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48 Weyview Crescent
0300 303 8616
Mon-Fri: 07:30 - 16:00
25 Jul 2026
School and sports facility grounds maintenance carried out by Wessex Grounds Services in Dorset

School and Sports Facility Grounds Maintenance: Preparing for a Safe and Successful Autumn Term

As schools, academies and sports clubs prepare for a busy autumn, school and sports facility grounds maintenance becomes one of the most important investments in creating safe, attractive and functional outdoor spaces. Well-maintained grounds not only enhance the appearance of a site but also support pupil wellbeing, improve safety and ensure that sports facilities are ready for use through a planned grounds maintenance programme.

At Wessex Grounds Services, we work with educational establishments and sports organisations across Dorset and the surrounding counties, helping them maintain grounds that reflect the high standards expected by pupils, parents, staff and visitors.

Why Grounds Maintenance Matters

School grounds are used every day for learning, recreation and sport. From football pitches and athletics tracks to playgrounds and landscaped entrance areas, every outdoor space plays an important role in the daily life of a school.

Regular maintenance helps to:

  • Improve health and safety by reducing hazards.
  • Keep sports surfaces fit for purpose.
  • Create a welcoming first impression for parents and visitors.
  • Extend the lifespan of landscaping and sports facilities.
  • Support biodiversity through sustainable planting and habitat management.

A neglected site can quickly become costly to restore, whereas planned maintenance helps protect your investment throughout the year.

Preparing Sports Facilities for the Autumn Season

The start of the academic year also marks the return of school sport. Football, rugby, hockey and cross-country all rely on well-prepared outdoor facilities.

Professional maintenance should include:

  • Precision line marking.
  • Grass cutting to the correct height.
  • Aeration to improve drainage.
  • Goal mouth repairs.
  • Weed and moss control.
  • Surface levelling where required.
  • Routine inspections for trip hazards.

These proactive measures help ensure sports pitches remain safe, playable and visually impressive throughout the season. Our dedicated Sports Pitch Maintenance service ensures football, rugby, cricket and multi-use playing surfaces remain safe, compliant and ready for use throughout the year.

Creating Safe Outdoor Learning Environments

Outdoor classrooms, sensory gardens and recreational spaces have become increasingly valuable in modern education.

Regular inspections should include:

  • Trees and overhanging branches.
  • Paths and walkways.
  • Boundary fencing.
  • Outdoor seating.
  • Play equipment surroundings.
  • Drainage and standing water.

Safe, accessible outdoor environments encourage learning beyond the classroom while reducing potential risks. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides useful guidance on managing health and safety responsibilities within educational settings, helping schools create safer environments for pupils, staff and visitors.

Sustainable Grounds Management

Many schools are now working towards environmental objectives, making sustainability an important part of school and sports facility grounds maintenance.

Practical improvements can include:

  • Wildflower meadow creation.
  • Pollinator-friendly planting.
  • Reduced chemical usage where appropriate.
  • Water-efficient planting schemes.
  • Composting green waste.
  • Responsible tree management.
  • Habitat creation for local wildlife.

These initiatives not only benefit biodiversity but also provide valuable educational opportunities for pupils. Our experienced team also designs and installs sustainable Commercial Landscaping schemes that enhance biodiversity while reducing long-term maintenance costs. Schools can also find practical advice on creating wildlife-friendly outdoor spaces through the Royal Horticultural Society’s Campaign for School Gardening.

Planning Saves Money

One of the biggest mistakes organisations make is waiting until problems become obvious.

Routine maintenance programmes help identify issues early, preventing expensive repairs to sports surfaces, drainage systems, hard landscaping and planting schemes.

By working with an experienced contractor, schools and sports clubs can budget more effectively while ensuring their facilities remain operational throughout the year.

Choosing the Right Grounds Maintenance Partner

A professional contractor should offer much more than grass cutting. At Wessex Grounds Services, we provide comprehensive Grounds Maintenance Services tailored to schools, academies and sports facilities across Dorset.

Look for a company that provides:

  • Planned maintenance programmes.
  • Experienced, fully trained staff.
  • Modern specialist equipment.
  • Health and safety compliance.
  • Sports pitch expertise.
  • Landscaping and tree services.
  • Reliable communication.
  • Flexible scheduling around term dates and sporting events.

Choosing a contractor who understands the unique demands of educational environments helps ensure work is completed efficiently and with minimal disruption.

Partner with Wessex Grounds Services

At Wessex Grounds Services, we understand that every school, academy, college and sports facility has different requirements. Our experienced team delivers reliable, high-quality school and sports facility grounds maintenance tailored to your site, helping create safe, attractive environments where pupils, staff and visitors can thrive.

Whether you require year-round maintenance, seasonal sports pitch preparation, landscaping improvements or specialist grounds management, we’re here to help.

If you’re planning for the new academic year, contact our team for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your grounds maintenance requirements.

Contact Wessex Grounds Services today to discuss a bespoke grounds maintenance programme for your school or sports facility.

25 Jun 2026
Grounds maintenance during summer heat wave in Dorset

Heat Wave Landscape Maintenance: How to Protect Your Grounds During Extreme Weather

The recent periods of extreme heat across the UK have highlighted the importance of heat wave landscape maintenance for businesses, schools, local authorities, and homeowners alike. What were once considered occasional hot spells are increasingly becoming longer, more intense, and more frequent. As climate patterns continue to change, landscapes must be managed differently to remain healthy, attractive, and resilient.

At Wessex Grounds Services, we have seen first-hand the impact prolonged dry weather can have on lawns, planting schemes, sports pitches, and commercial landscapes. By understanding what to do—and what not to do—you can help protect your outdoor spaces during periods of extreme heat.

Why Heat Waves Are Becoming a Growing Concern

According to climate experts, the UK is expected to experience more frequent and intense heat events in the coming decades. Landscapes designed for cooler, wetter conditions may struggle to cope without adaptation.

Signs of heat stress in landscapes include:

  • Brown or scorched lawns
  • Wilting plants and shrubs
  • Cracked or compacted soil
  • Reduced flowering and growth
  • Increased pest activity
  • Tree stress and premature leaf drop

Proper heat wave landscape maintenance can significantly reduce these impacts and help landscapes recover more quickly.

What NOT to Do During a Heat Wave

Avoid Cutting Grass Too Short

One of the most common mistakes during hot weather is mowing lawns too closely. Short grass exposes soil to direct sunlight, causing moisture to evaporate much faster.

Instead, raise mower cutting heights to help shade the soil and encourage deeper root growth.

Don’t Overwater Little and Often

Frequent shallow watering encourages roots to stay near the surface, making plants more vulnerable to drought.

Avoid daily light watering and focus on deeper, less frequent irrigation.

Avoid Fertilising During Extreme Heat

Applying fertiliser during very hot weather can place additional stress on plants and may even scorch roots and foliage.

Wait until temperatures moderate before feeding lawns and borders.

Don’t Plant High-Water-Demand Species

Traditional planting schemes containing thirsty annuals and moisture-loving species may struggle during prolonged dry periods and require unsustainable levels of irrigation.

What TO Do During a Heat Wave

Water Early or Late

Watering early in the morning or later in the evening reduces evaporation and allows moisture to penetrate deeper into the soil.

Focus on:

  • Newly planted trees and shrubs
  • Hanging baskets and containers
  • Sports turf and high-value lawn areas

Apply Mulch

Organic mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperatures.

Materials such as bark chippings, compost, or well-rotted organic matter can dramatically improve drought resilience.

Aerate Compacted Ground

Dry soils often become compacted, preventing water from penetrating effectively. Aeration can improve water infiltration and encourage stronger root systems.

Monitor Trees Carefully

Trees are long-term investments within any landscape. Young trees are particularly vulnerable during heat waves and may require supplemental watering to establish successfully.

Professional inspections can help identify signs of stress before permanent damage occurs.

Consider Professional Grounds Maintenance

A proactive maintenance programme can help identify issues early and implement practical solutions before significant deterioration occurs. Learn more about our professional grounds maintenance and landscaping services here:

https://www.wessexgroundsservices.co.uk/services/

Future-Proofing Landscapes for a Hotter Climate

As extreme weather becomes more common, landscape design must evolve. The focus should be on selecting plants that can tolerate drought, withstand temperature fluctuations, and require less irrigation.

Drought-Tolerant Trees

Consider planting:

  • Field Maple (Acer campestre)
  • Silver Birch (Betula pendula)
  • Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
  • Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
  • Pine varieties suitable for local conditions

Drought-Resistant Shrubs

Excellent options include:

  • Lavender
  • Hebe
  • Rosemary
  • Cistus (Rock Rose)
  • Elaeagnus
  • Escallonia

These plants provide colour, structure, and wildlife benefits while coping well with dry conditions.

Perennials for Hot Summers

For long-lasting seasonal interest, consider:

  • Salvia
  • Verbena bonariensis
  • Echinacea
  • Achillea
  • Sedum
  • Gaura

These species perform well during dry periods and continue to attract pollinators.

Replace Traditional Lawns Where Appropriate

In some areas, replacing sections of lawn with:

  • Wildflower meadows
  • Gravel gardens
  • Drought-tolerant planting beds
  • Groundcover planting

can reduce maintenance requirements and improve environmental sustainability.

For additional guidance on drought-tolerant planting, visit the Royal Horticultural Society’s advice on climate-resilient planting:

https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/trees/drought-tolerant-trees

Preparing Today for Tomorrow’s Climate

The landscapes that thrive in the future will be those designed and maintained with resilience in mind. Investing in thoughtful planting, sustainable irrigation practices, and professional maintenance can help protect your outdoor spaces from increasingly common periods of extreme heat.

At Wessex Grounds Services, our experienced team provides landscaping, grounds maintenance, horticultural consultancy, and environmental improvements throughout Dorset and the South West. Whether you need advice on drought-tolerant planting, sports turf care, or long-term landscape planning, we are here to help.

Contact Wessex Grounds Services today to discuss how we can help future-proof your landscape against the challenges of a changing climate.

20 Mar 2026
Precision Pitch Lining - Spring pitch recovery

The Weather Has Finally Improved… But Are Your Pitches Playable? Consider Spring pitch recovery.

After months of relentless rain, saturated ground, and postponed fixtures, the recent improvement in weather is a welcome relief for clubs, schools, and grounds managers across the region as they begin Spring pitch repairs. Warmer temperatures and drier days bring optimism—but the key question remains:

Are your pitches actually ready for play, or has the damage already been done?

The Hidden Impact of a Wet Winter

While the surface may look dry on top, prolonged periods of heavy rainfall can leave lasting issues beneath:

  • Soil compaction from waterlogging and foot traffic
  • Poor drainage performance due to blocked or overwhelmed systems
  • Rootzone instability, leading to soft or uneven playing surfaces
  • Grass coverage loss caused by disease and lack of sunlight
  • Surface damage from use during unsuitable conditions

In many cases, pitches that appear “good to go” can quickly deteriorate once play resumes.

Playable vs. Risky: How to Tell

Before reopening your pitch for training or matches, consider the following checks:

  • Firmness underfoot – Does the ground still feel spongy or unstable?
  • Surface evenness – Are there visible ruts, depressions, or worn areas?
  • Drainage response – After recent rain, does water clear quickly?
  • Grass health – Is there consistent coverage and strong growth?

If you’re unsure, it’s always better to delay use than risk further long-term damage.

Has the Damage Been Done?

In some cases, yes—but that doesn’t mean spring pitch recovery isn’t possible.

Winter damage often requires targeted remediation rather than a simple “wait and see” approach. Ignoring underlying issues can lead to:

  • Increased maintenance costs later in the season
  • Unsafe playing conditions
  • Reduced pitch lifespan
  • Fixture cancellations down the line

Next Steps: Getting Your Pitch Back on Track

Now is the ideal time to act. Early intervention can make a significant difference in pitch quality for the rest of the season and beyond.

1. Aeration is Key

Relieve compaction and improve oxygen flow to the roots with deep aeration. This also enhances drainage and encourages healthier turf growth.

2. Overseeding & Repairs

Repair worn or bare areas with overseeding to restore grass coverage and strengthen the playing surface.

3. Nutrient Boost

Apply a spring fertiliser programme to kickstart recovery and promote consistent growth.

3. Professional GPS Line Marking

Accurate pitch markings are essential as surfaces recover and return to use. At Wessex Grounds Services, we provide precision white lining using GPS-guided marking machines, ensuring perfectly straight, regulation-compliant lines every time—ideal for football, rugby, and multi-use pitches.

4. Drainage Assessment

If your pitch struggled this winter, it may be time to review your drainage system. Improvements now can prevent recurring issues year after year.

5. Professional Inspection

A professional assessment can identify underlying problems that aren’t immediately visible—and provide a clear action plan.

How Wessex Grounds Services Can Help

At Wessex Grounds Services, we specialise in bringing pitches back to life after challenging conditions. From aeration and overseeding to full pitch renovation, GPS white lining, and drainage solutions, our team ensures your surface is safe, playable, and built to last.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The improving weather provides a crucial window to repair and prepare your pitch—but it won’t stay open forever. Acting now can save time, money, and disruption later in the season.

If you’re unsure about your pitch condition, get in touch with Wessex Grounds Services today for expert advice and support.

30 Dec 2025
Winter Landscaping by Wessex Grounds Services

Winter Groundworks and Landscaping in Dorset: Expert Advice from Wessex Grounds Services

Winter Groundworks and Landscaping in Dorset: Expert Advice from Wessex Grounds Services

Winter is often overlooked as a time for outdoor construction, but with the right approach, it can be one of the most effective seasons for groundwork preparation. At Wessex Grounds Services, we provide professional groundworks and landscaping services throughout Dorset all year round, helping homeowners, developers, and commercial clients make the most of the quieter winter months.

Below, we outline the key considerations for winter groundworks and landscaping in Dorset, based on local knowledge and years of hands-on experience.

Understanding Dorset’s Winter Soil Conditions

Dorset is renowned for its diverse soil types, comprising clay, chalk, and sandy coastal soils. During winter, heavy rainfall combined with lower temperatures can result in waterlogged or unstable soil, particularly in low-lying or rural areas.

As experienced groundworks contractors in Dorset, we thoroughly assess ground conditions before commencing work. Proper planning ensures excavations, foundations, and landscaping structures remain stable and perform as intended once the ground dries and temperatures rise.

Local weather patterns also play a significant role. According to the UK Met Office, winter rainfall and frost frequency can vary considerably across southern counties, making professional assessment essential before starting any groundworks or landscaping project.

Drainage Solutions for Dorset Landscapes

Drainage is a critical consideration during winter landscaping in Dorset, where prolonged rainfall can quickly expose underlying drainage issues. Poor drainage can delay projects and cause long-term damage if not addressed early.

Wessex Grounds Services regularly installs and upgrades:

  • Land drainage systems

  • Soakaways and French drains

  • Ground preparation for patios, driveways, and access roads

If you’re planning excavation or foundation work, you can learn more about our specialist services on our Dorset groundworks page, where we outline our full approach to site preparation and drainage.

Managing Frost and Cold Weather Challenges

Frost is one of the biggest risks when carrying out landscaping during winter in Dorset. Materials such as concrete, mortar, and paving must be protected from freezing temperatures to prevent cracking or weakened finishes.

Our team carefully monitors weather forecasts and adapts schedules accordingly. Where necessary, we use frost-resistant materials, protective coverings, and phased installation techniques to maintain quality and durability across all winter projects.

Winter Planting and Site Preparation

While winter isn’t suitable for all planting, it can be an excellent time for structural landscaping. Bare-root trees, hedging, and shrubs can establish well during dormancy, making winter ideal for long-term landscape planning.

For larger projects, Wessex Grounds Services often focuses on:

  • Site clearance and ground levelling

  • Hard landscaping and retaining structures

  • Preparing gardens and grounds for spring planting

This approach allows clients to move quickly into the final landscaping stages when warmer weather arrives.

Health, Safety, and Access During Winter Works

Winter conditions can increase safety risks on site, including slippery surfaces, reduced daylight hours, and soft ground affecting access. As a trusted Dorset groundworks and landscaping contractor, safety is always a priority.

We ensure clear access routes, appropriate lighting, and weather-conscious working practices to protect both our team and your property throughout the project.

Why Choose Wessex Grounds Services in Dorset?

Choosing a local contractor with regional expertise makes a significant difference during winter. Wessex Grounds Services understands Dorset’s climate, soil types, and seasonal challenges, allowing us to deliver reliable, high-quality results even in difficult conditions.

Winter also offers practical advantages, including improved contractor availability and the opportunity to have projects fully prepared for spring and summer use.

Conclusion

Winter groundworks and landscaping in Dorset require experience, planning, and local knowledge. With professional support from Wessex Grounds Services, winter becomes a productive and strategic time for outdoor projects. From drainage and frost protection to full site preparation, our winter work ensures long-lasting results built for Dorset conditions.

25 Nov 2025
Wild Woodbury Project - Rewilding Project

Why Supporting Dorset Wildlife Matters to Wessex  Grounds Services 

At Wessex Grounds Services, we believe that every outdoor space we care for is more than just a patch of land—it’s part of a living, breathing ecosystem. Our job isn’t just about 
creating beautiful landscapes; it’s about protecting and enhancing the natural environment for future generations. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor and support Dorset Wildlife Trust 

Our Shared Responsibility for Nature 

As a leading grounds maintenance company in Dorset, we work closely with nature every day. We know the impact that managed landscapes can have on local ecosystems. Supporting 
Dorset Wildlife allows us to take our commitment further—helping protect wildlife habitats, restore natural environments, and safeguard the biodiversity that makes Dorset so unique. 

Promoting Biodiversity in Every Project 

One of Wessex Grounds Services’ core values is sustainability. We use eco-friendly practices wherever possible—whether that means reducing chemical use, improving soil health, or encouraging native planting. Dorset Wildlife Trust shares these values, working tirelessly to create wildlife corridors, restore meadows, and protect endangered species across the county. Together, we’re making Dorset greener and more resilient. 

Investing in Our Local Community 

When we support Dorset Wildlife, we’re investing in the future of our community. Healthy ecosystems don’t just benefit wildlife—they benefit people too. Cleaner air, richer soils, and vibrant green spaces improve our wellbeing and make Dorset a better place to live and work. By backing these initiatives, Wessex Grounds Services is helping ensure that our local landscapes remain beautiful and full of life for generations to come.

Leading by Example 

As a business, we know our choices set an example. Partnering with Dorset Wildlife demonstrates that grounds maintenance and wildlife conservation can go hand in hand. We hope this inspires our clients, partners, and other businesses to join us in adopting nature-friendly practices. 

Our Commitment for the Future

For us, supporting Dorset Wildlife isn’t just a sponsorship—it’s a promise. A promise to care for the land responsibly, to support biodiversity, and to help create sustainable green spaces that everyone can enjoy.
👉 If you’d like to learn more about the incredible work Dorset Wildlife Trust is doing, visit Dorset Wildlife Trust. 
👉 To see how Wessex Grounds Services can help you create and maintain sustainable, wildlife-friendly grounds, explore our Grounds Maintenance Services today.
Wild Woodbury Project - Rewilding Project
14 Aug 2025
Playgrounds inspected and repaired by WGS School Grounds Maintenance Teams

School’s Out – Now Is The Time For Your School Grounds Maintenance

As the final bell rings and students rush out for the summer holidays, schools across the UK breathe a temporary sigh of relief. But for facilities teams and site managers, this is the perfect window of opportunity for essential school grounds maintenance. With the playgrounds quiet and sports fields free from daily footfall, now is the time to get your grounds in top shape for the return in September.

At Wessex Grounds Services, we specialise in school grounds maintenance and understand the critical role that a clean, safe, and welcoming outdoor environment plays in a student’s school life. Whether it’s preparing pristine sports pitches, trimming overgrown hedges, or ensuring hard surfaces are hazard-free, the summer break is our busiest—and most productive—time of year.

Why Are School Holidays the Best Time for Grounds Work

∙Uninterrupted Access: Without students or staff on site, we can carry out major works safely and more efficiently. 
∙Better Weather Conditions: Summer typically offers more predictable weather, ideal for turf work, tree surgery, and outdoor repairs. 
∙Time for Improvements, Not Just Maintenance: Want to install a new outdoor classroom area? Refresh a tired sensory garden? Reseed your playing fields? Summer gives you the time and space to do it right.
 

Our School Grounds Services Include: 

∙Lawn and field mowing, strimming, and edging 
∙Weed and moss control on paths and hard surfaces
∙Tree inspections, pruning, and removal 
∙Playground inspections and surface maintenance 
∙Hedge and shrub trimming 
∙Line marking for sports and playground games 
∙Shed erection, shelters, etc
 

Safety and Compliance First

All of our team members are DBS-checked and trained in school-specific health and safety protocols. We know how important safeguarding is, and we work closely with the school site
managers to ensure our operations are fully compliant and minimally disruptive.
 
For more detailed guidance on maintaining safe and compliant school environments, you can refer to the Good Estate Management for Schools guidelines published by the UK Department for Education.
 

Plan Now, Be Ready Later 

Avoid leaving preparations to the last minute—the start of a new academic year sets the tone for the months ahead. First impressions are important not only for visitors, Ofsted inspectors, or governors, but also for the pupils and staff who return expecting a clean, welcoming, and safe environment.

If the summer holidays slip by before you’ve had a chance to get everything in place, there’s no need to worry—simply book us in for the October half-term to ensure your premises are ready.

Let us help you start the year strong. 

📞 Contact us today to book your Summer/Autumn maintenance slots or arrange a site visit. 

15 May 2025
New Build Landscaping by WGS

New Build Landscaping

Wessex Grounds Services provides a comprehensive range of landscaping
solutions, including both hardscaping elements like paving, paths, and
patios, as well as softscaping options such as planting and lawns. For the
past decade, we have proudly served as the primary subcontractor for
numerous construction firms engaged in developing new estates
throughout the Dorset area. Our extensive experience in the field positions
us as a reliable partner for both building companies and new property
owners seeking quality landscaping services.

Our team is equipped with the necessary qualifications and certifications,
demonstrating our commitment to excellence. We are flexible and can align
our work schedule with the overall construction timeline, ensuring that
projects are executed smoothly and cost-effectively. This adaptability is
crucial in maintaining the flow of construction and meeting deadlines
without compromising on quality.

We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality services at competitive
prices, recognising that our work not only enhances the reputation of the
building companies we collaborate with but also reflects our standards. A
well-executed landscaping project can significantly increase a property’s
appeal and market value, making it more attractive to potential buyers. We
also provide expert advice on selecting the most suitable shrubs and plants
for various soil types and environmental conditions, along with ongoing
maintenance services for communal spaces like parks and lawns. We invite
building companies to reach out for new projects, and we are eager to
discuss your landscaping needs.

Telephone: 0300 303 8616​
E-mail:enquiries@wessexgroundsservices.co.uk

12 Nov 2024
WGS work with Care Homes in the Dorset Area

Care Homes in Dorset

Care homes are wonderful places that offer various services and support tailored to the needs of their residents. It’s interesting to see how these services can differ from one care home to another!

At the core, care homes provide essential services such as personal care, nutritious meals, hydration, medication management, engaging social activities, and maintaining cleanliness. They ensure that residents and staff have everything they need to feel comfortable and cared for.

Here at Wessex Grounds Services, we understand the heart of care homes. With over 10 years of experience working alongside care home providers in the Dorset area, we know what it takes to make these spaces thrive.

Our skilled local teams are ready to help with a range of gardening and landscaping services, including both hard and soft landscaping, fencing, tree care and patio cleaning. We’re also happy to assist with building sheds, shelters, gazebos, and pergolas. If you’re interested in designing or constructing sensory gardens, please don’t hesitate to reach out! One of our specialities in recent years has been creating beautiful raised sleeper beds.

With depots located throughout Dorset, WGS is here to ensure that all boundaries are secure. We are always prepared to respond quickly to any bad weather or situations that might affect those boundaries.

You can rest easy knowing that our staff hold valid DBS certifications and that we are Safe Contractor accredited. Let’s work together to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone!

You can contact us on 0300 303 8616 or email – enquiries@wessexgroundsservices.co.uk

20 Sep 2024
WGS rejuvenating landscaping project of Bath Quay and Windsor Bridge

Landscaping Rejuvenation Project – Bath Quays & Windsor Bridge

Bath Quay & Windsor Bridge Landscaping Project

Earlier last year Wessex Grounds Services won a landscaping project to carry out extensive soft landscape planting and maintenance at a site on Bath Quay and Windsor Bridge. The project was part of a Bath and North East Somerset scheme to rejuvenate the area to be part of a larger flood defence scheme. The flood defence scheme runs along parts of the river Avon in Bath. The work was completed in conjunction with a large contractor Suttle Projects Limited. They were awarded the contract by BANES (Bath and North East Somerset).

Completing the Contract

The contract commenced in Autumn 2023. The Wessex Grounds Services team encountered many setbacks with weather making the project extremely challenging. The area was hit by many storms. Plants were washed away and the river Avon flooded its banks on numerous occasions. We had a mission to save some of the hard work that we had completed. The good news is that WGS managed to complete the work in the spring of 2024 when the water had receded and the ground was sufficiently dry. All the trees and shrubs are now able to be enjoyed by all and there have been many comments from the public regarding how lovely the area looks now.

The project included various types of planting ranging from amenity turfing and very small 40cc plant modules up to 11m high White Willows weighing approximately two tonnes each.

Many thanks to Suttle Projects Limited for awarding us this project – it has been a pleasure.  We continue to maintain the area for the whole of 2024. WGS are pleased to report that there have not been any significant losses of trees and shrubs since completion of  the landscaping project.

If you are looking for a commercial landscaping contractor with expertise in the transplanting of large stock or just general planting, then we would be happy to hear from you. Email – enquiries@wessexgroundsservices.co.uk

 

WGS Working hard against the elements on the rejuvenation of Bath Quay & Windsor Bridge area
02 Aug 2024
WGS Staff taking/renewing their CSCS cards

Getting Qualified – CSCS

Wessex Grounds Services were delighted to put 9 of our employees including our Managing Director Stephen Harris and our Supervisors on the Health, Safety and Awareness Training programme on Tuesday the 30th July 2024 to gain certification/update their Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards (CSCS).

The CSCS scheme aims to ensure that candidates know a wide range of topics regarding safety and productivity on sites. Having a valid CSCS card shows employers and clients alike that they can carry out jobs safely.

We were pleased to work with Koplant Construction Training and would also like to give a big thank you to Pete Tewson from Kingston Maurward College, a Construction Teacher for putting us in touch with Koplant. This has meant that WGS were able to get 9 staff members through their CSCS Cards. We are thankful to have been able to use the construction department facilities at Kingston Maurward College to run the training session.

Health and Safety are paramount here at Wessex Grounds Services for all job roles, and ensuring we have up-to-date CSCS cards is essential for those working in the landscaping/construction environment.

We are proud to say that they all passed despite it being on one of the hottest days of the year. If you are looking for a commerical landscaping project to be completed by a professional company or require any grounds maintenance then please be sure to contact us by email  – enquiries@wessexgroundsservices.co.uk or call us on 0300 303 8616. We look forward to hearing from you.

WGS Staff taking/renewing their CSCS cards

From left to right

Ollie Moore (Landscaper), Tristan Park (Grounds Maintenance Supervisor West), Mark Parfett (Landscaper), Jason Hardyman-Richards (Landscaper), Graeme Mitchely (Grounds Maintenance Supervisor East), Ian Simpson (Grounds Maintenance Operative), Paul Smith (Workshop Technician/Grounds Maintenance Operative), Pete Tewson (KMC Construction Teacher), Ben Elsbury (Team Leader Grounds Maintenance East), Cliff Caswell (KMC H&S Tutor), Stephen Harris (Managing Director)