We are working with Guy Roberts, trading as Wiseacre Ltd, a company who specialises in a micro fibre fleece used in many aspects throughout the equestrian and sports industry (eg – race course frost prevention [ both grass and Poly Track], Outdoor School frost protection, golf greens etc etc) Work this year has included England RFU Training Grounds and Rugby Pitches, Newmarket and Chepstow Racecourses and, of course more importantly, US.

We are using it to nurse the grass out of its winter dormancy period in the Show Jumping Ring. The trial paddock, has been harrowed, cambridge rolled and fertilised. The fleece is then laid and pinned over the whole area, even where it has been re-seeded.

It produces a micro-environment that lets the sunlight and rain in and retains the warmth in the soil. Obviously , it is best applied when the ground is not frozen as the insulation properties work in both ways. We have suffered a little with the blustery conditions this week and have learnt some lessons in preparation for next year regarding prevailing wind direction and more secure edge fixing.

Upon removal, it is very apparent that the grass is probably a fortnight more forward than the neighbouring paddock and a much richer green too, proving that the system works. It is very cost effective and can be reused if managed properly in the field, and stored carefully away dry and free from vermin access.