Building A New Cricket Square

Here’s a simplified, outline timeline and process for the creation of a new cricket square.

Estimated time required – 8-10 days (depending on machinery and manpower available)

Process:

1. Measure & mark out the square and perimeter drain – ECB recommends maximum 55° variation from North-South
2. Measure & lay out ground guards for lorry track to the area
3. Strip turf from the square
4. Excavate topsoil to formation level c.325mm – you might choose to reuse the topsoil to fill the square, but make sure it is compatible with the cricket loam
5. Spread gravel to 100mm depth, level and compact
6. Spread coarse sand to 50mm depth, rake and compact
7. Return native topsoil / use new topsoil, to leave 60-90mm depth
8. Scarify to form key for loam layer
9. Excavate & install perimeter drain, to 500mm depth
10. Spread cricket loam to 20mm depth, consolidate and repeat
11. Level and track in the loam
12. Seed the square and fertilise