Abstract: A base for a playing field comprises a layer of particulate material forming at least an upper part of the base and a binder applied to the layer of particulate material. The binder extends from about 5 mm to about 150 mm into the layer of particulate material. The binder acts to bind at least the uppermost part of the layer of particulate material. The layer is porous to water such that water applied to a surface of the base flows through said layer. The binder may be based on a silicate binder.