Gary Barwell, head of sports turf at Edgbaston and a Grounds Management Association ambassador, has been meticulously caring for the grounds since 2011. As he manoeuvres his electric mower across the field, Barwell reflects on his journey that began over 30 years ago when he joined Leicester City on a Youth Training Scheme.
Barwell, passionate about his work, considers himself fortunate to have found a career in sports after realising in his early teens that he wouldn't make it as a professional athlete. He recalled how the ground staff at Leicester City offered him a position, which led to his long-standing fascination with turf management. His career took him from Grace Road to Trent Bridge in 2009, where he served as deputy head groundskeeper under Steve Birks, whom he regards as the best in the field.
In 2011, Barwell seized the opportunity to lead at Edgbaston, a position he accepted on a trial basis but quickly made his own. Since then, he and his team have garnered numerous accolades, including the IOG’s Groundsman of the Year and Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year awards in 2018, as well as the Bernard Flack Memorial Trophy in 2022. Among his proudest moments was preparing the pitch for the 2019 World Cup, which drew praise from Eoin Morgan.
Barwell has witnessed significant changes over the years, not only in the sport but also in weather patterns. The once-seasonal nature of his job has evolved into a year-round commitment, with the cricket season now extending from mid-March to October. The increasing professionalism of players and the expansion of tournaments like The Hundred has increased the workload for groundskeepers.
Barwell notes that the climate has become more unpredictable, with more extreme weather patterns impacting his work. He recounts the challenges of maintaining the grounds during unusual weather events, such as a hot spell last year and a particularly windy and unsettled summer in Birmingham.
His workdays vary greatly, often starting at 5:30 a.m. and sometimes extending late into the night. Despite the challenges, Barwell remains passionate about his job, enjoying the break it provides from digital distractions and the constant connection to nature and the sport he loves.