When maintaining a bowling green, ditch liners are easily overlooked, but they do play a vital role in complying with the rules of bowls, as well as contributing to protection and presentation. A good ditch liner protects bowls (woods) and jacks, maintains drainage, and ensures your green meets the rules of the game as set out in “The Laws of the Sport of Bowls”.
These state: “The ditch shall have a holding surface, which is free from obstacles and made of a material which will not damage the jack or bowls.” A holding surface is generally regarded as one which prevents excessive movement of the wood or jack along the ditch. As no exact measure of this is specified, it remains open to the interpretation of the greens inspector or umpire.
With several options available, we break down the most common ditch liner types and help you decide which is most suitable for your club.
Why Ditch Liners Matter
Ditch liners serve multiple functions.
Firstly, they protect bowls and jacks when they drop into the ditch, preventing impact damage and reducing wear.
Secondly, they ensure the ditch fulfils the requirement of providing a “holding surface” for the woods and jacks as detailed in the rules of Bowls, making them compliant for the purposes of competitions and county matches.
And finally, a properly installed ditch liner gives your green a clean, professional appearance that reflects well on the club and reduces repeated cleaning of woods and jacks.
Types of Ditch Liners for Bowling Greens
Rubber Dimple Ditch Liners
Rubber dimple liners are one of the most popular and versatile solutions, having been used for over 30 years. Their soft rubber construction and dimpled surface profile help protect woods and absorb impact, while also providing a reasonable holding surface.
The thicker 25mm/7mm grade offers the best solution, giving a good holding surface, while the thinner 15mm/7mm grade has reduced holding performance but offers great value for clubs not requiring full compliance with competition standards.
The porous nature of the product also allows water to drain efficiently, avoiding puddling during wet weather. They can be supplied in widths to suit your ditch, making them ideal if your ditches are narrower, wider, or vary in width. They are available in 1.25m lengths for ease of removal, or in longer 13m sections to make removal more difficult in unsecured locations.
Rubber dimple liners are durable, relatively good value for money, and easy to install, making them ideal for clubs that want an economical, reliable, and reasonably long-lasting option. The main drawbacks are that they need to be cleaned and ideally treated for moss and algae growth to prevent them from looking untidy, and they should be stored in dry conditions over winter to help maintain their condition. Over time, sunlight and UV exposure will degrade the binder used in the material, meaning it will gradually deteriorate.
Best for: Non standard ditch widths, value for money, holding surface ( 25mm>7mm Grade).
Grid Liners
Grid liners, made from interwoven PVC rubber, are generally available in green (although other colours are available). They are a neat and popular choice, offering a long-lasting and durable solution that is easy to clean and handle, and are typically supplied in long lengths of approximately 13m.
Only two standard widths are available, designed to suit 225mm and 300mm wide ditches. The open lattice structure stops the jack but has a limited holding effect on woods, making it less effective than other liners in this respect.
All dirt and debris fall through the grid, and they are easy to clean due to the smooth base, meaning nothing tends to grow within the holes. This allows the base of the ditch to be easily swept out once the liner is removed.
Pros: Neat appearance and will ultimately last longer than any other type of ditch liner.
Cons: Comparatively expensive and not the best holding surface.
Best for: Clubs with a larger budget and a need for a long-lasting, low-maintenance product.
Hedge Hog III
In our opinion, the best all-round ditch liner solution. The deep spiked profile prevents bowls from rolling very effectively, whilst offering excellent protection from damage to both the bowls and jack.
Available in both 225mm and 300mm widths, they are also flexible in terms of fitting a variety of ditch widths and shapes, due to the flexible base allowing it to curl as required. The smooth, solid rubber base is easy to clean and does not allow dirt to pass through or weeds to grow, helping to keep the ditch clean and tidy.
Light and easy to remove in 1m long lengths, they can be stacked for storage over winter up to 10 mats high, with the spikes facing each other.
Cons: Not the cheapest product, but it offers good performance, durability, and value for money, especially compared to similar competitor products.
Best for: Clubs hosting competitions.
Ditch Bags and Rubber Chunks
This simple yet effective solution is an old favourite for clubs on a budget, or as an upgrade to existing loose ditch infills such as rubber chunks, corks, or shingle. The bags are available in two widths to suit 225mm and 300mm ditch widths and are effectively 1m long when filled.
Combined with a thin layer of rubber chunks or other loose-filled ditch lining products, this provides a high level of bowls protection and an effective holding surface, whilst allowing easy removal for washing to remove debris and for winter storage.
Pros: Low cost and can be replaced in small quantities as required. Good holding surface and bowls protection.
Cons: The bags need to be filled with contents and can be damaged. They require a larger storage area and need to be kept out of sunlight when stored.
Best for: Clubs on a budget with sufficient space for winter storage.
Concrete Ditch Channels with Matting or Lining
For clubs undertaking a complete new green construction or ditch refurbishment, Sportsmark’s County concrete or County GRC ditch channel systems offer the perfect solution. These pre-formed channels create a durable, stable, and regulation-compliant ditch which, when combined with an artificial grass ditch facing and a ditch liner, provides an ideal bowling green ditch.
Though the initial investment is higher, the longevity and structural integrity make it worthwhile, especially for clubs seeking a “future-proof” option.
Best for: Major green refurbishments or clubs needing a permanent, competition-standard ditch system.
How to Choose the Right Liner
When selecting the best ditch liner for your bowling green, consider:
- Do you host competitive matches
- What’s your budget
- How long does it need to last /expected lifespan
- Existing ditch structure and dimensions
- Ease of maintenance
Each club’s needs are different, but the right ditch liner can significantly improve the quality, performance, and appearance of your green.
Choosing the Best Liner for Your Green
From simple ditch bags filled with rubber or rubber dimple liners to advanced grid and hedgehog systems and full concrete channel structures, there is a ditch liner suitable for every bowling green. Whether you’re upgrading or embarking on a full green build or renovation, choosing the right liner will ensure your green remains safe, attractive, and competition-ready for years to come. Our range of ditch liners offers solutions for every level of play, and our team can advise on the best option for your green.
