Berkshire Cricket Grounds Course Supports Clubs at End of 2026 Season
Berkshire Cricket held a well-attended end-of-season grounds course at Falkland Cricket Club on Wednesday 19 August, providing valuable support and practical guidance to clubs as they begin their preparations for the end of the 2026 season and beyond.
The workshop covered key areas of ground management, including scarification, aeration and top dressing, with volunteers attending from clubs including Calcot, Crowthorne & Crownwood, Purley on Thames, Reading, Shinfield and West Ilsley.
The 2026 season has presented significant challenges for clubs and volunteers, particularly with the heat and drought conditions experienced throughout the summer. The course provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to share experiences, discuss challenges and explore practical solutions with fellow grounds volunteers.
The course was fantastically led by Phil Jeggo from the Grounds Management Association, with support from Berkshire County Pitch Advisor Chris Brown, who demonstrated the machinery used to carry out important end-of-season ground works.
Berkshire Cricket partner, Indigro, were also in attendance, sharing their expertise and knowledge as a specialist manufacturer of fertilisers and nutrients for sports turf, with more than 75 years’ experience in the industry.
Berkshire Cricket would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to a valuable and informative session. Further grounds courses and learning opportunities will be made available during 2027, continuing Berkshire Cricket’s support for clubs and the volunteers who play such an important role in maintaining quality playing surfaces across the county.
Berkshire Cricket is also looking to arrange a Climate Change evening in November 2026, with further details to be confirmed in due course. The session will provide another opportunity for clubs to consider the impact of changing weather conditions and explore practical ways to improve the resilience and sustainability of their grounds.
If your club needs advice, guidance or support with grounds and pitch preparation, please get in touch with Club & Workforce Lead, Ben Abrahams, who will be happy to help connect clubs with the appropriate support and resources.
