Outfield Renovation by Fineturf
In 2025, a landmark resurfacing project was undertaken on the Main Outfield at Lord’s Cricket Ground, marking the first full renovation of this iconic surface in 24 years. Commissioned by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the project represented a significant investment in preserving the quality, performance, and heritage of the Home of Cricket. Fineturf was proud to be entrusted with delivering this prestigious project, drawing on decades of experience in elite sports turf construction and renovation.
Lord’s Cricket Ground is globally recognised as the spiritual home of cricket, hosting historic Test matches, One Day Internationals, and domestic fixtures, as well as being a symbol of tradition and excellence within the sport. The condition of the outfield plays a vital role in both the quality of play and the presentation of the ground, requiring exceptional levels of consistency, drainage, and resilience. With the surface having supported countless iconic moments over more than two decades, the 2025 renovation was designed to futureproof the outfield while respecting its legacy.
Ahead of renovation works commencing, MCC offered its members a unique opportunity to take home a piece of cricketing history. Members were invited to purchase sections of the existing outfield turf as living memorabilia, allowing them to preserve a tangible link to the many historic matches played on the surface. To facilitate this carefully managed process, Fineturf harvested designated areas of the outfield over the first two days of the programme.
Fineturf worked closely with sister company Tillers Turf, who deployed their specialist FireFly slab harvester to precisely lift and prepare turf sections for collection. This ensured that each piece was removed cleanly and with minimal disturbance to surrounding areas, reflecting the care and attention required when working at such a revered venue.
Once the members’ harvest had been completed, Fineturf proceeded with stripping the remainder of the outfield using a tractor-mounted turf cutter. The removed turf and surface material were efficiently loaded into dump trailers by an experienced Fineturf operator using a loading shovel and removed from site, allowing works to progress safely and efficiently.
With the surface fully cleared, preparation of the underlying profile began. The outfield was Wiedenmann raked to loosen residual material and remove debris, before being thoroughly luted and dragmatted to achieve a smooth, level base. These processes are critical in elite sports turf construction, ensuring uniformity across the playing surface and creating the foundation for consistent ball roll and player safety.
To enhance drainage, soil structure, and long-term performance, 20 tonnes of Profile porous ceramic were applied across the outfield, followed by 270 tonnes of medium sports sand. Both materials were carefully incorporated into the surface, improving porosity and resilience while supporting healthy root development and reducing the risk of surface compaction.
A base fertiliser application of ICL Pearl 5-28-0 was then carried out to stimulate strong root establishment ahead of seeding. This was followed by deep tine aeration using a GKB 2.5m aerator, relieving compaction within the profile and improving oxygen exchange and water movement. Further luting and dragmatting ensured the sand and ceramic materials were fully integrated down the aeration channels, maximising their effectiveness.
Reseeding was undertaken using MM50 ryegrass, sown at a rate of 70 g/m². A Vredo disc seeder was used to sow in five directions, ensuring excellent seed-to-soil contact and even coverage across the entire outfield. This multi-directional approach supports uniform establishment, density, and wear tolerance, all essential for a high-performance cricket outfield.
To support balanced nutrition during establishment, two fertilisers were applied: Headland Multigreen 28-3-15 and Headland Greentech 6-5-18, each at 35 g/m². These products provide both immediate and sustained nutrient release, supporting healthy growth while promoting long-term turf stability.
To complete the renovation, a final pass was made using the Fineturf dimple seeder to ensure uniform seed distribution and fill any remaining gaps. Detailed hand seeding and finishing work were carried out around sprinkler heads, valve boxes, and perimeter areas, ensuring complete coverage and a seamless finish across the outfield.
This major renovation project highlights Fineturf’s ability to deliver complex, high-profile sports turf works at the very highest level. Through close collaboration with MCC and Tillers Turf, the 2025 renovation has created an outfield designed to meet world-class performance standards while honouring Lord’s rich history. The result is a surface built to serve the next generation of cricketing moments at the Home of Cricket.
