Driest conditions in 70 years put sports pitches in Derby under pressure – free expert help available – DerbyWorld

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2025 has seen the driest start to a year across England since the 1950s, with a quarter of the country’s rivers currently classified as exceptionally low. The Environment Agency has also warned of potential water shortages.
Dry, compacted soil makes pitch maintenance harder – and increases the risk of injuries, particularly in sports like cricket, football, rugby union and rugby league.
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The GMA is the organisation dedicated to helping schools and grassroots sports clubs across England and Wales maintain and improve their pitches.
The GMA’s Tom Rowley, one of the leading pitch experts in the country, says: “From school fields to community football, rugby and cricket pitches, dry conditions are making it really difficult to maintain safe and playable surfaces. It requires more time, more effort and more expertise. These pitches are the lifeblood of local sport – and the teams that look after them, many of whom are volunteers, are under real pressure.
“We want people to know that support is available. Our online resources are free and full of practical advice on minimising the effects of dry weather and maintaining safe, playable surfaces. When working in hot conditions, it’s really important to take care of yourself, so we also provide personal safety tips for grounds teams.”
The GMA’s top tips for dealing with very dry pitches
Limiting the effects of drought
Creating a safe surface for games
Personal wellbeing matters
Access more free guidance: resources.thegma.org.uk
Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to DerbyWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.
Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to DerbyWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

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