Landscape & Amenity Product Update January 2016

Landscape Amenity

BTME Preview

A look ahead to the Harrogate show Page 14-15

Grass Seeds & Wild Flowers A round-up of the latest products Page 10-13

ATVs, UTVs & Work Trucks

Page 20-22

New year sees new push to safeguard parks and play spaces

New benchmark guidelines for the design of spaces for outdoor sport and play have been published as the latest research reveals that UK families are concerned that their children may soon have nowhere to play and urge the government to address the situation urgently.

As Fields In Trust releases guidance for local planning authorities, developers, planners, urban designers and landscape architects in the design of outdoor sport, play and informal open space, the Association of Play Industries (API) reveals over half (56%) of parents are unhappy about the about the lack of high quality play facilities in their local area.

Nearly a quarter (23.4%) say their nearest playground is in a poor state and 22.9% say

their children rarely or never play there. Over half (52.4%) see no improvement in local play facilities and 15.1% say they’re getting worse. Nearly four in ten (38.1%) are worried that playgrounds in their local community may close down altogether.

API Chair Mark Hardy said: “The strength of feeling amongst parents that government should be making children’s play a priority is clear, particularly as we face a physical inactivity crisis that threatens to shorten our children’s lives.

“Children have a fundamental right to play, as enshrined in Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and we believe the government is failing to honour its obligations.”

The new FiT guidance has been produced to reflect a new planning policy landscape. Changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (2012), the introduction of The Localism Act (2011) and the phased introduction of the Community Infrastructure Levy all combine to change how local planning operates.

Fields in Trust Chief Executive Helen Griffiths said: “We want everyone in the UK – young or old, able or disabled and wherever they live – to have access to free, local outdoor space for sport and play.

“Our parks, playing fields and other green spaces help to create a real sense of place and space as well as contributing to the health and wellbeing of local residents.”

API Enquiry 1

Branson attracts growing interest in compact range

Since Kukje Machinery Co. of South Korea appointed the Compact Tractor Centre Ltd. of Bidford on Avon as the sole importer and distributor for Branson Tractors and the new range made its debut at SALTEX 2015, the response from the industry has been remarkable.

A dedicated dealer network is now taking shape across the UK for the high-specification, competitively priced Branson range, which currently includes 21-74hp tractors specifically marketed to groundcare contractors, local authorities and all amenity turf professionals.

The Korean manufacturers are not newcomers to the amenity grass care sector with established

market shares in the USA, Europe and Asia.

The range includes: 00 Compact21-30hp; F Eco series - 35-40hp; 25 mid-range series - 35-55hp; and the K series large compact65-74hp.

Managing Director Nathan Walker said: “This is an exciting development for Branson Tractors who are strong in other parts of the world and are now seeking to expand their growing market share throughout Europe. We are confident in the Branson Tractors UK name. Every new tractor carries a two years warranty that includes engine, driveline and all original equipment. Also, CTC have the UK stockholding of a complete range of spare parts

with the backing of a larger stock in mainland Europe. So whatever the requirement Branson Tractors UK will keep you working from day one.”

The dealer network being established will cover the

Branson Tractors Enquiry 2

The stage is set for huge BTME 2016

BTME 2016 is set to be one of the biggest yet with five Halls of exhibitors, a bumper education programme and one of the industry’s major conferences joining the party.

Over one hundred exhibitors - from the industry’s biggest worldwide names to brand new companies - will be putting on the most diverse show.

The thriving Continue to Learn programme again gets the show of the year underway. There will be in excess of 240 hours of education available to visitors,

over 40 hours of which are free of charge to attend.

BTME 2016 opens for business at 8.30am on Tuesday 19 January and closes at 2.30pm on Thursday 19 January. Continue to Learn 2016 runs from Sunday 17 to Thursday 21 January.

We have a preview of the event on pages 14 and 15

BTME Enquiry 3

Jane Carley reviews the vibrant market

Welcome...

Welcome to 2016 and what promises to be an excellent start of the year.

We kick off in style at BTME 2016 in Harrogate with all the early indicators promising this year’s exhibition and seminar programme will be the biggest yet. Coming after the success of the new-look SALTEX, it will be good to see BTME recreating the sort of buzz that we have come to expect from BIGGA’s showpiece event over recent years.

We have a preview of BTME in this month’s issue and will round-up all the news from the show in February. It promises to be another challenging 12 months, so BTME’s role in kick-starting the year in positive style will be very welcome.

It is also going to be a big year for TSP Media. As well as building on the continued success of this magazine with a few new ideas planned for the coming 12 months, we are pleased to announce that we will be launching an exciting new title to our portfolio in 2016 (see advertisment on page 9).

In March we will publish pH – a new and exciting magazine dedicated to showcasing the UK’s inner excellence in Professional Horticulture and Landscape Design.

With a proven track record in multi-platform publishing, the experienced TSP Media team now includes Laurence Gale, one of the most recognisable and respected industry professionals who will be editing pH magazine.

TSP Media will also use its experience to develop multi-media channels including a dedicated website and network of social media providing a vehicle for magazine content, as well as stand-alone content of daily news updates, technical articles, advice columns, a video hub, readers forums, shows and exhibitions updates.

We look forward to seeing you in Harrogate or during our travels around the country during the next couple of months.

Contents:

Groves Editor

PUBLISHER

David Stiles david@tspmedia.co.uk

EDITOR

Paul Groves paul.groves@tspmedia.co.uk

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Becki Everitt becki@tspmedia.co.uk

COMMERCIAL

Paul

Capability Brown design competition winners announced

A unique competition offered students and professional landscape architects the opportunity to walk in the creative footsteps of Capability Brown.

This year is the 300th anniversary of the birth of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, the man often credited with changing the face of eighteenth-century English landscape.

As part of these celebrations, designers were asked: what kind of landscape would Brown have designed if he were living today; how would you create a contemporary landscape following his design principles and building on what he designed; and how can you make Brown and his landscapes meaningful to audiences today?

The competition, hosted by Natural England and run by the Landscape Institute, aimed to stimulate engagement with Capability Brown’s work and practice, while also inspiring current practitioners to incorporate some of the valuable lessons Brown has to offer into their own work.

This was not simply a theoretical exercise, but one in which the winners could influence the design and layout of a real site: Moccas, part of a Grade II* registered park and garden near Hereford, a Brown influenced historic designed landscape, that also incorporates Moccas National Nature Reserve (NNR) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

A 20th century conifer plantation across the site has recently been felled with the aim of restoring it to wood pasture and parkland habitat. The winners were:

• Professional categoryJoint winners - Matthew Wigan Associates; and Colvin and Moggridge Landscape Architects.

• Student category - Joint winners - Jo Phillips and Owen Byrom - Manchester Metropolitan University; and Leopold Taylor and Naomi Rubbra - Edinburgh College of Art.

Honourable mentions were made to: Harrie Carr, Emma Henderson, Emma Thompson, Kit Bowen - Edinburgh College of Art; Anne-Charlotte Lee –ACL Paysages, France; and Matt Machouki - Leeds Beckett University.

Tree and shrub planting will be carried out at Moccas Park and Garden in 2016 to coincide with the year of the Capability Brown Festival and tercentenary of Brown’s birth.

The Capability Brown Festival 2016 is managed by the Landscape Institute and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Capability Brown Festival Enquiry 7

Wicksteed Playgrounds invests in play

Wicksteed Playgrounds has made significant investments this year; in its manufacturing centre, through new technology and increasing skilled personnel.

The UK play company has recently invested £105K in improving its manufacturing centre in the UK with the introduction of an additional state-of-the-art paint shop.

Using the latest technology, Wicksteed is able to offer its customers even greater choice of colour schemes and quality of finish on all its outdoor play and fitness equipment.

The expansion of the paint process facility opens up the design envelope for future Wicksteed play equipment designs by allowing one-piece structures to be larger and stronger, safe in the knowledge that the quality of powder

paint application and curing is maintained to the highest standards.

Wicksteed’s development of its unique zinc thermal spray

coating process which produces a textured coat, unlike galvanised, ensures that the paint keys and bonds to the steel. This guarantees the paint process for a ground breaking 7 years.

Wicksteed has also added to its diverse team and welcomes five new personnel.

Wicksteed Playgrounds Enquiry 6

Build stewardship into

weed strateg y

Forest Pennant completes regeneration scheme

Natural stone walling, paving and masonry products from Forest Pennant have been used to complete a rolling regeneration programme by Bridgend County Borough Council.

The project saw the renewal and improvement of streets and footways throughout the town centre, split over four phases.

Forest Pennant supplied 4000m2 of 75mm paving, around 1000m2 of standard setts, fluted drainage channels and copings, in its mixed colour Pennant sandstone quarried in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.

Allen Lloyd, project manager of Bridgend County Borough Council, attended an open day at the company’s stoneworks and quarry which secured the order.

The paving was supplied in three gauge widths; 300mm, 450mm and 600mm in random lengths. This specification of product minimises waste during the production process by maximising the potential of each block, helping to reduce costs for the client.

While economic this product breakdown was actually a

conscious design decision, “… we wanted to achieve a more natural look, one akin to a more traditional paved area,” said Allen.

“Historically paving isn’t cutto-size, the sizes reflected the nature of the stone. Unlike a modern concrete product it’s about working with the material rather than making it ‘fit’.”

Celebrating 25 years of Spearhead folding rotary mowers

Twenty-five years after Spearhead Machinery blazed a trail in the wide area mowing and slashing sector with the GS400, the MULTICUT 460 continues to raise standards to previously unknown heights.

In celebration of this, a limited edition version of the MULTICUT 460 will be unveiled in the UK at LAMMA 2016.

The need will always be there for grass and other types of vegetation

to be cut, and it is a synergy with nature that has helped Spearhead achieve its position as Europe’s market leading producer of FlexWing Rotary Mowers. Playing a massive part in this success over the past two and a half decades has been the stalwart in the Spearhead range, the best-selling MULTICUT 460.

As a celebration of its rich heritage and to mark 25 years of folding rotary mowers, Spearhead is launching a strictly limited

edition of twenty MULTICUT 460 machines featuring a unique colour scheme in tribute to those early pioneering machines.

Moving into a new generation the limited edition MULTICUT 460 lives up to its own pedigree and makes a further contribution to Spearhead’s modern and progressive image.

Spearhead Machinery Enquiry 11

Forest Pennant Enquiry 10

Bright idea from The Pot Company

As a leading supplier, The Pot Company has stocked a range of luminous planters for many years. However, the recent addition of a colour changing light bulb has opened up exciting possibilities for designers. With the click of a button customers can choose between thirteen colours to suit the ambience of the setting or occasion.

If you cannot decide on a colour, use the automatic colour changing mode to see a gradual spectrum of all thirteen.

The planters are made through high end rotational moulding techniques and the resulting finish does not feature any join lines, is easily cleaned and has a contemporary

feel. The range is available in a wide variety of sizes and designs.

12

Celebration for landscape discovery site

A celebration was held to mark the start of construction on Northumberland’s National Landscape Discovery Centre.

As the largest project so far undertaken by any UK National Park, The Sill’s main purpose is to open up Northumberland National Park and the surrounding areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to more people,

helping them learn about and explore some of Britain’s finest landscapes.

When it opens in 2017, it will offer all-weather, year-round facilities including YHA Youth Hostel accommodation, exciting exhibition spaces, an education and training programme, retail facilities and a café and restaurant.

The construction phase is set to bring in around 100 new jobs to the region, and when The Sill is fully operational, it is predicted it will deliver substantial economic benefits to the region with around £5m of additional visitor spending, every year.

NLDC Enquiry 13

The Pot Company Enquiry

Unearthing the truth about topsoil

The British Standard for Topsoil (BS 3882:2015) has been in place since 2007, yet it is still common to see the supply of poor quality and non-compliant soil by those looking to reduce costs.

Whilst the low price tag may be tempting, landscape architects and other contractors must remain vigilant.

Crucially, it is those responsible for purchasing and spreading non-BS certified topsoil that are liable for any financial consequences which may occur, rather than those necessarily selling it.

“Given topsoil’s necessity to any landscaping project which requires either turf or plant growth, it is one of the most abundantly used products across the market,” says Peter Cullen, technical sales manager for

Topsport – a Tarmac company.

“As such, there is likely to be a temptation to opt for cheap, non-compliant topsoil in order to keep costs down. However, the end recipient is well within their rights to ask for that soil to be tested once spread, with penalties directed back if failures occur; mainly if the topsoil has been contaminated or exhibits unsuitable chemical or physical properties that will prevent any turf or plants from growing.

“If the product is taken from a recycling plant dirt screen for example, then it could contain high quantities of concrete or asphalt, which in turn would also prohibit growth. Similarly poor soil profile construction, especially over-compaction, will inhibit root growth as it prevents water and air penetrating to the required level.”

MegaMax sweeps away the snow

The SweepEx range of push brooms offers a good choice to suit the task at hand and in particular the MegaMax which is not just a push broom, it is also a bulk volume mover.

Hitched to a telehandler, fork lift, skidsteer or tractor you can use it for clearing leaves and rubbish and at the first sight of snow it will be ready to clear large areas quickly and efficiently.

The MegaMax takes the concept of a heavy-duty broom and adds patented side retainers, which makes it ideal for clearing snow.

The broom holds bulk volumes of material in front of the brush without spillage at the sides. It’s cleverly designed to incorporate end brushes that are carefully twisted, so they actually pull snow away from a curb or wall

and push it into the main path of the broom. It also offers a squeegee effect on wet surfaces.

Similarly it will deal with other materials, sweeping them out of awkward corners, which makes this all-rounder good for yards, warehouses, amenity areas, construction sites, farms and landscaping projects.

As there are no motors, belts or chains and no flying debris, the MegaMax is safe and maintenance free, with hardwearing brushes designed to sweep up to 450 miles before the hard-wearing polypropylene bristles need changing.

In order to offer plants, turf, and other vegetation the best opportunity to grow, topsoil must comprise of a certified combination of minerals, nutrients, water, organic matter, air, and living organisms.

As this mix can be hard to achieve naturally, BS 3882:2015 was introduced to ensure landscape architects, contractors, and specifiers have a ready-made point of reference to enable them to supply and spread a safe and tested product.

Topsoil manufacturers, including Tarmac Topsport solutions range, are also regularly tested in line with BS 3882: 2015 standards to ensure all products are suitable for the intended end uses.

Topsport

Enquiry 16

Wessex International Enquiry 17

Makita fan wins gold

After an intense 16 hours of work over three days at The Skills Show 2016, NEC Birmingham, 20-year old Will Burberry from Surrey proudly stepped up to the rostrum to receive the winner’s gold medal.

Will, who completed his training at Merrist Wood College, Guildford, is now employed by Gardenscapes based in Surrey and Sussex. He showed the judges his skills in all areas of landscaping.

Is 2016 the start of sustainable weed control in the UK?

As of November 2015 the ‘Grandfather Rights’ exemption in the UK was revoked meaning that now anyone who applies pesticides professionally, whether that is in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, industry or amenity, must possess a valid Pesticide Certificate to comply with UK regulations.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states “employers of spraying contractors and operators have a duty of care to those who may be affected by their application of pesticides.”

As such, it is critical for anyone involved in weed control to endeavour to reduce harm to people and the environment through employing an integrated approach where applicable.

According to the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) “local authorities and landowners

will now have to make alternative arrangements other than simply relying on chemical solutions to prevent weeds.”

“APSE is aware that affordability will be an issue particularly as local authorities struggle to meet budgetary savings, but equally local authorities have a legal and moral responsibility to reduce impacts which may cause adverse effect to human health and the environment.”

Cardley-Wave provide one of the most popular and proven alternative methods of weed control killing weeds and moss with 100% hot water.All systems are multi-purpose and can also be utilised for sustainable street cleaning, chewing gum and most graffiti removal.

Cardley Wave Enquiry 21

Jacobsen Eclipse 322 greens mower is perfect for Molle

Mölle Golfklubb sits on the peninsula that forms Sweden’s westernmost point, located inside the Kullabergs Nature Reserve.

Head Greenkeeper Fredrick Rosdahl explained that being situated in the middle of a nature reserve gives added pressure to the way the course is managed. This was part of the reasoning behind the purchase of the

Jacobsen Eclipse 322 dieselelectric hybrid green mower.

“The Eclipse fits precisely with the environmental profile of the club and the local kommune of Höganäs, of which we are an integral part,” Tauben added.

Jacobsen Enquiry 22

Play area shows landscaping is an essential part of play

The new play area at Upper Cambourne, Cambridge, exemplifies exceptionally well how landscaping can be used to boost play value and create an imaginative and exciting environment for play. Designed by Randall Thorp Landscape Architects on behalf of their clients MCA with selected products from the Timberplay range, the Upper Cambourne Play Area has been created to serve as a community focal point for residents of the housing developments around the site.

Products from Timberplay have been used to create a waterplay area within a sculpted concrete feature, with a Playground Pump at its head, wooden gutters, Water Wheel and a Ball Valve. This has

been situated alongside sand play so that children can experiment with both materials together. Toddler play with Swinging Horses and Playhuts has been clustered within a play pocket and teenagers and older children can experience the thrill of the high energy zip wire. Stepping logs have been used up and down grass banks, along with fallen trees as balance bridges, whilst long grasses and wildflower planting create habitats for wildlife and add seasonal variations to the site. A stone circle promotes imaginative play or quiet reflection, and assorted seating throughout the site ensures parents can also find a spot to enjoy the play area.

Timberplay Enquiry 23

“We are immensely proud to provide the power tools for the competitors and to work closely with them on the run up to The Skills show and hopefully during their training for Squad UK selection,” says Kevin Brannigan, marketing manager, Makita UK.

Makita UK Enquiry 20

Ransomes

Snickers winter warmers – the new wool sweater

The new 100% Wool Sweater is the ideal combination with Snickers undergarments to provide a truly warm and cosy wrapper when you’re out on site in the chilly winter months.

The special wool weave is really soft but also highly moistureabsorbant and breathable. It provides pure natural wool comfort to keep you warm in really cold conditions. What’s more, it resists odour naturally and can be worn for long periods without washing.

It comes with a zip-up neck line collar and polyamide-reinforced elbows and lower arms for enhanced durability.

Snickers Enquiry 26

School gets new playzone from SIS Pitches

There are ten languages spoken at Valley Park Community School in Sheffield - but only one voice when it comes to 400 pupils’ feelings about their new multi-purpose playzone installed by UK turf experts SIS Pitches.

SIS Pitches not only agreed to pay for the play surface and installation, but challenged to children to come up with their own design – and they responded enthusiastically. Shown a template of vivid synthetic grass colours, the kids ditched traditional green and opted for a wild striped design in red and yellow.

Hultafors launches new safety shoes brands for the UK

Now owned by the Hultafors Group, the Solid Gear and Toe Guard brands of safety footwear are the fastest growing in Scandinavia.

With 23 different safety shoes available across the brands, the footwear is available in trainer, shoe and boot styles – all with in-built hi-tech designs that combine top quality materials, ultimate comfort and maximum safety.

David Clark, the Hultafors Group UK managing director, said: “The Solid Gear and Toe Guard product ranges extend our offer of premium brands that are the natural

first choice among discerning professional craftsmen and women.”

Hulafors Enquiry 28

The school takes children from age 2-11 from an ethnicallydiverse community that is home to Italians, Slovaks, Asian, African, Caribbean and UK families. It attracts hefty funding due to its challenging socioeconomic profile, but most of

it goes on maintaining staff resources.

Work involved SIS Pitches removing worn old carpet, repair

the sub-surface level with gravel and lay a new shockpad layer to help protect tumbling kids. The strips of new yellow and red artificial grass carpet went down,

followed by four tons of sand and two tons of rubber crumb to help the grass fibres stay upright.

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P

100% HOT WATER WEED CONTROL

SIS Pitches Enquiry

Laurence Gale

New Municipal Multitasker from Kärcher

2015 saw the world’s leading cleaning technology provider mark its 80th birthday in style, launching a host of new products, including an exciting new solution for grounds care and municipalities.

Increasingly cities and parks have looked to Kärcher’s featurepacked municipal vehicles to deliver year-round results, enabling them to work even more quickly and effectively. The new two-seater MC 130 City Sweeper joins this range as the big brother to the already popular Kärcher MC 50 all-weather solution.

Like its smaller sibling, the MC 130 converts in mere minutes from a high performance municipal sweeper to a lawn mower, gritter or snowplough – perfect for those who need to maintain clear and safe roads, pavements and pathways in unpredictable conditions. Three attachment mounting spaces at the front, rear and above the engine allow the combination of several operations, for example simultaneously mowing and recovering cuttings.

Importantly, the MC 130 weighs in at under 3.5 tonnes, making it not only pavement-friendly, but ensuring anyone with a class B

driving licence can operate the sweeper. Its low net weight allows the MC 130 to accept loads up to 1,100 kg before reaching total permissible weight - reducing disposal trips to a minimum.

Ergonomics took centre stage in the development of the comfortable and spacious doubleseat cab, delivering a 360° view, low noise and vibration values.

The two-man cab is ideal for training as the trainer can sit alongside the student, and great for transporting a colleague to carry out manual tasks at the same location or along the route.

A multi-functional display in the centre of the steering wheel allows safe, intuitive vehicle control. All necessary adjustments are made at a glance

- including the reversing and suction nozzle camera images. Brush control is via armrest mounted joysticks. The operator can select saved settings via a short-cut key and immediately start working.

Kärcher can provide the right attachment for almost every application, including on-board pressure washers, watering and irrigation systems. To find out more about how Kärcher can make a difference to your business’ year-round cleaning and maintenance regime, indoors or out please contact 01295 752 142, email cleaning@karcher.co.uk or visit www.karcher.co.uk.

Kärcher Enquiry 32

Technology innovation tuned to turf

Vitax Amenity has developed specialist turfcare products specifically to aid groundcare professionals in optimising nutrient and chemical programmes by uniting cutting edge technology, high efficacy and value for money.

For more than a generation the Supaturf brand has spearheaded the development and production of linemarking machinery and liquids for every sporting niche, from international stadia, including football and rugby world cup venues and the All England Club, Wimbledon, to grassroots, municipal and school sportsfields. Our latest linemarking system, the Supaturf SWOZI, takes the techology into another realm - utilising GPS to deliver unrivalled precision when marking out pitches, while liquids developed at the manufacturing facility in Coalville, Leicestershire, now deliver longlasting lines to today’s artificial turf pitches.

UK research, development and factory facilities allow Vitax Amenity to anticipate and respond rapidly to trends in the constantly evolving groundcare industry - an advantage that we take forward to serve new generations of professionals.

A host of improvements to the walk-behind EvenSprey 250 from

Vitax Supaturf make the new Club model a must-have for grounds professionals keen to apply fertilisers and other turf treatments accurately and economically.

Used by award-winning grounds professionals to help maintain sports and amenity areas in prime condition, UK designed and developed EvenSprey boom sprayers have transformed the application of liquids, dramatically improving operational convenience. The EvenSprey Club comes with 1.5m spray boom (1m pass), Shurflo pump, pneumatic tyres and optional spray.

The TFS25 tank free system linemarking machine presents a robust, efficient and effortless means to spray mark conveniently

and accurately - perfect for use with the new Artificial Surface Paints just launched and developed for applying professional quality, highly durable lines.

Vitax Amenity has developed fertilisers, water management agents and turf treatments for virtually every application and eventuality, from Ultraflo Advance wetting agents to Enhance bioactive and Endure extended release fertilisers and the reformulated 50-50 Soluble Iron, which offers improved solubility.

www.Vitax.co.uk T: 01530 510060 E: info@vitax.co.uk

Vitax Amenity Enquiry 33

New Germinal amenity brand to act as a benchmark

Germinal has launched a new brand which represents the heralding of a number of new initiatives from the company.

Aimed at improving amenity and sports pitch grass sward quality, the new brand represents an invigorated company culture that focuses on understanding customer needs and combining knowledge and skills to meet those needs through research, development and innovation.

As the company moves forward, reaching out to new customers and expanding its existing customer base, it is essential that the brand grows with it. Alongside a new company logo, website and product support materials, the company has also stated its intention to offer added expertise and knowledge sharing to the amenity sector.

“A strong brand identity is more than a new logo and is more than a clever marketing campaign,” explains Richard Brown, Amenity Manager for Germinal. “Germinal’s heritage is our strength, and our knowledge is the company’s platform for future success. The new brand therefore reflects our willingness

to listen, understand and evolve alongside our industry.

“We care about how our industry moves forward and strive to provide first class products and services which will make a difference to our customers. Our core vision is therefore to understand our customers’ needs and to combine our knowledge and skills to meet those needs through research, development and innovation.

“We see our role as extending a long way beyond the supply of quality grass and wildflower seeds. Innovation, expertise and the sharing of essential knowledge will therefore feature more and more in Germinal’s future support of the amenity and sports sectors.

“The new, invigorated Germinal brand will ultimately influence our culture and the way we do business, and will serve as a source of inspiration, excitement and pride. We believe it is a benchmark for the industry.”

Aitkens helps to continue fine turf tradition

Like all head groundsmen, Ian Jones faces the pressure of delivering high quality pitches at Nottingham High School.

He believes that Award NutriPro Outfield fertiliser has been a valuable tool over the last four

years, in the pursuit of excellence. Ian – along with groundsmen David Naylor and John Sweeney – has six rugby pitches, two small sized football pitches, three grass cricket squares, an artificial pitch and eight grass cricket nets to maintain at the school’s

Valley Road Sports complex, which until the acquisition of their grounds in Wolverhampton was used to host the prestigious England Schools rugby trials.

“We are well renowned for the quality of the facilities we offer

and it is a massive selling factor for the school,” he said. “Using the Award Nutri-Pro has enabled us to not only keep the reputation of the school but enhance it.”

New logo and new products

DLF/Johnsons Sports’ stand (A20) at BTME 2016 will see a major launch of what is being considered as the next generation seed technology, a new cultivar and a number of new mixture formulations. The big news is the introduction of ProNitro – the latest seed technology development from DLF in their aim of delivering better quality results for Greenkeepers and Groundsmen alike.

ProNitro will see the launch of a number of JNitro mixtures. This will promise even faster germination and establishment, faster leaf and root growth and

ultimately improved value. Another announcement at BTME 2016 will be Nigella, slender creeping red fescue. This cultivar is ideal for use on tees and fairways, and has been rated as No.1 for

tee and fairway renovation in the 2016 turfgrass seed booklet. It will be included exclusively in the Johnsons Sports Seed range for the first time in 2016. DLF will also be announcing a number of new

and

Germinal Enquiry 37

Aitkens Enquiry 36

mixture formulations across

DLF Enquiry 38

Seed Harvester from Logic

For a simple but effective Seed Harvester for meadow grass and wild flower seed, the Logic MSH range offers 1.2m wide sweepers with 600lt hopper which can be towed by any suitable vehicle.

They have flotation wheels, generous height adjustment for varying sites, are driven by a Honda 5.5hp engine with

New species of plant discovered at Leadhills Estate

A new species of plant has been discovered in and around the area surrounding the Leadhills Estate in South Lanarkshire.

This exciting discovery has lead to a project being granted permission to conduct a study of the plant, known as Mimulus peregrinus or Scottish monkeyflower.

The study will be undertaken by Biological and Environmental Sciences Senior Lecturer Dr. Mario Vallejo-Marin and his research group from the University of Stirling and will look at the characteristics that

Green Estate’s

Pictorial Meadow Perennial

Turf

Any Pictorial Meadow perennial seed mix can be supplied as a turf. Autumn /winter is the best time to lay, but it can be laid in spring /summer with additional irrigation. Ground should be cleared of vegetation, cultivated and wetted prior to turf laying. Orders are delivered on pallets of 50m2 and are best laid the

allow this new species to thrive. The field experiment will involve planting Mimulus peregrinus in field plots near Leadhills to compare how well it grows relative to other monkeyflowers.

The general idea is to find out whether the new Scottish monkeyflower has the characteristics that may allow it to become more widespread in the future. Measurements taken will include plant size, flower colour and seed production.

Leadhills Estate Enquiry 42

Add vibrancy with new Sunpatiens colours

For adding shape, scale and on-trend vibrancy to planting schemes, leading independent producer and supplier of young plants, Earley Ornamentals has added four new colours to its award-winning SunPatiens range – perfect for intense displays or injecting pops of colour in to challenging or low-maintenance spaces.

The new colours include the vibrant Vigorous Scarlet Red, Vigorous Pink Pearl, a contrasting Vigorous Clear White and on-trend Compact Hot Lilac.

The design flexibility of the SunPatiens range is impressive. With an upright, V-shaped form, the large framework produced

by the Vigorous series creates stunning backdrops and an intense display of colour, suited to amenity beds, gardens and large patio containers.

The versatile Spreading series features a strong, mounding habit and is bred for faster coverage - perfect for landscape beds, plus it makes striking hanging

baskets and patio containers. The Compact series is best for smaller spaces and for mingling with other annuals, this type is excellent for patio containers, window boxes and selected colours make striking hanging baskets.

SunPatiens Enquiry 44

Creating diverse wildflower displays

Wild Flower Lawns and Meadows is run by Colin Reader, who specialises in supplying the most floristically diverse seed mixtures on the market.

He draws on 16 years’ experience of converting grasslands to wild flower meadows.

The company’s aim is to create the best wild flower areas both aesthetically and ecologically. Colin makes his knowledge freely available on the company’s website to help you succeed with your wild flower projects.

The luxury mixes for clay, loam, sandy and chalk soils contain over 40 wild flower species, with a 45% wild flower to grass ratio. They produce a blaze of colour in their first year. Wild orchids are included in nearly all the mixes. The plant collections too have been created to make it easy for landscapers, providing for different conditions, producing a season long cascade of flowering, using frost hardy native wild flowers selected for different habitats.

Wild Flower Lawns & Meadows Enquiry 46

Cotswold Hills club benefits from Limagrain

Wayne Vincent, course manager

at Cotswold Hills Golf Club in Gloucestershire, has praised Limagrain UK for helping him produce the stunning 18-hole course you see today.

The history of Cotswold Hills Golf Club can be traced all the way back to 1902 when golf was played on the nearby common of Cleve Hill.

In 1976 a new course was created on 157 acres of land in Ullenwood, Cheltenham, and since that day the club has gone from strength to strength and is considered to be one of the best courses in the county.

Limagrain’s MM9 grass seed mixture is the secret behind the

beautiful greens at Cotswold Hills. This mixture, commonly used for summer overseeding and autumn renovations of top quality golf greens, is relied upon by greenkeepers throughout the UK and beyond.

For the course’s par 3 tees, Wayne uses Limagrain’s MM22 which is ideal for divotting, repairing and renovating areas that are subjected to high levels of wear. He also uses MM13 on tees and fairways which features excellent drought resistance and also offers low maintenance requirements.

Limagrain Enquiry 47

Rigby Taylor helps independent school meet high demand

The judicious selection of Rigby Taylor grass seed and amenity consumables, combined with expert advice and back-up from the company’s area technical representative, are playing a key role in enabling Kevin Reilly to consistently present first-class cricket surfaces at the University College School’s sports ground.

Rigby Taylor has been supplying the Hampstead, north west London-based independent school’s head groundsman with a range of products for the past six years.

Kevin said: “Our cricket pitch is based on a London Clay sub-soil (as are all our playing surfaces) and with Rigby Taylor’s help and assistance – including soil sampling – we introduced the R9 grass seed mixture and Delta Sport fertiliser for the cricket outfields, plus Activate R biostimulant.

“Our three squares have to withstand heavy use, for up to 20 hours each week, by school teams and additional ‘outside’ users. But by combining such world-class products with a regular maintenance regime, the result is that we’re able to consistently meet these demands while presenting first-class wickets and pitch.”

R9 is a 100 per cent fine ryegrass and part of the Rigby Taylor ‘iCON’ programme of ‘low growth’ grass seeds which reduce mowing frequency but offer a host of advanced and unique specialised characteristics for high tolerance to wear, and drought and disease tolerance, for example.

Taylor Enquiry 48

Rigby

Wild Flower Lawns & Meadows

Training and accreditation for wildflower landscapes

As the benefits of wildflower landscapes in urban environments are recognised, a quick and reliable establishment method is essential.

Wildflower Turf Ltd is the pioneer of a soil-less turf system that enables landscapers to achieve an instant wildflower meadow.

Due to interest and demand, the company has developed a national training and

accreditation programme to bring expertise and understanding in establishing and maintaining wildflower landscapes.

The Accredited Installer Programme provides a day’s training, covering all aspects of the preparation, installation and maintenance of wildflower areas.

Once accredited, landscapers are placed on a national installers register and have the benefit

of a resources portal and price discounts to offer their clients.

The scheme is now in its fourth year and boasts some of the best names in the landscape business, up and down the country. Of 287 past attendees 99% have rated the day good or excellent. New dates for training have been released for April and June.

Wildflower Turf Ltd Enquiry 51

Everris sow the seeds to success

Oldham Athletic AFC has chosen to work with Everris, part of the ICL Group, for all of its turf requirements.

From seed to fertilizer, every blade of healthy grass you see at SportsDirect.com Park and the club’s training ground has been treated with an Everris product.

It is an exciting time to be a part of Oldham Athletic AFC; a new stand is being built, more commercial opportunities are being presented and the club is moving in the right direction according to chief executive Neil Joy.

Everris’ ProSelect1 Premier Pitch grass seed which is

renowned for its outstanding visual appeal, was chosen.

ProSelect1 establishes a dense, hard wearing blend of perennial ryegrasses, offering top performance for high quality stadia, sports fields and racecourses. It also contains a Zip-Speed treatment to help optimise germination and establishment rates.

The complete ProSelect grass seed range is part of an ongoing seed development programme, helping to improve mixture performance through use of STRI assessed varieties and Lee could not be happier with his choice of seed.

To maximise his results Lee has also been using

SierrablenPlus Spring Starter which features Poly-S coated fertiliser granules; Greenmaster Liquid fertiliser which has a high magnesium content for enhanced colour; Primo Maxx – the UK’s number one turf growth regulator; SeaMax – an innovative formulation which boasts over 75% of active seaweed content and ProTurf – a high-quality granular fertiliser with controlled release technology. In using this combination of Everris products, Lee believes that he is now set for the season ahead. ICL Enquiry 52

New Climber from Grillo tackles tough jobs

Grillo unveiled the long-awaited 4wd Climber 10 at SALTEX, this exceptionally powerful machine is available in 18 or 22hp versions with cutter deck sizes of 93 and 98cm featuring a single bar blade and reversible swing tips.

The powerful Briggs & Stratton petrol engines are the pro series for unrivalled performance in extreme conditions.

Transmission is via two Kansaki hydro units with selectable diff-lock, the front unit being protected by steel plates to guard against accidental damage.

An exceptionally comfortable seat is mounted on shock absorbers, allowing all day long comfort coupled with extra leg room for taller operators.

Large aggressive wheels and tyres help to give the 10 series its unstoppable performance on sloping ground and also helps achieve higher ground clearance.

The Climber 10 is equally at home cutting areas of grassland as well as controlling thick overgrown scrubland.

Grillo Enquiry

New perennial ryegrass cultivar and wild flower mixtures from Germinal

Campey focuses on Universe Finesse

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Germinal will officially launch three new wildflower seed mixtures and a chart topping perennial ryegrass cultivar. With a class-leading score of 9.2 for fineness of leaf, Cabrio perennial ryegrass promises tougher, harder wearing and more attractive swards. Meanwhile, the company’s new wildflower mixtures offer greenkeepers and course managers an increased choice of environment and habitat specific wild flora options.

Cabrio, the latest addition to Germinal’s portfolio of perennial ryegrass cultivars, will be available exclusively from Germinal as part of the company’s ‘Grade A’ range of grass seed mixtures. Germinal has also launched three new wildflower mixtures for golf courses: Fairway Meadow, Links Habitat and Woodland Edge Wildflowers.

Germinal Enquiry 55

New RPR Stadium wipes the floor with the competition

Grass expert, Barenbrug UK, has launched the ultimate grass seed for UK stadiums.

Solving the four biggest challenges faced by stadium managers in one scientifically and customer-proven mix - RPR STADIUM.

The perennial ryegrass blend delivers four key traits: Ultimate wear tolerance, camera-ready colour (delivering darker colour,

far superior to any other premium mixture on the market), superior disease tolerance and fast recovery, thanks to Regenerating Perennial Ryegrass (RPR).

RPR’s possess an unparalleled capacity to recover in that they can produce determinate stolons and entirely new plants to counteract the effect of intense wear or other turf damage

Barenbrug Enquiry 57

Campey Turf Care Systems will be showcasing the very best machines for renovating and maintaining natural turf sports pitches.

This includes the renowned Koro by Imants Field TopMaker with Universe and Terraplane Rotors and a new range of blades called Universe Finesse that will take fraise mowing to a new level.

Richard Campey explains the significance of the new development; “We have developed a new blade called the Universe Finesse which will essentially let you ‘Universe Finesse mow’ as part of your regular maintenance programme for turf health and hygiene.

The blades can be fitted to the Universe Rotor (which has recently been granted British patents for its unique actions) in a variety of configurations to allow the groundsman/greenkeeper to use the Koro FTM for different working practices from surface verti-cutting to deep linear aeration/scarification up to 25mm deep, whilst maintaining single pass surface hygiene.

And another new arrival is the Dakota 310 Top Dresser to add to the already impressive Dakota range. Established products from Imants such as the ShockWave and Rotoknife will sit alongside Votex and the VGR Top Changer. Last but by no means least, is the Award-winning world class Air2G2 with its air injection system.

Campey Turf Care Systems Enquiry

56

New mower launch the focus for Ransomes Jacobsen

The focus on stand M1 will be the launch of the Jacobsen LF557/577 7-unit wide area fairway mower.

These ultra-productive mowers are available with either seven 5 inch (12.7cm) diameter or 7 inch (17.8cm) diameter cutting units giving a class leading maximum width of cut of 3.5 metres. With programmable maximum mow

and transport speeds and an adaptive throttle control, which automatically adjusts engine RPM to meet demands, these two new additions to the LF family take productivity to new levels.

Also making their debuts at BTME will be the Jacobsen Truckster XD heavy duty utility vehicle and the Jacobsen SprayTek XP, a dedicated

sprayer with the latest GPS control system. Also on display will be the Jacobsen HR500, the 49hp batwing wide area rotary with a cutting widths of 3.0 and 3.3 metres with a height of cut ranging from 25mm – 120mm. With a transport width of just 1.65 metres with the wing decks folded, they are highly manoeuvrable and highly productive.

Two new products from the Smithco brand will also feature on the Jacobsen stand – a Bunker rake and a Greens roller. Add to this a range of products from Turfco and Iseki making a visit to stand M1 an essential part of the BTME experience.

Ransomes Jacobsen Enquiry 60

GKB Machines to stand alone

GKB Machines will be exhibiting for the first time on their own on stand A12, having enlisted the skills and knowledge of Tom Shinkins to increase brand awareness.

This year will see exciting new products to the range including a new line of top dressers, with capacity from 1.3m cube up to

5m cube you are sure to find a spreader to suit your needs. Also on the stand will be the revolutionary sand-filler, which removes thatch and organic matter from fine turf areas 40mm deep and 40mm canters, collecting this material and then injecting sand in to the verticut lines.

GKB Machines Enquiry 61

Highspeed to launch new ClearWater product

Highspeed Group is launching the latest ClearWater development at the showClearWater Commercial.

The original ClearWater biological washpad water recycling system was launched in 2003 and designed primarily for washing turf machinery.

Joint MD David Mears said: “ClearWater is excellent for washing turf machinery but we

have been asked if we can provide a system that can also be used for high end vehicle washing too. This is why we’ve developed ClearWater Commercial.”

The introduction of the new system will enable customers with a wide range of vehicles, other than turf machinery, to be able to achieve a very effective wash and finish and will open up new markets for Highspeed.

The system has been successfully trialled over the past six months and with impressive results. ClearWater Commercial will be available alongside ClearWater.

Alongside ClearWater on stand C12 , Highspeed will also feature fuel and oil tanks, waste management services, workwear, oils and lubricants.

Highspeed Group Enquiry 62

Branson Tractors dealers day

Following the highly successful launch of Branson Tractors at SALTEX, CTC of Bidford on Avon held a “Ride and Drive” day for ground care contractors and potential dealers near Stratford on Avon. More than 20 potential dealers from around the country who came on the day were impressed with the range of tractors from the smallest 21hp 2900 to the 74hp K78. Since that day a number of companies have requested to become dealers and at the time of going to press 10 have been appointed nationwide.

Branson Tractors Enquiry 63

New Battery-Powered tools from Kärcher

The global municipal cleaning expert is branching out into battery-powered Chain Saws and Leaf Blowers, with ergonomic design, high performance and ease of use at the fore.

With up to 90% lower lifetime costs than combustion models, it’s easy to see why savvy spenders are looking at battery powered solutions. This lower total cost of ownership has environmental benefits too, with emissions-free operation, and no strong smells during operation. 50% less noise and 80% fewer vibrations make for comfortable operator useeven for prolonged periods - and suitability in urban areas including parks and street cleaning.

Kärcher’s LB 850 Bp Leaf blower and CS 330 Bp Chain Saw are both designed to run on modern 50 V Lithium-ion batteries which have a 50% faster charging time their predecessors. The batteries are available in three different sizes, so it’s easy to match capacity to requirements and save on battery investment. Charging time ranges from 25 – 60 minutes, with a fully charged battery delivering working periods from 10 - 225 minutes for the leaf blower, and 108 - 405 cuts for the chain saw.

The high-output, lightweight leaf blower has a high, low and boost setting. Delivering 148km/h air speed at full power yet operating at only 80 db LpA

Carlton helps revert woodland back to open heathland

Orange Plant is firmly established in the hire, sale, service and support for a range of forestry machinery including wood chippers and stump grinders to provide greenkeepers with the tools they need to get the best from the trees on their golf course.

At Penn Golf Club near South Staffordshire, a comprehensive programme of tree maintenance is underway, with the felling and removal of approximately 1000 trees.

Orange Plant is the only European partner for the highly acclaimed

Carlton Range, from which Paul has used the SP4012D and SP5014TRX models. Using a stump grinder eliminates the need to burn, dig or treat tree stumps with chemicals.

They have removed the majority of stumps on the site using the Carlton machines which have impressed Paul and his team. The 5014TRX in particular, with its tracked base, has allowed the team to get into all kinds of undergrowth and scrub.

Orange Plant Enquiry 67

it is ideal for removing debris, leaves and cuttings. Likewise, the robust, repair-friendly Chain Saw is a powerful ally when tackling branches and small trees. For decades the name Kärcher has been synonymous with robust outdoor solutions. Whether used as a standalone solution, or in partnership with Kärcher municipal sweepers and pressure washers, contact us to find out how Kärcher can make a difference to your business’ year-round forestry or municipal cleaning and maintenance regime: phone 01295 752 142, email cleaning@karcher.co.uk or visit www.karcher.co.uk.

Kärcher Enquiry

66

Splitting image from Wessex

There are two ways to view log splitting. You can take a splitting wedge and a sledgehammer and use the exercise to warm you up on a chilly day.

You might, however, run the risk of a 2lb metal object flying at speed through the air and hitting you on the shin or worse, injuring an innocent bystander.

At best log splitting is a timeconsuming, boring task. Consider another image, one of breezing through the work with a powerful log splitter.

A tough machine that offers up to 10 ton of hydraulic splitting

force. We’re talking about the Wessex CountryLine LS-100, a strong, simple solution and a quick, easy fit to any tractor with a category1 three-point linkage. This will power through logs up to 450mm/18” in height and with a floor level splitting bed it’s easy to position them into place.

The two-handed operation makes for safer use and the speed of dealing with large volumes makes a measurable impression whether you’re using the Wessex County LS-100 commercially or for farm and smallholding work.

Wessex International Enquiry 68

New saw is light, compact and powerful

Compact, lightweight and with an outstanding power-toweight ratio, the new ECHO CS-2510TES top handle sets a benchmark for chainsaws.

This latest model in ECHO’s range of new generation chainsaws is their lightest and most compact saw to date.

The dry weight is just 2.3kg and with its ergonomic, compact design the saw is highly manoeuvrable and can be used for long periods with little operator fatigue. The engine produces 1.11kW to give the CS-2510TES a superior powerto-weight ratio.

Wider tank openings make oil and fuel refilling easier and the oiler adjustment is conveniently on top for operator access. The

dropout prevention nut is held on with a wire spring to prevent loss when working at height.

Attention to detail in the design sees the CS-2510TES fitted with a selection of other features to make the operator’s life easier and more productive. There’s a swing-out lanyard ring for attaching the chainsaw to harness ropes, leaving the operator’s hands free for easier and safer climbing, while the rotating plastic chain catcher is a key safety feature.

Narrow louvers in the body are designed to prevent pine needles and debris penetrating the engine compartment.

ECHO Enquiry 69

Pellenc launches Selion C21 HD Chainsaw

Pellenc has launched the Selion C21 HD chainsaw - the lightest professional pruner on the market at just 2kgs.

Pruning requires specialised knowledge and suitable equipment. Pellenc offers arborists a model that will meet their expectations in terms of weight, balance, manoeuvrability, and power.

Equipped with numerous innovations, the new Selion C21 HD chainsaw has an exceptional power to weight ratio and allows you to work without noise pollution, without pollution and with unmatched working comfort.

Four innovative safety features include: kick-back sensor with electronic start-up; low kickback

Oregon chains; self-diagnostic system of the tool; and start-up trigger.

As with all other Pellenc products, the Selion C21 HD chainsaw uses the ultra-high capacity technology of the Pellenc lithium battery and guarantees non-polluting, odourless operation with quick start-up and up to one day battery

life when fitted with the Poly 5 ULiB battery.

All Pellenc tools now come with a comprehensive three year commercial warranty as standard. Pellenc is sold exclusively in the UK by Etesia UK.

Pellenc Enquiry 72

GreenMech’s Arborist 150 is a real workhorse

Contractors J Burch Tree Care and Grounds Maintenance have been putting their GreenMech Arborist 150 to a seemingly seasonal use with Spruce (Christmas) trees – but not felling them for sale, but to chip them.

The company purchased a GreenMech Arborist 150 two years ago. Owner Jon Burch said: “We were instantly impressed during the demo and haven’t been disappointed since.

It’s a really great machine, it deals with everything we put through it and it doesn’t snag.

It’s been invaluable on a project of this size.”

The project in question is the clearing of a privately owned Surrey estate. Amongst the site

to be cleared is approximately eight acres of Spruce (Christmas) trees, with the aim of replanting the area with a more native tree to tie-in with the rest of the estate woodland.

The majority of the trees were either dead or too tall for Christmas trees. “The rest were put through the Arborist 150 chipper, with the resulting wood chip going to another nearby estate where it is being used for horse bedding and plant/border material,” added Jon.

“The Arborist 150 is working like a Trojan, producing an average of 5 or 6 truck-loads of wood chip every day.”

Enquiry 73

Dolmar chainsaws for the British market

Dolmar chainsaws built a fine reputation for rugged reliability and performance in the British market in the 70s and 80s. Founded in Hamburg, Germany in 1927, Dolmar became part of Makita in 1991 and has received substantial investment to become the geographical hub of Makita’s chainsaw development and production.

In certain countries, the Dolmar brand has continued to lead the market, whilst in the UK for instance, the blue Makita branding has been adopted to benefit from the Company’s power tool market leadership. The technical specifications and performance are identical and now the orange Dolmar saws will be available through certain dedicated Makita

garden machinery distributors. Seven Dolmar saws are available including the 31cc top-handle PS310TH with 30cm bar; the PS32CTLC 35cm bar lightweight, entry level saw; the PS350SC and the 34.7cc and PS420SC, 42.4cc semi-professional specification saws with 35cm and 45cm bar lengths respectively.

The 50cc PS500C model is known as the “farmers” saw, an economic model with full professional specification. The Dolmar inventory for the UK market is completed with the PS6100 saw which does the job of a felling saw and debranching saw in just one machine.

GreenMech

Makita Enquiry 74

Historic school improves grounds with Toro

Oxford’s Magdalen College School (MCS), an independent day school for boys aged 7 to 18 and sixth form girls, has invested in Toro for the first time in a bid to improve school grounds.

Founded by William Waynflete in 1480 as part of Magdalen College, Oxford - one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford – MCS aims for excellence both in and outside of the classroom, outside of which is headed up by grounds manager Stuart Webber.

Stuart, who has been at MCS for just over a year, said: “The school is currently working to improve its grounds and getting better machinery was identified very early on as a key way to achieve this,” he says.

Following a deal with Toro UK distributors Lely UK, a new ProCore 648 and two Toro

Reelmaster 3550-D mowers recently arrived on site.

Perfect for sports fields that take a beating from practice and games, the new Reelmaster 3550-D mowers have already been put to work on the Christ Church sportsground and the School Field, which provides ample space for field sports such as cricket, rugby and football, as well as lawn tennis.

“The 3550-D is my favourite machine because of how lightweight it is, yet it still provides that quality of cut and finish we’re looking for,” Stuart comments.

Joining the Reelmasters is the ProCore 648; the most productive and efficient walking aerator on the market, creating precisely cut aeration holes essential for maintaining outstanding greens.

With a seven-strong grounds team, growing to eight in the New Year with an apprentice due to join, Stuart notes what he and the rest of the grounds staff find most appealing about Toro.

“At my last place of work, Whitgift independent day and boarding school in South Croydon, I choose Toro for all my mowers, so it was an easy decision to pick Toro again.

“The team and I have used many other brands of mowers in the past, but Toro has by far been the best mower we’ve have used. The biggest difference from other brands is how user-friendly they are, how easy it is set them on cut and how long they stay on cut,” he adds.

Toro Enquiry 77

Lister Wilder top of its class with Gold+

Machinery suppliers Lister Wilder has achieved a landmark Gold+ standard in the Kubota Dealer Service Excellence Awards programme, a milestone not seen before in the Kubota dealer network.

Five branches were presented with awards, which included one Bronze for Cirencester, three Golds for Ashford, Devizes and Ockham and the prestigious Gold+ for Reading.

The awards are assessed and presented every two years by Kubota UK, and are based on dealer equipment, facilities and commitment to training.

Customer service also plays a key role based on the Kubota customer satisfaction survey, which is submitted to customers after every product sold.

Lister Wilder Enquiry 78

New mini Multihog launched at LAMMA 2016

With the launch of their latest innovative multi-purpose maintenance vehicle, Multihog has demonstrated once and for all that bigger doesn’t always mean better. Measuring from as little as 1150mm wide with a low profile from just 1975mm high the new Multihog CX Series is testament to the times in that technology comes in ever smaller packages. However, despite its compact size the machine packs a punch at 100 litres of hydraulic low per minute rivalling much larger traditional tractors units.

In addition, the new CX Series has both a hydraulic feed as well as a mechanical PTO shaft as standard adding to Multihog’s ever expanding versatility by enabling users to utilise a wider range of attachments than ever before. This is aided further with a standard 3-point linkage setup which was previously not normally a feature on most Multihog models. Available with a 55 or 75HP engine ultra-fuel efficient and environmentally friendly Tier IV final engine anyone with a standard UK driving license can comfortably travel to site on the public highway with road assisted suspension whilst moving at 40km/ph. You can see the new Multihog CX55 and CX75 by visiting stand B44 at LAMMA from January 20-21, 2016.

Winter wrapped up with Glasdon

To help you prepare for the colder months Glasdon has winter wrapped up with a comprehensive range of winter safety products.

Turbocast 800 Gritter can be used as a broadcast or drop spreader. Turbocast 800 will hold approximately 10 x 25kg bags of rock salt and gives controlled, accurate coverage up to 8 metres width at speeds from 5-20mph. Turbocast 300 spreads to a width

of between 3 and 7 metres with minimum effort and can be easily pushed along, even when fully laden. Nestor 400 has a double skinned lid for supreme strength and durability. The weight of the lid is sufficient to minimise the risk of it opening in strong winds and therefore protects the contents from adverse weather conditions.

British Patents granted for Campey’s Koro Universe Rotor

British Patents have been granted for Campey Turf Care Systems Universe Rotor for its unique action with the Koro Field TopMaker (FTM) as a maintenance and renovation tool on DESSO GrassMaster and natural grass surfaces.

The Universe Rotor for the Koro Field Top Maker was initially developed for the annual renovation of DESSO GrassMaster playing surfaces, where it can clean out 100% of the organic matter build up on a pitch in four hours in one pass.

The British patents are in recognition of the unique action of the Universe® Rotor which is unlike any other and worldwide patents are currently pending approval. Patents have also been granted for the rotor design by Imants and for its unique work

on warm season Bermuda grass surfaces covering sports pitches, golf greens and fairways. Studies of its use have shown excellent removal of surface debris resulting in a renewed clean playing surface within 21 days.

Campey Turf Care Systems

Glasdon Enquiry 79

Redexim Carrier is a lighter weight alternative power source

Hybrid turf surfaces are susceptible to ground pressure and in a direct response Charterhouse Turf Machinery has introduced the Redexim Pedestrian Carrier.

Paul Bradshaw, Head Groundsman at Burnley FC, took delivery of a Carrier and VertiDrain 1513 earlier this year to help look after the club’s Desso pitch.

Charterhouse visited to demonstrate the Verti-Drain 1513 hooked up to their pedestrian Carrier and it was clear that the combination was more than powerful enough to do the job, at full depth, with no problems.

“It’s simple to operate and quick too – we can cover a full size pitch in just 2-3 hours,” said Paul. “We are having three new desso pitches installed at the training ground shortly, and with their popularity in the industry, I can say that more clubs need machinery like this.”

The Carrier is a pedestrian controlled, 3 wheeled hydrostatic implement carrier powered by a 32hp V-Twin petrol engine. It has its own 3 point linkage and PTO and is capable of carrying a wide range of Redexim implements.

Other popular combinations see the Carrier teamed up with the Redexim SpeedSeed 1200 and the Redexim Verti-Top 1200, or indeed any other manufacturers machine which falls within its lift capacity.

The high-speed Verti-Drain 1513 is a popular choice for use with the Carrier and this combination really comes into its own when used on the naturally dense and harder hybrid surfaces. The well-known abilities of the VertiDrain of penetrating tougher soil profiles whilst leaving an undisturbed surface are put to good effect on this type of pitch.

Charterhouse Turf Machinery Enquiry 82

Dennis G860 praised at Murrayfield

Jim Dawson, head groundsman for Scottish Rugby at the BT Murrayfield Stadium, has praised the role of the Dennis G860 professional mower in helping him maintain the pitch at Scotland’s largest sports stadium and with it win the IOG Groundsman of the Year Award.

With an interchangeable cassette system including scarifiers, verticutters, brushes, spikers and slitters as well as 6 or 8 bladed cutter cassettes, the Dennis G860 is trusted by groundsmen around

the world as the most versatile cylinder mower on the market.

Lightweight at just 166kg, it is easy to see why the G860 is so popular at so many sporting venues both in the UK and abroad. In fact, ever since becoming acquainted with the G860 at the start of his career, Jim has not felt the need to use any other mower.

Jim and his three members of staff certainly have their work cut out at the stadium. Not only

do they attend to the main pitcha brand new Desso GrassMaster, but they also look after three grass pitches consisting of fibre sand, a synthetic pitch and all of the stadium’s surroundings.

With such a demanding workload, Jim believes that the Dennis G860 undoubtedly helps the team keep on top of things.

Putting the ECHO PB-251 power blower to the test

The prevailing weather conditions leading up to this autumn, with a hot summer and mild autumn, brought a spectacular tapestry of colour to the trees.

The ideal time to put the ECHO PB-251 power blower through its paces, with the additional challenge of some heavy rain making hard work of clearing the leaves across a sixty by twenty metre outdoor equestrian manége.

The problem here being the rubber crumb surface and the

trick of blowing the leaves without removing rubber and leaving great patches of sand to be patched over.

The 24.5cc stage 2 compliant low emission engine, with an output of 0.70kW, belts out a maximum air speed of 71m/s. Wet leaves were effectively lifted and quickly driven into piles and yet the blower was so easily controlled at an angle that it had little effect on the rubber surface. A neat feature is the Cruise Control which locks the throttle

in position so you don’t need to keep your finger on it. The exhaust is at the front so even the low emissions are directed away from you, and there is an EZ lock system for securing and disconnecting the blower pipe.

A see-through fuel tank makes it easier to keep an eye on the fuel level. In all a high-powered, well-balanced and easy to use blower that made short work of a mountain of leaves.

ECHO Enquiry

Extra Terra Rake boosts Tillers Turf

Wiedenmann UK’s newest fleet addition – the 4.6m wide Terra Rake-has had a huge endorsement from the first clients who took delivery in July.

Tillers Turf is a leading grower and national supplier of turf for landscapes, golf course turf, sports turf and wildflower turf based at Thorney, near Newark, Nottinghamshire.

combination of tractor and rake is sufficiently light to suit all turf growing projects.

Wiedenmann until this summer had marketed the Terra Rake only in 1.6 m and 2.1 m widths but the introduction of a new folding frame led to the development of 3.4 m and 4.6 m versions. A 1.7 m electric trailed version was also introduced.

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Tillers match it to their John Deere 5620 tractor and the

Wiedenmann UK Enquiry 85

Dennis Enquiry 83

Tools of the trade

Hydraulic disc brakes are now fitted as standard to the front and rear and double wishbone suspension enable the wheels to drive over obstacles with minimum effect on the chassis.

The Trans Cab system of the PRO-DXT enables the flexibility to maximise either cargo space or people-moving potential. It can be changed from two-person mode to four-person mode in just one minute and by one person. In two-person mode, the cargo bed capacity is 453kg and in fourperson mode is 158kg.

The withdrawal of a couple of key players from the market has hardly diminished the choice of ATVs and Utility vehicles on the market. Manufacturers now offer such a range of specifications to suit applications which require more lugging ability or people carrying capacity plus tyres for all types of surface, that there is a machine to match any groundcare requirement.

Polaris has introduced a new Ranger Diesel with a host of new features.

Polaris Active Descent Control is designed to provide smooth, controlled hill descents, automatically braking all four wheels (when switched to the appropriate setting) on steep inclines for greater safety.

Handling is made lighter and smoother with electronic power steering and the new Ranger Diesel is designed to accept the Polaris Lock & Ride Pro-Fit Cab System. The components install in designated mounting locations in the cab frame, with simple locking to seal out the worst weather conditions. The windscreen and rear panel glass windows are scratch resistant for greater visibility.

Wide foot clearance offers easy entry and exit and there’s also ten inches of tilt steering adjustment and room for three adults.

Towing capacity is 907kg of towing capacity while payload is 680kg. The cargo box has a gasassist dumping operation and can carry up to 454kg of materials including a full-sized pallet.

Power is supplied by a 1028cc Kohler tier 4-compliant diesel engine with indirect injection and the alternator offers 110 amps to drive electrical needs – more than double previously available. Fuel tank capacity is 37.9 litres.

On-demand all-wheel drive automatically engages all four wheels for more forward traction, reverting back to 2WD when not required. The VersaTrac Turf

Mode switch unlocks the rear differential for easier, tighter turns without scuffing the grass. Ground clearance is 30.5cm and Carlisle tyres are fitted good traction, easy steering and extra grip.

Kawasaki has added two new Mule utility vehicles with the introduction of the four-seater Mule PRO-DXT and two-seater PRO-DX.

Both diesel, the models have been designed primarily for work applications where their high-torque diesel engines will deliver improved performance and allow on-site fuel compatibility.

With a greater focus on cargo carrying performance, the PRO-DX features a long, flat cargo bed – the largest in the Mule fleet – designed to be easy to load from three sides. It has a dry weight of under 816kg which enables access to most weightrestricted areas.

Both models, available in Timberline green, feature a 993cc four-stroke diesel engine, which delivers 24hp of power and 52 Nm of torque, and have a towing capacity of 907kg. Fuel capacity is 30 litres and bright headlights are complemented by auxiliary LED lamps.

Simon Riches, Kawasaki UK ATV and Mule Product Manager, said: “We’re really excited about launching the two new Mules - they strengthen Kawasaki’s already robust range of utility vehicles and offer customers

to chance to pick an off-road vehicle that’s perfect for them and their specific requirements.”

The 2016 Can-Am Defender utility vehicle from BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) is powered by new Rotax 50hp HD8 or 72hp HD10 V-Twin engines, recalibrated for heavy-duty performance offering 50 and 61 lb/ft of torque respectively.

It features a new, laser-cut, tongue-and-groove chassis with automotive-like technology and fabrication tolerances aligned with modern pick-up trucks and High-Strength, Low-Alloy (HSLA) grade steel provides a more rigid design.

The vehicle has selectable 2WD/4WD with Visco-Lok autolocking front and rear differential and an electronic hill descent control.

It also features larger CVT ratios with work-specific low gears

which activates an optimised ventilation system, improving belt durability and power transfer.

A new generation of Pro-Torq Transmission and heavy-duty Torsional Trailing A-arms (TTA-HD) have been specifically created to enhance low-speed riding, delivering a smoother and more responsive power delivery. The company is enhancing its ATV range for 2016 with the addition of the new Can-Am Outlander L PRO, designed to combine the efficient performance of the Outlander L with the power of a Rotax engine.

Power units include the new 570 four-stroke or the singlecylinder, liquid-cooled 450. Both have been designed by Rotax engineers to offer the user the torque and power required when riding up the side of hills or towing and hauling cargo on the flat.

Utility vehicles and ATVs are essential workhorses for the groundcare industry and the technology continues to develop to make them even more user-friendly. Jane Carley reports.

This latest addition to the range features a new higher position for the engine’s air intake system, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) inlets and CVT exhaust, designed to ensure the ATV’s air flow remains constant, even when navigating through wet and muddy conditions.

The Outlander L Pro all terrain vehicle (ATV) now has ACT sixply heavy duty tyres for extreme terrain, from rocky outcrops to boggy marshland, plus a new durable reinforced vinyl seat.

The Can-Am Outlander L Pro is also fitted with Double A-arm front and Torsional Trailing arm Independent (TTI) rear suspensions, a Visco-Lok front differential and Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) system, for easy handling.

Increased front suspension pre-load uses stiffer shocks to provide better handling when a load is secured on the front. Its steel tubular racks which have a combined capacity of 163kg, with the front able to hold 54kg and the rear handling 109kg.

The unit has a LinQ quick attach accessory system that offers adaptable cargo hauling options and there is a 10.9 litre waterresistant storage compartment located on the back of the vehicle.

Additional features include an easy to read multifunctional

gauge providing the user with everything they need to know from diagnostics information to miles travelled. The unit also has two 35 watt front headlights with selectable high and low beams, a 20.5 litre fuel tank and a towing capacity of 590 kg.

Ransomes Jacobsen offers the Cushman and Jacobsen utility vehicle ranges.

Latest addition is the Jacobsen Truckster XD heavy-duty utility vehicle Serving as a replacement for the Cushman Turf-Truckster, the Truckster XD offers 1610kg payload capacity, using a bed constructed of steel up to 75%

thicker than comparable boxes and with 20% more volume, says the company.

The 24.8hp diesel version offers 71.5 nm of torque and the 32.5hp petrol model, 70 nm of torque.

Built to handle the daily rigours on the golf course, the Truckster XD also offers greater comfort, with 25% more room than the competition, points out Ransomes Jacobsen.

The road homologated Cushman 1600XD-R features a 22 hp threecylinder OHV diesel engine and CVT transmission with low and high gear ratios, a user-selectable

locking rear differential and fourwheel independent suspension.

It is homologated as a tractor, so can be licensed for road use in European countries.

The automatic CVT can be placed in high range for higher maximum speed, or low range for greater torque and pulling power and top speed is 40 km/h.

The rear differential can be locked in both 2WD and 4WD operation and a limited-slip device on the front axle further enhances traction on difficult terrain. It has a total load capacity of 726kg and its 0.4 cu.m steel cargo bed can hold a maximum of 500kg. The vehicle also can tow up to 590kg from its rear tow hitch.

The all-electric Cushman Hauler PRO and PRO X feature a 72volt AC drivetrain which can provide up to 50 fully-loaded miles between charges. The patented AC Drive technology also ensures that the Hauler PRO maintains consistent power and performance throughout the day.

With 25 per cent more energyefficiency than DC technology, the AC drive system provides regenerative braking, recharging the batteries whenever the vehicle’s brakes are applied and also speed control to maintain constant speeds up and down steep slopes.

It is equipped with a standard on-board charger and an optional 12V outlet is also available. A

standard limited-slip differential provides for greatly improved traction on wet or loose ground, while helping to protect turf from damage due to wheel slippage.

The Hauler PRO features a maximum load capacity of 454kg and is available as standard with a 269 litre cargo bed; a 422 litre aluminium cargo bed is available as an option.

The Cushman Hauler PRO X features lifted suspension giving higher ground clearance enabling it to tackle the roughest terrain.

There are also four models in the Cushman Hauler range with electric drive and petrol engine options, with cargo bed capacities up to 420 litres. Hauler X series vehicles offer extra ground clearance for undulating ground.

The Cushman 1600XD lives to conquer any job. There’s no task too big for the 22-hp diesel engine, 1,600-lb payload and massive cargo bed.

And no matter where work needs to be done, you’ll get there thanks to user-selectable 4WD, a locking rear differential and 4-wheel independent suspension. So, whether you’re moving mountains or driving over them, the 1600XD is ready for action.

Latest addition to John Deere’s Gator range is the XUV 855D S4, designed to transport extra people in addition to carrying materials, tools and equipment such as pedestrian mowers.

The S4 combines can carry up to four passengers, but has the same cargo box, towing and payload capacities as the XUV 825i model, at 454kg, 680kg and 635kg respectively, and features fully independent suspension.

It is powered by a 22hp threecylinder liquid-cooled diesel engine, has a top speed of 32mph, and comes with power steering as standard.

The S4 features an easily convertible rear bench that folds down to provide a flat surface for extra storage. A spacious underseat storage compartment is also included.

Available in olive and black livery the John Deere XUV 855D S4 Gator can be ordered with a variety of factory and dealer installed options and attachments.

All new John Deere Gator utility vehicles can now be equipped with the nationally approved CESAR security and registration system from Datatag ID Limited, as a factory fit option.

Supported by the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) and the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), CESAR was established in the construction market in 2007 and adopted by the agricultural market two years later, with the AEA’s support.

It works by giving each piece of equipment a unique and permanent identity using state of the art Datatag security marking technology. This cannot be removed by thieves, and is linked to a secure, 24/7 dedicated call centre. Since 2007, CESAR has reduced overall equipment theft in the UK by 46 per cent, increased the rate of recovery of stolen equipment by a factor of six, and also helped reduce insurance premiums.

Case studies

Gators

Located in the village of Brean on the Somerset coast, Northam Farm Holiday Park is owned by the Scott family and covers a total of 87 acres, its comprehensive facilities catering for static home owners, seasonal visitors with both caravans and motorhomes, and campers.

There are also large areas of grass allocated to a playing field and a dog exercise field, and a fishing lake. The Scotts also have a three-acre caravan park nearby, and the grass cutting workload totals 70 acres

Latest addition to the fleet of utility vehicles is a road-legal Gator HPX four-wheel drive diesel utility vehicle, which joined a 10-year old TX twowheel drive petrol model and an XUV 850D four-wheel drive Gator.

These are Northam Farm’s workhorses and are used throughout the year on jobs ranging from taking visitors to their static pitches if required, to transporting woodchips, servicing the static pitches with gas bottles and towing a bowser for watering the flower beds and pots. During the winter they are loaded up with the tools needed for hedgecutting and maintaining the site’s 6000 trees, and with soil, seed and fertiliser for small patching operations.

“We bought the TX at a clearance sale and immediately realised the Gator’s value,” says David. “More recently the HPX came from BS Mowers, who also supply us with John Deere mowers. Their service is very good, and dealer Colin Noade has always looked after us.”

Leisure

opportunity for Kubota workhorse

A popular North Yorkshire destination resort has added six Kubota utility vehicles to its off-road fleet as part of a major investment in a new 4x4 driving experience.

In a deal signed with local groundcare dealer, Gibson’s Garden Machinery (GGM), the Skipton-based, four-star rated Coniston Hotel and Country Estate has purchased four of Kubota’s new RTVX900 vehicles and two 4-seater RTV1140s, in a bid to add a different dimension to the popular off-road ‘experience’, in which guests spend a day putting various 4x4-equipped vehicles through their paces in a mixed and challenging off road environment.

Workman stands the test of time on the course

John O’Gaunt Golf Club in Sandy, Bedfordshire, has five ‘generations’ of Toro Workman on its two 18-hole courses.

Nigel Broadwith, course manager, explains the history of the Toro Workman at the club.

“We bought our first Workman

“The Kubotas will be used by the guests taking part in the off road experience; for leisure and corporate events and as part of the beginner, intermediate and advanced driver training programmes that we offer here at the hotel,” explains Craig Dunkerley, General Manager at The Coniston 4x4 Experience.

“The RTVs will be put through their paces on a daily basis, from suspension articulation to ruts and steep inclines and declines. Visitors will enjoy a varied experience, which include a lagoon, moorland safari and the chance to soak up the stunning 360 views from the Pendle hill. The addition of the Kubotas alongside the fleet of Land Rovers should provide guests with a more challenging and enjoyable experience, and allowing them to really put their off-road driving skills to the test.”

in 1999, since then we’ve added a new one to the fleet on a fairly regular basis in 2001, 2004, 2008 and 2009. They’re used for everything from top dressing, spraying and of course transporting tools and machinery around the course.

“They get our seal of approval because they are reliable, comfortable and economical.

Transport capacity is good, and so is ground pressure, even when the vehicle is fully loaded with equipment.”

“The latest additions to the Workman fleet were two HDXs, which have been at other clubs on a lease plan. They are five years old, and prove that these units can last the distance. “

It’s not unusual to see machines of 10 years plus still earning their keep”, says Lely’s Julian Copping who worked with Nigel to source the machines. He elaborates: “The range of Workman at John O’Gaunt shows the machines through the ages. There’s the latest HDX-D ‘flat’ front, round front and the old flat front, too; three generations of the same model all going strong.”

CTM is the new UK home to CARON

CTM, Goldoni’s UK importer, has added Caron utility vehicles to their range. CTM is based in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park which is an ideal location to show and demonstrate these types of vehicles.

Managing Director Alan Brown says: “We had sold several Caron transporters more than 10 years ago as a dealer, and we have been really pleased with their quality and performance.

“The Caron all-terrain utility vehicles complement our existing range of Goldoni tractors that CTM already specialise in.

“Caron were looking for an importer to show their products to their full potential and as such, we were invited to go to Northern Italy this autumn to test the new “C” series and the new single-seater “AR” series.

“We were so impressed that we ordered the first 4 vehicles for

delivery early 2016. Caron are able to offer us a vast range of singleseaters ranging from 25hp – 63hp, and twin-seat models ranging from 40hp – 110hp. All with rear 540 PTO as standard, 3-way tipping bodies and optional 3-point linkage. Lots of options are available to allow us to tailor-make any vehicle for any application.

“With payloads from 2200kg to 7000kg and towing capacities of 1000kg unbraked and up to 14000kg braked, and a low centre of gravity and 4-wheel braking, strong chassis, but extremely light-footed.

“With the option of being able to add all types of implements such as mowers, collectors, bowsers, cranes, timber bodies, snow ploughs, and many more, these Caron utility vehicles are must for anyone looking for a versatile, multi-purpose utility vehicle.”

an essential part of park life

John Deere Gator utility vehicles are helping a popular holiday park stay on top of maintenance tasks.

Fields in Trust crowns the UK’s best park for 2015

Fields in Trust’s 2015 Awards celebrated the achievements of those who worked over the previous 12 months to ensure that everyone has access to protected outdoor recreational space. A public vote, “UK’s Best Park as Voted by You!” saw Telford Town Park, Shropshire top the poll of 122 nominated parks, playing fields and recreation grounds across the UK.

Other two shortlisted parks were Duthie Park in Aberdeen and Gheluvelt Park in Worcester, runners up in a close fought contest that saw around 8,500 votes cast in total.

In addition Fields in Trust awards were presented in several categories with the winners selected by a judging panel including representatives from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Green Flag Awards, Join In, Sport England, Sport Wales and sportscotland.

The award winners were:

• Most Improved site - Little Aston Recreation Ground, West Midlands

• Getting Active on a Fields in Trust Field – Coed Bach Park, Swansea

• Best Play Initiative on a Fields in Trust Field - King George V Field, Amersham

• Best ‘Have a Field Day’ –Creech St Michael, Taunton

• Best ‘Have a Field Day’ in conjunction with Festival of Rugby 2015 – Caldecott Park, Rugby

• Partner of the Year (Local Authority) – Brighton And Hove Council

• Partner of the Year (Town & Parish Council) – Harling Parish Council, Norwich

• Partner of the Year (Friends Group) – Friends of Hervey Road Sports Field, Greenwich Awards were made to two individuals who have made remarkable contributions to their local outdoor spaces: Fields in Trust Community Champion

– Jillian Low of Arbroath Skatepark Project; and Fields In Trust Young Champion – George Friend, Aubrey Meads, Bristol. In addition to these categories and to mark Fields in Trust’s 90th Year, a special award in celebration of the King George V Fields,

established in memory of our Founder, two winning sites were each selected to receive £45,000, to provide improvements to their sites - Nailsworth Town Council and Worth Parish Council. Helen Griffiths, Chief Executive of Fields in Trust said the organisation was overwhelmed by the response to the best park award, both with the number of nominations we received and the number of votes cast.

“What it tells us is that people really do care about their local parks and they are passionate about what they are used for,” she added. “Our recent research revealed that 95% of people believe that parks and play areas should be protected from development. Overall our awards celebrate the important role played by individuals, landowners, local authorities, and many others, in protecting outdoor space. Some inspiring examples of work has been highlighted and we are delighted to reward these remarkable efforts.”

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