of the project.
The cultivation and seeding works that followed the drainage installation have proven very successful, with a healthy grass sward developing thanks to careful monitoring and ongoing maintenance. A recent site visit during typically inclement October weather provided a very positive update on the seeding operations, as well as an excellent demonstration of the effectiveness of the Hydraway Sportsdrain pitch drainage system. Despite the relatively recent installation of the drainage pipework and early stages of sward development, the pitch is standing steadfast against the deluge of rainfall - in no small part thanks to the industry-leading water-intake rate of the Hydraway lateral drains that form the heart of the pitch's drainage system.
Though not all drainage systems result in active outfalls (as water will follow the route of least resistance and sometimes find its way into deeper, old drainage systems, or natural sinkholes), it is nevertheless pleasing to see collected drainage water gush into an outfall chamber - as evidenced by the below video, taken and narrated by Turfdry MD Melvyn Taylor following a site meeting with Telford and Wrekin Council.
Moreover, it was a pleasure to see the local swans continuing to enjoy life in Murphy's Pond following the works - allaying the fears of local residents that the works would drive them away from their homes, and confirming that appropriately sensitive delivery of the project had avoided ecological disruption.
We look forward the checking in on the development of the pitch following handover of maintenance responsibilities to the Council, so check back next year to see how the pitch develops. In the meantime, why not check out some of Turfdry’s other sports pitch design & construction projects.
