Case Study: NORTON SPORTS CHARITY - INDOOR CRICKET FACILITY
World’s First CocoTurf® Cricket Surface Installed at Norton Sports Charity Indoor Cricket Centre
We are proud to announce that Norton Sports Charity is the first facility in the world to have our CocoTurf Cricket surface installed in its indoor cricket centre — a sustainable, natural-fibre playing system designed, developed and installed by Notts Sport.
Made from natural, biodegradable coconut fibres, the new surface supports Norton Sports Charity’s wider work to reduce plastic use and lower environmental impact across its facilities.
Dr. Carole Frost, who leads environmental and sustainability initiatives at the charity, shared why they selected CocoTurf: “For us, it’s absolutely vital. We’re investing significant effort into reducing our environmental impact—from new energy-efficient floodlights to the materials we use. The fact that this cricket surface is made from coconuts instead of plastic is very significant.”
With microplastic pollution becoming a global concern, CocoTurf offers a natural-material alternative to plastic-based synthetic surfaces.
Dr. Frost added: “Even small fragments from plastic playing surfaces break off and disperse everywhere. If we can use biodegradable materials for our sports surfaces, it makes a huge difference.”
The new surface was introduced during Norton Sports Charity’s five-year strategy launch, where the reaction from players and community members was extremely positive.
“People are excited that we’re doing something new and leading the way. The response has been very encouraging,” said Dr. Frost.
CocoTurf is also fully biodegradable at end of life, reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional synthetic carpets.
“We simply do not need more plastic going into the environment,” Dr. Frost said. “This natural material can biodegrade, which will make a huge difference in the long term.”
Duncan Bennett, CEO of Notts Sport, said: “We are immensely proud to deliver the world’s first indoor CocoTurf Cricket installation at Norton Sports Charity. CocoTurf was created to help the industry move away from plastic surfaces and towards high-performance natural alternatives. Norton’s commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with our own goals, and we are delighted to support their journey.”
We can also confirm that an ECB application for CocoTurf Cricket is currently in process, paving the way for potential adoption by clubs, schools, counties and national programmes in the future.
This world-first installation is a major step forward in promoting natural, environmentally responsible cricket surfaces across the sport.
Learn more about CocoTurf Cricket here or to discuss your cricket projects contact us.
