Driffield Golf Course Fairway Improvements
Case study
Driffield Golf Course Fairway Improvements
Fairway drainage improvements at Driffield Golf Club, installing primary and secondary land drainage systems to improve playing surfaces.
Scope
Nestling in the lush parkland estate of the Sunderlandwick Estate in East Yorkshire, Driffield Golf Club boasts a 70 par 6205 yard course. Sweeting Bros (Land Drainage) Ltd were pleased to have been chosen to undertake remedial and renovation works to improve the fairways at Driffield Golf Club installing primary and secondary land drainage systems.
Land drainage is used in sports fields and golf courses to move rainwater from sitting on the surface of the grassed areas thereby preventing waterlogging or deterioration of playing surfaces. This also assists with drainage/storage at times of high precipitation.
Topographical surveying are now digitised using state-of-the-art software and GPS positioning to plot and design entire systems across hectares of land to accurately determine levels for both re-grading earthworks and drainage designs.
Key Aspects
DESIGN—PRIMARY & SECONDARY SYSTEMS
Initially existing land drainage plans, outfall positions and topographical surveys are carried out. These are developed to understand the extent of works necessary and designs are developed for new carrier drains, intersecting runs of lateral pipework and outfalls to comprehensively drain the area.
INSTALLATION
Sweeting Bros Ltd have invested in 5 bespoke GPS enabled trenching machines which automatically cut a slice into the ground, lay pipe and backfill with stone using geo-documentation software to accurately position both depth and location.
All junctions are photographed and added to the geo-positioning log. Land drainage design/installation plans together with outfall positions are documented and retained by ourselves and the client.
Secondary drainage systems using Koro-Topdrain machines and verti-draining spike attachments can also be used as part of the playing surface cultivation to required standards.
The use of low pressure tyred plant protects playing surfaces from damage.
Typical Land Drainage Cross Sections
Challenges
Health & Safety
All workings are carried out compliantly under CDM 2015 protocols require comprehensive assessment of all risks and method statements to minimise risks for all work elements.
Sweeting Bros Ltd are unique in that we have invested in mountain rescue sleds and equipment to facilitate patient evacuation in the event of an accident. Our work is often in secluded, inaccessible areas with very poor ground conditions.
Biosecurity
Inter-site moves across properties often requires biosecurity and environmental protocols to minimise transfer of contaminants or invasive species such as black grass. This can require washing down time for machinery prior to moving to be included as part of programming works.
Environmental Protection
As with all work carried out in the natural; environment, it is necessary to have pollution prevention protocols in place to prevent discharge of contaminants from plant/vehicles.
Working with Water
Working in or around water poses hazards for employees arising from the natural environment. The presence of vermin and exposure to leptospirosis twinned with the possibility of drowning, all add to the normal risks involving accidents concerning machinery and moving parts.
Works taking place in/around live watercourses also pose problems arising from adverse weather and increased rainfall leading to poor ground conditions, waterlogging and flooding. It is necessary to monitor and adjust programmes to accommodate and minimise risks. Pumping out of accumulating / rising ground water on certain projects/locations may be necessary to ensure safe working conditions.
Cooperation
As with any large project where multiple stakeholders are involved, co-operation is key factor in success. Sweeting Bros Ltd are adept at managing/working with multi-agency stakeholders such as land-owners, IDB’s, main contractors, Environment Agency and Clients Representatives.
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