Paynes Turf installs major reservoir to safeguard against drought

Paynes Turf has taken the significant step of safeguarding against future dry spells by digging a reservoir capable of watering 160ha of its turf. The basin, on 4ha of land in Great Bentley, Essex, will ensure year-round turf production and help Paynes meet quality standards whatever the weather, said John Payne, director of the family firm that supplies landscape contractors, councils, golf clubs and garden centres. He said a key reason for the company s success was the ability to supply on demand, which the reservoir would further guarantee. Paynes Turf harvests over 400ha of turf in Essex and Suffolk for its thousands of clients, "The reservoir provides a year-round natural water source," he said."It means we re not affected by weather conditions and can supply the finest possible turf to our customers whenever they need it no matter what time of year." Winning planning permission for reservoirs was notoriously difficult, he said. But Paynes Turf built the watercourse in partnership with a local farmer to ensure it would support farming in the community. "We worked closely with the farmer and the authorities to ensure the site exceeded the minimum standards set by building and environmental regulations. The reservoir is a winter storage reservoir, so from the end of November to the beginning of March fills with naturally occurring run-off water that can be used whenever needed." This latest reservoir is the second to be built by Paynes Turf and both provide for half of the company s production requirements.

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