Primary drainage provides an underground route for excess water to leave a natural sports pitch. A network of lateral pipes is installed beneath the surface and connected to a main drain, which carries water towards a suitable outlet.
The trenches are filled with carefully selected drainage material before the surface is reinstated. The layout is designed around the construction and condition of the pitch, creating a long-term foundation for better water management.
Secondary drainage helps surface water reach the primary system more quickly. Narrow channels are installed across the pitch and filled with a suitable sand or aggregate, creating direct links between the playing surface and the drains below.
These channels may need periodic maintenance as soil and organic matter build up over time. When designed to suit the pitch, secondary drainage can reduce surface waterlogging and help the ground recover more quickly after rainfall.
Drainage systems need ongoing care to keep water moving through the pitch effectively. During the first few years after installation, regular top dressing with a compatible sports turf sand can help maintain the connection between the playing surface and the drainage channels below.
Continued maintenance will help the system perform as intended, although pitch availability will still depend on rainfall, soil conditions and the level of use. A well-maintained drainage system can reduce waterlogging and help the surface recover more quickly after wet weather.
Bourne Sport combines practical contracting experience with direct access to specialist sports turf materials through Bourne Amenity. This close working relationship helps us select tested products that suit the surface, the work required and the conditions on site.
Our enhanced DBS-checked team works with schools, clubs and community facilities across the South East. Every project begins with a clear assessment of the site, followed by recommendations shaped around the client’s priorities and available budget.
Many customers return to us for ongoing maintenance and further renovation work. We value those long-term relationships and aim to provide straightforward advice alongside dependable service.
Yes. We regularly work with schools, clubs and organisations that need to deliver improvements within a fixed budget. We’ll discuss your requirements, priorities and available funding, then recommend the most effective work to get the best results from your pitch.
This depends on the type of work carried out. For operations such as Verti-draining or top dressing, the pitch can usually be used straight away. Renovation work that involves renovations or seeding typically requires around 6–8 weeks before play can resume, allowing the grass to establish properly.
If possible, the grass should be cut to around 35mm before we arrive. We’ll also need suitable access for machinery and deliveries, along with a contact on site on the day to assist with access or any questions.
Yes, we can supply irrigation where required. If we feel irrigation would significantly benefit the work we’re carrying out, we may include this as part of our quotation and advise you on the most suitable system.
The duration depends on the type and scale of the work. Some services, such as Verti-draining, overseeding and fertilising, can often be completed in a single day. Larger projects, such as installing primary or secondary drainage systems, may take up to 8 weeks. Every pitch is different, so we recommend arranging a free site visit so we can provide an accurate quotation and timeframe.