Landscape & Urban Design - Issue 50 2021 by MH Media Global

LANDSCAPE & URBAN DESIGN

50 Jul/Aug 2021 Price £3 95 landud.co.uk

Increasing green roofs in the UK Designed to meet performance needs and British standards

Cook up a storm this summer with these top outdoor kitchen tips

Bringing the indoor outdoors

The hotter weather across the UK has inspired families up and down the country to put their outdoor culinary skills to the test

A completely redesigned exterior schoolyard in Varennes

Trim Trails by

amv playgrounds

Create an agility course that can be tailored to suit any age group. Flooding the senses with a range of skills including balance, strength, climbing, stretching and co-ordination.

bsfg.co.uk 01625 322 888

CONTENTS

CONTENTS ISSUE 50 THIS ISSUES MAIN FEATURES

Garden Design | 04 - 33

Artificial Grass | 34 - 38

Garden Design

66 - An exclusive area of London

04 - Cook up a storm this summer

features an impressive line-up of

with these top outdoor kitchen tips

greening measures, all helping to

from Nomad Developments.

achieve Carbon Net Zero status.

12 - This London rooftop had

68 - Urban greening projects are

previously been underutilised

expected to increase across the

before garden designer Georgia

UK, following changes to local and

Lindsay got to work.

national planning policies.

18 - Bring the great outdoors into

Bollards

any urban space and let watering

75 - The importance of striking the

take care of itself with a super-

right balance between security and

stylish range of state-of-the-art

aesthetics when securing public

planters.

spaces.

32 - Acidic and low pH tolerant

Concrete & Stonework

plants... More choices than you may

82 - BAI awards celebrate hard work,

think.

craftsmanship and dedication.

34 - Designing eco-friendly gardens

86 - Bradstone launches its first low

without sacrificing the aesthetic.

carbon paving range for gardens and

Artificial Grass 38 - Five hospitality venues across the UK that Namgrass have worked

driveways.

Landscaping Services 102 - A cost-effective surfacing

with to help business owners

option for gravel driveways.

embrace the change needed to be

118 - HTA predicts tree shortage

profitable during the last year.

issues for government targets.

Decking

Tools, Plant & Equipment

42 - South Cerney Outdoor Centre

120 - Kubota is providing the

brings Ecodek onboard for a striking

horsepower at a series of high

waterside bistro project.

profile equestrian events this year.

56 - Outdoor living design trends

Sports & Play

for 2021 have never been more

136 - Taktik design has completely

inventive – and many are here to

redesigned the exterior schoolyard

stay.

of Collège Saint-Paul, a high school

Green & Blue Infrastructure

renowned for its sporting vocation.

60 - Maximising biodiversity net gain

142 - Infection free play - designing

with ‘lifetime’ living walls.

post pandemic playgrounds.

Publishing Director

Editor-in-Chief

Studio Designer

Martin Holmes martin@mhmagazine.co.uk

Antony Holter editor@mmhagazine.co.uk

Sarah Johnson sarah.johnson@mhmagazine.co.uk

Sales Director

Editor

Lee Martin lee@landud.co.uk

Lorna Davidson lorna@landud.co.uk

Marketing Enquiries - 01227 936974 Editorial Enquiries - 01304 806039 Other Enquiries - 01304 806039

Digital Manager

Business Manager

Publishers

Jamie Bullock jamie@mhmagazine.co.uk

Josh Holmes josh@mhmagazine.co.uk

MH Media Global Ltd. Discovery Park, Sandwich, CT13 9FD

Decking | 39 - 57

Sports & Play | 136 - 146

Cover images courtesy of: Left: Nomad Developments | Top Right: ACO | Bottom Right: Taktik Design Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in Landscape & Urban Design however, the publishers accept no responsibility for the claims or opinions made by advertisers, manufactures or contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic (including photocopying) or stored in any information retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher.

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GARDEN DESIGN

COOK UP A STORM THIS SUMMER

WITH THESE TOP OUTDOOR KITCHEN TIPS FROM NOMAD DEVELOPMENTS The hotter weather across the UK has inspired families up and down the country to put their outdoor culinary skills to the test. It’s time to fire up the grills once more and make the most of the Great British summer. And after a winter of lockdowns and restrictions, embracing the great outdoors is likely to feel even better than usual. Spending summer in the garden brings with it several considerations and something that boutique property company Nomad Developments understands well. The company offers luxury London homes that are designed to deliver a superior quality of family living. Homes such as the four-bedroom,

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three-bathroom Chartfield House, located five minutes’ walk from East Putney tube station. The property’s rear garden was meticulously designed to maximise outdoor use in the warmer months, with features including a heated swimming pool, outdoor kitchen and Tiki bar area. Chartfield House is a prime example of current outdoor entertaining trends, according to Nomad Developments’ Jack Simpson. Cooking and eating outside took on much greater significance during 2020 with so many restaurant closures and that’s set to continue during 2021. But a proper outdoor dining setup involves more than simply buying a table and chair set.

“If lockdown has taught us anything, it’s the value of outdoor space. For those looking to create the ultimate outdoor entertaining space, there are a number of must haves. Electrical and plumbing capabilities enable you to have outdoor sinks, fridges and ice machines. Carefully considered lighting is also important; think about how the space will be used in the evening and what impact any light pollution might have on neighbouring gardens or properties.” Jack Simpson, Managing Director, Nomad Developments With anything British and outdoors, there’s also the weather to think about. Throughout any given year,

GARDEN DESIGN

an outdoor dining area will have to cope with wind, rain, hail, sleet and snow, as well as temperatures of up to 35°C or more in the summer. It’s something that has to be factored in when planning an outdoor entertaining space. “Choose your materials wisely with the British weather in mind. Here at Chartfield, we opted for hardwearing materials to withstand the colder winter months. The polished concrete in the outdoor kitchen area, for example, is particularly hardy.” Jack Simpson, Managing Director, Nomad Developments Follow us @ludmagazine

Maintenance is another factor to consider carefully. One of the wonderful things about cooking and eating outside is how close to nature you can be while you do it. At Chartfield House and at Nomad Developments’ two new homes at Richmond Riverside, where the rear gardens back on to their own private mooring on the Thames, the emphasis is on easy-to-maintain setups that look superb year-round. That means touches such as artificial grass and low-maintenance shrubs and trees. The result is an urban garden that is packed with greenery but that is also easy to care for.

Finally, when it comes to preparing for getting the best out of BBQ season, there are practical matters to consider. Storage is critical, as Nomad’s Jack Simpson points out: “You don’t want to be running back and forth to the house for essential items, so ensuring adequate storage for crockery, cutlery, food and drink is key.” Jack Simpson, Managing Director, Nomad Developments

For more information, please visit www.nomaddevelopments.com or call 020 3488 7202. www.landud.co.uk

GARDEN DESIGN

DESIGN-LED PLANTERS FROM TORC Torc make everything by hand from their studio in the British Isles creating beautiful pots and planters to enhance any outdoor (or indoor) space. Working alongside a talented team of artisans this family run business really specializes in textures, scale and especially bespoke design. The design side of the business is getting busier all the time with landscape architects and garden designers alike realizing just how much expertise this company has to offer with a wealth of experience in design and problem solving to bring to the table. Torc welcome the opportunity to be involved at the design stage and are happy to contribute ideas when requested. Frequently being commissioned to provide planter designs and outdoor furniture as a one-off template for both commercial and residential spaces.

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Launching their new contemporary shaped water bowl this month was a good example of how far they can go – the diameter of this little beauty can be offered up to 3m wide. Their green credentials are pretty impressive too.

01534 717104 | nicole@torcpots.com www.torcpots.com Follow us @ludmagazine

@torc_pots

www.torcpots.com

GARDEN DESIGN

PATIO AWNINGS:

HOW TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN A GOOD AND A GREAT AWNING More versatile than other external shading systems including pergolas and canopies, retractable patio awnings are a quick, easy and affordable solution to transform any outdoor space. A good patio awning will ultimately provide shelter, block heat, diffuse light and protect against UV rays, however, a great awning will offer the user so much more.

Fabrics All fabrics should be impregnated with a suitable coating such as TEXGard® which generates a selfclean effect, deterring dirt and water from the surface and preventing the growth of mould and algae.

For maximum durability, the fabric should be woven from solution dyed acrylic fibres. Dimensionally stable, they will not stretch, warp or tear when under tension and as the dye is permeated right through to the core of the yarn, colours will stay true and will not fade over time.

Although an expert specification and professional installation are key, it’s the attention to detail that makes a great awning. The use of quality fabrics, premium hardware finishes, British manufactured parts and app-controlled operation are just some of the elements that guarantee an awning will stand the test of time.

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GARDEN DESIGN

Fabrics that are certified to UV standard 801 offer true protection levels against ultraviolet radiation, with more premium materials offering a minimum 95% UV block (the equivalent to SPF 40), guaranteeing protection to both the skin as well as any soft furnishings. To ensure a cooling effect, the fabric should be measured according to the heat and light that passes through it. Materials that filter 70% of solar heat can reduce interior room temperatures by more than 10°C, even on the hottest of days.

Folding arms The retractable folding arms on any patio awning must be able to withstand strong breezes and sudden gusts. Pressure die cast or drop forged joints on the elbows of folding arms offer the highest wind loading capabilities, with Beaufort 5 (24mph wind) as standard certification and Beaufort 6 (30mph) offering the highest wind resistance rating.

Springs should be tensioned via stainless steel cables (intertwined stranded cables won’t tear or break) and looped around the elbow to ensure a crisp taut fabric at every position, allowing rainwater to run off the material. Fitting the springs and cables with sheathes will reduce friction and noise from the vibrations when it’s windy, as well as result in a clean and finished look. For optimum tension, arms with twin springs kept under tension via two steel cables is recommended, and four steel cables for deeper projections. www.landud.co.uk

GARDEN DESIGN Installation The installation of an awning is equally as important as quality of the awning itself. Due to the considerable load that an awning exerts, the appropriate fixing method must be utilised to guarantee a secure and safe attachment. For the most common masonry (brickwork) façades, epoxy resin and stud provide a stress-free anchorage, while cantilever brackets offer the best solution on low single storeys.

Hardware

Motorisation

A full cassette casing design will not only provide a neat hideaway for the awning when retracted but also protect the fabric and operating mechanism from inclement weather. A flush-fitting cassette casing is the most visually appealing and will appear as an integral part of the façade.

Radio technology is the operation method of choice for motorised awnings as it permits the user to extend and retract at just the touch of a button (on a hand-hand remote). A secure rolling code and frequency is essential for no interference, whist bi-directional technology allows the user to view and adjust the exact position of the awning via an app. Additional functions such as sun and wind sensors can also be changed electronically to suit specific requirements.

Low maintenance, extruded aluminium is the metalwork of choice for awnings. It’s lightweight, corrosion resistant and can be finished in hundreds of colours to match or contrast with the features of the property. QUALICOAT® standard powder coated aluminium creates the hardest finish, meaning it will withstand the harshest of weather conditions, including hail and snow, as well as knocks and bumps in busy environments.

For rain shower protection, awnings need to be mounted a set distance on the façade (determined by projection and leadrail height) allowing for a 14-degree (or greater) pitch, preventing water from ‘pooling’ on the fabric and ensuring it can run off smoothly. Any additional finishing touches such as concealed fixing brackets, alu end caps, elbow covers on folding arms and colour coordinated stitching will ensure a quality installation that provides exemplary cover and fully transforms the client’s outdoor space.

Integrated tubular motors built within the awning roller tube should have steel internal bearings for resilience and be of an appropriate size (torque) for the chosen awning. 17RPM (revolutions per minute) will guarantee smooth and steady operation and a consistent load, increasing the lifespan of the awning.

Stuart Dantzic Managing Director, Caribbean Blinds www.cbsolarshading.co.uk

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Sun. Shade. Shelter.

★★★★★

Winner BEST GARDEN BUY

OUTDOOR LIVING PODTM - LOUVERED ROOF |

ALL WEATHER | TERRACE COVERINGS Waterproof fabric or aluminium louvered roofs Effortless motorised remote control operation Wind resistant upto Beaufort 12 (hurricane force)* Optional LED lighting & infra-red heating 5 year guarantee for peace of mind Enhance your garden designs with our innovative retractable awnings and aluminium pergolas that provide flexible shade and shelter, allowing your clients to enjoy the alfresco experience all year round come sun, wind, rain or even snow*. Proudly UK manufactured since 1987.

t 0344 800 1947 e info@cbsolarshading.co.uk w cbsolarshading.co.uk/trade *Wind resistance and snow load based on our louvered roof Outdoor Living PodsTM

GARDEN DESIGN

A ROOM WITH A VIEW This London rooftop had previously been underutilised before garden designer Georgia Lindsay got to work. After their neighbours headed to home renovation and design platform, Houzz to find garden designers, they found Georgia and recommended the owners got in touch to see how she might reinvent their roof terrace.

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The rooftop could be windy and had no clear function, but it did have two big pluses. One is the natural focal point — the tall tree (Ailianthus altissima) which grows up from the ground floor. Access to the terrace is via a spiral staircase that encircles the trunk. The second was the roof’s dumbwaiter, this connects the terrace directly with the owners’ kitchen, one floor below.

Georgia saw plenty of potential and now the terrace is a welcoming, multifunctional space with a large dining area, a generous outdoor kitchen, intimate seating zones and even a dedicated spot for the owners’ grandchildren to play. The decking was already in place and had been well-weathered but was still in good condition so

GARDEN DESIGN

the decision was made to keep it. Georgia opted for lots of other complementary wooden details that will also fade in colour over the years. “Anything too modern here would make the decking look old and tired. The silver bark of the tree and driftwood tones of the decking work well together,” she says.

The tree is the main focal point of the terrace and provides a beautiful dappled shade, which Georgia has positioned an eight-seater dining table beneath. The table can also be moved as needed depending on the sun or to create more floor space when entertaining.

The owners have a busy social life and wanted the rooftop to become a place they could entertain family and friends in large and small groups. It also had to provide a spot where the couple could enjoy a morning coffee or a drink on their own. To accommodate these different uses Georgia built several distinct zones into the design. www.landud.co.uk

GARDEN DESIGN In the corner of the terrace, Georgia created a ‘living room’ with bench seating and planters bursting with flowers. In keeping with the brief and to keep the space multifunctional, Georgia decided not to build the benches into the planters, instead, they are made from a lightweight concrete-effect resin that can be easily moved around as needed. To make the most of the space, Georgia designed the seating areas to catch the sun at different times of the day and be usable during the different seasons. The second seating arrangement is perfect for a mid-morning coffee and is surrounded by cottage planting, including gaura (Gaura lindheimeri), coneflower (Echinacea ‘Sensation Pink’) and lily of the Nile (Agapanthus sp.). There is also cranesbill (Geranium ‘Rozanne’) here and throughout the space. These are the purple flowers tumbling over the fronts of the pots. To the side of the terrace, Georgia created a space for the grandchildren to play, which also doubles as a secondary area for drinks close to the dining table. “The stools are beautifully made. They will silver back over time and get that lovely driftwood feel too,” Georgia says.

The kitchen, which is well-equipped, contains a sink, fridge, grill and lots of storage space. The worktop is granite, which is a robust option for outdoor use. “Granite is recommended for exterior use,” Georgia says. “There aren’t many materials not at risk of cracking with frost and temperature changes. Cast concrete is another good option.” Between the kitchen and seating area is the dumbwaiter, which connects with the kitchen on the floor below. Georgia installed a planter around it which helps it to blend in with the rest of the planting, and filled it with herbs that are within easy reach of the kitchen.

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GARDEN DESIGN

There’s minimal lighting on the terrace. “The clients were adamant there was enough light spill up here from the surrounding buildings that it never feels truly dark, so they were keen not to go overboard with added lighting,” Georgia explains. The planters are lit and discrete cube-shaped lights are attached to the trellis posts to illuminate the preparation area. Due to the windy rooftop conditions, the planting had to be pretty hardy. The raised beds are filled with purpletop vervain (Verbena bonariensis) and evergreen bush morning glory (Convolvulus cneorum). “[The latter] is a very tough, evergreen plant, with little white flowers in the summer,” Georgia says. There’s a simple irrigation system on a timer running around the planters, making it a low-maintenance garden to look after. “I always recommend these. They’re well worth having,” Georgia says. Around much of the terrace is a horizontal trellis which has several functions. Not only does it look neat, provide privacy and a support for climbing plants, it also helps to create a windbreak. “It’s not solid, so it’s not like a sail — it lets some of the wind through,” Georgia says. For safety, it was fixed to an L-shaped bracket under the decking to ensure it stays in place.

For more information check out Georgia’s Houzz profile www.houzz.co.uk/pro/ glgardendesign/georgia-lindsaygarden-design Photo credit: Nathalie Priem www.landud.co.uk

GARDEN DESIGN

Roof Garden, London

WE LOVE A CHALLENGE At Outdoordesign we apply our unrivalled design, technical and manufacturing know-how to deliver the immense and the intricate, the routine and the never-previouslyattempted to the very highest standards of fit, finish and engineering integrity. We’re confident in our skills, proud of our knowledge, capabilities and technology, and are always eager to take on a new challenge, and determined to be the best in the business. It’s reflected in the incredible energy, dedication and enthusiasm within our in-house team –and the service and results we deliver to our clients.

M&G Garden by Andy Sturgeon

Roof Terrace Planters, London

The results speak for themselves Clients choose Outdoordesign because they know we will consistently deliver the perfection and attention to detail they demand, often in the face of an immovable deadline. They can give their imagination full rein, confident in our ability to

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interpret and crystallise ideas, solve problems, suggest alternatives and improvements and bring our own creativity to the project. It’s a formidable partnership that delivers stunning results.

Bronze-Finish Walkway, London

Creative solutions We offer a complete, end-to-end service encompassing design, engineering, manufacturing, fabrication, finishing and installation – and all entirely in-house. We always remember that the client is entrusting their reputation to our skills and dedication. Yet some of our most complex, innovative work goes entirely unseen. And we’re comfortable with that: we know that without our involvement, the project might have been less ambitious or never happened at all. What’s important is that the client, and their customer, got the result they wanted.

www.outdoordesign.co.uk Follow us @ludmagazine

Roof Terrace Planters, London Complex bespoke planter scheme made from aluminium to reduce weight

Bronze-Finish Walkway, London

Roof Garden, London

M&G Garden by Andy Sturgeon, RHS Chelsea

Intricate design solution for suspended tapered walkway panels, laser-cut in mild steel

Residential roof garden with planters, seating, breakfast bar and a ‘freestanding’ green wall

Concealed structural steelwork for the Best Show Garden Award Winner

At Outdoordesign, we bring our end-to-end design, engineering and manufacturing expertise to commercial and domestic landscaping projects of every type and scale. Working closely with our clients, we apply our unparalleled in-house skills, technology and attention to detail to solve problems and deliver absolute perfection in fit and finish. View our projects online: www.outdoordesign.co.uk

Whatever you can imagine, we can make it a reality in metal. To discuss your ideas, email info@outdoordesign.co.uk or call us now on 01903 716960.

GARDEN DESIGN

RE-GREEN YOUR LIFE

WITH LECHUZA Bring the great outdoors into any urban space and let watering take care of itself with a super-stylish range of state-of-the-art planters. From the historic manufacturer of Lego and Playmobil toys and new to the UK market in 2021, is multi award-winning German brand, Lechuza, a company with 140 years’ family heritage and a reach spanning 70 countries worldwide*. With more people than ever working from home and longing to establish a healthy green oasis in

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their urban spaces, the multi awardwinning collection of planters from Lechuza offers the perfect blend of innovative functionality and trendfocused design. Central to Lechuza’s flagship offering in this sector is an innovative selfwatering system which ensures optimum water supply to any kind of cultivated plant, from large decorative houseplants and fruit trees through to organic vegetables and exotic flowers. The water reservoir is hidden in the underside of each planter and can hold up to

26 litres, depending on the model, allowing plants to take up the exact amount of moisture and nutrients they need. You never need to worry about leaving thirsty plants untended while you take a weekend break, or filling up watering cans after a hectic day, just sit back and relax in your lush green haven and let Lechuza do the work for you. Repotting is also made as easy as possible with removable liners which have a builtin water supply incorporated into every planter in the range. Follow us @ludmagazine

GARDEN DESIGN

Models in the collection range from ultra-modern surface design in high-gloss and matte finishing across to natural stone effects, woven satin and lightweight, wicker-like materials, designed to suit your style and built to withstand the weather. Pretty combinations of delicate daisies and bee-friendly lavender are ideal for the classic BALCONERA planters, while the high plant column CUBICO puts spectacular floral arrangements on an eyecatching pedestal. NIDO hanging baskets are perfect for romantic trailing flowers herb tendrils, just as larger planters like CUBE or TRIO are ideal for small fruit trees or tomato plants. With more than 300 designs to choose from and several new launches a year, the range includes a broad variety of planters to suit any indoor environment, roof terrace, balcony or garden, in stylish, trenddriven colourways** designed to enhance and harmonise with highend home interiors. *Countries include the USA, Canada, Mexico, Benelux, Iberica, Greece and Poland. **Colours range from light grey, slate and sand brown tones to vivid coral red, calming green and petrol blue.

You can even create a breath-taking green wall in any room of the house with Lechuza’s Green Wall Home kit, which not only functions as a living work of art but will help purify the air while its relaxing your mind. Along with extensive collections for private homes, Lechuza also serves an exclusive interior design and professional landscaping clientele and offers product lines ideal for the luxury gastronomy and hotel sectors. Lechuza brings decades of experience in state-of-the-art, precision manufacturing to bear on their high functionality range of planters. All Lechuza products are designed in-house and manufactured in Dietenhofen, Germany, from high-quality, robust polypropylene, which is weatherproof and frostproof. All Lechuza planters and furniture are DIN EN ISO certified (Energy Management System 50001 and Enviornmental Management System ISO 14001) and can be fully recycled.

For more information visit: www.lechuza.co.uk www.landud.co.uk

GARDEN DESIGN

OASE WATER LANDSCAPING Bring water, nature, and creativity together to create unique spaces in any garden. With the range of OASE Water Landscaping products available to you, the possibilities are endless. If your next project is the recreation of a river for a natural water display, or you are tasked with creating an architecturally modern waterfall, the OASE range makes it simple. Depending on the style of watercourse, OASE has the products to help you to bring your project to life. Simply select the right pump and construction materials in combination with the desired decorative finish – be that a natural rock feature or a modern stainless-steel water-blade. For something eye-catching in any garden, or terrace– go for the waterfalls from OASE. The complete Waterfall Kit 30 is ideal for easy installation at the edge of the pond

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or in a suitable reservoir. The addition of a stainless-steel Silent Splash, available in three sizes, will prevent water loss, minimise excess splashing and noise. Combine these water elements with impressive LED lights to really make your features come alive at night. OASE’s LED lighting is available from single spotlights to multicoloured controllable RGB units. OASE’s modern LED technology offers particularly flexible design possibilities as they can be submersed in and around the water feature as well as being installed on terraces or paths. Lighting can even be added to a waterfall feature. The benefits of the OASE Water Landscaping range mean that you do not need much space to create a serene landscape enhanced with the sound of flowing water. All without the need for a pond or an open reservoir. By using OASE’s

Maxima water matrix blocks in lined excavations, weight-bearing underground water storage reservoirs can be used as the foundation for numerous types of water features. They support landscaping, paving slabs, or gravel for a great design versatility.

For more detailed instructions and further product information you can find everything you need to successfully create a beautiful watercourse here: social.oase.com/waterguide Follow us @ludmagazine

Your all in one water landscaping solution

OASE offer a complete range of solutions for large and small water projects. Whatever your next contract calls for, trust OASE to have the answer for you. Learn more about the complete range: social.oase.com/solution

GARDEN DESIGN

Luxury Rotating Lounger Garden Pod, £8999

SUMMER 2021 GARDEN PODS FROM CUCKOOLAND With Summer approaching, giving your garden a refresh and that update it needs to make the most out of your outdoor space with family and friends is becoming a popular subject. Because of the demand for garden furniture and accessories, Cuckooland have seen unprecedented growth in the garden pods category. Cuckooland have increased their range of garden pods and now sell 22 pods ranging from £399 to £24,995, so everyone can update their garden with a glam garden pod just in time for Summer.

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Multi-functional outdoor spaces are becoming increasingly popular and due to the pandemic, having an inviting outdoor space that acts as a space for working, exercising, dining and socialising is important. British summertime can be unpredictable due to the weather, so investing in a garden pod can be the perfect way to ensure you can enjoy your garden space rain or shine. Garden pods can also be used as a stylish conservatory, gazebo, greenhouse or play area.

Dine in luxury with the Small Oval House Garden Pod, Luxury Rotating Lounger Garden Pod or the Luxury Summerhouse Garden Pod. These pods can be used for working from home, ensuring your laptop doesn’t overheat, or for socialising and dining with family and friends. These sophisticated pods will offer 360º panoramic views of your surroundings and ensure that you and your guests dine in comfort and style.

GARDEN DESIGN Astreea Igloo 360 Dome with PVC Weatherproof Cover, £1185

Opt for a more minimal design with the Astreea Igloo 360 Dome, the HypeDome Garden Pod, the Garden Igloo 360 Dome with PVC Weatherproof Cover or the Alvantor Pop Up PVC Bubble Tent. Surprise your loved one with a romantic dinner in one of the Garden Pods for a special occasion or create the perfect cosy snug in your garden for those cooler winter evenings. If you are looking for something more portable, the Alvantor Pop Up PVC Bubble Tent is easy to pack away to take on a road trip wherever you wish to go, staycations just got a whole lot more exciting!

Luxury Summerhouse Garden Pod, £16995

HypeDome Garden Pod, £3195

Prices: Small Oval House Garden Pod: £12995.00 Luxury Summerhouse Garden Pod: £16995.00 Luxury Rotating Lounger Garden Pod: £8999.00 Astreea Igloo 360 Dome with PVC Weatherproof Cover: £1185.00 HypeDome Garden Pod: £3195.00 The Garden Igloo 360 Dome with PVC Weatherproof Cover: £899.00 Alvantor Pop Up PVC Bubble Tent Medium: £599.9

Alvantor Pop Up PVC Bubble Tent Large, £799.95

01305 231231 | www.cuckooland.com www.landud.co.uk

GARDEN DESIGN

TIBBO BY DEDON If you’re looking for furniture with superior comfort that is distinctive, elegant and pure then let us introduce you to TIBBO... TIBBO has quickly become one of our favourite and most popular products here at Leisure Plan. The meticulous craftsmanship and remarkable lightness in a design are what gives TIBBO it’s unique and luxurious look and feel. The collection consists of 14 different models including dining sets for up to 12 place settings – sumptuous lounge chairs and sofas, through to beautifully engineered fully adjustable sunloungers. Each of

the pieces is handcrafted from sustainable, slow-growth teak, chosen for its weather resistance and durability, which is perfectly suited for these unpredictable and ever changing conditions here in the UK.

accentuate these properties.”While most outdoor teak furniture looks, in their words, “very rectangular and uncomfortable,” every element of TIBBO was designed to be “as soft and tactile as possible.”

Renowned British designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby created TIBBO for an era in which indoor and outdoor living spaces are merging. Their initial inspiration for TIBBO came from the wood itself. “The beauty of turned wooden has a tactile quality like no other material,” they remark. “Because of the oily nature of teak, the wood feels especially soft, and so we decided to create furniture that would

For more information on TIBBO or any other products from the Leisure Plan collection please contact sales@leisureplan.co.uk, call us on 01279 816001 or visit leisureplan.co.uk

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GARDEN DESIGN

HEDGING IN AN INSTANT Readyhedge is a nursery situated in the south of Worcestershire. We specialise in growing instant hedging in metre long lengths and various height from 30cm tall to 200cm tall. As well as individual plants and low and high panels and screens. We grow over 40km of hedges in containers every year in over 35 varieties Readyhedge is an innovative way of supplying hedges which over comes the problem of how many plants do I need, by supplying pre-spaced metre long units of hedging that can be easily handled by one or two people. This means that to order Readyhedge you just need to select a variety, select a height that you need and measure the distance in metres. It is as easy as that. We can deliver anywhere in the country and normally turn orders around within 48 hours. Readyhedge comes in two different styles, Readyhedge troughs and Readyhedge bags which cover a range of heights and widths. Specialising purely in hedging means that all our hedges are grown with the love and attention that each variety needs. www.readyhedge.com

Readyhedge is proud to be a sponsor of the National Hedgelaying Championships

Iconic.

01386 750585 sales@readyhedge.com matthew@readyhedge.com

Our instant hedging range includes mixed native hedge - the traditional classic British country hedgerow.

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Variety shown: Mixed native hedge - thorn, maple and hazel, with rowan or sloe.

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GARDEN DESIGN

HEDGING – IN AN INSTANT Hedging isn’t just about the countryside; domestically a good healthy hedge is something many of us desire. Not only do they give us privacy, they also block noise, absorb air pollutants, and provide shape, texture and style to our gardens. But planting a hedge from root stock can be a laborious and long-winded affair, taking what seems an age to grow. Instant hedging provides a solution to these problems. Practical Instant Hedge™ is grown exclusively by Practicality Brown Ltd who have over 30 years’ experience providing hedges and trees across the UK. Clients include landscape architects, garden designers and private home-owners. Sales and Business Director Graeme Jenkins explains further: “We have supplied our instant hedging very successfully to new housing and office developments – a beautiful,

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established hedge really does add much needed life to new builds that can be rather soulless.” “We have planted hedges for golf and race courses as well as carrying out numerous jobs for private homes, especially those requiring extra and instant privacy, noise reduction or even added security.” A hedge is a ‘living wall’; certainly a more beautiful and environmentally friendly alternative to bricks or a timber fence and, thankfully, Practically Brown’s instant hedging competes on all levels, including value for money. Graeme continues: “Our mature hedging is offered on supply and deliver terms, but we also offer an installation service.” Practical Instant Hedge™ is grown in 1m lengths at the nursery in Iver, Buckinghamshire in a wide range of evergreen and deciduous species.

Many Garden Designers have selected it as part of their awardwinning gardens at prestigious shows including RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Hampton Court Garden Festival. Graeme concludes: “Practical Instant Hedge™ is a great choice; it looks good, is easy to handle, can be planted all year round and with care and maintenance can last for a lifetime.”

For more information contact Practicality Brown Ltd on 01753 652022 or Email: hedge@pracbrown.co.uk www.pracbrown.co.uk Follow us @ludmagazine

Practical Instant Hedge™ S H rd g R a in awinn w

Practical Instant Hedge

Practical Instant Hedge ‑ growing in the Iver nursery

Practicality Brown have been supplying top quality plants since 1989 and can supply all your hedging requirements. Our own Practical Instant Hedge™ range is grown in 1m lengths, making it easy to handle and plant. Available across a range of evergreen and deciduous species, these premium instant hedges are grown with care and attention at our nursery in Iver, Buckinghamshire. These Instant Hedges are often used in award‑winning RHS Flower Show gardens. Contact our horticultural team with your requirements, or see our website for more details.

www.pracbrown.co.uk

PRACTICALITY BROWN LTD The Instant Hedge Specialists

Swan Road Iver Bucks SL0 9LA | Tel: 01753 652022| Email: hedge@pracbrown.co.uk

Save the date

2021 14-16 September NEC BIRMINGHAM

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GARDEN DESIGN

Plants & Sundries for the Trade Hedging - Topiary Buxus - Laurus Nobilis Shrubs & Trees

FOUR OAKS CASH & CARRY: PLANTS AND SUNDRIES TO THE TRADE Based in Lower Withington, Near Macclesfield only five miles from junction 18 M6, we have great access to all major link roads. Our huge range of stock includes olives and palms in pots from 1litre up to 1,000 litres available all year round. Four Oaks has an extensive product line of over 1,500 lines of trees and shrubs on display from starter plants to specimen sizes. We have recently added garden furniture to our portfolio and increased our already extensive pot range from 2” to 500 Litre pots including terracotta, glazed and genuine half whiskey barrels. www.fouroaks-nurseries.com

Huge range of shrubs from 3 Litre - 15 Litre Alpines & Perennials. Seiont Nurseries Young Plants. Pack bedding & Vegetables.

Added Value Lines - April onwards:Superb range of Hanging Baskets, Planted Patio Pots, 13cm potted Zonal Geraniums, Fuchias, Osteospermums, Marguerites & Standard Fuchias in 10 litre pots.

Sundries - Garden Stoneware Yorkshire Flowerpots - Draper Tools We now stock Garden Furniture

The largest horticultural “One Stop Shop” in the UK

FOUR OAKS CASH & CARRY

Longshoot Road, Lower Withington, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 9DX Tel: 01477 571797 Fax: 01477 571314 marlon@fouroaks-nurseries.co.uk www.fouroaks-nurseries.com

Supply

UK grown instant hedges, mature trees & expert planting service

Plant

Maintain For more details on the original, UK grown, instant hedges please contact us for expert advice and the best prices guaranteed.

www.treeandhedge.com Follow us @ludmagazine

01895 438 811 www.landud.co.uk

GARDEN DESIGN

FEEDING FRENZY

Slow-release fertilisers can be used across a wide spectrum of plants that are commonly used in many a planting scheme; shrubs, trees, herbaceous, hedging, climbers and grasses and works just as well beneath the soil, encouraging healthy root growth and above ground too promoting leaf growth, flower production and fruit production. One application in late spring will last all growing season. Containing a blend of minerals and nutrients, slow-release fertilisers break down slowly over a course of time releasing a small amount of feed in the summer months when the plants are actively growing and in need of the feed. Place slow-release fertilisers around the root zone where automated watering systems are in place for best results.

The initial meeting with your client is complete. Designs created, submitted and accepted. Plant list submitted to your supplier. Quote accepted and plants delivered to site and planted. Your client is happy with the final look and now is the time to sit back to admire the collective hard work of all involved.

A professional range of slowrelease fertilisers are available at Provender Nurseries to suit all planting applications including Rosedale Fertiliser Beds and Borders, Rosedale Fertiliser Ericaceous and Rosedale Fertiliser Treeplanter. All are formulated to blends that we use on site in our cash and carry and production sites.

There is a lot of hard work to get to this point. But your work is not yet over. What about future maintenance work to keep your design looking as good as your client anticipated? How is your scheme going to stay in excellent condition and act as a showcase for future work potential? As a supplier of quality plants, we often find that the most overlooked aspect of aftercare is feeding of plants. A well-fed plant looks healthier, establishes more rapidly and is capable of fighting off pests and diseases than other less wellfed specimens thus reducing the need of unnecessary application of chemicals.

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To get the best out of the plants in your scheme an application of slow-release fertiliser once a season will work wonders for flowering and fruiting plants, making all the difference between a scheme that looks good and a scheme that positively thrives.

Factor in the price of a fertiliser when quoting for plants as all concerned will benefit in the long run. Indeed, spending money on a well-balanced professional blend will in fact save money in the end.

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PROVENDER

where all things are

possible #dreambig

Provender Nurseries, The Landscape Centre, Leydenhatch Lane, Swanley, Kent BR8 7PS Tel: 01322 662315 Email: sales@provendernurseries.co.uk Web: www.provendernurseries.co.uk

GARDEN DESIGN

ACIDIC AND LOW PH TOLERANT PLANTS.

MORE CHOICES THAN YOU MAY THINK If the soil you have to work with is acidic, ericaceous or low pH don’t look at that as restricting your plant options. Far from it. All is not lost. There are many plant options to choose from that sit happily amongst Rhododendrons and Azaleas providing colour, contrast and some rather interesting and surprising choices. Both Rhododendrons and Azaleas have a lot to offer with a myriad of flower colours, contrasting leaf colours and some deciduous Azaleas have an absolute knockout scent and stunning autumn foliage to boot. But looking further afield there are some surprising plant options to also consider that tolerate acidic soil and low pH. Check out some options provided by Provender Nurseries highlighted below.

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Tree Options. Liquidambar styraciflua are mainly grown for their stunning autumn foliage and interesting corky-like bark. Many reach huge heights and are excellent choices for public spaces as they can also tolerate pollution well. Of particular interest are; Liquidambar styraciflua Slender Silhouette, a recent introduction with a slim upright habit reaching up to 18m but only 2m in width. If something smaller is what is required then Liquidambar styraciflua Gum Ball may fit the bill. A dwarf Liquidambar forming a compact, rounded tree grafted onto a clear stem at a 2m height. Perfect for smaller gardens or creating a formal look. Gleditsia is tolerant of low pH soils and is another pollution tolerant

option for urban areas. Alongside the well known ‘Sunburst’ is a new introduction ‘Skyline’ that has a rounded canopy and an upright habit creating a good size crown perfect for creating shade.

Hedging Options. Ilex crenata is an excellent hedging option and is rapidly outselling Buxus as a compact, evergreen fuss free hedging plant. Available in a range of sizes and similar to Buxus in appearance, Ilex crenata is a great substitute. There are so many different options to choose from that Ilex crenata could cover an article alone! For something with more colour and foliage appeal, Pittosporum are surprisingly tolerant of low pH soils. Pittosporum tenuifolium Elizabeth has wavy edged evergreen foliage with cream – pink leaf margins that

GARDEN DESIGN Blechnum spicant is an evergreen fern with dark green leathery fronds reaching a height of only 45cm and is another good choice for shaded areas. Polystichum are also a group of hardy native ferns that cover a wide range of frond shape and heights.

Grasses Options. Grass choices for acidic soils again cover a range of heights from a ground hugging Carex to tall majestic Miscanthus with a few options in between.

become stronger pink in colour in the colder months. Easy to clip into shape and drought tolerant once established.

Shrub Options. For a long flowering season and glossy evergreen foliage Abelia is an excellent option. Equally happy planted in large swathes on commercial projects or as informal plants in domestic gardens. Once established Abelia will flower from June through to September in profusion and are drought tolerant too. For something a little out of this world and early colour Edgeworthia will produce a burst of alien looking scented flowers early in the spring. More commonly found but still vastly under-used are Crinodendron with large lantern shaped flowers that droop down in clusters. Reaching up to 2.5m in height Crinodendron are a great option for a backdrop plant.

If something more tropical is what is needed then Campsis will happily produce large trumpet shaped flowers of orange to scarlet to yellow, dependent on variety towards the end of the summer and into autumn.

Herbaceous Plant Options. Agapanthus may not be the first choice to come to mind when selecting plants for acidic soils but they are surprisingly tolerant and will happily produce flowers in late summer. With a huge array of flowering heights and colours there is bound to be an Agapanthus choice that suits your scheme. For willowing waving beds of interest in the autumn Anemone will happily thrive in an acidic soil and fill the late summer and autumnal days with plenty of tall flowers on elegant stems.

Carex provides all year-round interest with arching habits. Ranging in foliage colour from steely blue to broadly striped cream or yellow margined leaves they are a great choice for front of border. Miscanthus on the other hand are tall, handsome and rather upright in habit and provide much appreciated height and silver or russet coloured flower plumes in the late autumn. As soil is always the deciding factor in plant choice and always should be to avoid plant stress and allow plants to thrive, selecting plants according to the soil is the automatic starting point. The list of plants above for acidic soil is not exhaustive with many other options available. Check out our Resources page on Provender Nurseries’ website for other factsheets to cover other common issues.

For something smaller and robust with winter colour Bergenia will fit the bill hugging the ground with leathery leaves that will thrive in shade.

Climbing Plant Options. Covering the walls, trellis, pergola or any upright structure when planting in ericaceous soil gives more options than you may think. Akebia quinate and the Cream Form will provide semi-evergreen 5 lobed leaves with clusters of flowers. Straight Akebia quinate smells of chocolate while the Cream Form smells of vanilla. Perfect for use in any eating establishments! Follow us @ludmagazine

Fern Options. Ferns for acidic soil cover a spectrum of heights, frond colour and both evergreen and deciduous providing interest in many areas. There is no doubting the drama of Osmunda regalis uncurling its giant acid green fronds in the spring. It is also a useful plant choice for wet soils.

www.provendernurseries.co.uk/ resources/general-factsheets www.provendernurseries.co.uk www.landud.co.uk

GARDEN DESIGN

DESIGNING ECO-FRIENDLY GARDENS

WITHOUT SACRIFICING THE AESTHETIC Landscapers nationwide are beginning to use more sustainable and non-toxic materials to help combat the UK’s biggest waste stream.

Using recycled plastic to skilfully design, shape and highlight garden areas

HAHN Plastics have been battling this waste for over 25 years now, through the development of highquality recycled plastic products created with our own unique raw material - hanit®. We’ve found the clever alternative to wood, concrete and steel!

Palisades, edging and sleepers are incredibly versatile. Our garden products offer endless possibilities to sculpt any greenery; perfect for gardens, fences, ponds, walkways, flower beds, sandboxes, and steps. Simple, yet effective; our garden products are made from hanit® so they’re robust, weather-resistant, non-toxic and maintenance-free.

hanit® is a unique material made from 100% recycled plastics and developed by experts. Lasts a lifetime and very economical, hanit® is used in HAHN Plastics’ wide range of eco-friendly outdoor products.

Lighter than concrete and more durable than wood, our garden products are the perfect choice for transforming any greenery this summer. Our rolled edging is perfect for those who want to give their

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garden the necessary momentum, whereas our straight edge and larger sleeper profiles are great for defining straight edges. Easy to install and simple to work with; our hanit® garden products deliver durability, efficiency, and an overall modern look to any garden.

To find out more about HAHN Plastics, email info@hahnplastics.co.uk call 0161 850 1965 visit hahnplastics.com Follow us @ludmagazine

® Artificial Lawn Edging

In an age of Covid-19 and lockdowns where we are spending more time at home than ever before, artificial grass has never been so popular. It’s easy to see why. It’s low maintenance, long-lasting, and durable. Who wouldn’t want to wave goodbye to the lawnmower? And weeds! And yet, although artificial grass is hassle-free, installing it can be quite the opposite… Fixing the perimeter of an artificial lawn is one of the most important parts of an artificial lawn installation. Traditional methods are dated, flawed, and improvised. When the lawn perimeter is nailed, screwed, or stapled every 10cm, just 10% of the lawn is fixed, leaving 90% unfixed. Not to mention leaving visible fixing marks on the lawn surface. When the lawn perimeter is glued on to a cement haunch, ghosting lines are visible through the lawn almost immediately or certainly once the compacted aggregate has settled.

’’VertEdge, a revolutionary new artificial grass edging system.’’ VertEdge is a new revolutionary artificial grass edging system. VertEdge addresses these problems providing a neat 100% adhered perimeter, which is safer, neater, and stronger than any other product or method on the market today. VertEdge offers paying customers a system that is purpose designed, easy to understand and value for money. For many people, the trickiest piece of the jigsaw when laying artificial grass is the edging. In particular, finding a reliable – and long-term – method of securing the grass to the perimeter. The good news is there’s a simple way to put these artificial lawn-laying headaches out to pasture. VertEdge, the new industry standard.

® Artificial Lawn Edging

‘’Are You Fixing your Artificial Grass Down Safely?’’ VertEdge is a new revolutionary artificial grass edging system. Fixing the perimeter of an artificial lawn is one of the most important parts of an artificial lawn installation. Traditional methods are dated, flawed, and improvised. When the lawn perimeter is nailed, screwed or stapled, just 10% of the lawn edge is fixed. This has the potential to lift and become dangerous, leaving 6 inch nails in the ground to secure the lawn is clearly dangerous and should be avoided. When the lawn perimeter is glued on to VertEdge, using the VertEdge adhesive, a 100% adhered perimeter is achieved. With no need for nails or screws, VertEdge creates a safe, child and pet friendly environment for your garden. VertEdge offers customers a system that is effective, easy to install and value for money. VertEdge is neater, stronger and safer than any other artificial lawn edging product or method on the market today.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Fully integrated natural profiled finish Can form to any curve or radius Perimeter cannot be pulled up by children, pets or wild animals VertEdge will help artificial grass to last longer (no perimeter failures) Cost effective Recyclable Safe & secure Simple to install and user friendly Light weight, easy to store and handle Ideal for DIY or professional use Works with all artificial grass surfaces Supplied in 750mm lengths Safe for Children and pets: No nails or pegs hammered through the artificial lawn which can come loose and cause injury. Will last the lifespan of the artificial lawn: No Timber battens, which rot under the artificial lawn. No receding or pushed up perimeters: The lawn edging finish will always look the same as the day it was installed.

VertEdge can be installed in 7 easy steps. Visit our website for a comprehensive fitting guide.

® Artificial Lawn Edging

www.vertedge.com

ARTIFICIAL GRASS

The Lighthouse

The Cliffhouse

The Lighthouse

NAMGRASS: CASE STUDY FEATURE Only 38% of pubs and restaurants in England have outdoor space to trade (1) so when the government announced that these already hardhit establishments could reopen but only offer outdoor service, many landlords were forced to think outside the box to keep their businesses afloat. Not to be beaten, this hardworking sector wasted no time in reinventing their outdoor spaces. Car parks were transformed into family dining areas, disused garden areas were converted into bubble-friendly drinking zones and old storage areas were used to provide as much extra seating as possible.

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Namgrass, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of artificial grass, was among other national suppliers of outdoor products that helped design and create inviting and muchneeded outdoor spaces to welcome customers and drive business to this sector at a critical time. Below, we highlight five hospitality venues across the UK that Namgrass and their nationwide network of highly skilled artificial grass installers have worked with to help business owners restructure and redefine key areas to embrace the change needed to be profitable during the last year.

The One Bell a public house in Dartford was one such business. A beautiful Grade II listed building that dates to the 18th century decided to repurpose the onsite unused car park. No Grow installed 200m2 of Namgrass’ bestselling artificial grass, Whitby, one of the most hardwearing and best-selling grasses in the Namgrass range which is designed to withstand high footfall. Being owned by former professional footballer, Jimmy Bullard, it will also come as no surprise that The One Bell is now able to host fans of the Euros in this large outdoor space.

ARTIFICIAL GRASS The Carters Arms in Wilmslow has recently had new owners who had plans to put the fun back into pub life with live music, karaoke, cask ales, and cold lagers. With the restrictions and strict government guidelines being adhered to, the new management installed 120m2 of Elise artificial grass at the back of the premises. Expecting a heavy footfall, this medium pile grass offers high-density coverage and works perfectly in high-traffic areas and commercial buildings. The initial investment has definitely paid off, as The Carters Arm is an excellent fan zone for families and fans of football to enjoy the Euros.

The Carters Arms

The Grove bar and restaurant in Wilmslow is a new venture opening at the tail end of 2020, being a town centre venue, it was important to maximise seating both inside and out from the outset and local business BF Lawns installed 120m2 of Elise artificial grass, this medium pile grass is a high-density grass with excellent coverage for busy traffic areas and commercial properties. The Grove has transformed an unused tarmac car park at the rear and been able to operate safely during covid restrictions, plus they have gained a larger seating area to host more customers, the clientele now benefits from an inviting beer garden with alfresco dining.

Market on the Grove

The Cliff House is an independent restaurant with a bar and rooms just outside the New Forest in Barton on Sea. It sits right on the cliff top with far-reaching views of the Isle of Wight and panoramic views of the Solent. This location is idyllic in the summer months however during the colder month’s customers are usually inside snuggled up by a roaring log burner. With the government’s guidelines preventing this, The Cliff House erected a marquee and No Grow cleverly installed 100m2 of Exbury Bright artificial grass on top of the gravelled parking area. Exbury Bright is a hard-wearing densely thatched grass and as a busy family pub, its great likeness to real turf is perfect for animals and children alike. Follow us @ludmagazine

Sister property to The Cliff House, the Lighthouse is set back from the main beach area although benefitting from the same amazing views, the lighthouse has a very small, paved area outside which was having a serious impact on trade during the pandemic. Deciding to follow in the steps of their big sister The Lighthouse asked No Grow to install 100m2 of the Exbury Bright artificial grass and with its deep pile and densely thatched luxury feel it has proved perfect for the busy tourist area. This has now increased the seating capacity of the Lighthouse and has given local families and visitors several relaxed dining options.

The hospitality sector has reacted to a real business crisis by showing creativity and innovation and helping to stabilise their sector by making permanent use of previously underutilised outdoor spaces.

Find out more about Namgrass by visiting namgrass.co.uk or visiting @namgrass on Instagram. www.landud.co.uk

ARTIFICIAL GRASS

NO FUSS,

JUST A PERFECT LAWN

Without the need for seed, weed or feed.

03330151853

info@namgrass.co.uk

namgrass.co.uk

Eco-Friendly Artificial Grass 1m2 is comparable to the air purifying effects of one mature tree

Transform your space with a modern, practical and low maintenance lawn. Call 0800 023 2343 to arrange your free site survey or visit www.lazylawn.co.uk/air

A cleaner, healthier way of life

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RecoDeck™ Woodgrain Composite Decking for LANDSCAPERS

The long-lasti al ternativng to timbere

 Long-Lasting  Slip-Resistant  Zero Maintenance  Choice of colours & finishes

www.decksafe.co.uk 01206 322 899

DECKING

SOUTH CERNEY OUTDOOR CENTRE BRINGS ECODEK ONBOARD FOR STRIKING WATERSIDE BISTRO PROJECT Creating an inviting outdoor dining and refreshment scene will likely remain a key priority for bars, cafes, and restaurants as they open for trade once again and look to attract customers now and keep everyone safe in the future. During lockdown, businesses increasingly built upon their outof-doors dining areas ready for welcoming customers once more and leading Ecodek solid decking

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boards became a firm choice for restaurants and bars wanting an environmentally sustainable solution to accommodate their customers safely and stylishly. One stunningly located hospitality venture to put the Ecodek product in place has been the Lodge Bistro and Coffee Shop, a sustainably created eatery at the South Cerney Outdoor Centre, positioned on the edge of a 50-acre water sports lake in the Cotswold Water Park.

Created by merging two recycled shipping containers to form a waterside reverie, the bistro has been clad in larch wood and includes feature bi-fold doors that open invitingly onto the lake’s vista. The Lodge also includes a cantilever deck dining area over the lake’s edge, which has been designed and installed using the ecodek® system.

DECKING

Having experienced first-hand the maintenance issues and potential slip hazards of installing hardwood decking in the past, South Cerney Outdoor Centre’s Managing Director Matt Pritchard wanted to consider alternative indoor and outdoor flooring options, with a wider vision of being able to create an indoor/ outdoor space, with little transition between the two once the bi-fold doors were opened. Considering a composite deck solution to be a more durable and stable option, as well as capable Follow us @ludmagazine

of providing a suitable indoor and outdoor aesthetic and level of practicality, Matt was interested in the advantages of enhancing his project using the Ecodek decking system. He explains: “I was looking for a solution that would enable us to use the same board material internally and externally, whilst also bringing a complimentary wood effect feel to the whole dining environment. It was important that any flooring solution chosen would echo with our project’s sustainability brief, and be

made using recycled and sustainable materials wherever possible.” In ecological terms, Matt’s decking choice has been on brief, as the ecodek® decking solution is designed to be as green as it is long lasting. Purposely created to be repeatedly recycled, and available in lengths that are ‘cut to order’ in the UK at the fabrication stage, Ecodek production and sustainability credentials not only limit waste but help to reduce installation time and customer costs.

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DECKING Furthermore, as Ecodek is formed using a solid composition, water and moisture can’t penetrate the boards and cause rot from within, making the decking ideal for installation at the South Cerney Centre’s lakeside location.

“The environmental advantages of choosing an Ecodek installation chimed well with our brand values,” Matt continues, “however we were also impressed with the product’s strength and its capacity to span greater joist centres more effectively than many alternative solutions;

whilst remaining aesthetically attractive. “The grip texture of the decking surface presented us with the safety assurances we were looking for, and the speed of product availability helped us keep on track with project timelines.” The Ecodek system’s structure also offered Matt further product advantages over hardwood alternatives. Resistant to impact damage, its solidity provides greater noise absorption properties, so it’s quieter underfoot - an audible benefit in helping to reduce noise levels in dining environments. Simple to install, and with an impressive level of longevity, Ecodek is a reliable choice for commercial purposes as well as domestic projects, and is fully supported with a 25-year guarantee. “With more hospitality businesses keen to create attractive outdoor eating areas to ensure people’s safety, the increase in commercial decking development has been significant,” says Felicity Hodgkinson, Marketing Manager at Ecodek. “Furthermore, as growing numbers of bars and restaurants look to improve their sustainability credentials; either during the initial development stage or as part of a programme of refurbishment, the preference for decking solutions constructed using environmentally sound methods and materials has also flourished. “By choosing an Ecodek installation, hospitality ventures can achieve this ecological ethos, and select building products that are manufactured to last, whilst creating a beautiful decking area for customers to enjoy and return to, time and again.”

For further information about the Ecodek composite decking solution, including design ideas, environmental qualities, and recommended installation partners, visit ecodek.co.uk or speak to a product specialist on 01978 667840.

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Sustainable Outdoor Living. The durable and sustainable alternative to hardwood and hollow decking

• Low maintenance, high slip resistance • Made from 95% recycled and sustainably sourced materials and 100% recyclable • Carbon negative manufacturing • 25 year warranty

Ecodek solid wood polymer composite profiles are available in a range of profiles and colours, and are suitable for a huge variety of commercial and residential applications. Versatile enough to adapt to urban or traditional design schemes, Ecodek decking allows the designer to transform outdoor spaces and gardens into feature areas.

www.ecodek.co.uk

Part of the Epwin Group of companies

DECKING

PREMIUM LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS

FOR LUXURIOUS OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS OVÆDA Ltd. is pleased to announce its launch to the UK market, providing a range of premium landscaping products for creating luxurious outdoor environments. Continuing with the success of Ryno Ltd, the market leading provider of paving and decking systems for the high-rise and commercial market, OVÆDA will be focussed on the domestic markets through approved installers and direct-to-consumer via its ecommerce website.

any underused space into something truly unique.

With Outdoor Living becoming an increasingly popular trend in the UK, especially boosted by the requirement to stay at home during the circumstance of the last year, enjoyable & relaxing outdoor space has quickly become as important as our indoor environments. With the spotlight increasingly on mental and physical health during the current climate, more emphasis is being placed on creating spaces where we can unwind. The extensive range of inspirational and high-quality products OVÆDA offers can turn

Based in Ellon, Aberdeenshire and Cranleigh, Surrey, OVÆDA will work together with Landscapers, Garden Designers, and Architects to create irresistible environments which promote health and bring value to both domestic gardens and commercial settings. Its new website offers our Natura™ Composite Decking, Rocco™ Porcelain Paving, all-season Canopies and Pergolas from the Airspace™ range, and the revolutionary Tectonic™ landscape framing system. As part of the Tectonic offering, OVÆDA also

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designs and manufactures modular parklet systems to quickly and easily reconfigure external space to help both the hospitality industry with serving customers outside and city centres to recover from the challenging circumstances of the past year. Company Director Anton White said: “We’re excited to take the attributes which have cemented our group company Ryno Ltd as the market leader in its field, into the domestic market. With our innovative energy and market leading products, we look forward to collaborating with our clients to imagine and create irresistible outdoors spaces for people to enjoy. Whether we’re transforming a domestic garden, creating an outdoor seating area for a restaurant, or providing an environment for people to relax in the city centre, our aim is to provide people with Space to Breathe™.”

ovaeda.com Follow us @ludmagazine

Canopies & Pergolas

Composite Decking

Landscape Framing System

Space to Breathe™ Explore our wide range of inspirational and high quality products for transforming external spaces into something truly unique. We work together with Landscapers, Garden Designers and Architects to create irresistible environments which promote health and bring value to both domestic gardens and commercial settings. Get in touch today to find out more.

sales@ovaeda.com

0208 159 2999

ovaeda.com

ovaeda_ltd

Porcelain Paving

DECKING

MILLBOARD’S DYNAMIC DUOCOLLECTION

Frameworks can be created in three dimensions using DuoSpan

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DECKING Millboard has built an enviable reputation on the back of its decking, which looks exactly like wood but significantly out-performs it. However, the company also recognises that the reason why many decks fail to last is as much

down to what goes on ‘beneath decks’ as on the surface itself. There is little advantage in having a longlasting decking material on top of a substandard subframe! This is why Millboard also offers a durable subframe system that will last at least as long as the surface it supports.

DuoSpan The first element of the system is called DuoSpan, made up of aluminium and recycled plastic components. Aluminium is well-known to engineers for its attributes of strength, light weight and durability. These, plus the fact that it does not rust – unlike iron and steel – nor rot or degrade as timber does, make it an excellent material for subframes. The inherent rigidity of aluminium offers two specific advantages. First, it maintains a completely straight profile, unlike timber which will move and warp in different climatic conditions. Installation therefore becomes a far simpler and speedier process. Second, it enables spans of up to 1800mm, meaning fewer supports are needed, and cantilever sections that extend up to 600mm – perfect for creating bench seating within vertical frameworks.

DuoSpan aluminium components include beams, brackets and joists. Recycled plastic inserts are pressed into each joist, and it is into these that the screws securing the decking are driven. But the plastic components also take the system to a whole new level by opening up the opportunity to easily create curved features. Like aluminium, plastic is highly resistant to decay, but unlike aluminium it is not rigid. Combining the two makes it simple to incorporate curved shapes very easily into both vertical and horizontal planes, unleashing the potential for a whole host of creative designs. The result is that DuoSpan is not only an ideal subframe for decking surfaces – including ones with curved edges – but also perfect for creating threedimensional structures, including steps, pergolas seating and planters. While the resulting designs can be complex, putting them together is very straightforward, thanks to the system offering simple slotand-screw assembly with a range of clever multi-angle brackets. Once the framework has been constructed, decking or cladding boards are easily and securely screwed directly into it using Durafix 45mm screws.

The combination of aluminium and plastic components makes it simple to create curved shapes

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DECKING Even complex designs can be easily put together

The simplicity underlying the strength and durability of the DuoSpan concept is something Millboard has taken even further by packaging the system into a series of DuoKits, with all the components necessary for creating set areas of decking. The buyer simply has to select the kit appropriate to the size of their deck, combining kits where necessary. Professional installers have been lavish in their praise of DuoSpan, with comments including “Clients prefer this to wood – far less hassle and maintenance” and “An excellent solution – It’s stable, technically advanced and superior in every way.”

DuoLift comes in a range of stackable components, which combine to create supports with a maximum total elevation of 450mm. Fine tuning to the specific heights required can be achieved thanks to the DuoLift Joist Cradle, which offers between 15mm and 60mm of adjustment. As each individual support beneath the deck can thus be adjusted to the precise elevation required, it removes the need to order a multitude of different height pedestals to ensure all the requisite heights can be achieved. Strength and rigidity are built in, with the components being stacked using a twist-lock system, ensuring a fast, secure and totally stable fit.

DuoLift

Changing the possible

The next product in the Duo Collection, DuoLift, provides selflevelling structural support for deck surfaces installed on solid surfaces, such as paved patios or roof terraces. (By the way, where decks are installed direct on to earth or another soft substrate, Millboard offers yet another unique solution – Plas-Pro posts that can be set into the ground, and on which subframes can be mounted.)

Both DuoSpan and DuoLift reflect Millboard’s passion for redefining the design and nature of outdoor spaces. Each has emerged from a detailed analysis of previous materials and methods and a focus on how their shortcomings could be overcome. The result is a decking framework system that combines superb strength, durability and ease of ownership with simplicity and speed of construction.

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DuoLift elements can be stacked with a simple twist-lock action

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Engineered to stand the test of time Manufactured from aluminium and ﬁtted with Plas-Pro inserts, Millboard DuoSpan Subframes provide a strong, resilient foundation to ensure the aesthetic beauty of your Millboard decking is maintained for years to come. It’s a system that’s been designed to work together with Millboard decking, as well as other decking board brands – beautifully. And just like the craftsmen of the past, Millboard engineer-in durability with the future in mind. The best subframes for your Millboard decking have arrived. It’s about time. Millboard: Live. Life. Outside.

Discover our collections at millboard.co.uk

Live.Life.Outside.

DECKING

SUSTAINABLE COMPOSITE DECKING Composite decking is the fastestgrowing timber decking alternative currently available on the market. Although traditional timber decking has been the preferred choice of many for years, it’s a high maintenance product which requires annual painting and staining. Composite decking however is a simple, sustainable, no fuss alternative due to its unique formula, which makes it low maintenance and more durable than traditional products. Manufactured using the latest technology to provide the look and feel of traditional timber decking without the health and safety concerns, composite decking is created using a combination of recycled plastics and 100% FSC Certified wood flour - a waste product of hardwood production. The wooden fibres and plastic shavings are combined with colour pigments before being heated and extruded. The plastic content gives the boards a long lifespan without the need to treat or seal the decking, whilst the wood content enables the product to retain its natural

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look and feel. The finished product is 3D embossed with wood grain or contemporary linear grooves to meet the requirements of DIY enthusiasts, landscapers and garden designers alike. Making sustainable choices when it comes to developing and designing gardens is crucial to combat the growing crisis around waste products. Composite decking has a number of environmental benefits and as a result, consumers are choosing to switch to composite materials as they provide a much more sustainable and genuine alternative to timber.

their outdoor spaces as an extension of their home. Composite decking is an ideal product to shape outdoor living spaces; its versatility in colour and texture allows people to create completely unique designs to create a design flow between indoor and outdoor areas. Carefully laid decking can create zones in the garden, adding separate spaces for dining and relaxing. Split levels in a sloping garden also create the illusion of more space. The chosen material is essential for creating a personal design that remains in harmony with the rest of the furnishings and the interior of the home.

In the last six years of operation, composite decking brand, Composite Prime has saved the equivalent of 151 million plastic milk bottles from landfill. As well as this, each square metre of its composite decking contains the equivalent of more than 3,000 plastic bottle caps or 280 plastic bottles.

As well as becoming more ethicallyminded, consumers are also concerned with the colour of their outdoor decking and annual sales statistics from Composite Prime demonstrate that more than 90% of its decking products sold in 2020 were in various shades of grey.

Encouraged by the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers are now spending an increasing amount of time at home and have invested in

As a result, Composite Prime has brought to market new colour pairings which allow for bespoke patterns and contrasting colours.

DECKING

Reversible two-colour options provide a unique finish that not only saves spaces in warehouses, but also offers the opportunity to refresh the deck by simply turning the boards over to reveal a new colour. Unlike many timber products, composite decking is suitable for residential gardens as it doesn’t warp, crack or splinter and is fire resistant. Another key benefit of Composite Prime products is the ease at which the decking can be installed. Whilst traditional decking options can often be laborious

and tricky to take on, requiring specialist tools, many composite deck boards have a sophisticated clip system that is very easy to install.

Composite decking has become a sought after and stylish option for outdoor spaces that is practical for family use year-round. The boards are a simpler, stylish alternative to traditional timber decking with minimum upkeep and very little care required to remain looking pristine all year round.

To find out more about sustainable composite decking visit www.composite-prime.co.uk Follow us @ludmagazine

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DECKING

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TIMBER FOR YOUR DECKING PROJECT Whether you are creating a small haven for your private garden or specifying for a large commercial contract, the selection of products is a key aspect. The variety of materials available for deck boards and accessories is extensive: traditional softwood is an economical, versatile and practical choice; luxurious hardwoods have fewer knots and natural longevity; innovative modified woods have added guaranteed durability; whilst composite products come in a variety of colourways. But consideration to the deck substructure – posts, beams, joists, blocking and bracing – is just as important as it forms the foundation to the whole project. Pressure treated softwood is the go-to material for deck substructure components, but to ensure it is fit for purpose it must be preservative pressure treated and TDCA recommends a Use Class 4 level of protection irrespective of whether the material is in ground contact or not. Be sure to demand proof of this when buying – if the supplier doesn’t know about the Use Class system of treatment, then investigate further. An industry campaign is currently underway to educate the timber supply chain – learn more here: www.thewpa.org.uk/make-sure-it-s-4

To find a timber decking stockist, contact the Timber Decking & Cladding Association and ask about their DeckMark accredited products and suppliers – independent verification of quality. You’ll also find many useful downloadable resources at the TDCA website, including concise decking guides for hardwood, softwood and wpc applications, with a more detailed Decking Handbook to be released later this year. www.tdca.org.uk | email: info@tdca.org.uk

For independent guidance on your next project The Rising Path, Cambridge. Photo: Smith & Wallworks/Richard Chivers Accoya® anti-slip deckboards with graphic inlay supplied by Gripsure

Ensure your timber decking or cladding is fit for purpose through design, specification, material choice and installation. Whatever the size of your project, TDCA can offer: - an accredited materials, supplier and installer database - impartial and expert help by phone or email - inspiration, through galleries and case studies - inspection & expert witness services - free downloadable resources including The Timber Cladding Handbook and The Guide to Hardwood Decking

email: info@tdca.org.uk visit: www.tdca.org.uk The Timber Decking and Cladding Association is an independent, not-for-profit technical and advisory body. It was established to promote the materials, design and installation practices required to create good quality decks, associated landscape structures and cladding on buildings.

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DECKING

PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY WITH STYLE

CREATE THE IDEAL DINING SPACE

PERFECT FOR WORKING FROM HOME

MAKE YOUR GARDEN GREAT AGAIN

0161 724 9595

WWW.COCKLESTORM.COM

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DECKING

OUTDOOR LIVING TRENDS THAT ARE HERE TO STAY Now, more than ever, outdoor living is in. While homeowners have increasingly invested time and money into their gardens in recent years, this past year has seen a surge in outdoor living as homeowners everywhere adjust to a new normal by reimagining how to use and enjoy their exterior spaces. As a result, the outdoor living design trends for 2021 have never been more inventive – and many are here to stay. Here are the trends that aren’t just a pandemic fad – and worth incorporating into your client discussions about garden design.

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Outdoor Offices No surprise that among the top trends is the emergence of outdoor workspaces. With working from home expected to continue indefinitely for many, contractors and specifiers still report increased interest in outdoor workspaces that can comfortably and functionally accommodate professionals. Requests for stylish sheds and back garden cottages are on the rise. Pergolas, too, are in high demand due to their versatility and affordability. A relatively easy addition to any deck or garden, a pergola creates the look and feel of an outdoor room

while adding a distinct architectural element. Of course, its main purpose is providing shade – essential for enhancing visibility of laptop screens and devices, as well as offering rain protection and cool relief during the summer months.

Sustainable Solutions The pandemic prioritized how most homeowners view and use their outdoor space, creating an emphasis on sustainability. In particular, there is a growing interest in ecofriendly alternatives to timber decking products, which contribute to deforestation and can leave a Follow us @ludmagazine

DECKING heavy carbon footprint. Composite decking from Trex Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing and a leader in high-performance, low-maintenance outdoor living products, offers an appealing option that outperforms timber, with greater durability, less ongoing maintenance and fewer harmful environmental impacts. Unlike timber, composites resist fading, staining, scratching and mould, and require no sanding, staining or painting. Just a quick soap and water cleaning is all that’s needed to keep it looking brand new. Plus, the lack of harmful chemicals needed to produce and maintain Trex decking makes it a safer choice for humans, animals and the environment. Adding to its appeal, the entire highperformance Trex decking portfolio is made from 95% reclaimed timber scrap and recycled plastic film from a variety of common household items such as grocery bags and bubble wrap – meaning Trex has never cut down a tree to make its products. In fact, Trex repurposes more than 385 million kilos of plastic waste and timber scrap annually in the making of its high-performance products – making it an eco-friendly choice that clients can feel good about.

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Expanded Elbow Room During the past year, homes have become offices, classrooms, fitness facilities and rehearsal spaces – making space a precious commodity. One simple solution to optimize a deck project is by installing an under-deck drainage system. Designed to divert water away from the foundation, systems like Trex® RainEscape® protect the substructure from moisture and create dry space underneath the deck’s surface using a network of troughs and downspouts. Unlike

competitive products – which make use of “under joist” technology – Trex RainEscape is installed above the joists, protecting the joists and beams from moisture, water damage and deterioration and ensuring the structural integrity of the deck. The space below a deck is an oftenoverlooked area by clients that can be used for any number of purposes – from storing seasonal items to serving as bonus living space outfitted with everything from furniture, accessories and entertainment components, to workout equipment, toys and games.

Luxury Staycation Fueled by the drastic decline in domestic and international travel, homeowner interest in replicating the sophisticated style of a luxury hotel or resort in their homes has continued to grow. Commerciallyinspired outdoor accents like fire tables, water features and industrial railing can give any home environment the essence of an extravagant staycation. In residential gardens, the commercial trend is seen in modern railing styles, such as Trex Signature® Railing, a durable, low-maintenance aluminium option that delivers a minimalist look. Another popular trend is cocktail railing, which uses a matching deck board to create a shelf for the top rail that provides a flat surface to place drinks and plates. Contractors also predict an increase in the use of outdoor lighting – especially when it’s integrated in new and innovative ways to accent outdoor features. The right lighting can take any garden from invisible to inviting, and create the elegant ambiance of an extravagant getaway. Appeal to clients’ inclination for ecofriendly products by offering energyefficient, dimmable LED lighting for their decking, railing and stairs.

For more outdoor living trends that are influencing homeowners’ garden design decisions, visit www.uk.trex.com.

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Client: TREX AD: CC Job Number: TREX1683 Job Name: UK PRINT AD - LANDSCAPE & URBAN Publication: Date Produced: 06/18/21 LIVE: TRIM: 8.27” X 11.69” Bleed: 8.51” X 11.93 ” Color: 4C

DECKING

We invented green decking. But we’re happy that others are recycling the idea. As the world’s number one decking brand, we make the environment a priority because we know our actions influence the whole industry. That’s why we’ve engineered sustainability into everything we’ve done since day one. In fact, a 500-square-foot Trex® deck contains approximately 140,000 recycled plastic bags. And by diverting more than 800 million pounds of plastic film and reclaimed wood each year from landfills, we’re able to offer you a truly environmentally responsible choice for your garden – as well as a beautiful and durable deck. Here’s to making sure what comes next is good for us all. Learn more about the world’s #1 decking brand at uk.trex.com.

GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE

MAXIMISING BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN WITH ‘LIFETIME’ LIVING WALLS

BY STEVE MCINTYRE, PRINCIPAL URBAN ENVIRONMENT CONSULTANT AT GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE SPECIALISTS, ANS GLOBAL The government has announced that all developments in England must demonstrate a 10% increase in biodiversity. Not only that, but the habitats put in place must be managed for at least a 30 year lifespan. With this new focus not just on protecting but enhancing natural habitats, and putting into reverse years of decline in plant and animal species, how can landscape and urban designers find creative solutions to meet these requirements?

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What is biodiversity net gain? Biodiversity net gain is an approach to development that leaves biodiversity in a better state than before. The Environment Bill, currently making its way through Parliament and expected to receive royal ascent this year, will mandate that all developments in England demonstrate a 10% increase in biodiversity in or near development sites, after a two-year transition period.

The new minimum biodiversity net gain legal requirement means developers will be looking to landscapers and designers for find solutions where space to create habitat on site may be limited, or the viability of a site could be affected, especially in urban developments.

GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE Designing with a purpose It is clear that biodiversity net gain can be a positive contributor for tackling climate change, however, the opportunity for positive impact is broader than that. How can we make best use of biodiversity net gain to achieve a wide range of benefits – for people, planet and profit? Could the same scheme for delivering an on-site biodiverse habitat also reduce noise pollution from local traffic, improve air quality, regulate temperature or enhance the appearance of urban developments to make them more desirable places to live or work? At London Wall Place, in the City of London, Make Architects and Spacehub had a vision to do just that. Creating a green oasis in the heart of the city, next to a busy road, and bringing nature to a concrete pedestrian high walk were part of their vision to enhance the local environment for years to come. Green infrastructure specialists, ANS Global, were commissioned to create vertical façade living wall space that would improve biodiversity, as well as delivering social impact by improving the local environment, and having a positive impact on air quality and acoustics. Plant palettes suitable to the location, based in indigenous species, were selected for the project, including plants that came from the Old London Wall as far back as the 1800s. Using a living wall system that includes a natural substrate (soil), meant greater flexibility in plant selection, allowing for native species, pollinator planting and sources of nectar, creating a new ecological habitat and nesting areas that encourage natural colonisation. To complement the base planting and provide colour and variety, bulbs such as crocuses, snowdrops, bluebells, daffodils and other plants were selected to inhabit various microclimates across the location.

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GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE broad range of species that can be planted. When living wall systems don’t deliver biodiversity net gain, it is typically because they have been planted solely with non-native ornamental species that offer limited value to native biodiversity such as bees and burrowing insects, and result in poor condition. Living walls that are designed with a soil-based system that can support native species are more likely to fulfil biodiversity net gain requirements and provide a lasting impact. A soil-based system also gives longevity to the installation, setting it up to be a permanent feature of the urban landscape, making it more likely to meet the requirements of the upcoming Environment Bill, which sets out the requirement for habitats to be managed and monitored for a minimum of 30 years. A ‘lifetime’ living wall creates an alternative ecological habitat (including nesting areas), and provides benefits to the local environment for years to come.

Jessica Beattie, Senior Landscape Architect at SpaceHub Design said: “At London Wall Place our vision was to create a verdant landscape, with three gardens at different levels all connected by vertical planting. The idea of nature reclaiming the city, with wild and abundant character, meant that green walls were integral to the whole design. One of our main concepts was to create the impression of a native hedgerow on the high walk, with discovery species such as primroses and wild strawberries within the fabric. Using a soil-based living wall system quickly delivered abundant healthy growth as well as the opportunity to renew planting over time.”

How can living walls best deliver on biodiversity net gain? Façade-bound green walls, like those created at London Wall Place, have greater potential to support rich biodiversity than other systems, due to the presence of soil and the

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ANS Global has partnered with AECOM, the world’s premier infrastructure consulting firm, to produce two advice guides on incorporating urban green infrastructure within developments, designed to help professionals achieve biodiversity net gain in new developments. The guides lay out best practice methods in using the Biodiversity Metric to assess how urban green infrastructure contributes to achieving biodiversity net gain, as well as explaining the differences between green infrastructure habitats and illustrating how each habitat should be designed to ensure biodiversity units can be achieved.

The two guides; “Using Urban Green Infrastructure to Achieve Biodiversity Net Gain” and “Urban Green Infrastructure Technical Guide” are available for free download at www.ansgroupglobal.com/buildingwith-biodiversity-net-gain-pr. Follow us @ludmagazine

GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE

INTRODUCTION TO BLUE ROOF STORM WATER ATTENUATION SYSTEMS Blue roof systems offer a sustainable alternative for minimising surface water run-off, providing source control as part of the Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) requirement on modern developments. Blue roofs are rated as the most sustainable technique in the CIRIA SuDS manual guidance based on their contribution to reducing the risk of flooding and pollution and their positive impact on the local landscape & wildlife ecosystems when combined with a green roof finish. With land at a premium, blue roofs allow the developer to maximise usage of any site, especially in city centre developments where underground storage systems are impractical and expensive to excavate. Installation and Maintenance Blue roof systems should be installed by an experienced and specialist contractor with supervision from the manufacturer, with provision for post installation quality checks and annual maintenance. Recent examples of blue roof installations include prestigious projects such as the Post Building, Royal College of Art and Rathbone Market in London, Middlewood Locks apartments in Manchester and the new Edinburgh St James retail development.

Close up of blue roof build up showing geotextile filters, void formers and height adjustable stainless steel restrictor chamber

Environmental benefits When combined with a green roof surface finish, blue roofs make an important environmental contribution including helping to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and reducing the urban heat island effect, absorbing low frequency sounds and promoting new wildlife ecosystems and biodiversity. For more information visit: www.geogreen.co.uk/applications/blueroof-applications/

Rathbone Market Amenity Area, London

Porous Paving & Drainage Green Roof Systems Blue Roof Systems

Geosynthetic Walls & Earth Structures

Suppliers & Installers of Geosynthetics for Sustainable Roofing & Landscaping Applications Geogreen Solutions Ltd E7 Meltham Mills Rd, Meltham, West Yorkshire, HD9 4DS t 01484 354835 | e info@geogreen.co.uk | w geogreen.co.uk Follow us @ludmagazine

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GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE

INTRODUCING ARBORADVANCE

- GUARANTEEING LONG TERM PLANTING SUCCESS RIGHT TREE, RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT REASONS, RIGHT WAY! Recently GreenBlue questioned “are there enough green planners.” It is an ongoing concern that many busy planning departments are under-resourced with checking on activities on developments sites such as landscaping and tree planting having to take less of a priority. Many local plans emphasize the need for additional development to reduce the pressure on housing stock, and bring in much-needed revenues to local authorities – but is it at an environmental or even human cost?

Why are green planners essential? If the desired outcome for any development is not only to avoid poorly planted trees but to create long term quality green infrastructure, then including expertise in green planning is critical. Alas, too often we see badly installed trees dying, being removed, and never replaced. GreenBlue Urban are strong advocates in planting for tree longevity, having documented the multiple and valuable benefits with our work with Treeconomics. Discover more in our detailed costbenefit analysis publication.

A well-planted tree should last for generations. We are abundantly familiar with the assistance that urban trees can bring including health, social, monetary, and climate mitigation benefits. However, what is not always considered is the need of the tree as it, – we hope – matures. Considerations that need to be considered before granting permission to plant trees in urban areas include unwanted shading, excess leaf litter (wrong place)

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potential intrusion to buildings and highways (planting too close), pavement heave (lack of root management) and failures due to inadequate soil, water and air access will most certainly become a nuisance and the trees will have to be removed. Planning is a complex process with numerous stakeholders involved and thus, as we regularly repeat in our presentations.

St Pauls planted 2003

Wembley planted 2005

GreenBlue ArborSystem Tree Pit Package

Plant correctly – ArborAdvance With over 30 years of experience in planting trees in the urban environment, GreenBlue Urban are industry experts. We know that for reasons including those mentioned above, urban trees often fail within 5-10 years of planting within a hard surface. This is an unnecessary calamity as if a tree is chosen, planted, and maintained correctly, there is no reason that this tree should not last its species potential lifespan. With continuing research and innovation that has given the industry the only fully compatible tree pit solution, AborSystem®, GreenBlue Urban are so confident of the efficacy of the system that we have introduced the worlds’ first urban tree warranty: ArborAdvance, which guarantees the health of a tree for a minimum 15 years. When ArborAdvance is specified, GreenBlue Urban will supply all of the products needed including the soil, oversee the first tree pit installation, require further tree pits to be photographed during ArborSystem installation and if all is approved, provide sign off, and make sure that an acceptable maintenance programme is in place – so critical within those early establishment years.

We are aware that failures can occur due to circumstances beyond our control; pest/disease, weather, vehicles, or deliberate damage, and understandably, these potentially fatal issues are excluded from the warranty. Although there is a cost involved in the warranty and annual inspection and testing, this is surely a worthy investment to any client – the sure knowledge that trees will not need replacement and the assurance that they will continue to thrive, bringing the crucial return on investment but more than that, provide a well-designed, attractive, sustainable, and successful development to be proud of. All that we are pleading for is that Developers, Landscape Architects and Planners collaborate early in the design process to provide successful outcomes. With the many positive legislative changes to enable green infrastructure, let us plan correctly from the start. Here at GreenBlue Urban we can help with continued education (with a range of CPD’s,) support your projects with technical guidance, show you many successful case studies and now guarantee trees against system failure!

GreenBlue Urban Ltd www.greenblue.com Follow us @ludmagazine

Introducing ArborAdvance: The world’s first urban tree health warranty

The Old Bailey, London (Planted 2005)

GreenBlue Urban are so confident of the efficacy of the system that we have introduced the worlds’ first urban tree warranty: ArborAdvance, which guarantees the health of a tree for a minimum 15 years. Visit greenblue.com/arboradvance

greenblue.com 01580 830800

GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE

GREEN-TECH PROVIDES IRRIGATION SOLUTION

FOR ROOFTOP PLANTING SCHEME 80 Charlotte Street, in the exclusive Fitzrovia district of London is a mixed-use development featuring an impressive line-up of greening measures, all helping to achieve Carbon Net Zero status. Having the kudos of being London’s first all-electric building, 80 Charlotte Street is rated BREEAM 2014 Excellent and is on track to achieve LEED 2009 Gold, meaning that this cutting-edge building is expected to consume 25% less energy and generate 34% lower greenhouse gas emissions than the average commercial building. This impressive green performance is achieved whilst retaining much of the existing structure and facades and combining it with new. One of the main goals for the building’s designers, MAKE Architects, was to engender a strong sense of wellbeing for the office workers, residents and public that use it. As part of this commitment, the design allowed the inclusion of numerous roof terraces, both private and shared for the offices and residents, offering dramatic views over Fitzrovia including the BT Tower. Green-tech were contacted by Barton Willmore landscape

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architects, with whom they have a long working relationship going back nearly ten years, to quote for irrigation for the many planters that were required on two of the external terraces; part of a design developed by Piercy & Company Architects for a specific high-end tenant fit-out. The most effective solution was to use Green-tech’s Mona tank system. This subterranean reservoir system irrigates the soil through capillary action, reducing watering frequency whilst at the same time, aerating the soil. With sizes from 3 to 24 litres, the Mona tanks can either be used individually or linked together in line, for beds and longer runs. Each tank has two capillary legs that are back-filled with soil and reach down into the water inside the reservoir. Once filled via the filler pipe the tanks act as a reservoir, supplying water to the rooting soil via capillary action. As the water is taken up, the empty space is replaced by air through the filler pipe, acting as both irrigation and aeration. If the surrounding soil is damp, the tanks do nothing and the water is stored – once the soil dries out, the water is taken up by capillary action into the soil, keeping it moist.

Over 200 tanks were supplied to the Landscape Contractors, Oasis Plants for the terrace planters, ensuring that the plants are kept well irrigated all year round. Commenting on landscape suppler Green-tech a spokesperson from Barton Willmore Landscape Architects says, “We have worked with Green-tech for many years now, and they can always be relied on not only to help out at the front end with specification and cost proposals, but also provide a reliable service when it comes to supply.” Green-tech’s Specification Advisor Alasdair Innes adds, “We have a great relationship with Barton Willmore, and it is particularly exciting to be involved on a project with such impressive green credentials. The Mona tanks do their job so well, I have no doubt that they will keep the terraces green and healthy for many years to come.”

www.green-tech.co.uk Photos: Courtesy of Barton Willmore Follow us @ludmagazine

Sustainable soils, growing media and turf British Standard Topsoil

Amenity Tree Soil

Light in texture with good water holding capacity. Ideal for environmentally conscious landscaping and construction projects.

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www.green-tree.co.uk Green-tree is a trading style of Green-tech Ltd

GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE A Blue Green roof completed with RoofBloxx

EARLY ENGAGEMENT DURING BLUE/GREEN ROOF CONSTRUCTION ESSENTIAL FOLLOWING MAYOR ELECTIONS Following Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s pledge to increase the number of green roofs in his reelection manifesto, architects, engineers and contractors are being urged to ensure designs meet both performance needs and British standards. Urban greening projects are expected to increase across the UK, following changes to local and

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national planning policies. One of the key challenges in constructing blue/green roofs, according to ACO Building Drainage, is meeting the needs of the Building Regulations, required standards – BS EN 120563:2000 and BS6229: 2018 – and achieving effective rainwater retention. Currently, as blue/green roofs are flat, they are required to meet

the British standards for gravity drainage on flat roofs. However, while traditional flat roofs are designed for water to quickly drain in the event of heavy rainfall, a blue/green roof retains water for 24 hours or more meaning the primary drainage functions are not the same. As such, there is increased risk of flooding if attenuation systems are incorrectly specified and not maintained.

GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE ACO’s Blue Green roof construction

Neill Robinson-Welsh at ACO Building Drainage, said: “If insufficient consideration is given to the drainage design, particularly for exceedance events, then the building integrity can be compromised by flooding. Blue Roof systems that utilise a single roof waterproofing have to trade off increased risk with a compromised flat roof drainage design.” “It is recommended that attenuation is considered at the earliest stages of the design, where architects, engineers and contractors collaborate with drainage specialists. Installing RoofBloxx

This will allow project leads to find ways in which the roofing design is not compromised while meeting wider sustainable drainage system (SuDS) requirements.” To overcome the challenge, ACO’s RoofBloxx blue roof attenuation system enables engineers to design to the correct standards, while meeting planning conditions without the need to compromise. The ACO RoofBloxx system is compatible with standard civils hydraulics, while it also allows inverted roof designs to be achieved without a reduction in U-values and

can be incorporated into any roof build up whether warm or inverted, new build or retrofit. Neill added: “The unique drainage requirements of blue/green roofs – coupled with the need to form part of a wider SuDS scheme – means that the initial hydraulic design of rainwater attenuation systems should include drainage specialists. Given the expected influx of blue / green roof requirements across metropolitan cities, collaborating at the earliest opportunity is critical for the smooth delivery of roof attenuation projects.”

To support professionals working on a blue/green roof, ACO has a free on-demand webinar which supports those working on a project. To register and watch the webinar, please visit www.aco.co.uk/2021-webinar-series. Follow us @ludmagazine

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GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE

HEDERA SCREENS LTD SUPPORTING THE NATIONWIDE #GREENRECOVERY Ongoing research shows that the Living Green Screens, superior in plant density and construction, help reduce PM10 particle pollution, in some sample locations up to 60% of the particles were “cleansed” from the air behind the screens. Research continues to further validate these findings, but increasingly, the installation of Living Green Screens offers not only a secure and natural privacy screen and social distancing barrier, but a valuable solution to reduce the effects of urban pollution.

Nationwide approved supplier and installer of urban green solutions, with optional soft landscaping, irrigation, aftercare maintenance with an online shop to cater for smaller projects. Enhance your surroundings with Award Winning Hedera Screens Ltd exceptional range of: • • • • • • •

living green screens outdoor living walls indoor moss walls acoustic walling sedum roofs soil stabilisation matting floral matting

A family business since 2007, working closely with leading suppliers and our diversity of clients, coupled with careful management, methodical approach to our work, is core to our exceptional track record of consistent delivery on time and to a budget.

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With a fully qualified team, infrastructure, and industry recognised accreditations, we can undertake both large commercial supply and installation projects to modest residential projects, providing supply and delivery only, if required.

Our products contribute to cleaner air and biodiversity, thus providing an abundance of health and wellbeing benefits for everyone, moreover a nurturing, pollution filtering green space for children, as our installations of green screens in schools demonstrate the importance. With greater emphasis on the reduction of carbon emissions and the carbon footprint, there is no better time to turn grey to green with our range of products.

Scientifically proven to filter harmful pollutants Horticulture and plants are at the heart of most initiatives for clean air, privacy, and social distancing measures, but thankfully now becoming widely recognised in the main for their contribution. Living Green Screens are supplied in a variety of species and heights. The screens are planted in a coco pocket and pre-grown on a 5mm galvanised steel frame and come fully established, creating a secure and attractive evergreen or deciduous hedging. With various installation options for virtually every project.

For more information contact Hedera Screens on 01530 560550, email: info@hederascreens.co.uk visit www.hederascreens.co.uk Follow: @hederascreens YouTube: Hedera Screens Ltd Follow us @ludmagazine

GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE

SKY GARDEN -

BRINGING LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS BACK DOWN TO EARTH

SUSTAINABILITY At Sky Garden we are proud of the sustainable journey our products take. The majority of our growing mediums are made from 100% recycled materials from assured sources. All of the irrigation for our farm is sustainably drawn from the local river to minimise the use of mains supplied water and providing the plants that we grow with a chemical free source of irrigation. Our UK farm sits in a conservation area for which we actively engage in stewardship to maintain and improve biodiversity, which is one of our core values. Our UK production and growing presence allows us to minimise delivery miles and therefore support our goal of netzero carbon footprint.

CAPABILITY

Sky Garden have been part of the Urban Greening Revolution since 2007, with roots in the industry going back to 1986. With over 3 decades of landscaping experience Sky Garden are proud to be a leading independent in all things Urban Greening. Sky Garden are a BALI and RIBA award winning partner for your projects with a drive to deliver

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sustainable and cutting edge solutions whilst providing an unrivalled selection of products that can be manufactured to your needs. With over 10 years experience in the construction industry offering full project solutions—we have supplied over 30,000 cubic meters of growing mediums to landscapers in the past 5 years and supply hundreds of projects a year.

Sky Garden understands the challenges of Urban Greening. Since incorporation we have worked as a Landscaping Contractor in some of the most difficult urban locations. To meet these challenges we took the decision to in-house our production to give us the flexibility to produce our own materials. We work with and produce industry accredited products including PAS 100, BS:3882 and BS:8616. We bring our contracting knowledge to our product only clients and ensure we can service their project requirements to the highest level.

Visit www.sky-garden.co.uk for case studies and more information, call us on 01242 620905 or email enquiries@sky-garden.co.uk for all your urban landscaping needs. Follow us @ludmagazine

Sky Garden Landscaping Solutions – proudly offering our new expanded range of landscaping products

GROWING MEDIUMS Sky garden has in house blending facilities to produce a wide range of standard or bespoke growing mediums to meet any of your project requirements, including: • • • •

Intensive substrates Blended top soils Drainage aggregates Structured tree soil (CU-SOIL™)

PRE-GROWN VEGETATION We can grow standard or contract grown mature blankets or plug plants from our UK based nursery, including: • • • •

Wildflower blanket Sedum blanket Ground cover blanket Wildflower plugs

BAGGED PRODUCTS Our in-house bagging facility can provide a range of bagged products from 10L sacks to 2m3 bulk bags, white label or customised. We also provide contract bagging from any quantity. Including: • • • •

Lightweight infill (Leca®, Lytag®) Decorative aggregates Growing mediums Soil stabilisation/retention bags (Envirolok®)

Contact us today for national delivery, competitive pricing and excellent customer service www.sky-garden.co.uk enquiries@sky-garden.co.uk 01242 620905

GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE

NEW

Learn about Living Walls from Smartscape the Living Wall Experts

New thinking when it comes to biodiversity

Book our CPD to understand the design process, installation and maintenance of living walls, plus the enormous benefits that specifying plants in the urban environment can bring.

Introducing the BioCube, a unique patented product that has been developed to create species-rich ecosystems and promote gains in biodiversity wherever it is used.

Contact cpd.training@scotscape.co.uk to book your Living Walls CPD today. Available face to face or via our excellent webinar service.

Visit: bioscapes.co.uk

Part of the

Scotscape group:

+44 (0)208 254 5000 scotscape.co.uk

Are you looking for a reliable living wall partner?

Bioscapes_Biocube_S2.indd 1

22/06/2021 17:48

• Instant vertical greening • Numerous plant options • Simple irrigation system • Easy-to-grow & adaptable • Proven supplier • Trade terms available

PlantBox is designed with professional landscapers, garden designers & self-builders in mind – simply attach and plant on site for instant vertical greening solutions! Ideal for planting Herbs & Edibles, Ferns & Grasses, Bedding Plants and more.

It’s a Growing Revolution!™

For your recognised, reliable living wall partner contact PlantBox NOW.

020 8543 4530 contact@plantbox.shop www.plantbox.shop

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BOLLARDS

SECURITY MEASURES

SHOULD COMPLEMENT AESTHETIC APPEAL OF PUBLIC SPACES, SAYS NEW RESEARCH public a sense of reassurance and comfort, without detracting from historic landmarks or the design of the wider development, or creating a fortress mentality amongst those using the space. “The technology we have available is constantly advancing, with cutting edge products providing maximum protection with very sleek designs. Additionally, protective street furniture such as lighting, seating, planters, litter bins and cycle stands, can now be used alongside more traditional solutions, offering more freedom in the design of public spaces.” New research has highlighted the importance of striking the right balance between security and aesthetics when securing public spaces, particularly in locations of historic interest or with recognisable design vocabularies. The Future of Urban Design report by ATG Access revealed that a third (32%) of architects, specifiers and urban planners have found that local residents are often reluctant to have the look of an area changed by the implementation of physical security measures. Encouragingly, given the everpresent threats to city life, the research shows that the majority of urban design professionals themselves are aware of the importance of incorporating security solutions into their projects, with 82% agreeing that they make a positive addition. However, some also expressed their own concerns around the impact that these measures can have on a development’s aesthetic appeal. According to the survey, 40% find incorporating security measures into new developments without Follow us @ludmagazine

impacting their aesthetic appeal a key design challenge. A surprising 2% admitted that they actively dislike them and try to avoid including security measures in their designs wherever possible. On the other hand, 8% of those surveyed said that, while they would prefer not to include security measures in their projects, they are conscious that many people like to see them. Iain Moran, director at ATG Access, commented: “Our research really highlights the importance of preserving the visual appeal of public spaces while also protecting people from threats such as vehicle attacks. “Security measures will have an increasingly large part to play as our cities continue to evolve over the coming years, with a growing focus on smart automation, reducing carbon emissions and transforming retail centres into leisure hubs, so it’s crucial that we maintain positive feeling towards them. “When implemented sensitively and correctly, security solutions offer the

According to the report, more than a third (36%) of urban design professionals think that impacttested street furniture is a great innovation. However, 59% said that, although they think protective street furniture is a good idea, they think that architects should have more say in their design from the ground up. A further 19% said that they wished there were more options to choose from. Iain continued: “From this, it’s clear that while attitudes towards impacttested street furniture amongst architects and planners are positive, there is definite demand for access to more bespoke products. “A more collaborative approach between suppliers and design professionals might therefore be the key to enhancing perceptions of the aesthetic impact of security measures and encouraging even more widespread implementation of both protective street furniture and traditional solutions.”

www.atgaccess.com www.landud.co.uk

CONCRETE & STONEWORK

ULTRASCAPE

– TRIED, TESTED AND WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN brush in sand will make light work of any installation – the hardest decision you will make is choosing between the beautiful colour options available. Available in three varieties – Original, ECO and Smooth, and two stunning colours – Natural Grey and Charcoal – UltraScape flowpoint rapid set flowable grout, provides a decorative, natural-effect finish every single time. UltraScape have been successfully providing the industry with high quality paving installation materials for over 20 years. Their specialist materials are proven to work alongside all stone manufacturers with excellent results every single time. Over the last 20 years, UltraScape have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. They have built longstanding relationships with architects, specifiers and contractors, and have listened to the changing needs of the industry to develop a suite of proven and trusted paving installation materials. Building the right foundation for your paving is critical to success. UltraScape’s bedding mortars will provide the ultimate laying course for all types of paving. UltraScape perma-bed is a permeable bedding mortar specifically designed with permeability in mind. Formulated to drain away any water migrating into the pavement via cracks or damaged areas, perma-bed reduces water related pavement failures as rainwater will drain away rather than sit on top of the stone. What’s more, the free passage of water through the cured product ensures that correctly laid paving will not suffer from reflective staining emanating from the underside of the paving elements. If you are looking to achieve an ‘Excellent’ CEEQUAL award, or are

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due to have a BREEAM assessment, then UltraScape eco-bed is the bedding mortar for you. UltraScape eco-bed is proven to provide the performance you would expect from a BS 7533 bedding mortar but also contains 20% recycled material, significantly reducing the consumption of virgin aggregates. Priming is an important part of any paving installation but is something that is often overlooked. Neglecting to include a primer such as UltraScape pro-prime slurry primer, can have disastrous consequences for your project and as a result, the reputation of your business. UltraScape pro-prime is a slurry primer manufactured to meet the demanding requirements of BS 7533. Suitable for use with all paving types including stone and porcelain pavers, UltraScape proprime is simple to use and is proven to increase adhesion, preventing failure and prolonging the life of your project. Selecting the correct bedding mortar and primer to install your chosen paving is paramount for success but the finishing is also crucial. When making such an integral design decision, it is vital that you don’t compromise the aesthetics with poor jointing. UltraScape have jointing options suitable for all designs and tastes. Their range of flowable grouts and

UltraScape flowpoint is easy to mix and apply, and once grouted, can be walked over in just 1 hour, minimising disruption and allowing you to move on to another part of the project quickly. Completing the UltraScape jointing range is premjoint – the next generation in decorative, brush-in jointing solutions. Using popular natural paving stones as a guide, premjoint is available in three attractive colours – Cosmic Black, Natural Cashmere and Storm Grey. Furthermore, premjoint eliminates the need for hand pointing, can be used in all weathers, is frost resistant, and once applied, can be walked over in just 24-48 hours. UltraScape have always prided themselves on providing the industry with quality paving materials. Each of the products that make up UltraScape’s BS 7533 Mortar Paving System has been put through rigorous independent testing by an UKAS accredited laboratory to assess their performance capabilities and to ensure they give the best performance possible in real time situations.

To find out more, or for assistance in selecting the perfect products for your next installation, please contact UltraScape by emailing ultrascape@instarmac.co.uk or calling +44 (0) 1827 254402. Follow us @ludmagazine

Create your own garden paradise, with UltraScape’s external paving system. Whilst we can’t get away, why not make your outdoor space an enticing getaway? UltraScape’s bedding, priming and jointing materials are the only passport you’ll need this summer!

Ideal for patio and driveway installations

Superior jointing colours to complement popular stone options

Can be used in all weather

Fast and easy application

Provides a durable, long lasting finish

Enjoy your garden for years to come! ultrascape_uk

Instarmac UltraScape

t: 01827 254402 w: ultrascape.co.uk

CONCRETE & STONEWORK

MILLMOUNT VILLAGE

Colinwells Martello Stone Walling and Allan Block Retaining Wall System where major products used in the construction of Millmount Village. This brand-new development is a 400 unit plus residential housing project, situated in a semi-rural Co. Down location designed by Alan Patterson Design and developed and constructed by Lagan Homes. From the outset it was established that a high quality, durable, maintenance free and costeffective product was required that was also aesthetically pleasing to match the developments surroundings. For those reasons, Lagan Homes chose to use Colinwell’s Martello Stone Walling on facades and Colinwell’s Allan Block Retaining Wall System for house construction, earth retention and landscaping purposes. Throughout the Millmount development, Colinwell Martello Stone Walling has been used for a variety of applications. Such as conventional construction purposes where it has been used as the outer leaf in traditionally built cavity wall construction and to create screen walls between housing units. Chosen not only for its looks, Martello Stone Walling is an innovative approach to stone walling. It combines 5 different sized units that allow the appearance of natural stone to be achieved without the need for the expertise of a specialist stonemason. “We work with Colinwell, not only because they are a well-respected and experienced manufacturer but because their product range helps us solve the problems that the modern housing market generates...

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For example, using Allan Block as our Retaining Wall solution has allowed us to construct costeffective, durable, and long-lasting retaining walls, while delivering the kerb appeal that home buyers are looking for”. Ciaran Magean, Site Supervisor One of the major challenges that the development of Millmount Village posed to Lagan Homes was the significant changes of levels throughout the site. It was clear that this site, nestled in the Co. Down hills would require the construction of a significant number of Retaining Walls. Colinwell’s Allan Block Retaining Wall System provided the ideal solution to these issues and as such, it was utilised throughout the Millmount development. The versatility of this system allowed it to be used on a variety of applications throughout the site such as to construct large structural ‘Spine’ retaining walls and on small changes in levels between driveways and adjacent house plots. A key factor in using our Retaining Wall Systems was the speed and ease of design and construction. Our Retaining Wall System boasts a simple installation process as its’ patented interlocking front

lip creates a built-in setback and eliminates the need for pins, clips, or mortar. This appealed to Lagan Homes as regardless of weather conditions, this mortar-less dry stacking system means walls can be constructed in a straightforward easy manner. The system also allows for walls of up to 1.2m in height to be built as Gravity (unreinforced) walls. While taller walls can also be easily designed and constructed by combining the blocks with Geogrid and back-fill filling with compacted aggregate or by simply using NoFines Concrete. The additional benefit of using both our Martello Stone Walling and Allan Block Retaining Wall System in conjunction with each other, is that they are available in complementary colour palettes that allowed Lagan Hones to achieve a continuity of finish throughout the entire Millmount development.

Email: info@colinwell.com Follow us @ludmagazine

St Patricks College, Banbridge Allan Block Retaining Wall System Colour: Pewter Blend

Retaining walls... The innovative way Retaining Wall Systems colinwell.com 37 Colinglen Road Dunmurry Belfast BT17 0LP

Tel 028 9061 8145 RoI 048 9061 8145 Email info@colinwell.com

CONCRETE & STONEWORK

OUT DAMN SPOT! Excess pressure washing vibrates the surface, causing delamination, and breaks down the surface of the stone. Your valuable investment has lost its beauty and value!

THE CAUSE Patio Black Spots® are spores of black lichen, the size of pollen, that emanate from the trees. Carried on the breeze, when it rains, they are watered into the pores in your garden stonework; feeding off the various minerals in the stone, by the beginning of the 3rd Year, the spores have germinated, anchoring themselves into the surface , which is why pressure washing alone, has little effect. Most “patio cleaners” contain pesticides, or, worse, acid, which will dissolve limestone and stain sandstone orange, not to mention, having a devastating effect on surrounding plants.

THE SOLUTION THE PATIO BLACK SPOT REMOVAL SYSTEM® THE PATIO BLACK SPOT REMOVAL SYSTEM, consists of three different Removers’ for use on for Natural Stone, Artificial Stone or Brick and Block pavers Applying Patio Black Spot Preventer® , at a quarter of the cost, ensures, you never have to repeat the Removal process again!

Warmer and longer Spring and Summers periods have seen the British public embrace the great outdoors , generating the Alfresco Dining revolution of the past 12- 15 years.

For the first two years, the area maintains it pristine appearance. At the beginning of the third year, tiny, vivid, black spots begin to appear, on certain slabs, almost by stealth.

Acid free and biodegradable , it’s unique, Award Winning formulation will gently penetrate and breakdown the organic growth, completely restoring the original colour to any type and age of garden stonework, in a matter of hours, at a fraction of the cost of relaying!

Households have invested small fortunes on natural stone Patios and terraces, as the centre piece of their garden; four - course , candle lite dinners, complimented by fine wines and stilletos , have replaced the invitation for a “beer, a burger and a bun,” on a dirty patio , of the last century!

After five years, the entire area has become infested, and the Patio has become something of an eyesore!

Simply wash away the effluent, and admire!

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Pressure washing removes the dirt, but merely accentuates their appearance! www.patioblackspotremoval.com Follow us @ludmagazine

CONCRETE & STONEWORK

BAI AWARDS CELEBRATES HARD WORK, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND DEDICATION Independent paving manufacturer Brett Landscaping established the BAI Awards to celebrate the hard work, craftsmanship and dedication that their Brett Approved Installers (BAI) show on a day-to-day basis. The 2021 Winners received a cash prize and a trophy and all the shortlisted nominees received a “celebration box” to make up for the lack of a physical event this year due to Covid restrictions.

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The 2021 awards saw Mannmade Drives & Designs, based in Hampshire, coming out on top as the Installer of the Year. Other categories included Customer Service Excellence Award which went to M&S Paving and the Facebook Job of the Year which went to Essex Elite Paving. Other winners included Stokes Baldock Ltd (driveway above 100sqm) and Daniel Windsor Landscapes (patio below 50sqm). Runners up included Mason & Turner Construction,

A.LS. Landscaping, Taylor Made Landscapes and English Landscapes. The awards are judged on a raft of criteria including workmanship excellence, innovation, creativity and technical difficulty. Danielle Thorpe, Head of Marketing and BAI Scheme Manager at Brett Landscaping, said: “It has been a tough year for most businesses so it’s great to be able to celebrate the achievements of our installers and reward them for their loyalty.

CONCRETE & STONEWORK

“These awards recognise the work they have done with Brett Landscaping throughout 2020 and what positive ambassadors they have been for our company. It was as difficult as ever choosing a winner - with so many exceptional projects completed by our very talented installers.” David Mann, Director, from Mannmade Drives and Designs, said: “We are thrilled to have won Installer of the Year at the BAI Awards and that our team’s hard work and dedication have been

recognised by Brett. Being a Brett Improved Installer is incredibly beneficial to our business and we are proud to represent Brett Landscaping and use Brett products.” As well as training and support and merchandising material, Brett Approved Installers benefit from one-to-one account management to support their business growth. They are also provided with the latest expert advice from Brett Technical Support as well as being able to offer extended guarantees to customers.

Full list of winners and runners-up: Patio below 50sqm winner: Daniel Windsor Landscapes Runner-up: Mannmade Drives and Designs Patio above 50sqm: Essex Elite Paving Runner-up: Taylor Made Landscapes Driveway below 100sqm: Mannmade Drives and Designs Runners-up: Taylor Made Landscapes and A.L.S. Landscapes Driveway above 100sqm: Stokes Baldock Limited Runner-up: English Landscapes Customer Service Excellence Award: M & S Paving Runner-up: Mason & Turner Construction Ltd Facebook job of the year: Essex Elite Paving Regional Installer: Essex Elite Paving Runner-up: A.L.S. Landscaping Regional Installer: Mannmade Drives and Designs Runner-up: Taylor Made Landscapes Installer of the Year: Mannmade Drives and Designs

To become a Brett Approved Installer 0345 60 80 578 or email bai@brett.co.uk. www.brettlandscaping.co.uk Follow us @ludmagazine

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CONCRETE & STONEWORK

PRODUCTS FOR ANY PAVING PROJECT As paving trends change, Nexus Paving Systems remain constant in their commitment to ensuring the best possible quality products for every application. We don’t believe that one product can or should suit every application – that is why we have a range of products specifically created for use on natural stone, slate or concrete and an alternative for porcelain products. As porcelain pavers tend to be nonporous, hard wearing and tough, they can withstand the variable weather conditions in the UK without being susceptible to damage – however they do still need to be cared for with routine maintenance. Whilst brush-in compounds won’t damage the porcelain pavers, a far superior and long-lasting finish can be achieved by using the specific ProJointTM Porcelain Grout – this grout has added silicone and helps limit mould growth, repels water from the surface of the grout whilst allowing any vapour to pass through. Once cured this grout will also withstand pressure washing (with a fan nozzle, 200mm from the joints). Natural stone is very durable and hard-wearing and this paving stands the test of time, but also requires on-going additional maintenance. It is generally advised to seal natural stone/concrete to prevent staining and help prevent the growth of algae, lichen or moss, and to clean as

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appropriate using products tailored to your stone. The PaveCareTM range of sealers and cleaners have been developed specifically for the protection and ongoing maintenance of natural stone/concrete.

All our ProJointTM pointing products offer you: Speed and efficiency: reduces labour time and therefore costs to you and your customer Ease of use: brush-in and slurry products require no kneeling or bending High strength: epoxy resin products are suitable for medium to heavy traffic loads

Different resin products suit application temperatures from 3ºC to 35ºC and will not develop cracks like sand and cement due to drying out too quickly in the sun. Longevity: epoxy products are designed to outlast traditional mortar and are de-icing salt, pressure washer and sweeper resistant. Professional: consistent results can be obtained very easily every time with correct colour matching and finish. Both ProJointTM and PaveCareTM products are available via our network of stockists either local to you, or online. Stockists can be found on our website.

Frost resistance: very frost resistant and resistant to extreme changes in temperature Weather during application: fast to use so only a short window of opportunity required - being applied to damp paving means that rain before application is not a problem.

www.nexuspavingsystems.co.uk t: 01937 858000 Follow us @ludmagazine

You can trust Nexus for any paving project... Whether you’re looking to grout a porcelain patio or granite sett driveway, ProJoint products give you the best results. TM

And then you can use our high quality PaveCare cleaners and sealers to keep your paving looking its best for years to come. TM

For more information about our products, visit our website: www.nexuspavingsystems.co.uk or call our technical team on 01937 858000.

telephone: 01937 858000

www.nexuspavingsystems.co.uk

CONCRETE & STONEWORK

BRADSTONE LAUNCHES ITS FIRST LOW CARBON PAVING RANGE

FOR GARDENS AND DRIVEWAYS

Domestic hard landscaping brand Bradstone, part of the Aggregate Industries group, has launched a complete range of low carbon products for patios and driveways that offers a 20% reduction in carbon footprint compared to the previous versions of the products. Whilst the new Bradstone ECO collection offers a comprehensive selection of products, earlier this year, the company also announced its commitment to review the entire concrete products range with a view to lowering its carbon footprint. The paving brand, which celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, has made the move as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable construction. The first products to be awarded Bradstone ECO status are now available and feature an improved design mix using sustainable materials and practices.

This has been achieved through improvements in manufacturing and design mix to help reduce the carbon footprint of each of the Bradstone ECO products. The change in design mix means a typical patio measuring 30m2 will now offer a carbon saving equivalent to that generated by 3 mature trees over one year*. The first products available in the Bradstone ECO range include Old Town ECO, Old Riven ECO, Aged Riven ECO, Ashbourne ECO, Edale ECO and BradDrive Cobblestone ECO, from the brand’s concrete paving and driveway collection. All pack sizes and colours will remain the same. In addition to improving the eco credentials of its existing wet cast products, Bradstone has launched a new Old Town ECO Evolve product

*According to European Environment Agency

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that is more than 35% lower in carbon compared to the previous Old Town product. The paver is lighter and easier to handle. With its specific laying pattern it is now faster to lay as well. The reduced weight means more product can be included in each pack and larger quantities can be transported at the same time, helping to further reduce CO2 emissions. Old Town ECO Evolve paving in Silver is a traditional style product that uses a secondary aggregate in the mix to give it a contemporary colour and unique sparkle. Available in a 7.2m2 pack, the concrete patio pack includes 900 x 600 pavers.

To find out more about the Bradstone and the new ECO range, visit www.bradstone.com Follow us @ludmagazine

Better for the environment. Better for business. Our ECO paving range has all the great quality, style and performance you’d expect from Bradstone with 20% lower carbon. Meeting consumer demand for more sustainable products without ever compromising on quality. *Per 30m2 patio according to European Environment Agency

Find out more about ECO paving now Call: 01335 372222 Visit bradstone.com

CONCRETE & STONEWORK

RF PAVING – REFINING FUNCTIONALITY RF Landscape Products are one of the UK’s leading independent suppliers to the landscaping industry. Importing and distributing a range of highquality hard landscaping products via our trusted supply chain. Under the branding of RF Paving our products are distributed nationwide, either by our extensive network of stockists, or directly to the contractor/end user or via our RF Approved Trade Account Scheme. Our Natural Stone and External Porcelain paving is used in all applications, from the largest commercial sites to the smallest of private projects. RF Paving assure the customers’ needs are always fulfilled, and the quality of our products and customer service is always at the forefront of our company ethos. As well as holding a vast stock of Sandstones, Limestones, Granites, Slate and External & Internal Porcelain within the UK, we have a full range of accessories to accompany the paving ranges including; Circles, Stone & Porcelain Cobbles/Setts, Stone & Porcelain Steps, Kerbstones, Steppingstones, Wall Copings and Sleepers and Ancillary Products.

To view our ranges, we have an extensive product display at our Northern Sales Centre in Yorkshire. Our network of stockists often showcase our products too. Contractors and retail customers get free brochures and sample boxes to either take home or show their clients and we supply full sized samples for any customers who may not be able to view the products in person. Also, RF Paving showcase our products/contractors work via our various social media channels giving our Approved Contactors maximum exposure. www.rflandscapeproducts.co.uk

Transform your

HOME & GARDEN Importers & Exporters of Natural Indian Stone Paving, Granite, Italian Porcelain and many more Landscaping Accessories.

We have a large internal Italian Porcelain Tile Showroom displaying the most current, stunning pieces which are also available to view on our website.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC & TRADE RF Landscape Products, A19 Doncaster Road, Whitley, Goole, DN14 0JW

T: 01977 782240 | E: sales@rflandscapeproducts.co.uk | www.rflandscapeproducts.co.uk 88

www.landud.co.uk

CONCRETE & STONEWORK

EXTERNAL PORCELAIN TILE POINTING – EASY WITH GftK’s vdw 815+ Narrow Joint Mortar The owners and their architect selected top quality porcelain tiles for this pool terrace, but they wanted to be sure the pointing would not discolour or stain the expensive tiles, and that the grout was durable for use in the narrow >3mm joints between these larger format pavers. They had seen other quality porcelain terraces that were effectively ruined by poor quality pointing, including cement based ceramic mortars / grouts that left a lot of residue and also soon picked up staining from spillages, or by using ‘brush-in resin’ grouts that blew out after just a few jet-washes, which is essential to keep this type of external porcelain in pristine condition! Online they found GftK’s vdw 815+ Paving Joint Mortar from NCC Streetscape, which is ideal for narrow joints and porcelain, plus non-staining and highly resistant to jet washing – Perfect they thought, and so it proved. GftK’s vdw 815+ is unique and ‘state of the art’, 2-part epoxy resin and purpose designed for narrow joints in quality porcelain and prestige natural stone paving. Application is quick and easy by wetslurry application, which means no waiting for dry weather to prepare, grout, cure and open the area. The grout then cures rapidly and is highly durable, plus it looks great with top quality porcelain!

Mixing vdw 815

Wet Slurry Application of vdw 815 on Porcelain

External Porcelain Tile Pointing – Easy with vdw 815+”

Web: www.nccstreetscape.co.uk | Email: sales@nccstreetscape.co.uk

GRANITE SETT DRIVEWAY REFURBISHMENT USING GfTK’s vdw 850+ Paving Joint Mortar In late Autumn, 2015, the owner had originally used traditional sand and cement pointing to refurbish the joints on the 330m2 of granite cobbles, but unfortunately this had started to fail and break-up after less than a year.

Driveway Cleaned and Ready for Repointing

This project was for a customer, who operated his building business from his home, accessed by a private granite paved road that was also used by a small neighbouring joinery company for van deliveries. Plus the adjacent farmer had right of access along the track for his tractors to reach his fields.

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Driveway Complete After Repointing with vdw 850

The owner decided to repoint the cobbles and looked for a product that would be able to withstand harsh winters and vehicle traffic. Inevitably their research led to NCC Streetscape, who solved these problems using GftK’s vdw 850plus, the unique, high performance epoxy paving joint mortar. The works were completed by CR Services in early 2017 using a phased approach to facilitate minimal disruption, which meant that the repointing had to be carried out in the full range of cold, wet, dry, and hot conditions, but all no problem using vdw 850+. In fact, the owners were so impressed that they also had their front and rear patio paving cleaned and repointed as well. Site inspection nearly 4 years later shows the paving is still in perfect condition. www.nccstreetscape.co.uk

GftK paving jointing - ideal for both NEW and REFURBISHMENT works because you can:

• • • • •

Work in wet weather and at low temperatures (from +3ºC) Use fast wet slurry application Work standing up Reduce staining and cleaning work Open quickly for service (fast curing)

Domestic Paving GftK Paving Joint Mortars for all Types of Natural Stone, Porcelain & Concrete Paving Using GftK paving jointing achieves: • • • •

Full frost & de-icing salt resistance Full jet-washing & mechanical road sweeper resistance Resistance to boring insects Optimum strength correlation (compressive, tensile & e-modulus)

Commercial Paving Call: NCC Streetscape - 01257 266696 Visit: www.NCCStreetscape.co.uk Paving Joint Mortars & More from

FREE

Technical Advice + Consumption Calculator + Next Day Delivery

PAVING

VANDE MOORTEL CLAY PAVER AWARDS 2020-2021

REWARDING SUSTAINABLE PLACES SHAPED WITH CLAY PAVERS You can enter your project in one of the following categories

City gardens The Vande Moortel Clay Paver Awards promote and support unique designs using Clay Pavers. Schemes that meet today’s challenges like sustainability, accessibility, cost/efficiency and many more. It is our strong belief that because of their characteristics our clay pavers belong in these high demanding spaces. As a result we want to promote the ones containing our products and reward the designers and architects responsible. Big or small, private or public, indoor or outdoor. Projects must include Vande Moortel Clay Pavers to enter the competition and must have been completed after January 2016.

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For typically small, walled gardens in dense urban settings. Minimum space with maximum comfort. This may include rooftop gardens. Projects must be permanent and privately held.

Medium & large residential gardens For medium and large residential projects of any size. The project must be permanent and privately held.

Public Space For all landscaping projects within the public space such as public squares, parks and other public accessible areas. The project may not be privately held. Last year’s winners include; • Stefano Marinaz • Lucy Willcox Garden Design • Rosebank Landscaping • Martha Krempel • Garden Club London • Alexandra Noble Design • Tom Simpson Design • Fabrik UK

Commercial & communal gardens For public and semi-public landscape projects near large residential housing projects, offices, stores, lodging facilities or other commercial businesses. The project must be co-owned or commercially held.

Go to www.vandemoortel.co.uk to find out more and subscribe Follow us @ludmagazine

Enter now!

City gardens

Medium & large residential gardens

Stefano Marinaz Landscape Architecture (UK)

Commercial & communal gardens

ArtBuild (BE)

Green Architects (BE)

Public Space

Lodewijk Baljon Landscape Architects (NL)

Scheldekant 5 | B - 9700 Oudenaarde | T +32(0)55 33 55 66 | info@vandemoortel.co.uk

Street Design

Residential roof garden, Wandsworth Street Design were speciﬁed to supply the planters, screens and seating for a new residential development in Wandsworth, London. The Grenadier versatile planter was selected to create raised planters, raised timber edging for planting, seating and grassed areas. The planters outside the apartments included privacy screens. The scheme included a central area with Henley bench seating, raised planter island seating, artiﬁcial grass lawn and children’s play area.

For more information, call Street Design on 01509 815335 or email at sdl@street-design.com

Street Design UK BASED DESIGNERS & MANUFACTURERS OF STREET FURNITURE & LANDSCAPE PRODUCTS 001509 815335 0sdl@street-design.com 0www.street-design.com

PLANTERS & SEATING ● Established in 1986 ● UK based manufacturer ● Full range of Planters & Seating manufactured to speciﬁc sizes ● Choice of materials and ﬁnishes ● Low maintenance products ● ISO Registered ● FSC Registered

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POSTS - HINGED & TELESCOPIC BOLLARDS - STEEL & STAINLESS HOOPED BARRIERS CYCLE STANDS & RACKS CYCLE SHELTERS HEIGHT RESTRICTORS SWING GATES ARM BARRIERS SMOKING SHELTERS SEATING

MADE IN BRITAIN

01788 550556 info@autopa.co.uk www.autopa.co.uk

AUTOPA Limited, Cottage Leap, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 3XP

TRADITIONAL STYLE FEEDER PILLARS

Traditional style...

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We were asked by Rexel Bootle to quote for 43 Traditional Style Feeder Pillars, all finished in Black & Gold livery for the Princes Boulevard STEP Scheme which is now complete.

AUTOPA

STREET FURNITURE

modern purpose

14/12/2018 08:37:23

EV Charging - Regeneration - Parks - Sports & Leisure

This £4m scheme forms part of Liverpool City Region’s Sustainable Transport Enhancement Package (STEP) and focuses on the regeneration of the central reservation along Princes Boulevard and upgrading the carriageway and footpaths along Princes Boulevard and Princes Road. By installing the 1km long cycle path within the central reservation - a first for Liverpool - the scheme’s aim is to improve cycle connectivity between south Liverpool and the city centre, with the plan to install a new Citybike station along the route. The new cycle path would also form an extension of a new ‘green corridor’ to Otterspool that is due to be delivered in the next 12 months. The URBAN Green UP project has £3.4m of EU funding to install and test three ‘green corridors’ across the city, which was a key recommendation in the city council’s Strategic Green and Open Spaces Review. We are really pleased to have been involved with this project. WT Jenkins installed the Feeder Pillars and the images of the completed project are fabulous. We hope the residents of Toxteth and everyone who will be using this innovative link to Liverpool City Centre love it, it certainly looks amazing and we congratulate Liverpool City Council and all who were involved with this scheme. www.fisherandcompany.co.uk

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We have a range of styles, finishes and sizes to suit all purposes and budgets. With our Bespoke build and Pre-Wired services we’re your 1st choice for high quality Feeder Pillars and Electrical Enclosures. Call us or visit the website for more information.

Tel: 0333 666 2122 Email: info@fisherandcompany.co.uk Website: www.fisherandcompany.co.uk

STREET FURNITURE

CIS POROUS RESIN BOUND AND SLOT DRAIN TREE GRILLES

Trees are an important part of our natural life support system; they have a vital role to play in the sustainability of our towns and cities and we need to take better care of them, both now and in the future, yet we see them starved of natural food and water and damaged at their roots by earthworks, particularly in developed areas of towns and car parks. As a result of the built environment soil compaction can inhibit or prevent natural root growth. CIS Slot Drain and Resin bound grilles are a great way of enhancing the sustainability of your project for future generations. Clients can use either resin or porous paving in any of these tree surrounds.

ProductsSecurity Bollards Giant Railings Sa

For further information please contact our Sales Office on: 01483 203388 or take a look at our website: www.cis-streetfurniture.co.uk/products/tree-protection/porousresin-tree-grilles/

Creating inspiring street scenes Bespoke Seats - Safety Railings - Giant Bollards - Security Products

CIS Street Furniture have the ‘measure’ of your next project Why not call our sales team to assist? T: 01483 203388 www.cis-streetfurniture.co.uk

E: sales@cis-streetfurniture.co.uk

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LANDSCAPING SERVICES

CONCRETE BLOCK PERMEABLE PAVING FOR TREES Recent trials of various, older concrete block permeable paving projects following long-term use back-up previous research, endorse current minimal maintenance recommendations and debunk misconceptions about clogging up of joints. This research has important implications for the whole life costs of permeable paving generally. But it also reveals major benefits of permeable paving opening up new opportunities to satisfy growing demand for trees in our towns and cities. Concrete Block Permeable Paving (CBPP) technology has proven itself over successful use around the world since the mid-1980s. It is suitable for all types of paving, ranging from driveways, car parks and adopted residential roads to industrial areas and distribution centres. Two decades of experience in the UK has demonstrated its longterm performance with minimal, if any, maintenance. But one of the most persistent misconceptions about CBPP technology, impeding its uptake and adoption, is that – without maintenance – the joints quickly become clogged with debris and, within a short time, become impermeable preventing water from draining into the paving.

Permeable Paving in Practice In fact, over time detritus and silt collects in the upper part of CBPP joint material between blocks, where a surface ‘crust’ (around 5-10mm deep) is formed, protecting the laying course and sub-base material but still allowing infiltration. Also, the performance of CBPP is not significantly affected by moss or weeds in the joints, or by leaves collecting on the surface. Even where localised blockages do occur, in a storm event excess water

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simply flows to more permeable, adjacent areas. Previous research has demonstrated that the infiltration rate of CBPP will decrease due to this build-up in the jointing material, but then stabilise with age. Even after allowing for clogging, the long-term infiltration capability of permeable pavements (shown red in the graph) will normally substantially exceed UK hydrological requirements (shown blue).

Case Study and Video One of the projects considered – Martlesham Park and Ride, Suffolk – is the subject of a video showing the trials. In this test 10 litres of water in a sealed tube created a head of about 140 millimetres – equivalent to more than a month of heavy rainfall. Here, the surface absorbed the 10 litres of water in 8 minutes and 1 second, equivalent to a rainfall intensity of 1,055mm per hour. For context, the heaviest UK rainfall event in history was 92mm per hour.

Latest Research In order to better understand the effect trafficking, weathering and time have on CBPP systems, field tests have recently been undertaken by an Interpave member on three projects installed 6-, 17- and 19-years ago, respectively. To measure the permeability of these existing CBPP pavements, the trials used the American Standard ASTMC1781/ C1781M method. The research demonstrates that all the CBPP sites tested, despite receiving no specific maintenance to improve permeability, still provide infiltration rates that would cope with any likely UK rainfall event.

LANDSCAPING SERVICES The video also includes an illuminating interview with the original project designer about longterm performance and maintenance, and also the benefits of CBPP for both existing and newly-planted trees. Constructed in 2003, this large out-of-town car park receives regular daily trafficking from commuters and shoppers. With around 500 car spaces, the 13,000 m2 of concrete block permeable paving has delivered problem-free performance over 17 years.

Interpave Information Resource A full report on this research project video – as well as more information, detailed guidance and case studies on concrete block permeable paving – are available from the Interpave website. Here, you can also view a new Interpave CPD webinar, presented by Bob Bray of Robert Bray Associates, SuDS practitioners with over 20-years’ experience and designers of the Bridget Joyce Square project. The video webinar explores how straightforward flow controls can optimise and expand CBPP capabilities, with techniques including water storage in paving compartments deployed around a site to integrate SuDS within development and to avoid additional land-take. www.paving.org.uk Photo courtesy of Robert Bray Associates

The grit-filled joints do have moss in them but, as a porous substance itself, water passes through without problems. The site is surrounded by vegetation, with some tall trees and well-established shrubs. Maintenance has effectively been cosmetic – occasionally sweeping tree debris and vegetation from the surface after storms and leaf fall in the autumn.

2003

2020

Sustenance for Trees

Award-winning Project

Extensive mature trees around and within the site were simply retained as part of the scheme. The CBPP removes pollutants from water passing through, providing treated water sustenance for trees. The roots have continued to grow within the permeable pavement sub-base but – importantly – there have been no visible signs of block rutting or lifting, or roots coming through the surface.

As CBPP allows the same pattern of run-off transfer to the ground as natural vegetation, it allows water to reach tree and shrub roots, despite providing a hard surface above. This is endorsed by the current Code of Practice for accessibility in the external environment, BS 8300-1:2018, which states that: ‘Tree grilles should be avoided. Smooth or paved permeable surfaces should be used wherever practicable’. CBPP technology will play a key role in future. In addition to new permeable pavements for developments, CBPP overlays to existing, conventional road bases can be used in conjunction with raingardens or bioretention areas to store water for irrigation while improving the public realm. This approach is exemplified in the award-winning Bridget Joyce Square, London, project shown above.

Retaining and introducing trees, and other green infrastructure, within our towns and cities is now a key planning requirement. For example, the National Model Design Code says: ‘All schemes will be expected to follow national policy by achieving a 10% net gain in biodiversity. All new streets should include street trees’. But measures must be put in place to allow trees to grow and mature over time, enabling them to deliver numerous benefits. Development design that facilitates sustenance of green infrastructure is therefore crucial.

www.paving.org.uk/home/ permeable-paving/ www.landud.co.uk

LANDSCAPING SERVICES

WATER SUPPLIES FOR IRRIGATION For all groundsmen and greenkeepers climate change brings about real issues in maintaining good playing surfaces as we experience periods of drought and exceptionally high temperatures. In West Sussex during summer 2019, 36 C was experienced at some golf clubs. The cool season type grasses used in the UK were never developed to withstand these temperatures.

not in general reduced the annual rainfall, it just tends to arrive in heavy downpours and thus the dry periods are longer. Much has been said about the water shortage in the UK but quantity is not the issue; it more about storage and distribution. Water purchased for the Water Company is expensive and subject to restriction just at the time you may need it. So what can you do about it?

the abstraction to be in the winter but that is not a problem if your reservoir is big enough.

So what can you do about it? Well obviously you need to irrigate to get sufficient water to the grass roots but some of you may not be aware of the advantage of syringing. If you are lucky enough to have an automatic irrigation system then you should find this facility available as one of the programmes. For those not familiar with this practice it involves running the sprinkler system for a short period 2 or 3 minutes – just enough to damp down the grass. The sun then burns off the moisture and in so doing the latent heat factor cools down the grass plant relieving some of the stress.

Providing you have sufficient space the construction of an earth bank reservoir is the best line of action. If you can find an area 100m x 80m then you could store 12,000,000litres. Even in a space 75 x 55m you could store 5,900,000litres.

Nearly all these abstraction and storage situations will require some sort of planning consent as well as careful engineering. You need to engage consulting engineers from whom you should expect to cover all aspects of the project from initial surveys, geological investigation, consultations with the Environment Agency and other agencies for the protection of nature. They should be your consultants, entirely independent of contractors and manufacturers so as to ensure you get the best system at the best possible price.

All of these irrigation applications require the precious resource WATER. Now climate change has

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So now you have the storage how do you fill it? First thing to know is that no licence is needed to abstract 20,000 litres a day from a natural source providing the abstraction does not have a significant impact on the stream flow or the underground aquifer. This would put 7,300,000 litres into your reservoir per year. Providing the geological strata is suitable you might get a licence to abstract at a higher rate from a suitable borehole. Often the Environment Agency would require

Water harvesting can be useful for sports grounds that have large stands with roofs and lots of hard surfaces. Storage is a bigger issue. You can build a completely invisible underground storage system beneath the playing surfaces without the use of concrete.

www.2ic.co.uk Follow us @ludmagazine

LANDSCAPING SERVICES

THE COST-EFFECTIVE SURFACING OPTION FOR GRAVEL DRIVEWAYS

CORE DRIVE gravel stabiliser grid is the core of hassle-free gravel paving for all types of vehicle or pedestrian traffic with no compromise in strength and durability. Part of a natural porous paving system, just add gravel to the panels of hexagon cells and you have an ecofriendly surface that costs less than asphalt, concrete, or block pavers. CORE DRIVE solves the problems of aggregates without gravel stabilisation sinking, migrating, and forming ruts.

A CORE DRIVE gravel stabiliser panel is a sheet of connected hexagon cells with a geotextile backing underneath. Made from recyclable milky-white virgin HDPE material, our proprietary manufacturing process provides a rigid honeycomb design that holds its uniform hexagon shape which provides maximum load bearing. The underside incorporates a durable geotextile which allows water to drain easily and prevents weed growth.

High Load Bearing The CORE DRIVE honeycomb grid construction provides tightly packed pockets of loose gravel which create a completely porous hard standing, allowing extreme pressure from vehicular traffic to be applied without the aggregate displacing, this makes CORE DRIVE gravel grid more practical and versatile than other more costly paving options.

Attached High-Quality Membrane Our unique manufacturing technique enables us to heat weld a high-quality geotextile membrane to the underside of every panel. This heat weld attaches the membrane firmly to the honeycomb structure and creates a tray for the gravel to sit in and prevents the gravel from migrating under the cell wall which causes the honeycomb structure to rise and become exposed making it susceptible to irreparable damage. As well as stopping gravel migration, the membrane also eliminates weed growth breaking through the surface and interrupting the aesthetic of your gravel area.

Gravel Stabilising Grid 102

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CORE DRIVE Gravel Driveway Stabiliser

Keep Your Gravel In Its Place... Cost Effective One of the most cost effective surfacing solutions - also reduces the cost of gravel as less is required

No Weeds

The grids have a high quality weed membrane heat welded to the underside, eliminating weeds and reducing the risk of gravel migrating under the cell wall

Easy to Install

Strong

The grids can be laid extremely quickly and can save time on installation

The grids are able to withstand a wide variety of vehicle types across the range, from domestic cars up to HGV

DDA Compliant

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The grids are suitable for both wheelchair users and those with walking aids

The grids are completely porous, making them SuDS compliant - no need for planning permission

Stabilises Gravel The grids are designed to be virtually invisible once filled, thanks to their unique honeycomb design

Landscape COREProducts 0800 118 2278

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LANDSCAPING SERVICES

Basildon’s ‘Pollinator Action Plan’ supports insect diversity

BASILDON IN BLOOM! Creating attractive floral displays in public places around Basildon, while increasing insect biodiversity to support local plant and animal life, were key factors in Basildon Council’s decision to use Rigby Taylor’s Euroflor wildflower seed mixes across the borough’s roundabouts, roads and open spaces. In September 2019, Basildon Council set up a £50,000 fund to support a three-year ‘Pollinator Action Plan’ to help boost the local bird, bee and butterfly population and support local ecosystems. This plan involved the sowing of wildflowers to attract pollinating insects, increased tree planting and reduced grass cutting on some of the main routes into the town centre. The council opted for Euroflor’s Sarah Bouquet wildflower seed mix, which had been its choice during the previous seven years to help brighten up the local parks. The seed mix includes 30 plant species and varieties for maximum effect and insect biodiversity – offering a colourful, low maintenance, flower display from early summer to autumn.

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Euroflor - Sarah Bouquet mix for extended flowering

According to Basildon Council Parks and Countryside Supervisor, Glen Owers, the Euroflor seed mix was first introduced into Lake Meadows Park because the council wanted to “add some colour and make it more attractive to visitors”, and due to the colourful “wow factor” that first year, they’ve used the seed mix ever since. “The Euroflow Sarah Bouquet works well for us because it offers a good variety of species, that flower throughout the summer and still looks good in October,” Glen further adds “Once the seeds have germinated, the team use Apex Organic OC2 fertiliser and the area is irrigated during dry spells. The first colour appears around 60 days after sowing and the mix of species ensures that as one plant blooms and fades, another is coming through to take its place,”

In full bloom - Lake Meadows Park, Billericay

At the end of the season, once the plants have gone to seed and died off, Glen’s team cut them down to the ground and a rotary mower will mulch it up and put it back into the soil in preparation for the next seasons sowing cycle.

www.euroflor.co.uk www.rigbytaylor.com Follow us @ludmagazine

SUPPLIERS AND GROWERS OF SEMI-MATURE & MATURE, ROOTBALL & CONTAINERISED TREES, SHRUBS AND INSTANT HEDGING

From our Buckinghamshire nursery we are conveniently located to service the whole of the UK, which we do with our own fleet of fully equipped vehicles. With over 15 miles of Instant Hedging Troughs and more than 3,000 Pleached and shaped trees from Box Heads to Multi Stem umbrellas, we have the finest stock for Garden Designers, Landscapers, Architects and Developers you can find. We look forward to receiving your enquiries.

sales@instanthedges.co.uk

01296 399585

www.instanthedges.co.uk

LANDSCAPING SERVICES

SUPPORT THE LARGEST LANDSCAPING AWARDS IN EUROPE This year’s National Landscape Awards are in full swing with first deadline entries for Accredited Contractor, Group and Designer members having closed on the 2nd June and final deadline entries for the International, Supplier Exceptional Service and Employer Excellence categories having closed on the 7th July.

Winners will be announced at the start of September where promotion of winners and sponsors will be taking place through multiple industry publications, social media and via Winners themselves. This is why there is no better time to support the Awards through the many sponsorship opportunities available.

This year’s submissions are now with their allocated judges who will be performing their site visits throughout July and August, as well as reviewing paper-based submissions all in time for their deliberation meeting at the end of August where the panel will return to Landscape House for a three-day meeting to present their findings to each other, the Chairman of the Judging Panel John Melmoe, Chief Executive Wayne Grills and Events Project Manager Emily Feeney. Each entry is presented, discussed and scrutinised to ensure consensus of the panel.

Sponsoring the largest landscaping Awards in Europe, which welcomes over 1,000 guests annually, promises to elevate your business with brand awareness and generating new business. It reinforces client confidence in your brand, builds trust, significantly expands your reach and positions your company as an integral part of the landscaping industry – don’t just take our word for it.

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“The BALI Awards is a magnificent showcase for the landscape Industry, showcasing projects that the Industry can be proud of.

Johnsons of Whixley are proud to sponsor the Awards for over 20 years and support BALI in its endeavour’s to promote professional landscapers and landscape suppliers, in what is an environmentally driven industry.” Johnsons of Whixley – Accredited Supplier member and Sponsor of the National Landscape Awards.

Limited sponsorship opportunities remain available, for further details contact Diane McCulloch via telephone at +44(0)24 7518 5614 or via email at diane.mcculloch@bali.org.uk. For general enquiries contact Emily Feeney via telephone at +44(0)24 7518 5613 or via email at emily.feeney@bali.org.uk. Follow us @ludmagazine

THANK YOU TO THIS YEAR’S SPONSORS Headline Sponsor

Sponsors

Green-tree Topsoil

Limited sponsorship opportunities remain available For further details contact Diane McCulloch via telephone at +44(0)24 7518 5614 or via email at diane.mcculloch@bali.org.uk

baliawards.co.uk |

BALI_Awards |

For general enquiries, contact Emily Feeney via telephone at +44(0)24 7518 5613 or via email at emily.feeney@bali.org.uk

baliawards

LANDSCAPING SERVICES

BERTHOUD VERMOREL RANGE BREAKS THE BACK OF KNAPSACK SPRAYING Carrying the weight of a 16l or 18l-full knapsack of treatment chemicals can cause challenges for operators who work full days spraying sites. Joint, ligament and muscle wear and tear across the entire back and in the hips can result if the upper body is inadequately supported during spraying. Body parts will often compensate for the extra weight but they cannot sustain the strength for too long and begin to degenerate, which can cause stiffness and loss of range of motion, and pain, research reveals. Further, the gradual degeneration can lead to chronic back pain, compressed discs in the spine (herniated discs) neck pain an altered posture and gait and even pain in the feet, according to Dr Kenneth Hansraj, lead author of a study conducted in 2018, and a

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spinal and orthopaedic surgeon at the New York Spine Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine Center. Knapsack, hand-held and compression sprayer manufacturer Berthoud’s Vermorel professional knapsack range includes critical back support measures to ensure grounds professionals work in optimal comfort, safety and convenience, Each of the three premium grade knapsacks – Vermorel 1800, Pro Comfort 2000 and top-range 3000 Electric – come with ergonomically contoured, sturdy backframe as standard. Safety harnesses provide rising levels of support progressing through the line – from padded shoulder straps on the `1800`, to padded shoulder, waist and chest strapping on the `2000` and fully specified `3000`.

All Vermorel knapsacks are easy to use and dismantle for servicing and repair. They are also suitable for applying sanitisers and disinfectants and are available with a host of spares and accessories such as spray shields, seal and nozzle kits and multi-nozzle spray booms to give operators even greater flexibility. Service excellence is a keystone of the Hozelock-Exel sprayer ranges. Both Berthoud and sister professional sprayer brand Cooper Pegler are built to give lasting satisfaction and are backed by a replacement parts and accessories delivery service, usually within 48 hours.

www.berthoud.fr/en Find Berthoud on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram Follow us @ludmagazine

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www.berthoud.fr/en/ HOZELOCK-EXEL - 891 route des Frênes - ZI Nord products, Arnas - BPplease 30424contact - 69653our Villefranche Cedex France For distributor enquiries for Berthoud UK wholesaler SAS au capital de Sprayers 2 600 000Ltd. euros 77965877200024 - APE 2830 Z - RC Villefranche B Spindrift Tel –- SIRET 01995 600001 Email – sales@spindriftsprayers.co.uk N° TVA intra-communautaire : FR 02 779 658 772 - Photos et images non contractuelles.

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Autumn sowing for spring showing

The Perennial Choice

There are now eleven perennial Euroflor mixtures recommended for autumn sowing that not only provide wonderful colour displays during the following spring and summer, but also attract pollinating insects. Autumn sowing can take place from August through to October for flowering the following spring and summer. Euroflor seeds are available in an Autumn Discovery Box of 10 x 50g foil sachets (either Project Pollin-8 is a Rigby Taylor single or a combination of mixtures) to provide initiative to help arrest the decline the opportunity to try out different colour on the UK bee population. combinations and growth habits. One kilo Crucially, springtime flowers packs are also available. provide an earlier seasonal At a typical mid-range sowing rate, a 50g supply of energy-rich nectar and sachet will cover approximately 12.5 sq.m. pollen, sustaining pollinators when All mixtures are available to view on the resources are most scarce. Euroflor website (see below).

An Ecological Initiative

For more information log on to:

www.euroﬂor.co.uk

Visit us at the Festival of Turf STAND 130

Rigby Taylor Limited Freephone 0800 424919 Website: www.rigbytaylor.com e-mail: sales@rigbytaylor.com

LANDSCAPING SERVICES

THERE’S MORE TO MEADOWS Pictorial Meadows have become known across the landscaping industry for the truly exceptional quality of their meadow seed and turf products. With research sites across Europe, a partnership with the University of Sheffield, and a dedication to producing the most floriferous, biodiversity-supporting meadow mixes possible, it’s no surprise that their products have become the preferred choice for specifiers and landscapes creating meadows all over the UK. The Pictorial research and development team spend a minimum of 3 years developing each meadow mix, working to understand how each of the species selected for the mix interacts with one another, how the meadow reacts to different environmental conditions, and how the meadow develops over a longer period. This dedication to quality does not stop at the seed mixes and meadow turfs but can be experienced through their outstanding customer service and expert advice. Audrey R. had this to say ‘Pictorial Meadows are a wonderful company to deal with, especially Lian; she is fabulous! She kept in touch with me every step of the way through the process, and nothing was too much trouble’.

Whether specifying for a prestige public space or creating a small garden meadow, Pictorial Meadows are there to support you with advice, services, and products. If you like wildflower meadows, you’re going to love Pictorial Meadows. Find out more at www.PictorialMeadows.co.uk.

www.PictorialMeadows.co.uk

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reesinkturfcare.co.uk Get MORE from your turfcare partner this year: More products . More advice . More training . More finance

Reesink UK LTD is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Images shown for illustration only.

r Warran

Take your landscapes to new heights with a Giant Fountain from Otterbine. Specify a water feature that boasts both quality and elegance round the clock. Shallow operating depth combined with other engineered features means these fountains are easy to handle while still striking to see. If you’re looking for a water feature that makes a statement without any of the drama, look to Otterbine.

Lasting impressions with Otterbine’s giant fountains. Stunning and dramatic water features for your lakes.

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LANDSCAPING SERVICES

SELECTION OF BOOSTER PUMPS FOR IRRIGATION Sizing of Pumping Systems for irrigation is not for guess work and to select well, needs many considerations to achieve optimum performance and efficiency.

the pumps as demand increases, so one pump may be required initially, but as demand increases an additional will be deployed to maintain pressure.

Head and flow are the main requirement for any system, however there is a lot of information required to get the best efficiency and reliability.

The control systems, maybe as simple as using mechanical pressure switches, to activate the motors via crude ‘direct online’ starting methods, however more commonly, variable speed drives are being used to match performance with demand giving better overall performance and economy.

Head is seen as the highest point of discharge from the pumps, but we need to understand the total amount of static head and other head losses in the system to define the Total Head. Pipework costs may push installers towards using less costly small-bore mains to the discharge points, only to undermine the long-term energy cost and system performance. Unfortunately, the friction loss within a small-bore irrigation system will demand more energy, escalating the running costs for energy, therefore the more flow the larger bore pipework is required, especially for the main distribution pipework. Other losses are found in any pipework system and should be accounted for when calculating the total head, sprinklers, irrigators, fittings, valves will have an identified head loss valve and by careful selection and design some of these losses can be reduced. Once the total head and flow has been determined the process of selecting the pumping system can begin, most facilities such as golf clubs, sports grounds, parks, large gardens will require a system using 2 or more pumps with a ‘jockey’ pump to cope with small fluctuations in pressure demands. The control of these pumps is via an electrical control system which will monitor the pressure with the discharge water main and will start

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A reliable and efficient control system will have a myriad of additional built in protection features supplementary to the expected motor overload protection; dry running protection is essential to avoid damaging the pumps due lack of incoming water, equally under pressure protection may be provided which shuts the system down if there is a delivery main burst or unplanned discharge beyond normal planned flows occurs.

Hertfordshire golf course, this required a booster set meeting very high industry standards, to improve the distribution of water around the expansive course where the water was extracted from lake. A Dual Booster Set was sized and selected, complete with 2 x 5.5kW vertical multistage pumps, motor mounted variable speed drives and bespoke control panel to Irritech specification, including back up fail-safe system via Digital Pressure Controllers. The pump set in a duty / assist configuration, will achieve a performance of 20m³/hr at 8.8 bar pressure.

The booster set is used daily to water the main pitch at the bet365 stadium.

Football Stadium Power supply is a very important consideration, ensuring that there is sufficient supply to meet the demand of a new system, while location of system is important trying balance the best location of the pump set to optimise the irrigation obligations but not too far from a main power supply to avoid escalating costs of larger power cabling to avoid voltage drop which will undermine the system. Recent examples of diverse booster pumps installations for irrigation show how different applications can be applied successfully.

Golf Course As part of a wider water management scheme on a

The home of Stoke City FC, the bet365 stadium, as with all major sporting grounds, requires watering daily to keep their pitch in a premium condition. Searching for an efficient and economic product that could provide reliable irrigation with automatic control. The system, comprised of fixed and variable speed clean water multistage pumps, was designed and manufactured to provide both the flow and water pressure required for the football ground.

Talk to the experts at TT Pumps Ltd Tel +44(0)1630 647200. www.ttpumps.com Follow us @ludmagazine

For essential Irrigation you can rely on Hi-Dro Boost range. Extensive range for small volume applications up to the largest irrigation schemes.

TALK TO OUR EXPERTS

response@ttpumps.com ttpumps.com 01630 647200

LANDSCAPING SERVICES

RE-FLOW LANDSCAPING SOFTWARE Commercial Landscapers have taken control of job management and workflows in 2021 with Re-flow Landscaping software. For a hands-on industry, taking on more work isn’t easy without employing more people, but this hasn’t stopped the commercial landscaping community. Forward thinking companies have been quick to embrace technological advancements in the sector to reduce time consuming activities such as completing daily job sheets, risk assessments, health and safety forms, vehicle check, before and after photos- by making them digital. Since the launch of the Re-flow Landscaping software package, we’ve seen a significant rise in the number of commercial landscapers adopting our system, which provides mobile job management software for companies that need to access information and complete forms, whether they’re up a hill or down a valley. Re-flow’s landscaping workflow software gives managers and administrators a command dashboard that enables them to quickly set up and schedule one off or recurring jobs and add and

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assign all the required job information and forms to groups or individuals. The information is accessed in the field on an app, simply using a smart phone or a tablet. One of Re-flow’s most recent clients, Shines Environmental have made a big effect by implementing the system. Operations Director Harry Downing recently updated us on their progress. “The impact is being felt already across the business. There’s no waiting around for paper job sheets to be issued in the mornings, the lads are able to grab their works phones and instantly see where they’re going, who they’re working with, what tools they need and they’re able to get loaded up and out to work a lot quicker. One of the most powerful tools for us has been the ability for the guys to upload photographs of their work against each individual task and within seconds we can view this in the office. If there’s any challenging situations, this enables us to see in real time what is required to deal with them.

Our reputation over the years has grown because we are able to offer our clients a great degree of flexibility and respond quickly to ever changing situations which are commonplace in the construction industry. We needed the system to keep up with our pace and be as flexible as we are, and Re-flow certainly achieves this. Being able to drag and drop work on the scheduler, add tasks, send plans, etc instantly to the guys has actually increased our ability to be even more flexible and react even quicker, which our clients love.”

Find out more about how you can use Re-flow to help your business grow and watch some other customer success stories. www.re-flow.co.uk/sectors/landscaping Follow us @ludmagazine

Remote Workflow Management for landscapers and grounds care Schedule Capture

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Get ready to Re-flow – the software that connects and optimises your back office to field operations It’s a real game-changer. Freed from the burden of huge amounts of admin, we have more time to focus on actual landscaping and company development. I fail to see how it wouldn’t benefit almost any business which has staff working remotely. The unforeseen benefits just keep appearing; recently we found it made us a contender for a large contract which demanded live reporting. It’s a fantastic product as it is – but when backed up by Re-flow’s tirelessly supportive and flexible approach – well, I just wish we’d got on-board years ago. We’d certainly never go back.” Oliver Hemson, Commercial Department Manager, Tony Benger Landscaping

Mobile Workforce Management solution for landscaping • Create jobs and tasks, add all information and sync to users‘ mobiles in the field. • Schedule users in the calendar and assign pinpoint map locations to jobs. • Add landscaping specific digital forms and workflows, accessed on or offline. • Assign materials and equipment to jobs and users with codes for tracking, maintenance and SHEQ. • Mark-up images, sign off forms and tag all submissions with time/date/location tags. • Produce quotes and invoices within the app using a Bill of Quantities and inbuilt calculators. • Receive information and produce reports to make datadriven decisions and improve costs, safety and efficiency.

Find out more: www.re-flow.co.uk/landscaping 01392 574002 | info@re-flow.co.uk

BOOK A DEMO

LANDSCAPING SERVICES

HORTICULTURAL TRADES ASSOCIATION PREDICTS TREE SHORTAGE ISSUES FOR GOVERNMENT TARGETS HTA Board member Brian Fraser appeared before the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) select committee yesterday (Tuesday) to give evidence to the panel outlining the industry view that the Government’s failure to engage with the sector before setting targets for tree planting will mean that they will most likely miss these targets as growers cannot meet demand in the time frame outlined. Fraser, who is also a member of the HTA’s Tree and Hedging Group and Director of Oakover Nursery in Ashford, Kent, explained that there are not enough trees in production at present to enable the target of 30,000ha to be planted by 2024 to be met.

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Brian Fraser said: “The Government needs to urgently work and engage fully with the industry to bring the Nursery Notification Scheme to reality and provide the confidence in the market that growers need. This is through ensuring that landowners have sufficient incentives to plant trees on enough land to meet the targets. The timeframe of only two growing seasons to meet this target is just not achievable without support. It is not just a ‘numbers game’ though. It needs to be a plan that recognises the importance of urban planting and maintenance of those trees if the Government are going to properly back UK tree producers”.

James Clark, HTA Director of Policy and Communications at the HTA said: “We all know how crucial tree planting is to tackling climate change and achieving Net Zero. This is a plan that needs to be embedded across Government – ensuring any targets announced are realistic and achievable. Policy decisions around skills and labour, including seasonal workers, along with planning and trade with the EU, are so important not only to delivering a leading tree planting agenda, but for the wider ornamental horticulture sector to generate increased economic growth to ‘build back greener’.”

hta.org.uk Follow us @ludmagazine

LANDSCAPING SERVICES

DOGGIE DOOLEY FROM KEDRON PET & GARDEN Doggie Dooley in-ground dog waste systems are the easy way to manage dog waste and keep gardens clean. Install the unit in the ground, then simply scoop dog waste into the unit and add water and digester powder or tablets. Waste breaks down naturally using natural enzymes and drains harmlessly away. Available as septic tank or leach bed options; sold wordwide since 1968. Totally safe for pets, plants, lawns and children. £59.95

Add dog waste

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Lighting, Controls and Design for Gardens....

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TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

KUBOTA HORSEPOWER IS A WINNER

AT HIGH PROFILE EQUESTRIAN EVENTS Kubota is providing the horsepower at a series of high profile equestrian events this year and is already proving to be a winner for the site team.

The action then moves indoors for the Liverpool International Horse Show over the New Year, a glittering, festive send off to the equestrian year.

Bolesworth Events organises a series of top level showjumping competitions in the beautiful surroundings of Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire in the summer, with the highlight being the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show on 7-11 July, a five day festival which combines thrilling competitive action with entertainment, fabulous shopping and feasting on fine food and drink.

Kubota dealer Hughes Bros of Oswestry, Shropshire, is a sponsor of these innovative equestrian events, providing tractors and utility vehicles to the Bolesworth site team. The fleet of machines ranges from the nippy RTV500 and powerful RTV-X1110 utility vehicles, to the compact 37hp ST371 tractor and its workhorse bigger brothers, the 50hp L1501 and 72hp M4072.

Day after day, it turns in an exceptional performance.

Bolesworth Events Site Manager Will Hutchinson-Smith and his team have already had chance to try the machinery out, at a four-day national showjumping competition in May. “My team looks after the entire site from the arenas to the infrastructure and car parks,” he explains, “so it’s been great to have the Kubotas and we’ve really put them through their paces.” As well as harrowing and grading the vast 102x62m all-weather arena which has its own moat, the smaller tractors are used for moving showjumps.

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT Packing a punch at 72hp, the M4072 tows an 800 gallon water bowser, to keep arenas and roads dust-free. “We’ve been very impressed,” says Mr Hutchinson-Smith. “The compact tractors have plenty of power but are very agile, which is important when you need to get in and out of the arena quickly. We even had to use one to tow out a catering concession due to the wet conditions at our first event and it pulled it out with no hesitation.” He adds that the tractors are also straightforward to drive and work with for the whole team. The RTVs are kept busy moving staff, tools and equipment around the site, with the RTV X-1100 hitching up a trailer when even more carrying capacity is needed. “They are so useful with their hydraulic tipping beds – we’re able to move materials such as woodchip around easily and there’s plenty of power and grip when we need to

get off the estate roads,” notes Mr Hutchinson-Smith. He’s now looking forward to using the tractors and RTVs as the action builds towards the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show in July, which attracts the leading names in showjumping. “They’re an addition to the team that we can really rely on, and we’ve also

had a fantastic level of support from Hughes Bros, with Richard Hughes always on hand to advise and help us get the best out of them,” Mr Hutchinson-Smith adds.

To find out more about the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show visit www.bolesworthinternational.com

ZD1211 Zero-Turn Mower: Exceptional manoeuvrability, high productivity Engineered Engineered from from the the ground ground up up to to deliver deliver outstanding outstanding cutting cutting capability capability you you can can rely rely on. on. ■ ■ Impressively Impressively powerful, powerful, reliable reliable and and economic economic 24.8HP 24.8HP Kubota Kubota

diesel diesel engine engine with with high high capacity, capacity, smooth smooth HST HST transmission. transmission. ■ ■ Extremely Extremely manoeuvrable manoeuvrable with with aa 360 360 turning turning radius. radius. ■ ■ Highly Highly productive productive mowing mowing featuring featuring aa shaft-driven, shaft-driven, deep deep

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TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

UNRIVALLED LIGHTNESS OF CUT FOR SPORTS GROUNDS

TORO’S REELMASTER 3575-D ENGINEERED TO DECREASE TURF COMPACTION Toro’s Reelmaster 3575-D is the lightest available cylinder mower in its class, bringing an unrivalled lightness of cut to pitches, training grounds and academies. Designed to be 20 percent lighter than traditional larger cylinder mowers, Toro’s Reelmaster 3575-D weighs just 2550lbs including the cutting units – that’s 500lbs less than comparable four-wheel mowers – to decrease turf compaction and bring a superior quality of cut even in wet conditions.

Not only that though, this machine has been designed with a front-toback and side-to-side balance of weight to produce a low centre of gravity and has a large footprint, which, when combined with turffriendly tyres, reduces turf damage. Since its launch in 2019, football clubs like Manchester City have trusted the Reelmaster 3575-D to improve turf quality without sacrificing productivity and they’ve taken fairway cutting at golf clubs to a new level, too.

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Alastair Rowell, UK sales manager for turfcare equipment at Reesink Turfcare, the sole Toro distributor in the UK for golf and sports fields equipment, explains:

“This machine was designed to bring more choice to the lightweight fairway mower market – in fact, you could say it revolutionised it, and it didn’t take groundscare customers long to realise that this would bring new benefits into their mowing of stadium pitches, training grounds, and academies too. “The three-wheel drive system helps with the tight turns at the ends of the pitch and brings impressive traction to hilly cutting areas. The 100-inch width of cut means

productivity comes as standard making light work of your cutting duties.” The Reelmaster 3575-D is available with five inch or seven inch cutting units and will be sure to make an impression on the pitch without leaving one.

Call Reesink Turfcare on 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk to find out more. Follow us @ludmagazine

LOOKING FOR AN ALTERNATIVE?

LIGHTWEIGHT

& ECONOMICAL

Perfectly designed for the commercial user who is looking for a mower that is lightweight to tow from site to site, economical to run and low initial cost. Its compact size allows for effortless manoeuvrability whether mowing large parks or gardens that contain lots of obstacles to cut around. The SF224 is powered by a 22.5 hp diesel engine that is Stage V compliant and does not need complicated emission control devices. This allows the mower to be extremely fuel efficient and only requires simple maintenance. Available with a range of rotary or flail decks, tool carrier or collector.

Contact your local ISEKI dealer to book a demonstration today! Tel 01473 599266 | info@iseki.co.uk

Designed & Engineered in Japan www.iseki.co.uk

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

STIGA EXPERT RANGE OF CORDLESS GARDEN TOOLS – PERFECTED BY GREEN-FINGERED ENGINEERS Using an alternative to fossil fuels has become increasingly important for a lot of people. Many of us now cycle rather than drive to reduce harmful emissions. This has led to battery-powered tools becoming a lifestyle trend that is growing fast in the gardening business. STIGA battery lawnmowers and handheld tools are built from lightweight, robust materials. Engineered for real-life working conditions, not just to pass a lab test. STIGA’s innovative new E-Power batteries maintain a highperformance capacity and are still going strong after 600 charges. That is the equivalent to an owner running down and recharging the battery twice a week for six years. The STIGA EXPERT range of Cordless lawn mowers with two battery slots offer true power

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and robustness. The custom-built 48V powertrain recognises which batteries have been inserted into the battery compartment, the microchip synchronises the batteries, balancing the power draw and discharge rates along with the temperature, whilst monitoring the current for maximum run-time, energy storage and longevity. With a superior handlebar grip and less vibrations on every mower you can ensure that your comfort lasts as long as the batteries. STIGA’s 900 series of EXPERT garden tools (Brushcutter, Blower, Hedge trimmer & Long reach hedger) will make light work of many tasks and when used in conjunction with the STIGA battery harness make them ultra-light without compromising on performance – setting a new standard of ergonomic excellence.

The battery harness is waterproof with fully adjustable straps and a connecting cable for left or right-hand users. It holds two STIGA E-Power batteries of any amperage, lightening the load for uninterrupted work time. Whether mowing, cutting, trimming, or clearing, the NEW STIGA cordless range of mowers and hand tools are as powerful and long-lasting as their petrol equivalent, but with none of the noise, fumes and hassle of engine maintenance.

www.stiga.com/uk Follow us @ludmagazine

Expert 900 Series 48V battery lawn mower

Perfected

Rubber cased handle: Improves grip and provides insulation from vibration.

By green-fingered engineers.

Stiga batteries are tested for real life working conditions – far beyond the industry standard.

Fingertip STIGA control pad: Conveniently positioned to control speed, mode selection, and display battery status.

Reliable, long-lasting power: 2 x 48v batteries work together to double the power to give the highest cutting performance and extended run time. Patented STIGA One Motion system: Cutting height adjustment and grass bag removal are easily done with one hand.

Cutting flexibility: Collect or mulch. Side or rear discharge.

Extra wide cutting deck: Galvanised steel with reinforced edges for efficiency, durability and performance.

High coverage: Covers up to 1100 sqm in 40 minutes, on one charge. High-efficiency brushless motor: 2.2kW output for maximum cutting performance. Reduced noise and low energy consumption.

STIGA Patented Twinclip blade: Double-layered and specifically shaped for a double cut to reduce grass clipping size maximising bagging. Tough materials, built to last: Aluminium cast wheels for strength on rough terrain.

48V range EPower lasts. The high performance that drives the Expert range of cordless garden tools.

Leaf Blower

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Next level engineering.

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

JOHNSONS DELIVERS MORE THAN JUST A PREMIER WICKET

FOR AGEAS BOWL

with different conditions you’re never sure how a product will adapt. My team and I couldn’t be happier with the strength and robustness we have achieved on our squares and now with matches every two weeks, we’re relying on its rapid germination to not only improve presentation, but to provide enough resilience to host matches later in the year.” A break in play caused by the first COVID lockdown provided Ageas Bowl Head Groundsman Simon Lee with a window of opportunity to conduct a full renovation of the club’s nursery ground. While the events of last year certainly kept everyone on their toes, Simon’s knowledge and experience of using Johnsons Sports Seed mixtures for the last 10 years, meant the results of the renovation – completed with J Intense – came as no surprise! Simon took over at the home of Hampshire CCC in January 2020, on the back of nine years as Head Groundsman at Somerset CCC where he’d used both J Intense and J Premier Wicket. “You know what you’re going to get with Johnsons in terms of germination and quality of sward. We had just under seven weeks to get the project complete, before a number of international teams used the ground as a base for

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three months of training. The speed with which the seed established allowed us to get the ground back in play rapidly and I strongly believe that without that, we would have really struggled for coverage with the high levels of sustained play.”

Simon concludes, “Despite the cold and challenging conditions we’ve had to start this year, the Johnsons mixtures are hardy enough and we can see the fruits of our labour with some germination already, and only more to come when conditions allow.”

The 100% perennial ryegrass J Intense mixture was sown on the nursery ground outfields in May – providing exceptional disease resistance and high wear tolerance and recovery, even under close mown conditions. On the main ground it was the proven Johnsons J Premier Wicket mixture, sown at relatively high rates, to recover some bare areas from the previous season and set the stage for a condensed season of matches – albeit behind closed doors.

Johnsons J Premier Wicket is also available with DLF’s ProNitro® seed coat technology – making it a great overseeding option for upcoming autumn renovations. Now including hydroactive water management technology, ProNitro® contains both fast and slow-release nitrogen to improve nutrient utilisation through the early stages of plant growth leading to stronger germination, quick uniform growth and improved root & shoot density.

“I have always had fantastic results with J Premier Wicket mixture in the past but coming to a new ground

Tel: +44 (0)1386 791102 Fax: +44 (0)1386 792715 www.johnsonssportsseed.co.uk Follow us @ludmagazine

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

ETESIA GOAL ACHIEVED: HARD WORK PAYS OFF FOR DETERMINED GARDENER

Etesia goal achieved for Four Seasons Gardening.

It was a brand of mower he always wanted and now, Lee Norris, owner of Four Seasons Gardening, is the proud owner of four brand new Etesia pedestrian mowers. Eight years ago, Lee Norris took the decision to start his own business and was equipped only with a lawnmower and an old Ford Fiesta. Fast forward to 2021, and his company now has five members of staff and boasts a glowing reputation throughout South Wales.

taught me everything I needed to know. He was an absolute perfectionist, and his work was so precise and neat. If, for example, I left just one leaf on a driveway then he would quickly let me know about it! I often wondered why he gave me a hard time but now I know – he was showing me that it is the little things that go an incredibly long way.” Lee and his team now tend to many private and commercial projects and it is these high standards which has ensured that the company has never lost a contract. These standards demanded by Lee, not only apply to work ethic, but also to the equipment – and there is one brand that he has always had in his sights.

Lee pinpoints the success of the company to the advice and criticism he received from his mentor.

“I first heard of Etesia many years ago when I was first starting out in the industry,” he said. “Someone in the local area had one and he used to rave about how good it was and how it could cut and collect in the wet. I saw him using it and from that day I was adamant that one day I was going to get one.

“When I was 18 years old, I started working with a landscaping company and I had never pushed a mower in my life,” he said. “I went everywhere with the owner and he

“As the years progressed, and my company grew nothing had changed - I was forever telling the guys that soon we will have a fleet of Etesia mowers to use.”

Etesia UK also came from relatively humble beginnings. Although a revolutionary and market-leading brand in France, Etesia entered the UK market in 1995 with only one walk- behind and one ride-on machine. Over the years Etesia UK has grown rapidly and now offers a wide range of products that include a variety of walk-behind, rideon mowers and the highly regarded Attila range of brush cutters. With an extensive range of products in the Etesia portfolio, Lee was keen to ensure he made the correct decision. Lee purchased four PRO 46 PHTS3’s and believes they have certainly lived up to his expectations. “I can’t praise these machines enough,” he said. “The customer service from Etesia has been great at all times and I’m just very happy with the purchase.” For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www. etesia.co.uk. You can also follow Etesia on Twitter @EtesiaUK for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

THE ETESIA RANGE OF PEDESTRIAN MOWERS

Unrivalled Cut and Collect in any weather. The best cut and collect or mulch performance on the market.

The Etesia range of pedestrian rotary mowers sets the industry standard. Available from 46cm – 53cm cutting widths and push, single or variable speed options, there is an Etesia pedestrian mower for any use. All this adds up to machines that are purpose built professional mowers for professional use.

Full product details at www.etesia.co.uk or put us to the test and contact us for a free onsite demonstration on 01295 680 120

Etesia UK Seeing is Believing. Duocut 46

Honda or Briggs & Stratton engine • 46cm cutting width Variable speed models

PRO 46

Honda or Kawasaki engine 46cm cutting width Push & single speed models

PRO 51

Honda or Briggs & Stratton engine • 51cm cutting width Variable speed models

PRO 53

Honda or Kawasaki engine 53cm cutting width Hydraulic drive

Pro Mulcher (Biocut) Kohler engine 53cm cutting width Dedicated mulcher

Call 01295 680 120 • email sales@etesia.co.uk • visit www.etesia.co.uk Etesia UK

ஶ@EtesiaUK

EtesiaUK

@EtesiaUK

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TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

POWER ROTARY SCISSORS

PREVENT FLYING DEBRIS. INNOVATIVE ATTACHMENT FOR STRING TRIMMER OR BRUSH CUTTER Power Rotary Scissors is the innovative attachment for any brand string trimmer or brush cutter.It features two independent round, tooth blades that move in “opposite” directions for smooth, clean cutting.

With the Power Rotary Scissors, you target exactly what needs to be cut.

Major features are as follows: • Flat bottom design Ideal for cutting lawn flat.

The 1:20 reduction ratio and counter rotating blades create a clean,safe,sharp cut in any use.It can prevent flying gravel or debris damaging your trees, plants or even cars in parking lots.Preventing flying debris means it is an ideal brush cutter attachment for operators working in conditions with risks or potential for damaging of property.

• Counter rotating blade For reduced risk of causing damage and kick-back.

Power rotary scissors is great for edging, wetland clearance and uncovering of landmarks (drain covers etc).Perfect for precision cutting around lawns, gardens, bunkers and sand traps.

• Less flying debris Useful for trimming near parked vehicles,office windows.

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• Easy edging Perfect for tidying edges. • At the water’s edge Ideal for trimming at the water’s edge or wetland.

Blades are easy to sharpen and replace as the gear unit can be completely disassembled for easy maintenance. With dual blade rotating scissor action, multiple adapters to fit a wide range of trimmers, and additional blade options available for thin/soft grass, edging, or multipurpose cutting. The Power Rotary Scissors trimmer head keeps the operator clean and safe from flying debris.Attach this to a string trimmer or brush cutter in minutes and instantly increase productivity and safety.

E-mail info@idech.co.jp www.idech.co.jp/contents/category/ en-top/ Follow us @ludmagazine

PREVENT FLYING DEBRIS

ATTACHMENT FOR ANY BRAND BRUSHCUTTER

Designed with the innovative dual blades cutting system Counter Rotating ＆ Reduction Gear

10,000rpm Engine speed

ATTACH

Edge Trimming

to your brushcutter

Reduce to 3,300rpm

Reduce to 500rpm

MADE IN JAPAN www.idech.co.jp info@idech.co.jp

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

HUSQVARNA CEORA™ KICKSTARTS A NEW ERA

IN COMMERCIAL TURF CARE Husqvarna CEORA™, the muchanticipated solution for commercial turf care management, is finally here. CEORA™ is expected to revolutionise an industry dominated by heavy, conventional diesel mowers that require manual operation, as it can independently mow an area the equivalent of up to eight football pitches day or night. This significantly reduces overall costs and allows staff to focus on value-adding tasks. The electric operation minimises noise and reduces emissions to zero*. The machine itself is purpose built to be autonomous and is designed with safety in mind. Key features include its light weight, safer blades and ability to detect objects and move around them. In the future, the ground-breaking solution of

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CEORA™ opens up for a wide range of accessories, including to help with fertilizing, lawn striping or collecting golf balls. Husqvarna has been the pioneer in helping millions of homeowners make the switch from manual mowers to robotic. Now Husqvarna takes commercial turf care into the next era by offering a large-scale robotic solution that increases the quality of the lawn whilst reducing costs by approximately 30% compared with conventional commercial mowers**. CEORA™ makes the lawn greener and denser thanks to its unique cutting technology, low weight and opportunity to mow more frequently. Instead of manually operating the mower, professionals

simply use their smartphones to control how, when and where CEORA™ mows. The performance on the lawn is efficient and systematic, mowing in a lane-by-lane sequence. Maintenance during the season is limited to changing blades and cleaning. “Commercial turf care is about to be revolutionised thanks to CEORA™. I am confident that it will be a much-appreciated addition to any team of landscape professionals - a quiet, smart and autonomous colleague that will happily perform the most tedious tasks whenever needed. Not only is the pitch always ready for play, professionals free up their time for other tasks.” says Valentin Dahlhaus, Vice President at Husqvarna. Follow us @ludmagazine

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Flexible use and increased control

Safety features and reduced carbon footprint

CEORA™ is robustly built and easy to manage even for somebody not used to robotic mowers. Greenkeepers can expect CEORA™ to navigate with a precision of 2-3 cm, thanks to Husqvarna´s satellite navigation system, EPOS. It is possible to select individually defined areas on demand, with different schedules as well as height-settings. The user keeps perfect control of all mowers in the fleet, through the Husqvarna Fleet Services application. CEORA™ is backed by Husqvarna´s maintenance and support program, UpCare, which provides fast repair and replacement services.

CEORA™ is designed to avoid obstacles. With the ultrasonic remote object avoidance system, the mower slows down soon as it senses an approaching object. As a positive side effect, this increases uptime by eliminating interruptions

* Zero emission means no direct emissions during use. ** Based on calculations made by Husqvarna, using estimates of total cost of ownership of CEORA compared with a conventional ride-on-mower, on average over a 5 year period. Calculations of total cost of ownership include installation, staff, energy consumption, service, maintenance and repairs in Europe on average.

and undesired stops. Emissions are reduced to zero*, helping golf and football clubs as well as other public and commercial landowners to significantly lower their carbon footprint.

Availability Husqvarna will launch two models - Husqvarna CEORA™ 544 EPOS and Husqvarna CEORA™ 546 EPOS - that will be available in Sweden, Denmark, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Poland, at selected Husqvarna pro-partners from the first quarter of 2022. As part of a first year introductory offer, CEORA™ 544 EPOS has RRP 24 900 EUR and Husqvarna CEORA™ 546 has RRP 28 900 EUR. It is also available as a lease option in selected markets.

www.husqvarna.com www.landud.co.uk

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THE BEFORE AND AFTER OF ONE METRE DEEP AERATION COMPACTION AND WATERLOGGING STOP PLAY. DOWNTIME COSTS MONEY.

Terrain Aeration’s long-term treatment reaches one metre deep where compressed air blasts the compaction. The soil is opened up for good drainage and a healthy sward with minimum disruption. We have been successfully aerating sports turf, bowling greens, golf courses, parks, trees and gardens for over twenty-ﬁve years.

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LIGHTING

THORN SHINES A LIGHT ON IRVINE HIGH STREET AND CLOSES REGENERATION Thorn have supplied the lighting for North Ayrshire Council’s £2.8 million project to upgrade Irvine High Street, as part of their commitment to delivering the area-wide regeneration initiative Irvine Vision. Key objectives included creating a pedestrianfriendly environment by improving circulation, introducing traffic calming measures, widening footways, reducing street clutter and upgrading the lighting to facilitate safer access through the town centre, whilst protecting the environment and reducing operating costs.

Abrar Suleman, Electrical Services Engineer at Hawthorn Boyle Ltd comments “Thorn has helped the Hawthorn Boyle and LUC team deliver a hugely impressive, visually stunning lighting scheme that reflects the new Irvine Streetscape upgraded for today and future aspirations”.

Challenges in balancing the luminaires to achieve the correct lux levels and uniformity were overcome by utilising a mix of column and wall mounted solutions using Thorn’s in-house Satys brackets on walls to compliment the column units and mounting Dyana LED lanterns on bespoke columns.

Dyana LED has a choice of two beam distributions and is perfect for illuminating city streets, building surroundings and pedestrian areas at heights between 6m and 8m, post top or side mounted. By concealing the heat sink with a smooth aluminium canopy and shielding the LEDs under toughened glass, the lantern is protected against the elements of weather and corrosion and maintains optimum performance over 50,000 hours.

Thorn’s saucer-shaped, IP66 Dyana LED lanterns have a distinctive design and are only 110 mm in thickness, with outstanding optics and great versatility. The high power LEDs are boosted by a patented lens and aluminium reflection system for uniform and glare-free illumination.

Duncan McLean, Director of Landscape Architecture at LUC comments “The refurbishment of the town centre lighting is a fundamental component to Irvine’s regeneration. The Thorn Dyana LED lantern has proved to be a robust and elegant solution.”

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COLLÈGE SAINT-PAUL:

BRINGING THE INDOOR OUTDOORS Taktik design has completely redesigned the exterior schoolyard of Collège Saint-Paul, a high school institution renowned for its sporting vocation located in Varennes, in the suburbs of Montreal near the St. Lawrence River. Initially and mainly composed of asphalt areas, the schoolyard presented a development problem due to a street that divided the space into two distinct sections. This street and an adjacent residential lot were purchased by the College to unify the schoolyard and improve its functionality.

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The different areas have been designed in relation to the gradation of activities. Near the College, the lounge area consists of various pieces of furniture, all designed and manufactured by Taktik design, and aimed at practicing calm activities such as socializing, reading, or relaxing. High tables in solid wood and aluminum serve as meeting or small group workstations. The long picnic tables made of FSC certified wood, a forest certification system that protects forest ecosystems and rare or threatened wildlife species, and yellow zinc-plated steel allow outdoors dining while protecting

students from the sun or rain thanks to the stretched canvases. To take advantage of the beautiful sunny days, wooden platforms are integrated into the landscaping. The carefully thought-out placement of the backrests on the platforms makes it possible to use the furniture while sitting as on a bench or in a lounge chair mode. The central section, outlined to serve as an outdoor classroom, is made up of small house-shaped pergolas partially shaded by stretched canvases. Equipped with alternating long high tables, as well

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as picnic tables, the space allows the accommodation of larger groups. Adjacent to the classrooms, a twostep high elevated area covered with dynamic shaped paving stone and equipped with a luminous bollard supplied with electricity becomes a theater stage whose performances can be observed from the green platform. The course continues with the entertainment area made of synthetic turf allowing the practice of activities with a higher level of intensity. An outdoor training circuit with different exercise modules ranging from static and dynamic

stretches to balance games are found alongside a few anodized aluminum ping-pong tables. A colorful running track of over 160 meters encircles all the elements in the central area.

new facilities. With the addition of outdoor lighting, these light fixtures are now shared with the surrounding community after the College opening hours.

Next, come the active sports areas where is located a basketball court with the color identity of the College. The marking has been developed to allow a subdivision of three sub-fields. A multisport field with synthetic grass surface strips and a space to practice spike-ball are now also available. Large sports fields are found at the end of the schoolyard: dek hockey and a professionalsized soccer field complete the

The presence of numerous water retention basins allows the vitality of the abundant vegetation. These are delimited by large stones selected by the Taktik design team from a quarry in the region. A gigantic “PAUL” in the emblem color of the College, in aluminum, proudly sits in the center of the space, thus marking the new era of this schoolyard!

Technical sheet Location: Varennes Project end date: 2020 Area: 96,000 sq.ft Client: Collège Saint-Paul Designer/Project manager: Cynthia Papineau and Zoé B.De Passillé Collaborator: Nicola TardifBourdages Graphic design: Francois Leandre Photograph: Maxime Brouillet

www.taktikdesign.com Follow us @ludmagazine

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SPORTS & PLAY

THE SPORTS & GROUNDS EXPO 2021: 27 – 29 JULY

HAVE YOU REGISTERED YET? Join leading names across the industry as we showcase a backlog of innovation that has been kept under wraps over the last 15 months. 3 spectacular days at a stunning outdoor venue. The perfect way to reconnect and catch up on what has been going on across the industry. This summer has come around fast and brings with it a huge light at the end of the tunnel, ‘even though restrictions are being lifted cautiously there is definitely a more positive vibe amongst exhibitors and visitors, and this is evidenced in our data. We are very excited about what is to come in July. We have always been working with the restrictions that are already in place and even though they should have

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lifted by the time of the Expo it will not effect the event if they remain the same.’ Says SAGE exhibition manager Vicky Panniers. Elite sport such as football’s Premier League, with all the resource at their disposal, was able to restart within a matter of months of the pandemic’s first peak in the UK back in Spring 2020. Sport at lower levels, however, has not been as fortunate. Lower-level sport down to the grassroots has suffered at the hands of fluctuating government restrictions over the past year and was particularly hard hit over the winter period, having been suspended for four months with the exception of a few weeks in December.

The absence of sport in people’s lives has well-documented impacts on people’s physical and mental health, while financial security of sportspeople and clubs has been put at risk as a result of the lack of spectators. Not only that, all of the subsidiary industries that facilitate participation in sport have suffered as a result, including the Sports and Grounds industry. Grounds management is a sector worth more than £1bn in England alone, employing more than 27,000 people with workers specialising in a range of niches within the industry from seed enthusiasts through to line marking. It is perhaps now more pertinent than ever, then, that experts and enthusiasts from across the industry can finally convene and

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share ideas at the upcoming Sports and Grounds Expo. ‘We’re all chomping at the bit to get out there and meet again,’ said Iain Courage, Sales Director of Fleet Line Markers, headline sponsor of SAGE 2021. ‘It’s quite a close-knit industry in which everybody knows each other, so it’s a good opportunity for everyone to get together after such a long period.’ ‘It’s exciting because many businesses will not have had the opportunity to demonstrate their innovation for a long time – companies will have new products and services that they’ll be itching to showcase in front of a large audience and SAGE 2021 gives the perfect opportunity.’ The Sports and Grounds Expo (SAGE) will be the largest outdoor exhibition for the industry in the UK and it will bring together likeminded people from a wide range of professions, including green keeping, grounds maintenance, landscaping, colleges, universities, local authorities, premiership grounds and many more.

‘Hosting virtual events has been a great interim solution but I can’t see it being viable as we look to the future in our industry,’ Iain added. ‘The nature of our industry means the ability to get hands-on with products and have face-to-face conversations and demonstrations is so much more useful to people.’ Set amongst the breathtaking backdrop of the famous Malvern Hills, guests will enjoy demonstrations from leading products in a spacious outdoor setting, allowing a full immersive experience of everything on show, with absolutely no limitations on space. Many hot topics will be covered, such as how to operate in a costeffective and sustainable way, as well as improving general efficiency across the board. The occasion will be a key factor in the industry’s post-pandemic growth. Also, being completely aware that we are still living in some of the confinements of Covid-19, SAGE will offer a completely safe environment for everyone, adhering to the

latest health and safety guidance. Measures including social distancing, exhibitor contact-free lead capture, social distancing & free hand sanitiser to name a few have all been put in place.

Sports, grounds and the environment One separate issue that the pandemic has drawn attention to is the environment. With people confined to their homes and restrictions on people’s ability to travel and work, the past 15 months have been some of the most beneficial for the global environment in a very long time. Waters have become clearer of pollution, the air has emptied of the noxious gases that were being constantly spewed into our atmosphere and wildlife has been able to prosper. It’s important not to rest on our laurels, though, and that has been reflected in new government legislation brought in this April, which has targeted a 78% slash in emissions by 2025, on the way to carbon net-zero by 2050. As such, businesses of all sizes are becoming increasingly conscious of the impact they are having on the environment and that is no different to those in the sports and grounds management industry, which is constantly innovating with new ideas and products that don’t compromise on effectiveness and efficiency while doing more for the environment we all share. As a result, sustainability will be one of the major topics at this year’s Sports and Grounds Expo. Ian Sumpter, Managing Director of MowSure is working in partnership with

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SPORTS & PLAY SAGE 2021, said: ‘Sustainability is such a big thing for the industry and we’re constantly looking at how we can improve.’

adhere to, involving regular tests reminiscent of getting an MOT on your vehicle.

Sprayer Maintenance Ian has become a well-renowned figure in the industry having been involved in turf care since the early 1980s, working in a variety of roles from amenity horticulture, sports turf management through to training. ‘We’re seeing much more use of electric power for machines, more efficiency in the use of pesticides, as well as things like GPS systems for sprayers on golf courses becoming more popular,’ he added. ‘While much of the environmental focus has been on the likes of the automotive industry, it’s essential that the rest of us follow suit.’

Developing user knowledge and competence The Sports & Grounds Expo in partnership with Mow-Sure will be hosting a range of taster courses with the aim of allowing guests to develop their knowledge and competence at all levels. Sprayer maintenance is a particularly topical issue within the industry at the moment as organisations get to grips with the National Sprayer Testing Scheme. The NSTS is a mandatory scheme which spraying equipment must

This course will take visitors through a process to carry out standard annual servicing of a sprayer while adhering to current legislation. Guests will also learn how to troubleshoot sprayer issues and tips to prevent/correct faults. Guests will be able to familiarise themselves with current legislation surrounding the National Sprayer Testing Scheme in the amenity sector. The course is tailor-made for people responsible for the application of pesticides and associated equipment, add to existing knowledge of how to troubleshoot pesticide application machine issues. In addition, visitors will gain knowledge in preventative maintenance of sprayers and fixing issues with machines.

Cylinder Unit setup and aftercut appearance troubleshooting This course will allow guests to learn how to achieve the best quality of cut from a cylinder mower. It will cover safe practice and the best ways to set up units to reduce negative impacts on after-cut appearance and the environment. This course is tailor-made for people responsible for operating/

maintaining turf care equipment. Guests will: gain knowledge in setting machinery to achieve optimum quality of cut; understand troubleshooting process to identify quality of cut issues; identify key machinery set up options to rectify quality of cut issues; as well as identify key machinery setup options to rectify quality of cut issues.

Pre-start checks including basic machinery maintenance This course will revolve around the processes for carrying out standard preventative maintenance. It will cover pre-start checks, maintenance and troubleshooting tips to prevent or correct any faults. It is tailor-made for people responsible for operating or maintaining turf care equipment, providing knowledge on how turf care machinery functions, as well as how to identify potential faults within a turf care machinery system and how to repair them.

Why should you attend? • The stunning OUTDOOR venue provides an abundance of space for exhibitors to demonstrate their products and solutions • New products to be launched this is the first time for over 16 months that many of our exhibitors will be able to showcase their latest innovations and products • Networking; after the last year the opportunity to meet up outdoors is vital in showing value to key clients and also gives new opportunities to form new vital relationships • Industry trends & education; see what you have missed over the last year, and get involved with the free courses that are being led by our partners Mow-Sure

COMPETITION! Four lucky guests could also win a helicopter tour worth £850 in partnership with Highland Helicopter Tours! Taking off from the SAGE venue at Three Counties Showground, the winners will get a fly-over tour of the event before heading to the spectacular view of the Malvern Hills. All that’s needed to enter is to register for your free ticket to SAGE 2021 and LIKE the Sports and Grounds Expo Facebook page.

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The Sports and Grounds Expo is free to attend and guests can secure their place by visiting www.sportsandgrounds.events. Attendees can also book onto any of the above courses by heading to the Courses page. Follow us @ludmagazine

THE LARGEST OUTDOOR SPORTS AND GROUNDS EXPO

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SPORTS & PLAY

INFECTION FREE PLAY -

DESIGNING PLAYGROUNDS FOR A POST PANDEMIC WORLD The current pandemic is responsible for many things but surely one of the most destructive has to be the effect it has had on children’s play, their spaces and ultimately their all so important childhood freedom. Both good physical and mental health are vital outcomes of play. Play depends upon the provision of physical and social environments that meet the needs of children, that provide fun, creativity and freedom. Playing in an authentic, safe and happy environment can nurture the biological needs of children’s play. The impact of staying at home and the closure of our play spaces will have had a severe effect on the well-being of many children and young people. As we adapt

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to living with the virus it will be vital that we ensure children have many good opportunities to access play. Outdoor play will be more important than ever. Giving children more space, allowing for the socially distanced 2m, providing safe play hygienically, managing numbers on site and limiting play times, may all need to be taken into consideration. Public parks, school playgrounds, and outdoor spaces have been and will continue to be increasingly vital for the nation’s health both physically and mentally. Once schools reopened at the beginning of 2021, school staff were tasked with the huge responsibility of navigating new measures to ensure that our children were

safely given time to exercise and play whilst not mixing different classrooms and school years. Creating segregated playing areas played a huge role in this allowing for multiple school years to be outside at once. At Merton Bank Primary School in St Helens they opted to have a new Multi Use Games Area installed in their play area in time for reopening to assist in these new measures. Multi Use Games Areas (or MUGAs for short) are enclosed steel structures that can cater to a multitude of sports in one space, from football to basketball to cricket and hockey. The contained sports space allowed for multiple classrooms to be out playing at once and staff can easily monitor

SPORTS & PLAY

the pupils to ensure their safety. Not only do the MUGAs eliminate classroom mixing but also beyond that offer a huge benefit by keeping the ball safely within the space; with children able to play outside the compound freely and a reduced risk of accidentally being struck. Merton Bank School have seen huge benefits since the addition of the MUGA to the playground “It’s more organised, we can straight away take a group of children to the games area, which leaves the playground free for others to run around without fear of the ball hitting them. Also, from a classroom point of view - it means especially now in lockdown where we’ve had to do things slightly differently - the children have been able to come out with a member of staff and have a kick about - and competition between classes” Sue Miller School Business Manager at Merton Bank School. Carefully considered Playground markings can offer contact free play that is both physical as well as mentally stimulating for young minds. A low cost and low impact option, the markings can separate play areas, offer challenging games and targets, in addition to teaching real world practical lessons by including roundabouts and zebra crossings to practice basic road safety techniques while the children walk, run, cycle, scoot and pedal their way around a circuit.

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SPORTS & PLAY The steel trim trails from AMV’s workshop here in the UK are manufactured from steel posts that are galvanised and powder coated to offer a low maintenance hygienic surface that can be sanitised and wiped down after play. Each welldesigned item can be installed together and combined into countless configurations. Each course can create an imaginative agility environment to suit the ages of each user. A cube trim trail was recently utilised at Culcheth Community School and saw benefits from the happy pupils after such a difficult year. “The children absolutely love it. They have really been inspired to try a variety of different activities, they are quite creative in the way that they use the equipment. Because it is spread out we have been able to have more children to play safely under the current circumstances. It’s absolutely brilliant equipment!” Mrs Amanda Dodd – Head Teacher The Cube Trails offer a multitude of activities in a small amount of space, encouraging exercise and problem solving. Its minimal frame design also allows for high visibility throughout to ensure that the children are able to play safely.

However, it’s safe to say that despite all efforts, contact and mixing can be unavoidable within the playgrounds. Certain equipment will

require touch, therefore designers and planners will be considering which materials will be the most hygienic.

If there is a silver lining to Covid maybe it is that we are valuing children’s outdoor spaces more than ever. AMV Playgrounds understand the importance of a coordinated outdoor space that provides the best opportunities for children and adults alike. Outdoor play and sports equipment are essential elements to encourage everyone to play and exercise outside. AMV Playgrounds is part of the Bailey Street Furniture Group, a privately owned collection of individual companies serving the construction sector, providing a wide range of street furniture, playground elements and associated services to the public realm, commercial and educational schemes throughout the UK.

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SPORTS & PLAY

Call Julie on 0800 0197733 or email sales@sportsmark.net for more information

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Landscape & Urban Design - Issue 50 2021

Articles inside

Taktik design has completely redesigned the exterior schoolyard of Collège Saint-Paul, a high school renowned for its sporting vocation.

Infection free play - designing post pandemic playgrounds.

BAI awards celebrate hard work craftsmanship and dedication.

HTA predicts tree shortage issues for government targets.

Urban greening projects are expected to increase across the UK, following changes to local and national planning policies.

An exclusive area of London

South Cerney Outdoor Centre brings Ecodek onboard for a striking waterside bistro project.

Five hospitality venues across the UK that Namgrass have worked with to help business owners embrace the change needed to be profitable during the last year.

Outdoor living design trends for 2021 have never been more

Maximising biodiversity net gain with ‘lifetime’ living walls.

This London rooftop had previously been underutilised before garden designer Georgia Lindsay got to work.

Acidic and low pH tolerant plants... More choices than you may think.

Designing eco-friendly gardens without sacrificing the aesthetic.

Cook up a storm this summer with these top outdoor kitchen tips from Nomad Developments.