Ewhurst, Surrey
Polo Field Aeration and Sand Topdressing at Hurtwood Park Polo Club
The works were completed at Hurtwood Park Polo Club’s long-established grounds in Ewhurst, near the Surrey Hills. The club was based at the site for more than 35 years, during which the estate became a well-known setting for polo and equestrian events.
Three polo fields required aeration and sand topdressing as part of their ongoing maintenance. The scale of the grounds meant that 600 tonnes of material needed to be distributed consistently before being worked into the turf.
The treatment also needed to create channels within the soil profile without applying a uniform working depth regardless of conditions. The final depth therefore had to account for variations in the ground and underlying soil.
The Bourne Sport team deep-tine aerated all three fields using a Wiedenmann TERRA SPIKE GXi 8 HD fitted with ¾-inch tines. The machine was configured to produce approximately 100 holes per square metre, reaching a depth of between 150mm and 200mm where conditions allowed. This created openings through which air and water could enter the soil profile. The GXi 8 HD is designed for deep aeration to a maximum depth of approximately 250mm.
The team then applied 600 tonnes of SS01 washed sports sand across the three fields. Supplied by Bourne Amenity and delivered by John Bourne & Co., SS01 is a washed silica sports sand suitable for natural turf topdressing. Once spread, the sand was worked into the surface in two directions using a drag mat.
The project marked the first outing for Bourne Sport’s new Shelton 6-tonne universal sand and gravel hopper. Its configurable design allows the machine to be used for drainage backfilling or surface spreading. A conveyor attachment can also feed material into secondary equipment, giving the team greater flexibility across different sports turf operations.
The sand was supplied by Bourne Amenity, with John Bourne & Co. managing delivery and Bourne Sport completing the work on site. The project was another coordinated effort involving businesses from across The Bourne Group.