Ten Green Flag Award winning parks chosen by the public
Some of the most impressive green spaces in the UK – as voted for by park users – have been officially recognised in the 2024 People’s Choice Awards.
A record breaking 2,227 parks and green spaces achieved
Choice Awards, with thousands of people casting their vote:
• Rectory Lane Cemetery - Friends of St Peter’s Berkhamsted – Dacorum, England
• Hollycroft Park - Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council –Leicestershire, England
• Beacon Park – picturedLichfield District Council – Staffordshire, England
• Victoria Park (Tower Hamlets) - London Borough of Tower Hamlets – England
• Valentines Park - Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure Ltd – London, England
• Hainault Forest Country Park - Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure Ltd –London, England
Green Flag Award Manager Paul Todd MBE said: “Parks are a crucial part of this country’s green infrastructure, providing free opportunities to access physical and mental health benefits even in the most built-up urban environments.
“We believe everyone, wherever they live, should be able to access and enjoy safe, high-quality green space, so to have achieved this recognition from the public is testament to the tireless work by the thousands of parks staff and volunteers up and down the country to make their parks and green spaces wonderful places everyone can benefit from.”
the Green Flag Award - the international quality mark for parks and green spaces – this year, with successful submissions from local authorities and other land managers across the country for a range of sites, from world-famous city parks to small, local green spaces. It’s the largest number since the scheme began 28 years ago.
• Warley Woods - Warley Woods Community Trust – West Midlands, England
• Gardd Enfys - Friends of Gardd Enfys – Wales
Now members of the park-loving public have revealed their top ten favourite of those Green Flag Award parks and spaces as part of the charity’s 2024 People’s
• Margam Park - Neath Port Talbot Local Authority –Wales
• Strathaven Park - South Lanarkshire Council –Scotland
Meanwhile, hard working people who have dedicated their time to protecting and enhancing some of the most impressive green spaces in the UK have been officially recognised in the 2024 Best of the Best Awards, with a jury making the tough decision of who meets the criteria for each category.
Green Flag Award Enquiry 1
Greener Game launched for grassroots sustainability
The FA has launched a sustainability programme as part of a new long-term partnership with E.ON Next, which is dedicated to driving decarbonisation, promoting sustainable practices and reducing energy costs for grassroots football clubs across the country.
The programme, titled ‘Greener Game’, will empower grassroots clubs by providing them with investment opportunities for sustainable upgrades, alongside a wealth of educational resources and energy-saving guides.
Over the five-year programme, grassroots clubs across England
will be invited to join the Greener Game by registering online. Upon submission of their club details, they will gain access to an extensive collection of energy-saving resources, including tutorials, case studies and guides tailored to help clubs adopt sustainable practices.
The programme is set to invest £1.5m annually into grassroots football, benefiting around 75100 clubs each year.
Four clubs have participated in the pilot phase of the programme, it is estimated that the installations carried out by E.ON Next, in partnership with
the FA, could save an average of around £3000 per year, per club, depending on their energy usage.
James Kendall, FA director of football development, said: “Launching our new Greener Game programme marks another significant milestone for grassroots football and sustainability. Our partnership with E.ON Next allows us to give grassroots clubs practical tools and knowledge to embrace energy-efficient practices that will not only improve their operations and benefit the environment, but will also enable them to save money.
“This new programme is a true reflection of our commitment to creating a sustainable future for the sport we love. We have already seen the fantastic progress made by our Greener
Game pilot clubs, and we can’t wait to see how we can support even more across the country through this programme.”
The FA Enquiry 2
As the year draws to a close the last 12 months have been largely positive for the industry.
From the new Government’s commitment to funding schemes to boost parks and green spaces, to the launch of a range of new world-leading product and services, there has been plenty happening in 2024.
The challenges have certainly not diminished, but arguably the industry is proving itself more resilient with each passing year.
So, we look back at some aspects of the year in this issue, as well as look forward to what the next 12 months has in store.
One area that will be an interesting watch in 2025 is how the industry comes together throughout the year at various events and exhibitions. There is no doubt that even after just two events in 2023 and 2024 the awardwinning GroundsFest has shaken up the exhibition format and caused a lot of those in the industry to take stock and consider their future commitments.
At the end of October, the 2024 version of SALTEX perhaps proved to some that change is needed. Visitor numbers were noticeably down over the two days and there are plans afoot from the GMA to make changes at the 2025 event.
Next month sees BTME return and is again likely to attract many to Harrogate, not just the green keeping fraternity. Throw in other events like the sold-out Executive Hire Show and regional exhibitions such as ScotsTurf and there does appear to be a shift in the exhibition calendar.
This month we have our regular look at the Play & Activity sector, as well as the usual industry news, views and product information. Everyone at TSP Media would like to thank you for your continued support in 2024 and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Paul Groves, Editor
Grosvenor House, Central Park, Telford, TF2 9TW T: 01952 234000 E: info@tspmedia.co.uk
PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Martyn Smith martyn@tspmedia.co.uk
HEAD OF LANDSCAPE DIVISION Kellie Wake kellie@tspmedia.co.uk
AREA SALES MANAGER Colette Clark colette@tspmedia.co.uk
DESIGN & ARTWORK Laura Barton laura@tspmedia.co.uk
HTA sets out £134m bill and triple hit of the Autumn Budget
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, asking for a pause for consultation before implementing the measures announced in the 2024 Autumn Budget, which will be extremely damaging to many horticultural businesses.
The triple effect of a significant rise in the National Living Wage, increases imposed on employers’ National Insurance contribution and the decision to change the rules on Agricultural and Business Property Relief have come with inadequate warning and little consideration as to the impact they will have.
In a year that has seen changes to border controls, leading to uncertainty of timings and hikes in the cost of importing plants combined with poor weather, the environmental horticulture sector has already had to deal with extremely challenging conditions.
In her letter to the Chancellor, HTA Chief Executive Fran Barnes expressed significant concerns over how the Budget’s measures will have a ripple effect on employment and investment and could be inflationary. The HTA found in its November survey that the majority of members will look to pass costs back through the supply chain, and over half still plan to freeze recruitment, with the same number again looking to reduce or postpone capital investment.
STS Arb Group move onwards and upwards with trio of EVOs
Supporting the rapid growth and expansion of the Sussex Tree Specialists, an STS Arboricultural Group Company, is a trio of woodchippers from GreenMech.
Proud to be backing sustainable British-made products, Chief Operating Officer Darren Regan explains that the pair of EVO 165D’s and an EVO 205 SAFETrak are ticking the boxes for performance, safety and outstanding back up support.
Darren, who worked for one of the world’s largest stockbrokers for over three decades, is now applying his extensive experience in leading technology and compliance service operations to the arboriculture sector. He has teamed up with Matt Bell, the founder of Sussex Tree Specialists, to build on the fantastic business foundation Matt has already established. “Now we’re looking at how we can play our role in supporting diverse and productive woodlands, helping others within the sector, and expanding our offering,” Darren explains. “To do that, we need the right people and the right equipment to keep us at the forefront of our industry.”
With an ever-increasing order book from commercial customers including local authorities, highways, schools and housing associations, the group invested in the EVO 205 SAFE-Trak, delivered by dealers GA Groundcare Ltd in April 2024.
“Our previous chipper was forever breaking down and the EVO 205 presented itself as more capable
and in-line with what we were trying to deliver. It is constructed with quality components and materials giving us not only reliable chipping performance in the field, but also – as a British manufacturer - the peace of mind that parts and support is available locally should we ever need it.”
“Even more importantly, this machine excels when it comes to health and safety” he adds.
The EVO 205D SAFE-Trak is fitted with GreenMech’s awardwinning track-based system, allowing ground clearance of up to 530mm and offering unbeatable safety when traversing slopes or challenging terrain.
“They’ve listened to the industry and know exactly what’s needed. GreenMech clearly have the same appetite for safety as we do, the machine is packed with features.
Delivered in August 2024, our pair of EVO 165D’s give us all of this assurance in a smaller package –ideal for smaller commercial jobs and the wealth of domestic work we still undertake” he adds.
“We have big ambitions for the Sussex Tree Specialists and the wider STS Group of companies, and with these machines on our fleet we feel we’ve made a big step in the right direction. We have also gained the support of some great people in the form of GreenMech and GA Groundcare Ltd into our network who will all undoubtedly help us as we move onwards and upwards!”
GreenMech
Enquiry 6
Fran Barnes commented: “Our members recognise the context of the Autumn Budget; however, the impact of huge cost hikes within such a short timescale when business budgets have already been set, and buying has been agreed for the next year will inevitably impact jobs and investment. Sector businesses themselves have had difficult operating conditions, which have mounted over recent years.
“In the letter to the Chancellor, we strongly urge that the government pause the plans to review and consult fully with those impacted and have a comprehensive view to recognise the cumulative impact of multiple announcements. It is imperative and responsible to ensure adequate lead times for
policy changes. The government needs to work with us to create conditions where we can deliver our shared green growth ambitions and continue delivering jobs for local communities and the economic and health benefits the sector brings.
“Our sector, by producing the trees and plants we depend on, is the solution to so many of the economic, health and environmental challenges the government is facing, but these cumulative announcements with no scope for business planning will create destabilising uncertainty and ultimately hinder growth.”
The Horticultural Trades Association Enquiry 5
Range from 5 - 30 cubic meter
Durable and robust construction
Heavy-duty 4 auger machine
Alternative more economical 2 auger model
Heavy duty boron blades with 2 bolt fixing
Outlet discharge elevators built with heavy duty
stainless steel chain
Emergency stop buttons on all models as standard PTO / diesel / electric drives
Rear loading hopper as standard
Large comprehensive range of spares with next day delivery
Nationwide in-house support team
User safety training on all machines
Flexible payment plans with guaranteed buy-back
The Land Trust launches future scoping report as it marks its 20th anniversary
The UK’s premier green space management organisation, the Land Trust, is celebrating 20 years of delivering social, environmental and economic impact across its growing portfolio of sites across the country.
To mark the occasion, the organisation has developed an in-depth report looking at the key expected trends in relation to the Trust’s main areas of interest – society and community, physical and mental health and the environment.
Titled ‘Tomorrow’s World – What does the future hold for community, health, the environment and the Land Trust?’ the report was launched last Thursday, 7 November, to an audience of almost 100 partners, members, clients and contacts at a celebration event held at the House of Commons.
Alan Carter, Chief Executive at the Land Trust said: “We know that the future will bring continued rapid change: social inequality, climate change, and an overburdened healthcare system are just a few key issues. We wanted to understand what these changes may look like
and then develop a long-term plan which aims to address these challenges by promoting sustainable, accessible green spaces for community benefit.
“The next 20 years represent a pivotal opportunity for property developers, and all others who are involved in the development industry, to shape the future by integrating sustainable green spaces into their developments. As societal needs evolve, green spaces will be at the heart of tackling health disparities, climate change, and social cohesion.”
Janet Dugdale, Chair of the Land Trust added: “The publication of this report is the first step in a series of collaborative efforts to get ahead of the curve and weave these learnings into the Land Trust’s operations as they evolve in the decades ahead. Of course, green space is not a ‘silver bullet’ that can solve all the issues outlined in this report, it is just one part of a much larger puzzle.
“Intersectionality is key here, and there will need to be direction from policy to fully realise these benefits. However, the fact remains that public open space is a cost-effective, widely
beneficial and relatively simple step in improving the quality of people’s lives – creating better outcomes for society and supporting nature recovery. This has been evidenced time after time via the multiple sites the Land Trust has taken on over its history and remains at the core of its offering.”
The Land Trust was developed from a pilot by English Partnerships (also formerly the Homes and Communities Agency, now Homes England) with Groundwork UK to create a new organisation, which could take on the ownership and provide a long-term sustainable land management solution for derelict land which could not be used for redevelopment.
Previously known as The Land Restoration Trust, in 2009/10, the HCA received final approval for the organisation to become fully independent. The Land Trust has grown in both the scale and range of the green open spaces it owns and manages with a growing portfolio of almost 90 sites across England.
The Land Trust Enquiry 8
Avant 225 is the perfect
For Jeff Clark, maintaining his acre-and-a-half property in rural North Wales has become significantly easier thanks to the Avant 225 compact loader.
After some consideration and a test drive, Jeff traded his ride-on mower for the Avant 225, along with various attachments for it.
“I needed a machine that could mow, tow a trailer, and help me move things around the garden,” Jeff explains. “I’m 76, not getting any younger, and not as strong as I used to be. The Avant seemed to be the perfect machine to help me. It’s invaluable and well worth the money we invested. The bucket on the front is large and versatile; you can even mix cement in it, which I’ve found very useful.”
One of the standout features for Jeff is the quick-release coupling for changing attachments.
“The changeover of attachments is very quick. A quick flick of a lever and there’s no effort involved,” he says.
The Avant 225’s versatility shines through in various tasks. “I’ve planted apple trees with the mini digger attachment. Rather than spending hours digging a hole, it’s done in five minutes,” Jeff explains. “The 1500 out-front mower attachment does an extremely good job, and the adjustable height of cut is perfect for the different areas we have here.”
For Jeff, the best feature of the Avant 225 is its versatility. Overall, the Avant 225 compact loader has proven to be the ideal workhorse, providing the versatility and efficiency needed to maintain his land with ease.
Etesia Hydro 80 has power and precision
For Daf Price, owner of Dafscape, investing in the Etesia Hydro 80 ride-on mower has transformed his business.
Serving a variety of clients along the scenic St David’s coast, Daf has seen remarkable improvements in efficiency and versatility thanks to this compact machine.
“I look after mansions, campsites, small gardens, large gardens, and everything in between,” says Daf. “Most of my work is grass cutting and hedge trimming, and I work from January through to midNovember. The majority of the gardens I look after are cut once every two weeks, in all sorts of weather conditions. Some of the gardens can range from formal and tidy to overgrown jungles!”
Before acquiring the Hydro 80, Daf relied on pedestrian mowers, a method that was both timeconsuming and labour-intensive.
The Hydro 80, with its 80cm cutting width and hydrostatic drive, has been a revelation.
“Since buying the Hydro 80, it has completely changed my business. I’ve been able to go out and work in all conditions, and still do a cracking job. It has made life a lot easier,” he explains.
Equipped with a 15hp twincylinder Kawasaki engine, the Hydro 80 is built for performance. Its powerful motor allows Daf to mow through dense, overgrown grass without clogging, something that was a significant challenge with his previous equipment.
“It is great for cutting long overgrown grass,” Daf adds, emphasising the machine’s reliability and consistency, even in tough conditions.
One of the biggest benefits Daf has noticed is the time-saving aspect of the Hydro 80.
“Since purchasing this machine, it has probably cut my time in half when mowing the gardens, which means it frees up more time. I can see my family more and get other work done.
Saving time for me is everything. It has completely transformed my business, and it makes working a joy. I’ve also noticed a lot less stress on the body because there is less walking and less pushing.”
The Hydro 80’s compact dimensions (197 x 82 x 117 cm) and light weight (240 kg) make it exceptionally manoeuvrable, even in tight spaces.
The mower’s grass collection system is another standout feature. The Hydro 80 has a 240-litre grass box, which fills efficiently regardless of the weather, and can be easily emptied with just one lever.
Etesia
workhorse
UK Enquiry 9
MAKES AERATING EFFORTLESS
“The IQ dual-clutch F24/R24 gear box was chosen as it makes manoeuvring the tractor around the course whilst operating the equipment so easy.
Another feature we really like is the Auto PTO function or the Headland Management System, it is brilliant for when we get to the end of the run with the aerator, we can lift the implement up, the PTO automatically cuts out, we can turn around then lower again and PTO restarts by itself.
Brilliant for safety and avoiding damage or excess wear and tear on the implements themselves.”
Daniel Spencer, Letchworth Golf Club
READER ENQUIRY 11
C J Ashby Forestry bowled over by Aspen Fuel
Working in proud partnership with J S Wright & Sons, C J Ashby Forestry are contract felling and harvesting the willow which goes into making around 75% of the world’s cricket bats.
Powering the operation for the last 15 years is Aspen Fuel, which owner Colin Ashby says provides the clean, convenience they look for across their suite of two and four-stroke equipment.
Colin is the fourth generation of the family to take the helm and leads a team of 17 operatives nationwide looking after all stages of the willow production – from procuring and planting the trees, through to harvesting
and hauling. “Our journey with Aspen began 15 years ago when we started experiencing a number of issues with our petrol-powered chainsaws” he explains.
“I was working on a farm at the time, and the farmer suggested the source of the problem was the fuel. Later that day I picked up a copy of a forestry magazine and started reading about Aspen Fuel and the rest, as they say, is history!
“We purchased a few cans to give it a try and we’ve been using it ever since – starting with Aspen-2 initially in our handheld tools and then moving onto the Aspen-4 for our larger
bits of equipment such as the mechanical arbor.”
Virtually free from sulphur, benzene and solvents, Aspen alkylate petrol is much less harmful that pump unleaded. By removing these ingredients, operators can breathe clean air, contributing to a healthier and cleaner working environment.
The omission of ethanol also makes Aspen better for engine health, providing maximum performance while simultaneously extending equipment life and reliability.
Aspen Fuel Enquiry 12
Kubota marked a significant milestone of 50 years in Europe, by hosting an exclusive event themed “It’s All About People.” at PortAventura in Spain.
The event welcomed over 900 attendees, including dealers, distributors, partners, international media and employees, showcasing Kubota’s status as a leading manufacturer in Agriculture, Groundcare, and Construction equipment.
The event offered a chance for celebration, networking and insights into Kubota’s future. Attendees were introduced to exciting new additions to Kubota’s expanding portfolio,
New fencing launch is oh so quiet Kubota celebrates 50 years in Europe
Birkdale has released its new DuraPost Commercial Reflective Acoustic Fencing.
An ideal solution for both commercial and residential applications that require effective noise reduction, the robust and reflective fencing offers a sound reduction of 27dB, which has been tested to and complies with BS EN 1793-2:2018.
The fencing system is built using Birkdale’s Commercial DuraPosts, which are manufactured from cold rolled pre-galvanised steel, combined with tongue and groove reflective acoustic timber boards and rubber acoustic seals.
The acoustic timber boards are made from 70% PEFC Certified 225mm x 47mm slow-grown redwood, which is highly durable and resistant
to decay. Due to its slow growth, the redwood contains tight growth rings, denser wood fibres and fewer knots, contributing to improved strength, stability and quality.
The rubber seal strips, which are inserted within the DuraPost profile at both ends of the panel to create a compressed seal within the bays, is made from Cellular Adhesive EPDM Sponge. This provides excellent air, water, UV and weathering resistance from -40 to +80°C.
As an optional extra, the fencing system can also be fi tted with Whisper ® Cellular Acoustic Foam to bring the noise reduction up to the full 27dB. This is easily fitted to one side of the fence and held in place using an ‘S’ profile wire mesh.
Birkdale Enquiry 14
including the launch of the M7004 tractor and a limitededition anniversary model, of which only 50 units will be produced.
A unique “1 of 1” edition was also unveiled signed by Jean Alesi, the special guest of the evening, who drew fascinating parallels between Formula 1 and Kubota’s success, highlighting the contributions of the people behind it.
From a Groundcare perspective, Kubota unveiled an upcoming 44hp Front Centre Collect machine, contributing to the rapid growth in this sector. Additionally, building on the
success of the EK1 series across Europe, a hydrostatic version is set to increase the entry-level compact tractor range.
The event also highlighted Kubota’s commitment to future technologies, such as automation and connectivity. Attendees witnessed live demonstrations of the KFAST, a self-propelled sprayer developed for autonomous spraying solutions in orchards and vineyards alongside a M7 and a L1 Series tractor, equipped with an autonomous kit from AGC (Agreenculture), designed to address industry challenges such as labour shortages.
Kubota Enquiry 13
Tubex hits million mark
Tubex has reached a significant milestone in recycling more than 1.1 million tree shelters over the past three years, through its Collection & Recycling Programme, which provides a circular solution for recycling used tree shelters across the UK.
With a current network of 24 recycling hubs nationwide, Tubex has collaborated with its distributors and various forestry
organisations to create accessible and convenient free drop-off points for legacy tree shelters.
At its headquarters in Aberdare, Tubex has processed and pelletised approximately 36,000 kg of recycled shelter material this year, which is now being used to create new shelters.
Tubex
Enquiry 15
• Keep jointing in cold (> 3oC)
• Keep jointing in wet weather
• No delays - No waiting to joint
• No concerns over water in joints
• No waiting to clean off
• No washboy required
• No haze & No efflorescence +
• Easy wet-slurry application
• Very high flow & self-compacting
• No tooling or finishing required
• Fast curing & hardening +
• No shrinkage cracks
• Highest joint performance
• Optimum strengths & flexibility
• Fully resistant to traffic, de-icing salts, and jet-washing
Urban paving repointing without delays
Paving pointing and repointing is often a major headache for local authorities, architects, engineers and their contractors, due to the various and very necessary limitations of jointing materials, especially the countless delays waiting for a suitable weather window.
With GftK Paving Jointing Mortar, you can complete the jointing or repointing, and get the job completed on time - No more wating for dry conditions and a dry forecast.
A huge amount of paving pointing, especially repointing, fails the day it is applied, but the delamination, lack of bond strength, and fine shrinkage cracks, are often not immediately visible, even for up to a year or more.
However, the advanced technology in the state-of-the-art, second generation, two-part, epoxy resin based, GftK vdw 850plus, paving jointing system from NCC Streetscape, means that you can keep working in wet weather conditions, even in the rain.
There is no concern for residual water in the joints, the highly cohesive, self-compacting mortar displaces the water, no
tooling or additional finishing required either. You can even keep working in the rain when you need to get the job finished to get the area reopened as soon as possible.
GftK’s vdw 850plus is ideal for jointing many different types of paving, from domestic paving to paving around retail and commercial centres, as well as all types of urban paving, including heavily trafficked small format, natural stone setts on public highways and in historic market squares for example.
The unique products are completely prebatched for ease of use and strict control of mixing and use on site; the material has exceptionally high-flow characteristics and selfcompacting into the joints, with no additional tooling and finishing required. Cleaning the stone surfaces after the application is also easy, just rinse and clean off with more water, plus there is no cement-haze or potentially harmful cement run-off into drainage systems or to ground water.
GftK vdw 850plus hardens quickly to get areas into, or back into service as quickly as possible, hardening to withstand
the toughest installation and service demands that public areas are exposed to, including frequent vehicular traffic, with multiple heavy and articulated trucks, and with extensive deicing salt usage in winter, as well as spillages. These paved areas then require frequent high-pressure jet-washing, and often the use of mechanical street cleaning machines, all of which is no problem for GftK vdw 850plus, and you can say goodbye to expensive annual repointing costs, as well as repeated costly claims for trips and falls too.
Longer-term durability also increases sustainability and budget cost efficiency, with this durable long-term, cost-effective and sustainable performance now well proven for GftK vdw 850plus, all around the UK on successfully completed projects.
NCC Streetscape Enquiry 17
Green-tech supports Tilhill Forestry in South Scotland
Green-tech, the UK’s leading landscape supplier to the landscaping and forestry sectors, has recently collaborated with Tilhill Forestry to enhance the natural beauty of a Scottish site.
Olivia Fitzgerald, Forest Manager at Tilhill, shared her insights on the project, emphasising the importance of Green-tech’s products in achieving their goals.
“Following harvesting, the landowner was keen to create a new area of riparian broadleaves at the entrance to their site. The tree shelters and guards from Green-tech will be essential for protecting the young trees from the local deer population. In years to come, visitors to this forest will be welcomed with cherry blossom in the spring and brilliant yellow leaves of autumnal aspen. Thank you to Green-tech for providing such a responsive and reliable service.”
The project saw Green-tech supplying 1300 Tubex tree shelters, each 1.2 meters high, and 1.35-meter softwood stakes. These shelters and stakes are vital for ensuring the young trees can grow safely, free from damage caused by
wildlife. The use of these products reflects Green-tech’s commitment to supporting sustainable forestry practices and enhancing the UK’s natural landscapes.
Tom Sollitt, Key Account Manager at Green-tech, added:
“We were very pleased to be involved with this project. Olivia and the Tilhill team in South Scotland are always a pleasure to work with; their knowledge, dedication, and professionalism helped to make this a success for the client. We’re proud to have contributed to the enhancement
of the natural landscape in a beautiful part of the country.”
The successful relationship between Tilhill Forestry and Green-tech showcases the importance of reliable partnerships and high-quality products in sustainable forestry. As the newly planted riparian broadleaves mature, they provide both a stunning visual experience for visitors and contribute to the ecological health of the area.
Green-tech Enquiry 18
Green-tech and HedgeLife enhance environmental credentials
Are you suffering from a waterlogged garden/ lawn / golf course/ pitch?
Hayley’s Farm wanted to improve the environmental credentials of the farm. One goal was to plant 4,500 meters of new hedgerows and to lay 1,300 meters of existing hedgerows. They turned to Essexbased HedgeLife, a company passionate about improving the UK’s hedgerow network.
Ian Metson, the owner of HedgeLife, has a long-standing relationship with leading landscape supplier Green-tech and used 4000
meters of EcoMatt weed prevention mat, 27,000 Ecowrap tree shelters, and 27,000 supporting bamboo canes for this project.
An environmentally friendly weed prevention mat that degrades over two growing seasons and helps to suppress competing weed growth within the vicinity of the tree root development area. Manufactured in the UK, exclusively for Greentech, Ecomatt is made from 100% recycled materials that allow water and air to percolate through the wool layer and help retain moisture during drought. The matting also acts as an insulator and absorbs heat from the sun thus creating an assisted environment for the plant to establish itself.
Designed to protect young broadleaf trees, the Tubex Ecowrap tree shelter is an environmentally conscious choice. Made of nonbiodegradable polypropylene,
which offers durability and longevity compared to traditional materials, EcoWrap is a new tree guard with many innovative features to protect trees in an environmentally friendly manner. Not only are they fast and straightforward to install, but the Tubex Ecowrap Tree Shelter Guards also trap heat and moisture around the tree to boost survival rates and create the bestgrowing environment possible. The guards expand alongside the tree, providing plenty of space to ensure it isn’t suffocated as it grows.
Green-tech’s bamboo canes provide crucial support to the young hedgerow plants, ensuring they grow straight and strong. This initial support is vital for establishing a robust and healthy hedgerow.
The farm has seen immediate benefits from the project.
The newly planted and laid
Green-tech Enquiry 20
hedgerows are thriving, and the landscape connectivity has been greatly improved.
Next-level power on the go - the Kress CyberTank Lite
This year saw the introduction of a groundbreaking solution in battery-powered outdoor equipment: the Kress 60V CyberCapsule and CyberTankLite charging system.
Designed with solo landscapers and small teams in mind, this flexible energy storage solution combines efficiency, convenience, and reliability to keep your battery tools powered and your work uninterrupted.
Whether you’re tackling a full day of tasks or handling larger spaces, the CyberTank Lite is here to keep your tools fully charged and ready to go.
The CyberCapsule is at the heart of the Kress CyberTankLite system, providing no less than five full charges
for a Kress 4.0Ah CyberPack battery.
This means less downtime and more productivity, the CyberCapsule seamlessly powers your Kress tools while also serving as a highcapacity battery for the Kress Commercial backpack blower and mowers.
Its robust 1500Wh capacity offers compact yet powerful performance, ensuring consistent results across demanding work days.
What truly sets the CyberCapsule apart is its combination of durability and innovative features.
The advanced battery management system ensures optimal performance and
New addition to the Kubota mower range
In June 2024, the newest addition to Kubota’s Front Collect mower series featured a simplified design, complementing the professional-grade models currently available in the Front Collect range.
The primary objective with the FC2-221 was to create a machine that brings simplicity to the existing range.
extends the lifespan of the CyberCapsule, while Bluetooth connectivity allows you to monitor energy usage and performance through the Kress Commercial App.
With an IPX5 waterproof rating, it’s built to withstand tough conditions, from unexpected rain to challenging terrain.
The CyberCapsule’s portability, efficiency, and affordability make it the ideal choice for professionals and small teams seeking a versatile and reliable battery solution.
Kress Enquiry 21
Significant design changes have led to a notable reduction in the number of wearing parts and maintenance needs, while the operating platform now features a more traditional and userfriendly layout.
With a 480-litre grass collector, you can easily cut and empty large quantities of grass into trailers or existing heaps - with the raising, lowering and tipping functions of the FC2-221’s highlift feature easily operated with a single lever.
Kubota Enquiry 22
Cutting Edge Performance Meets Sustainability with the Kress Chainsaw
MORE POWER. LOWER EMISSIONS. NO COMPROMISES. Every commercial landscaper and arborist deserves a powerful, dependable chainsaw. With the Kress KC300.9, you no longer have to choose between performance and sustainability. Purpose-built for demanding environments, this professional-grade battery chainsaw matches the power of a 45 cc petrol saw while delivering unmatched cutting efficiency, lower emissions, and reduced operational costs.
DESIGNED FOR PROFESSIONALS. BUILT FOR PRECISION. From its stainless steel bumper spike for stable, accurate cuts to a precision tensioning system that ensures optimal chain performance, the KC300.9 is made for professionals who demand durability, control, and precision.
SAFER. SMARTER. MORE SUSTAINABLE.
Safety is built into every detail, with an inertial brake, anti-trigger battery lock, dual-action trigger, and robust rear-handle protection. Combined with the quiet, low-vibration, fume-free operation of Kress’s battery technology, the KC300.9 chainsaw offers a healthier, more comfortable experience for professionals.
READY TO LEAVE PETROL BEHIND?
The Kress KC300.9 Chainsaw is the perfect choice for forward-thinking landscapers and arborists committed to reducing their carbon footprint while maintaining top-tier performance. Tackle every job with unstoppable power and sustainability.
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SALTEX 2024 welcomes its most diverse audience yet
SALTEX 2024 reached new levels of international engagement, attracting a diverse audience from around the world and with over 7,300 visitors in total across the two days, claim organisers.
Attendees from China, Cyprus, India, Japan, Mexico, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates joined visitors from the UK and Ireland at NEC Birmingham, with the GMA
saying SALTEX reaffirmed its position as the must-attend exhibition for the entire grounds management industry.
The Learning LIVE programme, which was attended by over 1,000 visitors, addressed current and future trends in the industry, covering topics from sustainability practices to technological advancementsgiving visitors the insights to drive progress within the industry.
Looking ahead, SALTEX will return to its traditional November slot next year, taking place on 12-13 November 2025.
The event will also relocate to Halls 17, 18 and 19 at the NEC, introducing a refreshed layout designed to enhance the experience for both visitors and exhibitors.
SALTEX 2024 Enquiry 24
Ransomes Jacobsen Impress at SALTEX
Jacobsen impressed at the 2024 SALTEX show with their innovative mowers, the Eclipse 360 ELiTE and the MT503.
The Eclipse 360 ELiTE, designed for operational efficiency and industryleading quality of cut, features zero battery maintenance and no hydraulic oil, reducing downtime and environmental impact.
Its 250 Ah (12.2 kWh) battery pack allows for extended operation, while precision cutting height (1.6 to 11.1 mm) and 1.6-meter cutting width make it ideal for large areas.
The Early Adopter’s Program boasts an industry-leading 5-year warranty when a mower is purchased and warranty registered before December 31, 2024, underscoring Ransomes Jacobsen’s confidence in the durability and reliability of the product.
The MT503 is built for robust performance with a Stage V 49.6 HP engine. This triple flail mower features a smart operator platform and
on-board diagnostics to enhance productivity. It offers cut heights of 20-65 mm and cutting widths of 2.15m, with three independent
flail heads, making it a powerful tool for turf care.
Ransomes Jacobsen Enquiry 25
The eco-friendly CAMPEY Electric Sarel Roller
Campey Turf Care Systems is excited to announce the CAMPEY Electric Sarel Roller, an innovative tool for efficient, eco-conscious aeration of sports turf, tailored especially for bowling greens and cricket squares.
The CAMPEY Electric Sarel Roller is a robust, 60 cmwide aerating roller designed to improve soil health and optimise grass growth on areas up to 3,000m².
Using 70 sharp, durable spikes, the roller precisely penetrates the soil 223 times per square meter, increasing air circulation and water absorption. This essential process reduces soil compaction, which is often a concern on heavily used sports grounds and promotes deeper, healthier root growth for strong and resilient turf.
What sets the CAMPEY Electric Sarel Roller apart is its commitment to sustainability.
The roller is powered by a high-capacity battery, allowing for long, continuous operation with zero emissions.
This eco-friendly feature is paired with silent running, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive locations such as sports clubs and public parks, where traditional machinery may cause disruptions.
Durability and ease of use are also key benefits. The roller’s design includes a transport roller, which securely shields the spikes while moving the unit, preventing damage and extending its operational life.
This makes the CAMPEY Electric Sarel Roller a longlasting and dependable
addition to any sports turf maintenance regime.
Using the CAMPEY Electric Sarel Roller, turf managers can now achieve outstanding soil aeration and root health
with minimal environmental impact. For more information, contact your local Campey product specialist or dealer.
Campey Turf Care Systems Enquiry 26
EGO Power Plus, the leading battery-powered outdoor power equipment specialist, had a range of new products to launch at this year’s SALTEX.
Visitors discovered how EGO is revamping its professional range of tools in 2025, with the markets most powerful handheld battery-powered blower and new Pro X backpack blower set to be on display at the show.
A new composite wide deck professional mower, as well as EGO’s first-ever robot mower were unveiled.
With innovation at its core, new gadgets from the lifestyle
range will be showcased. With the likes of an outdoor speaker, chemical sprayer and wet/dry vacuum coming in 2025, this range is always full of surprises and demonstrates EGO’s commitment to going above and beyond to extend its range of battery-powered equipment.
Vince Brauns, Group Product Director at EGO, comments:
“The team has been working hard to develop an exciting new range of products, which was no easy feat after launching our brilliantly received Pro X series earlier this year.”
EGO Power Plus Enquiry 27
API calls for support in Government’s NHS Consultation on Health Plan for England
Sporting icons call for new national plan to get kids moving
Sir Mo Farah, the Youth Sport Trust’s National School Sport Champion, has joined forces with fellow sporting icons to call for the British Government to harness the power of play and sport to improve the lives of young people.
He hand-delivered an open letter addressed to the Prime Minister to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, at Downing Street. The letter urges the Government to create a new national plan that ensures every child has the opportunity to be physically active every day.
The multi-Olympic, World and European champion has united leading figures from British sport
to support his call for change. Cosignatories include seven-time Paralympic Champion and Youth Sport Trust Champion Hannah Cockroft OBE, triple Olympic champions Max Whitlock OBE and Adam Peaty OBE, the most successful British Paralympian of all time, Dame Sarah Storey, and Paris 2024 800m gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson.
In the letter, the athletes state: “In the UK, far too many children are unable to access these rights through no fault of their own. Whether it’s the mental health crisis, rising obesity levels, increasing loneliness, or excessive exposure to screens and digital trauma, this generation risks failing
to achieve their full potential. Now is the time to put children first.”
Their intervention comes at a crucial time, as only 19% of children aged 1-5 and 47% of 5–18-year-olds are meeting the recommended daily levels of physical activity.
Ali Oliver OBE, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, added: “Our research indicates that many parents are unaware of how much physical activity children should be doing. As a result, far too many children are missing out on the benefits of an active childhood.”
Youth Sports Trust Enquiry 29
The Association of Play Industries (API) is urging its members, partners and supporters to participate in the Government’s NHS Consultation, an early opportunity to influence the direction of England’s healthcare system over the next decade.
This Consultation is designed to gather public views on the development of a new 10-Year Health Plan for England, covering key areas of NHS reform including Prevention.
API Chair Dr Amanda Gummer says: “We see this Consultation as a critical chance to advocate for the health and wellbeing of children and young people, ensuring that their needs are a priority in future healthcare policy.
API will be submitting a formal response, underscoring the importance of public playgrounds
as a vital component of the Prevention focus area.
“Public playgrounds are essential for counteracting the physical inactivity epidemic among children in England. Safe, accessible play spaces promote active, healthy lifestyles, reducing risks for obesity, diabetes and mental health challenges-issues that place a significant burden on the NHS. Investing in playgrounds is an investment in preventative healthcare that will benefit both individual children and the broader healthcare system.”
The API is calling on all stakeholders to make their voices heard by responding to the Consultation and advocating for national investment in public play spaces. This is a unique opportunity for the sector to emphasise the role of playgrounds
in fostering healthier communities and a healthier future for children.
The API is also calling on the public to support its Pathway to Play campaign by writing to their local MPs, urging the government to invest in public playgrounds.
The campaign seeks to address the growing crisis of childhood obesity and mental health issues by ensuring that every child has access to safe, high-quality outdoor play spaces.
Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and key government ministers have already been approached by API Chair Dr. Amanda Gummer, who is advocating for policy changes that will make outdoor play a central aspect of childhood.
Association of Play Industries Enquiry 28
Play specialist joins forces with Variety Children’s Charity
Access to playgrounds for children identified with special educational needs or disabilities in the UK is set for a huge boost as leading play specialists, ESP Play teams up Variety, the Children’s Charity.
ESP Play will join Variety in a long-term partnership to advise and jointly fundraise to give disabled and disadvantaged children better play facilities nationwide.
Raleigh Education Trust in the Midlands will become the first facility to benefit from the partnership following an initial £50,000 pledge from ESP Play.
Andrew Wood, ESP Play Managing Director, said: “Partnering with Variety marks a pivotal milestone in our mission to ensure every child can play together, regardless of ability. We are dedicated to raising the standards of inclusive play and setting a new benchmark for all play spaces.
“By working with Variety and Raleigh Education Trust we can effectively design a playground that meets the needs of all children, breaking down barriers and ensuring that no child is left out. This partnership is a flagship example of how organisations can collaborate to create environments that encourage inclusivity, belonging and development for all children. We’re really looking forward to seeing how this
This new playground by ESP Play will feature a range of innovative, custom-designed equipment specifically created to meet the needs of children with physical, sensory and cognitive challenges. The playground will allow children to engage in activities that enhance their development, with future projects earmarked for the North West.
inclusive space will impact the students and the community.”
Sean Kelly, CEO of Raleigh Education Trust, said: “As a trust that has been supporting children identified with special educational needs or disabilities for seven years and we understand firsthand how crucial outdoor play is for their development. With the right specialist equipment, we can give them the independence and creativity to explore and enjoy playing in a safe environment that allows them to simply enjoy being kids. It’s about integration, not segregation. We want to create spaces where all children can interact, support one another and share the joy of play and education.
“The generosity shown by ESP Play to donate such a large sum of money to get this project started is phenomenal and we’re very proud to have the support of such
a brilliant business and an amazing charity. The new playground will be a game-changer for our students.”
Lyn Staunton, Variety Development Director, said: “This is a really important partnership between ESP Play and Variety that will help us as a charity to ensure more disabled and disadvantaged children can benefit from the access to play. We have been blown away by Andrew’s passion for inclusive play for all children and are looking forward to working with Andrew for the long term helping us provide the best play equipment for the children we support.
“Play has a profound impact on the outcomes of our youngsters and through this partnership we hope to provide the best opportunities we can for every child we support.”
Joe Simpson wins BIGGA photography competition for the third time
An ethereal image of life at Ipswich Golf Club has seen talented amateur photographer and greenkeeper Joe Simpson announced as the winner of the annual BIGGA Photographic Competition for the third time.
Joe’s image was chosen by the judging panel as the overall winner with the results of social media voting also taken into account. The stunning shot shows greenkeeper Pete Dunnett mowing the 5th fairway of the Purdis Heath Course as the autumn sun breaks through the morning fog.
Joe, who took up photography 10 years ago and also won the competition in 2020 and 2022, said: “I honestly can’t believe that I’ve won the competition three times. The standard of the photo entries grow year-on-year, so it’s become incredibly competitive, which makes winning for a third time even more special.
“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt when it comes to photography is that you don’t always need the perfect weather conditions to get your best shot.
“For this reason, I take photos throughout all four seasons at various times of the day, so I have a diverse selection to choose from for the competition.”
Sponsored by Syngenta, BIGGA’s annual photographic competition is a celebration of the wonderful golfing landscape and the role greenkeepers play in shaping it for golfers and the wider public to enjoy. Twelve images have been selected for the annual BIGGA calendar and winners also chosen in the categories of Greenkeeping, Landscape and Wildlife.
• Landscape: Kevin Irving, greenkeeper, Carlisle Golf Club
• Greenkeeping: David Ball, greenkeeper, Thetford Golf Club
• Wildlife: Craig Sinclair, greenkeeper, Camberley Heath Golf Club
You can view all 12 images selected to form the BIGGA Calendar 2025 on the BIGGA website.
greenkeepers are privileged to work in every day.
“Joe Simpson is an exceptional photographer and his winning image sparks the imagination with its rays of sunlight coming down from the heavens onto a greenkeeper who is hard at work, preparing the course for another morning’s play.
“Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who voted on social media. Thanks also to our valued sponsors at Syngenta.”
Sarah Hughes, Syngenta Business Manager, said: “The BIGGA Photographic Competition entries have once again captured the incredible hard work that greenkeeping teams put into producing immaculate playing conditions, as well as the amazing biodiversity and wildlife that thrives around well-managed golf course environments.
BIGGA and The R&A to enhance Continue to Learn programme
The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association’s (BIGGA) Continue to Learn education programme, which takes place each January, has received the support of The R&A as part of its commitment to a sustainable future for golf and golf courses.
Held in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Continue to Learn runs alongside the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME), itself the leading trade show for golf course professionals in Europe. Continue to Learn provides more than 140 hours of learning opportunities for golf greenkeepers and groundspeople, making it among the most influential events in the golfing calendar.
The R&A is a long-time supporter of BIGGA and its members and in recent years has demonstrated its commitment to BTME and Continue to Learn by hosting presentations that offer guidance based on expert research and experience of staging major events.
a separate New Greenkeeper Conference. Additionally, R&A representatives will participate in various Classes and contribute towards costfree learning opportunities such as the Seminars and the BTME Breakfast Session.
Next year (2025) will also mark the 20th anniversary of The R&A’s Greenkeeping Scholarship and events are anticipated to take place at BTME and Continue to Learn to mark the occasion. To date, over 500 greenkeepers from 30 countries have benefitted from this influential scholarship opportunity.
Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “As a governing body for golf, representing over 61 million golfers in 145 countries, we’re proud The R&A has recognised the pivotal role greenkeepers play in the success of the sport through this commitment to supporting the Continue to Learn Conference programme and wider education opportunities provided by our annual gathering, BTME.
As overall competition winner, Joe has won a DJI Mini 2 SE Drone and a framed print of his image, to be presented at the BIGGA Celebration on the opening evening of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition in January 2025.
Each of the category winners receives a £150 Love2Shop voucher.
“It’s rewarding to see the amazing pictures published in the calendar, along with associated seasonal tips and agronomy advice. Congratulations to all who entered and the category winners.”
BIGGA’s Annual Photographic Competition will return next year and the competition is already open for entries. Head to the BIGGA website to find out more and get involved.
R&A representatives have been a mainstay on the Continue to Learn programme for many years, providing world-leading agronomic advice and hosting panel discussions in the context of historic championships held throughout the year.
The Golf Course 2030 programme was launched at Continue to Learn in 2018 and research participants have returned each year to discuss their findings and proposals.
“Creating our annual programme of learning experiences and hosting it within the context of a massive trade show takes significant effort and we’re proud that for many years The R&A has recognised just how valuable BTME and Continue to Learn have become to the entire golfing industry.
Karl Hansell, BIGGA Head of Communications and Content, said: “As the days darken and the year draws to a close, our annual photographic competition is a stunning reminder of the beautiful environment that
Registration for BTME 2025 including the Continue to Learn education programme is open. The event takes place from 19 to 23 January 2025 and you can find out more by heading to the BTME website, www.btme.org.uk
Syngenta Enquiry 32
For the first time, in 2025
The R&A will be recognised as formally supporting the Continue to Learn Conference programme, which comprises of a major two-day learning event and
“We thank everyone at The R&A for investing in our members and the wider turf management industry in this way as it will only enhance the BTME experience for everyone involved and help ensure the game is still thriving in 50 years’ time.”
BIGGA’s presidential nominee for 2025 has left an amazing legacy
A former Scottish First Division referee who officiated at European matches before becoming head greenkeeper at Buchanan Castle has accepted the nomination to become president of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) in 2025.
Ronnie Myles, 67, has immediately stepped into the role of BIGGA Vice President, supporting John Keenaghan for the remainder of his term. Ronnie will then formally be appointed BIGGA President at the BIGGA Annual General Meeting, taking place in January.
Ronnie said: “I was absolutely flabbergasted to be asked to become BIGGA President. Having been a member of greenkeeper associations for more than 50 years, I feel very proud and honoured to be asked to represent BIGGA in this way.
“This year I hope we’re able to enhance the profile of greenkeepers and continue the progression of our association, which has come a long way over the last 10 to 15 years. Fifty years ago greenkeeping was thought of as a dead end profession, but now, there are real opportunities that come with greenkeeping and you have the chance to build a great career.”
Ronnie began his career at East Kilbride Golf Club in 1971 and he would move on to Cathkin Braes, Erskine, Helensburgh and Scarcroft in West Yorkshire, before finally settling at Buchanan Castle, where he worked until his retirement in 2022.
Ronnie was a stalwart of the BIGGA West of Scotland Section for over 20 years, acting as chairperson and secretary. He was vice-chairperson of the BIGGA Scotland and Northern Ireland Region before being
appointed the Region’s first President in 2023.
Despite his retirement, Ronnie continues to work seasonally at Stirling Golf Club and is an active member of the BIGGA Scotland Legacy Club, which seeks to offer support and guidance to the next generation of greenkeepers.
Away from greenkeeping and Ronnie had a remarkable career as a high level match official, once running the line for an Old Firm game before being selected for six European Cup matches, including a hair-raising trip to East Germany. Remarkably, Ronnie also spent two seasons as Broxi Bear, the matchday mascot of Rangers Football Club.
As BIGGA Vice President and President, Ronnie will act as an ambassador for the association, representing BIGGA at various events throughout the year. He will also join the BIGGA Board of Management and utilise his experience to guide the board in their decision making.
Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Ronnie throughout my 13 years with BIGGA and I know how warmly he’s thought of in BIGGA Scotland and Northern Ireland, where he’s a popular and well-known figure.
“When he was proposed as BIGGA President 2025 the nomination was received enthusiastically by the BIGGA Board of Management and I’m looking forward to working alongside him. The coming year stands to be a crucial time in the history of our association as we seek to reshape our membership offering and build a structure that provides even more support and advice to greenkeepers at every stage of their career.”
BIGGA Enquiry 34
Ventrac – more than just a mower
Price Turfcare, the UK and Ireland distributor of the Ventrac multi-implement, allterrain compact tractor, returns to BTME with the Ventrac 4520 compact tractor unit and a selection of attachments.
Since its launch in 2017, this combination of highly manoeuvrable compact tractor and multiple attachments has quickly established a recognised place in UK turfcare industry. There are now 450 tractor
units and in excess of 1,200 attachments being used across the UK turf sector.
With the capability to work on 30-degree slopes combined with incredibly low ground pressure and over 30 attachments, it’s the most versatile equipment combination for the busy course manager. This is a machine that can mow in multiple formats, blow leaves, move snow, reinvigorate pathways, aerate, cut turf, dig trenches, grind
Sarah Stirk to lead line-up for BIGGA Celebration
The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is thrilled to announce that renowned TV presenter and journalist Sarah Stirk will host the BIGGA Celebration, held on the opening evening of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) in January.
Best known for her work with Sky Sports, where she has been a leading voice in golf coverage since 2012, Sarah will guide the evening’s festivities.
The BIGGA Celebration highlights the incredible achievements of BIGGA members over the previous year, including the unveiling of the prestigious BIGGA Awards winners.
With a career spanning roles at Sky Sports, the BBC, Setanta and Sky News, Sarah has covered DP World Tour and PGA Tour events and interviewed some
of the biggest names in golf. A 7-handicap golfer herself, Sarah also champions women in leadership roles within golf, having launched the Women’s Leadership Summit supported by The R&A.
Sarah said: “I’m delighted to be presenting the BIGGA Celebration at BTME in January. It’s an honour to celebrate the incredible work of BIGGA members and I look forward to a fantastic evening in Harrogate.”
BTME Enquiry 36
stumps and prepare seedbeds… everything a golf course of any size, can utilise all-year round.
Allan Patterson, the Director of Golf Courses and Estates at Trump Turnberry says, “Our Ventracs have alleviated a lot of issues associated with working on steep banks. It can climb 30-degree slopes safely and with ease, cutting the number of hours the team previously spent strimming and frees them up for other tasks. I like the fact that it’s
a multi-tool, which means it can undertake several tasks and can be out on the courses or around the estate, virtually every day. It’s an extremely versatile piece of equipment.”
To understand why Allan and the rest of the industry have embraced the Ventrac product, come along and visit stand 122 in Hall 1.
Price Turfcare
Enquiry 35
Versatility on the verge
There’s a great range of hedge and verge mowers for all amenity needs, and some new innovations added this year, Jane Carley reports.
Hedge and verge maintenance requirements can vary from ornamental hedges and footpaths in restricted areas to the widest verges and embankments. So its great news that manufacturers offer a range of machines to suit these needs.
Handling a reach arm relies on good engineering, whether it’s to minimise the load on and power needed from a compact tractor or to get the most from a bigger power unit when tackling large areas.
For banks and verges, versatile offset and inline mowers are now available to tackle a number of jobs with one machine.
For Internal drainage boards, contractors and local authorities tasked with maintaining waterways and flood defences, efficiency and precision are key.
McConnel’s 85-Series Power Arms offer a powerful solution with their innovative PowerBoost technology — designed to significantly speed up arm movement and increase productivity when mulching grass and vegetation along challenging terrains such as riverbanks, flood defences, ditches and down long embankments.
Unique to McConnel, PowerBoost delivers up to three times the normal arm speed on demand.
This is particularly beneficial for navigating obstacles and covering long distances, allowing operators to handle
complex flailhead manoeuvres quickly and efficiently.
The PowerBoost hydraulic system provides an instant and progressive increase in oil flow, ensuring that arm movements are not only faster but also smooth and precise. Operators can tailor joystick sensitivity to suit the specific needs of their task, offering greater control when working on embankments or watercourses.
Razorback introduces the 57 reach mower, which features a new hitch system designed to avoid forces on the tractor’s link arms from the weight of the hedgecutter with the head outstretched, which cause them to lift and twist.
This can be overcome by using axle brackets, suggests the company, but these can be awkward and time consuming to fit, as well as limiting which tractor the implement can be fitted to.
Razorback’s hitch uses a series of chains and turnbuckles to equalise the forces during operation for increased stability. The system is designed to be easy to fit and adjust, making it simpler to switch hedgecutters between tractors.
Engineered with a compact tank to enhance operator visibility, the sleek and uncomplicated design not only simplifies maintenance but also improves airflow, ensuring efficient heat dissipation for optimal performance.
The compact footprint also improves balance, ensuring better
control, especially when working on uneven terrain or at varying angles, says the company.
The machine can be configured with the Razorback Active Contour Intelligence system (ACI), an active suspension that tracks and reacts to the contours of the verge for hands-free height adjustment.
Spearhead Machinery has introduced the new Twiga Eco reach arm, available with a 5m or 6m reach. Suitable for tractors weighing over 3000kg (70hp+) it has a twin hydraulic pump arrangement outputting 55hp of hydraulic power and hydraulic slew for compact transport and breakback protection.
It features a covered tank to protect key components from falling debris.
The Twiga Eco is available with low pressure Pilot or electric Minipilot controls and there’s a selection of cutting attachments including flail heads, saw blades, cutterbars and rotary finishing heads.
Spearhead also offers the Twiga Compact, aimed at local authority and ground care contractors.
Available with reach from 3.2 up to 4.9m, these models are suitable for compact tractors weighing over 1500kg (50hp+) and can be specified for rear mount, front mount or combi mount with the arm on the front and the tank and pump on the rear – great for weight distribution and visibility.
The Twiga Compact uses the Spearhead-designed tapered main arm for strength and rigidity and has a twin hydraulic pump arrangement outputting 35hp of hydraulic power.
There’s the option of precision cable control or electric Minipilot controls plus a selection of cutting attachments including flail heads, saw blades, cutterbars and rotary finishing heads.
Building on the positive response to its recently
launched MJ39 Hedge Cutter head, Major Equipment is introducing a rotary mowing head for excavators.
The MJ39 Rotary Hedge Cutter replacement head outperforms flail systems in terms of fuel consumption and presentation, suggests the company.
The 1.43m deck is available for power arms and excavators in the 10-14 tonne range. A single rotor head in a 0.8m working width is now available for excavators in the 2.5-10 tonne range.
The MJ39 rotary head benefits from a gearbox driveline powering rotors with four cutand-mulch blades which delivers a tidy presentation when thinning material or clearing dense brush, all in one pass. The hydraulic motor is fitted with an overrun clutch, protecting the hydraulic system when the motor stops.
Major derived the design from its tractor mounted Cyclone mower, a mulching machine for scrubland control, forestry margin management and pasture maintenance.
McConnel
Razorback
Spearhead
Its patented ‘blender’ doublechop blade system requires 25% less HP than a flail mower, slashing at least 25% off upfront fuel costs. Models are from 2m to 9.2m working width, suitable for tractors from 50 to 250hp.
Blayney Agriculture offers the Contractor series hedge cutter, built for durability and designed with contractors and local authorities in mind. They offer reach of 5/5-6.5m and use Power Shredder technology, which ensures more power is delivered to the rotor, resulting in a finer cut and saving both time and fuel.
Through Blaney’s focus on oil conditioning and lowfriction circuits, the Contractor series minimises tractor power requirements while increasing rotor output.
from 16hp upwards. The head is mounted in front of the arm giving a head rotation of 270 degrees.
The head is also easily interchanged for a finger bar via two pins. The unit has its own oil tank and uses a PTO pump for power; the oil tank slides out giving it excellent balance on smaller tractor units.
Available in sizes from 0.8m-1.2m heads, with 3-4.75m reach. Machines can be specified with cable or full electric joystick controls.
A range of flails is available from the company Kuhn offers two product ranges for farmers and amenity contractors requiring versatile and robust offset verge mowers.
This contributes to lower fuel costs and reduced wear over time.
The HDX excavator head is intended for contractor-level performance, featuring a high torque piston motor which offers enhanced power for excavators with higher operating pressures.
A dynamic rotor and shark fin blades provide a finer cut, allowing material to decompose faster, which is essential for managing rushes and other dense vegetation on difficult terrain.
Heavy-duty flails rotate 360o to maintain momentum for tackling difficult conditions and to protect the machine from damage.
Other machines in the range include the 3-in-1 offset Power Shredder, suited for mowing, verge cutting, and hedge facing and the Power Shredder 2 mowers which use Hyperchop technology, producing a fine chop, promoting faster decomposition and healthier swards. Hyperchop also handles challenging weeds like rushes, bracken, and thistles.
Sister company Quad-X supplies ATV Power Shredders in 1.3m – 1.5m cutting widths, with engine sizes ranging from 16HP to 23HP and the Wildcut Mower, engineered to handle dense vegetation.
Ryetec’s SL range of reach arms can be fitted on tractors
Reach-arm mowers start with the smallest Agri-Longer GII M suitable for 100 hours/year and Poly-Longer GII for up to 500 hours/year, while the larger Multi-Longer GII is capable of 800 hrs/year and the Pro-Longer GII, offering users more than 1,500 hrs/year.
The largest 80hp Pro-Longer and 57hp Multi-Longer ranges offer 5.7m reach with various mounting options and control choices, including the EP Joystick. Using electronic proportional control, operators can adjust main and outer boom, flail head angle, and pivot, at the same time from the joystick.
A new addition to the Kuhn Multi-Longer range is the Motion Head 90, offering users 360deg movement to cut all types of material and verge angles. The movement allows users to trim verges with the arm set to the rear fold position along tight lanes.
The operator can raise the front of the head to accommodate inclines whilst still achieving a close cut when mowing ditches and banks.
Kuhn’s Fast-Fit rotor also helps users to reduce time spent maintaining and changing flails.
There is no opening on the shackle or flail, which reduces weak points, and the rotor is easily reversible to increase flail longevity.
Also available from Kuhn is a range of inline and offset verge mowers.
The TBE 102 verge shredders are from 2.14- 2.5m, including models that can work in three variable positions for ditch and hedge maintenance as well as verges.
Michael Tomlinson, Michael E Tomlinson Contractors
• 1.43m (4’ 8”) working width
• Four blades per rotor for maximum mulching
• 40–100mm cutting height for cutting verges, ditches and embankments
• Hydraulic motor
• Galvanised finish
Blayney Agriculture
Major Equipment
Ryetech
A 180mm rear roller and Hardox skids are standard to help increase longevity, and all models are offered with three flail choices for the 450mm rotor.
There is also the BPR range up to 3.03m for front and rear mounting and the offset Spring-Longer range, also offering users both front and rear mounted options. The biggest machine in this range
The RV is equipped with hydraulic side shift and heavy-duty skids as standard and working widths are 2.55 and 2.8m.
The FN is a rear mounted, multipurpose, right hand operated fl ail that can be used ‘in line’ behind the tractor or offset, with working positions of up to 90deg and down to 50deg.
The hood is manufactured from FE510 high tensile and high impact steel making it suitable for the most challenging of conditions.
It can be used in a vertical position which makes it the ideal tool for siding oversized hedges and working widths are 2.0-2.8m.
The Fox flail mower is similar to the FN but features a slightly smaller rotor and roller and is available in smaller sizes from 1.6 to 2.52m.
King of the road When it comes to maintaining roadside verges, efficiency, versatility and safety are paramount.
Traditional verge mowing often requires multiple machines, significant time, and effort to complete the job. But with the Reform Metrac, a powerful multi-tool tractor, these tasks become not only easier but also far more productive, suggests importer Simon Richard.
The Reform Metrac’s modular system allows users to attach a variety of tools and implements, making it a true all-rounder.
The Metrac’s design allows for precise manoeuvrability in tight spaces using all-wheel drive and five steering modes.
This is particularly valuable when navigating narrow verges and tricky corners along roadsides.
A front and rear load based hydraulic system offers the ability to adjust the height of attachments quickly, ensuring that operators can tackle different terrain and verge conditions with optimal cutting performance.
Equipped with a powerful Tier 5 Perkins engine and allterrain chassis with floating axles, the Reform Metrac can navigate rough or uneven terrain without compromising on cutting efficiency.
is the rear mounted S 2380 RPL with a 2.3m cutting width and 4.2m horizontal reach.
Weaving Machinery has been the official UK stockist of Agrimaster equipment for over 25 years.
The RV flail mower is a front and rear mounted, heavy duty flail mower for tough jobs, from cutting grass and margins to medium sized brash.
The company also offers Giraffe, Compact and R520 reach arm ranges. The Giraffe can be used on compact tractors without a pto since it uses a hydraulic motor to power the reciprocating blade.
The Compact features dual direction cut, parallel arm, fully independent hydraulics and head float, with reach from 3.2-5.4m. Offering a heavy duty construction, the R520 has simple cable controls.
Simon Richard Sales Manager Richard Fairnie says: “Whether it’s a flail mower, rotary mower, weed brush or hedge cutter, the Metrac can take it all on and can combine multiple functions into one machine, which means operators spend less time switching between equipment and more time completing work. This not only reduces downtime but also cuts back on transport and storage costs. Plus, its high cutting speed and robust power allow contractors to cover more ground in less time.”
“In addition, verge mowing often takes place in busy road environments, and safety is always a top priority. The Reform Metrac’s advanced design, with its low centre of gravity and smooth handling, provides enhanced stability on uneven surfaces. Its allwheel drive ensures traction on challenging ground, while the multiple steering modes minimise any risks.”
Power and safety with Irus
distributor of IRUS
and IRUS Mowing Machinery.
The Irus range of remote-controlled mowers are designed for mowing and maintenance of precipitous slopes, parks and roadside verges and railway embankments - this offers reduced risk of injury to operators. Irus remote controlled mowers will go where standard walk behind or ride-on mowers cannot go safely, being able to run on slopes of up to 50 degrees.
Radio control ranges of up to 300m ensure that operators are always out of harm’s way. Loxston Groundcare are the sole UK
They are a family firm, based in South Somerset, UK. They have a fully equipped workshop run by a full-time service manager with three factory trained and time served technicians. They also have a mobile workshop, for onsite repairs and maintenance plus a comprehensive spare parts department with over 15,000 different parts in stock.
Loxston Groundcare Enquiry 40
Weaving Machinery
Metrac
Mowers
Versatility with Ventrac
The Ventrac 4520 compact tractor is ideal for maintaining hedges, roadside verges and the edges of ponds and riverbanks in safety, as it is can operate on inclines of up to 30 degrees.
Maintaining verges beside highways is always an issue, usually resulting in lane closures and other safety management measures, so time is of the essence.
The Ventrac 4520 with its choice of mowing decks is a highly productive combination allowing large areas to be mown, quickly and efficiently. Easy servicing of belts and pulleys is provided by hinged and removable covers.
The tilt-up decks provide easy access to heavy-duty blades or flails inherent in the choice of deck.
The Boom Mower is the perfect tool for cutting back hedges, shrubs, saplings, reeds around pond edges and vegetation on riverbanks, while the Fine Cut and Fast Cut flails, featuring unique knife choices and offering two width options1.42m (56”) and 1.83m (72”) - provide even more versatility.
Price Turfcare Enquiry 41
Major is trimming hedges and fuel costs
You could say that when it comes to hedge-cutting, Michael Tomlinson is a bit of a perfectionist.
He’s been doing it since 1982 and serves a wide range of agricultural and rural clients in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Warwickshire.
In the past, Michael had been using flail hedge cutting
units to deal with typical hawthorn hedging on farms and evergreens in the rural suburbs.
Using a flail mower on these hedge types often incurs issues with quality of finish and result in a lot of often large leftover clippings.
Last year, Michael took delivery of a 1.43m hedge
cutter unit manufactured by Major Equipment, a company well known for manufacturing high-end mowers capable of handling the roughest and toughest of work environments.
Major’s 1.43m Hedge-cutter head, fits directly to most hedge cutter arms on the market without modifications and comes fully galvanised for long life protection against corrosion.
“Once we started using the Major Hedge-cutting head,” enthused Michael, “we calculated that compared with our fl ail heads, we were saving around £100 per week on fuel costs alone, purely because it was so much easier to drive. It also mulched the evergreen clippings about the same as a flail head!”
Major Equipment Enquiry 42
Profihopper - the professional’s choice
Wet or dry grass, long or short, collect or mulch, the PH 1250 and PH 1500 models take it all in their stride. And it’s that flexibility that sets the Profihopper apart from the crowd.
The sharpened wing blades on the horizontal SmartCut rotor cleanly cut and shred the grass before conveying it via the cross auger on to that unique second vertical auger to be packed into the collection hopper - meaning less time emptying and more time mowing. To add to that versatility, the sward is rolled after cutting and scarifying comes as standard.
The more than adequate power is provided by engines that are already Stage V Exhaust emission compliant and require no AdBlue.
Don’t compromise - choose the machine that comes with more compaction built-in for maximum work rates and less emptying. Contact the Amazone Team on: 01302 755 725.
Profihopper 1500 Groundkeeper HorseHopper Salt spreader
Profihopper
Profihopper 1500 Cab
Leaf Reducer solves parkland problem
Formally part of the Bishops of London hunting estate, the 83 acres of leafy, parkland that make up Highgate Golf Club are proving no match for the quick and effective leaf clearance offered by a GKB Leaf Reducer.
Course Manager Russell Ling was looking for a sustainable solution to the time-consuming task when he discovered the GKB machine - which has eliminated the need to collect and dispose of the waste in exchange for delivering allimportant nutrients back into their roughs.
Compact in design, areas once designated for leaf piles were either being re-allocated for new purposes or becoming increasingly inaccessible due to the wetter winters. “After a demonstration I had no doubt it was the way to go.”
The unit was delivered by GKB’s Tom Shinkins and local dealer Ernest Doe at the beginning of September – in time for the new leaf fall season.
A unique circular system, the Leaf Reducer uses paddles to lift the leaves and a combination of turbines and milling blades to finely process the leaf waste, converting it into fine mulch before redistributing it back to the surface. Eliminating landfill costs and significantly reducing C0 2 emissions, it offers a sustainable alternative to leaf collection for local authorities, parks managers and greenkeepers maintaining off-play areas around the golf course.
GKB Machines Enquiry 44
Tried and trusted Trilos
With a remit of defence and public open spaces, Gavin Jones is one of five companies that make up the wider Nurture Group.
Helping the team to deliver maintenance contracts on Ministry of Defence (MOD) sites across the southwest are a fleet of multi-functional units from Trilo – the current compliment of three M8’s, one M10 and one S12 adding to a long list of reliable performance delivered by Trilo machines for over a decade.
Andy Mighall has been the Regional Manager for the southwest for the last 14 years and explains why the company comes back to Trilo time and time again.
“We’ve run blowers, SG400’s and SU40’s in the past and where they would have primarily been purchased for leaf clearance, the newer units give us the multi-functionality to conduct tasks year-round” he explains.
“In our experience, there’s no other machines out there that combine the versatility and reliability we get from Trilo.”
The current fleet was procured over a two-year period from supporting dealers Lister Wilder, and now reside with teams based at five of the largest MOD sites across the region.
Vanmac Enquiry 45
South Staffs build fleet for the future
South Staffordshire Golf Club are busy equipping themselves with a machinery fleet that’s fit for the challenges of the future – and for that, they’ve chosen Redexim.
While Paul Law has been at the club for the last eight years, and Course Manager for the last four, the club’s history with Redexim dates back much further.
We’ve got Verti-Drains in the shed which are close to 30 years old, that are still playing an active role in our annual maintenance” Paul says. No strangers to the Redexim build quality and in-field performance, he says they’ve been the first port of call now that maintenance requirements are changing.
“This year has been incredibly wet, so drainage works have been top of the priority list.”
Complementing the VertiDrains, Pauls most recent purchase is a linear aerator in
the form of the Redexim VertiQuake® 2516. “We tried one of these on demonstration last year, on a particularly compacted area where we had no drainage whatsoever. It was incredible! It’s no exaggeration to say that this machine is set to transform our drainage.
“At the opposite end of the spectrum, when we’ve had periods of drought, it’s again been Redexim that has come to the rescue. We’ve been employing the services of our Overseeder 1275 to incorporate more tolerant species into our surfaces, and maintaining presentation during those really high-pressure periods with the Redexim Top-Brush.”
Further work to remove organic matter has been conducted using the Redexim Verti-Cut, which was delivered in early 2024.
Redexim Enquiry 46
Working beyond the limits of equipment on steep inclines could be a thing of the past following the introduction of Tiltmaster to the UK groundcare sector. The three different models available can be quickly fitted to
machine providing a constant supply of working angle
to
the operator stays working safely within their machines capabilities. The three different models are Tiltmaster C for Compact Tractors (0-15 degrees), Tiltmaster D (0-25degrees) and Tiltmaster Extreme for specialist machines (0-45 degrees). Tiltmaster, now available from as little as £39 plus VAT, is a simple and effective method of providing additional health and safety data to users of groundcare and other machinery.
Simon Richard Ltd Tel: 01450 860774 Email: simon@simon-richard.co.uk
www.facebook.com/simonrichardltd
Better Safe Than Sorry
ES-860s power sustainable maintenance at Roehampton
Roehampton Club, a prestigious multi-sports and social club in southwest London, has embraced sustainable practices with the introduction of two Dennis ES860 battery-powered mowers.
Head Groundsman Simon Bailey and the grounds team have welcomed these new additions, which have helped improve the club’s maintenance of its tennis grass courts and croquet lawns.
“We’ve been using Dennis mowers for over 15 years, and when it was time to upgrade, the move to electric felt like a natural step,” says Simon.
“The Dennis ES-860 battery mowers are perfect for us. Being in London and surrounded by
houses, we need to be mindful of any noise.
“These battery-powered mowers allow us to start working at 6am without disturbing our neighbours – that’s a big win for us.”
The ES-860 is a 34-inch batterypowered turf management system, designed to handle a variety of tasks using its 13 interchangeable cassettes, including cutting, scarifying, brushing, and verticutting.
For Simon and the team, the flexibility of this system is one of its most valuable features.
“We use the ES-860 on our tennis courts and croquet lawns.
“On the tennis courts, we use them mainly for mowing, while on the croquet lawns, we use the verticutting and scarifying cassettes.
“The wide cutting width makes the job much quicker, and because we have two of them, we can cover a lot of ground fast,” Simon explains.
The adaptability of the Dennis ES-860 is a major advantage for Simon, allowing the team to change cassettes quickly and efficiently to suit the task at hand. Simon also praises the mowers for their quality of cut and ease of use.
Dennis Enquiry
63
Makita adds two XGT hedge trimmers
Makita has added two powerful cordless hedge trimmers to its range of 40VMax XGT grounds maintenance tools.
The 500 mm bladed UH020G and 600 mm UH021G both deliver highly efficient and effective cutting and have been designed for ease of use.
The UH020G and UH021G deliver an impressive 4,200 cutting strokes per minute and have a maximum blade opening of 20mm and will cut branches up to 10 mm in diameter. The new hedge trimmers feature
Toro launches TCO calculator
Toro has announced the launch of an online tool to help tackle misconceptions around the costs of switching from petrolpowered tools to cordless, battery alternatives.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculator has been designed to provide business owners with a free, online tool to discover the financial benefits of making the switch to electric.
Anthony Nadalin, director of marketing at The Toro Company, said: “Most companies now realise that cordless equipment offers significant environmental benefits without sacrificing performance.
“However, some misconceptions remain around pricing. Our TCO calculator demonstrates the
financial return on investment that businesses can achieve by switching from engine power to battery power.”
The TCO calculator makes it easy to input data for both petrol- and battery-powered machines.
This includes purchase price, operating hours per year, maintenance costs, fuel and energy costs, plus any grants or rebates. The results are published as key metrics including operational cost savings per month and year, as well as how many months it takes to break even on electric equipment compared to the petrol or diesel equivalent.
Offering a free TCO calculator is the latest element in Toro’s ‘Lead the Charge’ campaign to help more companies embrace
all-electric outdoor power equipment (OPE).
Toro’s Revolution Series delivers like-for-like performance with its petrol or diesel equivalents. Easy to maintain and cost-effective to run, Toro’s battery-powered machines can also lower the total cost of ownership and contribute to greater business efficiency.
Toro’s Revolution Series products are true commercialgrade equipment designed for professional use.
With all-day runtime offered by its proprietary HyperCell and Flex-Force battery systems, these machines deliver the same superior performance as their diesel and petrol equivalents.
Toro Enquiry 65
single-sided blades with obliquely angled, triple-ground teeth for effortless cutting.
The design of the blade also ensures excellent branch capture to provide smooth and complete trimming without branches escaping. It also features a reverse function to quickly and easily clear the blade in the event of a branch jam.
As part of Makita’s powerful XGT 40VMax platform, the new hedge trimmers deliver both high performance and excellent run times.
Using a 4.0Ah battery, the UH020G and UH021G will achieve run times of approximately 110 and 105 minutes respectively before needing to swap the battery. The fast recharge times achieved by Makita’s XGT batteries means the 4.0Ah battery will be ready to use again in just 45 minutes.
In addition, the UH020G and UH021G have been engineered for user comfort and ease of operation. Both have a lightweight design with the blade guide bar manufactured
from aluminium to improve the balance and reduce user fatigue.
The two machines also feature a redesigned switch lever on the handle that is easier to press in any orientation for simpler control.
For safety, the UH020G and UH021G have an electric brake, anti-restart function and a double layered housing to minimise vibration.
