A UNIFIED GROUP WOULD BE INCREDIBLY POWERFUL

To kick off 2026, TurfPro has asked a series of prominent figures to offer their thoughts on the industry's current State Of Play.

To begin we hear from Gary Barwell the current Head Groundsman (Head of Sports Turf) at Edgbaston Stadium, home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club (Edgbaston CCC), a major international cricket venue.

Gary began his turf-care career as a teenager on a training programme with Leicester City FC, where he developed an early passion for groundsmanship.

He moved into cricket with Leicestershire County Cricket Club at Grace Road in the early-to-mid 1990s, gaining practical experience and completing work experience while studying for NVQ Levels 1, 2, and 3 in greenkeeping and turf management.

After establishing himself at Leicestershire, Gary progressed to Deputy Head Groundsman at Trent Bridge (Nottinghamshire CCC). There he looked after key facilities, including practice grounds used for first-class and international teams.

In November 2011, he was appointed Head Groundsman (often styled Head of Sports Turf) at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, one of the UK’s premier cricket venues.

Q1. What has been the product, machine or innovation that has helped you most in your career?

The Hover Coverhas been the biggest game changer in my career. It allows us to cover pitches much more quickly, especially when rain is approaching, and gives us far more flexibility and control during challenging weather windows. We can get covers on and off faster, reduce downtime, and improve air movement around the pitch. Overall, it has transformed our ability to protect the square at short notice and maintain elite playing surfaces.

Q2. What are the most challenging issues facing the industry?

There are three major challenges:

1. Retaining skilled staff

Keeping high-quality, experienced staff in the industry is becoming increasingly difficult. The pressures of the job, hours, and expectations make retention a major concern for the long-term health of the profession.

2. Sustainability pressures

Restrictions and changes around chemicals, water usage, and sustainable products are adding new pressures. Balancing elite-level turf performance with strict sustainability requirements is a constant challenge.

3. Increased scrutiny and expectations

Standards in our industry are incredibly high, and because we consistently deliver exceptional pitches, scrutiny has gone up across all levels of sport. Whether it’s top-level cricket or local amateur fixtures, any small issue is now noticed much more quickly.

Q3. What are your thoughts on our current trade show scene?

I’ve always been a fan of BTME - it has a great feel to it, especially at the start of the year.

I also really enjoy SALTEX at the NEC, and I think adding an awards dinner in the evening would be a great addition again.

GroundsFest has brought a new dynamic as well. The main challenge is whether exhibitors can realistically support three major shows. Ideally, some level of cooperation or alignment between them would be helpful, but I understand the practical difficulties.

Overall, all three shows add real value to the industry. They’re important places to meet people, see products, share knowledge and stay connected.

Q4. What would you like to see in terms of collaboration across industry organisations?

I strongly believe we are stronger as a collective. All the key organisations do brilliant work on their own, but a unified group would be incredibly powerful.

I’d like to see a combined industry group that brings all sports and all turf sectors together two or three times a year.

This could help raise the overall profile of the profession, increase public understanding of what we do, and align messaging across the industry. The knowledge and influence within the sector is huge, and bringing it together would only make us stronger.

Q5. What changes would you like to see made to improve the industry?

The biggest improvement we need is greater respect and understanding of what grounds professionals do.

While many people do appreciate our work, there is still a lack of awareness - some still see turf management as “just cutting grass” like a back garden lawn.

Part of this is on us to showcase our expertise and professionalism better, but the media also plays a key role in promoting what our teams actually achieve. Increasing visibility, respect and education around the complexity of the job would make a huge difference to the industry’s standing.