Univeristy of Bath trusts DLF to deliver elite-level performance
One of the UK’s leading sporting educational institutions has explained how mixtures from DLF are delivering proven performance across their 15-hectare site. Having joined the University of Bath in July 2025, Sports Ground Manager Andy Boyce was quick to bring in tried and trusted formulations from the Masterline and Johnsons Sports Seed ranges which has seen their sports surfaces excel – gaining recognition not just from students but from some of the world’s most elite sporting teams.
Univeristy of Bath trusts DLF to deliver elite-level performance
Andy was no stranger to the site or the expectations on their surfaces, having clocked up over a decade working there as a contractor but came in with a clear vision and plan for enhancing the site – centred around seed from DLF. With the advice and support of DLF’s Regional Technical Manager Ian Barnett, the pair devised a plan. “I could see the potential to bring the pitches onto that next level and knew I could rely on the DLF mixtures I’d used for many years to deliver both the reliability and the results” says Andy.
“My go to has always been PM79 from the Masterline range.” PM79 is a versatile renovation mixture, incorporating perennial ryegrass and 4turf tetraploid perennial ryegrass to deliver fast establishment, drought tolerance, nitrogen efficiency and outstanding disease resistance. “This delivers fantastic germination and some serious bang for your buck which means, with no irrigation, we can keep a good stock of PM79 and overseed when and where required to make the most of any predicted rainfall.”
On some of the heavier-use pitches, Andy is combining PM79 with J Premier Pitch from the Johnsons Sports Seed range. “This is the mix of choice for a lot of elite sporting venues so while it wasn’t a mix I’d used a lot personally, I trusted the top-rated cultivars and advice from Ian that it would give us a little extra boost in terms of wear tolerance and visual merit.” He adds, “The depth of colour we’re seeing on the surfaces is really something.”
The striking visual appeal and technical characteristics of the pitches is paying dividends both internally and externally – with the improvements in surface quality widely recognised by students, coaches and visiting teams alike. “We proudly host a few of the national governing bodies here, have close ties with Bath Rugby and are increasingly seeing EFL teams using our pitches for training camps.”
Perhaps the clearest indication of the University’s growing reputation came when one of world rugby’s most iconic teams selected Bath as a preparation venue. “We’re delighted that the All Blacks will be spending a week here before the next international series” says Andy. “For them to actively seek us out is a huge compliment and testament that the surfaces are heading exactly where we want them to go.”
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