Gladstone Park is one of several across the borough to receive soil from the national stadium, following its pitch renovation over the summer ahead of the new football season.
Wembley’s Head Groundsman, Karl Standley, joined Veolia's groundskeepers at the north London park to help disperse the soil over the park’s football pitch, and offer guidance and advice on how to keep the grass plant in good condition. Once applied to the pitch, it is hoped the nutrient-rich soil will help to produce and maintain a high quality surface for the local community to use.
As Wembley’s waste management partner, Veolia, has been responsible for distributing over 130 tonnes of the stadium’s soil to parks and pitches across the borough this summer.
Bruna Silva, Operations Manager for Veolia commented: “Veolia is always looking for ways to reuse and recycle materials so they do not go to waste. As we are the waste management partner for Wembley Stadium and also maintain Brent's parks on behalf of the Council, we were ideally placed to facilitate a reuse option for the topsoil. The 130 tonnes collected will dress around 17 pitches in the local area and I'm sure that those who play on them will be inspired to know they are treading the same soil as professional footballers.”
Wembley Stadium’s Head Groundsman, Karl Standley said: “My team and I take great pride in looking after the pitch at Wembley Stadium. At the end of the season, it’s heartening to see the soil being put to good use in this way. The soil distributed at Gladstone Park today has been part of some incredible events, including England internationals, NFL games and an Emirates FA Cup Final. It’s also packed with nutrients, so will hopefully have a really positive impact on our neighbouring parks and pitches. I hope local children enjoy playing on it as much as I’ve enjoyed looking after it this season.”
The Cabinet Member for the Environment at Brent Council, Cllr Krupa Sheth, said: “I am really excited to see such a great example of soil being reused in an environmentally friendly way. Not only does this benefit our football pitches; it also shows that materials can be recycled to the benefit of the local community. We are grateful to The FA and Veolia for making this happen.