Landscape & Amenity Product Update July 2021

Parks in a pandemic: what have we learned?

Parks matter because they enable us to stay healthy, to socialise and build community, and to connect with nature. The National Trust recently commissioned a study from consultants Vivid Economics and Barton Wilmore arguing that a £5.5 billion capital investment in new and refurbished parks, focusing on the most disadvantaged areas, could generate physical and mental health benefits worth £200 billion over 30 years.

showed how hundreds of academic studies have revealed the value of public parks.

The first wave of the Covid19 pandemic thrust urban parks into the public spotlight. Government ministers repeated a welcome message that these green spaces were essential for exercise and mental wellbeing.

Less welcome were the media images of crowded parks awash with sunbathers, complaints about littering and over-zealous policing, and the closure in March of important urban spaces.

Research for the National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery Community Fund supports this case for capital investment, but stresses that investment in places needs to be accompanied by investment in people to succeed.

Its report, Space to Thrive, first published in January 2020,

Husqvarna launches new CEORA system

Husqvarna has unveiled CEORA, a new solution for commercial turf care management which it believes will revolutionise an industry dominated by heavy, conventional mowers. CEORA can independently mow an area the equivalent of up to eight football pitches day or night. This significantly reduces overall costs and allows staff to focus on valueadding tasks.

The electric operation minimises noise and reduces emissions to zero. The machine itself is purpose built to be autonomous and is designed with safety in mind.

Key features include its light weight, safer blades and ability to detect objects and move around them. In the future, the groundbreaking solution of CEORA opens up for a wide range of accessories, including to help with fertilizing, lawn striping or collecting golf balls. More details can be found in our Turf Management feature.

The challenges of over-use on the one hand and exclusion on the other raise important questions for future investment in parks and green spaces. Covid-19 has emphasised the many functions parks serve within a community, and all of them are important –from providing a space for nature to offering opportunities to play or sit quietly, or take part in social or therapeutic activities.

There is also a need for parks to be managed and facilitated to enable community activities to resume safely.

Covid-19 has flagged some important issues about the value of urban parks and the risks if they are not looked after well.

As and the government considers spending for the coming year and beyond, and prepares to introduce far-reaching planning legislation, we must make the most of the opportunity and avoid potential pitfalls.

First, we must appreciate the value of the many urban parks and green spaces we already have. Second, we must recognise that providing a park is not enough on its own - parks need to be positively managed and looked after.

Third, we need to ensure that new developments and communities include well-managed, diverse and appropriate green spaces to serve all the people who will live in them.

Amenity Forum launches Green Feet Week

The Amenity Forum working with partners is promoting a week of celebration commencing September 20th.

Too often the work of those in managing amenity and sports spaces goes unnoticed and this week gives opportunity for all to learn more about what they do, really keeping Britain moving.

Never has this been more highlighted than in the past year,

keeping transport networks working, parks open for exercise and enjoyment and more.

In Green Feet Week, organisations and individuals working in the sector will get involved in charitable activities, large and small, and tell their stories of what they do and why what they do matters to everyone.

National Lottery Heritage Fund Enquiry 1

Husqvarna Enquiry 2

Amenity Forum Enquiry 3

The vagaries of the British summer might be playing their usual tricks – lurching from heatwave to wind and rain in the space of hours is what we are used to after all – but there does seem to a fair amount of brightness and optimism around the industry How far will this optimism stretch? This month sees two new outdoor events – BIGGA’s Festival of Turf and the SAGE event in Malvern – while registration for SALTEX 2021 at NEC Birmingham in November has also opened.

It will be interesting to see how well attended this month’s exhibitions are, with both boasting a good-looking line up of exhibitors and demonstrations. Visitor numbers to both events will of course be the ultimate key to success. Are confidence levels high enough now for people to feel comfortable attending a potentially large gathering, even those taking place outdoors? Will the prospect of networking once again with colleagues, suppliers and friends be a good enough draw to get people to attend? Is the timing of the events right, with work levels hitting their summer peak for so many in the industry? We will just have to wait and see later this month and arguably, despite the fact that it is still four months away, many of the same questions relate to SALTEX 2021 too. How soon will the industry be ready to meet up in large numbers again, no matter what the Government guidance is?

There is still plenty happening, of course. The summer of sport progresses, companies and manufacturers are still investing in new products and services, campaigns for greater recognition for our industry continue apace, work continues. This month we highlight much of this across our magazine, from the Professional Groundscare supplement to particular product spotlights such as Weed & Pest Control. We hope to see some of you this summer as we all start to venture out and about a bit more.

Paul Groves, Editor

Pupils to benefit from better quality PE and sport next year

School children in England will benefit from higher quality PE lessons and better sport opportunities, the Education Secretary has announced.

Backed by a £320 million investment, the PE and Sport Premium will encourage children to play more sport, increase their social skills, and improve their physical activity after lockdown. Schools will also be able to improve the quality of their teaching and make longer-term, sustainable changes to their lessons.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Children’s physical health has never been more important, and I am proud that this investment will build on our actions across government to support this activity – including through our School Sport and Activity Action Plan, and our £10.1 million investment helping school sport facilities and swimming pools.”

The funding, for the next academic year, can be used by schools alongside any money leftover from the PE and Sport Premium grant this year or last. These underspends can be used by schools until 31 July 2022, and will help them to prioritise physical activities, sport and physical education with mental health and wellbeing support, or education catch up and tutoring.

This £320 million package will give primary schools the funding they need to keep the next generation fit and active.

The funding builds on the ambitious School Sport and Activity Action Plan, which will be updated later this year.

The Government is working closely with the sector to improve

Sport Premium is welcome news: “The importance of daily physical activity, weekly physical education and regular opportunities for all children to enjoy sport has never been more important to young people’s wellbeing, education and development. This investment and the opportunities it will support should be recognised as an important contributor to our national recovery.

“Not only will it help accelerate young people’s physical recovery but it should also bring fun, enjoyment and reconnection, as well as

children and young people’s physical activity, including through investment; building on core content for physical activity in the health and relationships school curriculum; and working across the sector to produce targeted videos, guidance and support to continue to prioritise PE, sport and physical activity.

Tim Hollingsworth, CEO of Sport England, welcomed the confirmation of further PE and Sport Premium funding for the

“There is huge demand from schools, parents, carers and young people for more opportunities to be active and get outdoors, as well as a growing consensus on the need for PE and sport to be positioned at the core of the curriculum.

This funding should help many primary schools to improve provision of PE and sport and develop teachers’ confidence to deliver it.”

next academic year. “Their time at school is a huge part of how children can engage with the activity they enjoy, and which can also support them to focus and learn,” he said.

“After a year of significant disruption to children’s activity levels and schooling, a high-quality PE and sport offer, boosting their health and wellbeing, has never been more important.

Sport England Enquiry 6

SALTEX 2021 visitor registration open

The Grounds Management Association has announced that visitor registration for SALTEX 2021 is now officially open at gmasaltex.co.uk Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 3 and 4 November, SALTEX 2021 will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in style.

The show will feature over 400 brands including some of the biggest names in groundscare and will offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the very latest industry trends and innovations, enhance their education and learn from industry experts.

The exhibition is the longeststanding event of its kind in the world, having been held almost every year since 1938, and the show is continually evolving with the people of the industry in mind. In addition to the limitless opportunities available on the show fl oor, one lucky visitor will be presented with an incredible battery-powered compact loader from Avant UK worth approximately £30,000.

Every person who registers will be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize and the live draw will take place on the first day of the show.

“We can’t wait to celebrate SALTEX’s 75th anniversary with the industry,” said Luke Perry, GMA’s Commercial & Events Director. “SALTEX 2021 will be one to remember because it will be the first time that the grounds management industry reunites on a grand scale since the pandemic.”

Visitors can register to attend SALTEX via the website. Visitors will receive a confirmation email with their badge to print and take along to the show, to gain free entry.

Children must be at the heart of recovery plans

The Association of Play Industries has signed an open letter with over 100 other children’s sector organisations, calling for children to be at the heart of recovery plans.

The letter comes as The Telegraph has launched its own ‘Campaign for Children’ alongside an interview with the Children’s Commissioner.

Mark Hardy, API Chair says: “Ministers must address the harm caused to children by repeated lockdowns as a matter of urgency and put in place long-term plans to support them. Children’s organisations are calling for a Summer of Play to help them to recover. Children have been through so much and the emphasis should now be on freedom, fun and friends.

“Public playgrounds are the number one location for children’s free, outdoor play (away from their homes). These community play spaces are a vital tool in helping to alleviate the damaging effects of the restrictions on children’s everyday lives, particularly for those 1 in 8 households without gardens.

8

Ali Oliver MBE, CEO of the Youth Sport Trust said the confirmation of the Primary PE and

supporting their re-engagement in the classroom. This week schools across the country will be holding sports days as part of National School Sport Week and celebrating the important and powerful role of school sport and PE in improving lives.

Grounds Management Association Enquiry 7

Association of Play Industries Enquiry

Etesia celebrates 30 years in the UK Charterhouse announce corporate name change to Redexim

Etesia is celebrating 30 successful years of operating in the UK. In 1991 French based company Etesia set-up a headquarters in the Midlands with a limited product range –just one ride-on mower and a pedestrian mower to be precise.

However, the two products put Etesia’s name on the map and word quickly spread as to just how technologically advanced this innovative brand was.

Fast forward to June 2021 and Etesia has become a major player in the professional market with a multitude of products covering every inch of the UK.

Year on year, Etesia UK continues to grow with an expanding list of dealers promoting the Etesia and Pellenc brands, and the past 12 months has been no exception despite the pandemic.

“How time flies,” said Managing Director Les Malin. “It does not seem that long since we celebrated 25 years and now, here we are 5 years later, celebrating 30 years in the UK - but what a 5 years it has been.

“The industry in general has seen its fair share of ups and downs and the last 18 months have disappeared completely under the shadow of the pandemic.

However, I’m pleased to report that Etesia has seen significant growth in the last 12 months.

Battery products are generally becoming more dominate throughout our product portfolio and nothing shows that more than the recent launch of the ET Lander utility vehicle.”

Etesia

Effective from the 1st July 2021, Charterhouse Turf Machinery will officially re-brand to become Redexim. While the product portfolio, premises and personnel will be unaffected, the change of name brings the UK into line with the Redexim corporate strategy adopted throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

The relationship between Charterhouse and Redexim has been ongoing for more than 35

years, when Charterhouse were appointed to distribute the now iconic Redexim Verti-Drain. The success of this partnership then saw Charterhouse become a wholly owned subsidiary of Redexim bv in 1997.

With the Verti-Drain firmly setting the standard for professional aeration, the product portfolio has expanded significantly over the years to incorporate overseeders, topdressers, scarifiers and

renovation equipment for natural surfaces, as well as a range of machinery options for artificial playing surfaces, that meet the exacting standards of today’s turf managers.

Commenting on the re-brand in the UK, Redexim Chief Operating Officer Herman de Bree said “The team at Charterhouse have done a fantastic job over the years at cementing the place of the Redexim natural and artificial ranges with leading turf managers throughout the UK.

Enquiry 10

“The time is now right to unify the approach with that adopted throughout the world by delivering sales, service and support under the Redexim banner. This will help to strengthen our brand awareness and global corporate identity and streamline our communication with customers around the world.”

Plant health agreement could turn horticulture into a Brexit success story

The UK’s trade association for horticulture has launched Let Britain Grow, a campaign calling for the Government to negotiate a plant health agreement between the UK and the EU that will enable the multi-billion pound sector to boost the nation’s economic growth and fuel international trade post-Brexit.

Highlighting additional and excessive regulations forced on the sector by Defra, Let Britain Grow has been set up by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and supported by VBN, the Association of Dutch Flower Auctions.

It signposts the opportunities that European trade offers and call for an agreement that will remove current barriers and help mitigate the rising costs that are hampering trade.

Last year, plants fell under the same category as weapons of mass destruction, torture equipment, explosives and arms, when they were included in the list of controlled goods by the UK Government.

Although the classification was removed, the disproportionate requirements for pre-notification and import inspections remain.

Trade is currently being obstructed by the increase in time and costs for businesses in importing plants and trees into the UK. From the 1 June 2021 a substantial fee was added to import inspections, while in

January controls were imposed on plant border movement, adding layers of complex and lengthy pre-notifications, certificates and inspections. Meanwhile, checks and fees will not be required for most other sectors until 2022, such as the importation of products of animal origin, like dairy and sausages.

The British horticultural industry is worth over £24 billion in GDP to this country and supports over 568,000 jobs.

The UK brings in £400m-worth of plants and plant material, such as seedlings, cuttings and young starter plants every year. It exports around £80m-worth of plants. EU countries are the UK’s single biggest trading partners.

Meanwhile, small businesses that operate on tight overheads are facing disproportionate additional costs. Commercial grower members are reporting an extra cost of over £3,500 on average, per business, just on inspection fees and additional working hours alone.

“This is the biggest single nontariff barrier to trade in the history of our industry,” says James Barnes, Chairman of the HTA.

“We all support having a robust biosecurity regime, but the UK Government needs to get a better balance on the regulations and restrictions, which are limiting responsible trade.

Redexim Enquiry 11

ALL YOU NEED FOR A BETTER WORKDAY

HUSQVARNA PRO BATTERY SERIES NOTHING IS NEW. EXCEPT EVERYTHING.

The power you need, with impressive performance and minimal disturbance. Husqvarna’s complete range of Pro Battery equipment is all about the benefits: low noise, emission-free operation and low vibration levels. And, thanks to the flexible and intelligent design of our battery platform, you can choose the setup that fits the task at hand, no matter if it’s cutting, mowing, trimming or blowing debris and leaves. Professional battery power, and a better workday – for you and those around you. Read more at husqvarna.com.

Reduce harmful effects of exhaust emissions with Aspen

An Alkylate petrol, Aspen is made using only the cleanest Alkylate components that occur when oil is refined.

This process involves combining excess gases from the distillation of crude oil and from the cracking plant, resulting in a liquid alkylate.

Once some additional components are mixed in, the result is a finished fuel which is significantly purer than traditional petrol, with content of harmful aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene and polyaromatics (PAH) close to zero.

Being virtually free from benzene, as well as sulphur and many other harmful substances, using Aspen

Alkylate petrol improves the health and performance of your equipment, the working conditions for the operator and significantly reduces the harmful impact your machinery makes on the environment.

Aspen is also ethanol-free, which improves reliability, maintains engine performance and preserves the life of component parts which can be susceptible to failure when running on conventional pump fuel, especially if it has been left for any extended period of time in storage.

Aspen is available in a range of unit sizes (5L, 25L, 60L and 200L) and in both pre-mixed 2-stroke and 4-stroke varieties.

Fuel Enquiry 15

STIHL extends cordless pole pruner range

STIHL has extended its range of lightweight cordless pole pruners with the introduction of the new HTA 135, the manufacturers most powerful model to date, designed for professional arborists, landscapers and commercial enterprises.

Quiet in operation and perfect for working in noise-sensitive areas, the HTA 135 comes fitted with a 3/8” PMM3 semichisel, anti kickback saw chain providing precision, high cutting performance and lowpinch tendencies.

A branch hook offers stability for a more accurate cut and helps to remove caught up branches easily.

The HTA 135 also features a square telescopic shaft that can be quickly adjusted between

285cm and 405cm using the new twist and click adjuster. A square shaft for increased rigidity prevents twisting and deflection, delivering a precise cut even at full extension.

In addition, operators can simply manage the three speed selection levels thanks to a comfortable control handle with an intuitive LED display.

The HTA 135 can also be worn with an RTS harness to take the tools weight away from the arms, distributing it across the shoulders and waist.

When used in conjunction with STIHL’s AP 300 S battery system, the HTA 135 has a run time of up to 45 minutes.

New sweepers join Bobcat’s portfolio

Bobcat has launched a new range of five sweepers that form part of the company’s portfolio of road maintenance attachments, the most comprehensive on the market.

The new sweepers are designed for versatility and are approved to use with many different Bobcat tool carriers, including skid-steer and compact track loaders, compact wheel loaders, small articulated loaders and rigid frame telehandlers.

Now part of Bobcat’s unrivalled road and pavement equipment selection, the sweepers complement a wide choice of

products for this sector, including planer, wheel saw, soil & asphalt spreader, grader, trencher and angle broom products.

Combined with the growing line-up of Bobcat tool carriers, these provide high performance solutions for asphalt, concrete, road, pavement surface repair and many other applications.

Not only excelling in road applications, the new Bobcat sweepers cover a wide range of jobs from cleaning, recycling, construction and demolition to many tasks in the agriculture market.

Bobcat Enquiry 18

Aspen

Perfected

By

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

High-efficiency

Fingertip

Rubber

EPower

Backpack

90º

Magnesium

Variable,

Reliable,

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

Bushcutter

green-fingered engineers.

Hedge Trimmer

Pole Hedger

controllable speed: 3 distinct blade speeds provide complete control to suit all trimming tasks.

Carbon steel & aluminium blades: Tough and longlasting. Each tooth has a cutting edge on three sides for maximum cutting efficacy.

brushless motor: 500W output drives both blades for powerful precision cutting.

STIGA control pad: Conveniently positioned to control cutting speed and display battery status.

cased handles: Provides grip and insulation from vibration.

rotation in either direction: The handle rotates easily to turn the blades from horizontal to vertical cutting.

gearbox: 33% lighter than aluminium, magnesium contributes to the trimmer’s light weight without sacrificing strength.

long-lasting power: The STIGA battery harness accommodates 2 x 48v 7.5Ah batteries for double the power and a runtime of 3 hours and 20 minutes.

STIGA Battery Harness: Ergonomically designed to distribute the weight of the batteries evenly reducing physical stress and fatigue.

New ICL research at Bangor University

ICL is collaborating with Bangor University to carry out research on the effects and benefits of organo-mineral fertilizers for turf.

MRes (Masters by Research) student, Deniz Arslan, is carrying out the yearlong research at Bangor University, and believes that the findings could be of great benefit to several sectors.

“We will be looking at how efficient organo-minerals are comparing to mineral and organic versions and how they all effect soil health,” she said. “The outcomes of this research can be important for all fields and will provide information to help fertilizer users make informed decisions.”

Mineral fertilizers are very commonly utilized and there is plenty of research detailing their benefits and the issues which can arise from poor product selection or over-application, for example leaching of unused nutrients from the growing zone of a crop.

On the other hand, organic fertilizers offer other potential

benefits, such as supporting microbes in the soil, but are often described as not performing as efficiently or productively as mineral fertilizers.

“Organo-mineral fertilizers, combining the benefits of minerals and organic sources, could be a more sustainable step for turf managers to take,” said Deniz. “I hope to prove that organo-mineral fertilizers are indeed beneficial for the soil and environment, and with no negative performance issues for turfgrass. Agricultural trials do show higher yields and performances which is promising, but of course it is different when measuring turf. You don’t necessarily want to grow more or longer grass.”

Gronamic, ICL’s organo-mineral fertilizer brand, will be used in this research project. The experimental trials will include glasshouse trials of perennial ryegrass with Gronamic Sport High N and Gronamic Golf High N, contrasting with equivalent mineral and organic fertilizers.

ICL Enquiry 20

Nick takes the helm at Replay Maintenance

Perfect pointing for exposed granite flags

In the nine years since he joined the East Midlands based firm, he has played a key role the company’s growth and development.

It expanded the range of services its dedicated team provides, and following the addition of key personnel to its senior leadership team and the acquisition of a software partner, has developed a technologically-advanced facility and asset management platform, Passport 365.

Group CEO, Garry Martin, says Nick’s customer-focussed approach has been instrumental to the company’s recent success.

“Replay is a service company and Nick is absolutely

committed to the needs of our customers. That has never been more important than it is right now, with sport and recreation at all levels in our communities in high demand following the winter lockdown.

Nick and his dedicated staff are working tirelessly, in collaboration with other sports industry stakeholders, to help clubs, local authorities and educational establishments bounce back. They can rely on us to keep facilities safe, professionally maintained, and ready for play.”

The company is also looking to build on its success, with recruitment underway for new skilled operatives and an investment of more than £250,000 in new machinery and equipment this year.

Replay Maintenance Enquiry 21

Suståne provides the organic solution

At

This prestige project used medium sized granite flags with narrow 5mm joints to suit the look and function of the steps up to the front door.

The problem was what product to use to point / grout these narrow, but critical joints with, especially in this exposed location, with sometime sensitive granite paving surfaces, and in the middle of a cold, wet and windy winter.

It is an epoxy bound, graded sand, self-compacting pointing mortar specifically designed for such narrow joints, and which also produces a fast curing, strong, durable finish that is resistant to traffic, weathering and even pressure jet cleaning - unlike most prebagged pointing products on the market.

NCC Streetscape Enquiry 22

Built on over 40 years of research, Suståne Natural Fertiliser has one of the largest ranges of organic-based fertilisers and soil builders developed for all landscape and turf applications.

Suståne is the most comprehensively researched

organic fertiliser brand available in today’s market.

Suståne’s aerobic, thermophilic composting process is the most environmentally sound method for recycling of agricultural residue, generating no methane and fewer greenhouse gases than other organic stabilisation processes.

With the manufacturing impact on the environment low, the benefits of Suståne to the landscape are many.

There are formulations within the Suståne range suitable for every turf type and agronomic application, from 100% organic to higher nitrogen natural-base formulations, each with unique

release rates and nutrient profiles. New to the range in 2021 is Suståne Soil Regen® - a soil amendment product formulated to improve soil structure by increasing infiltration rates and the profiles’ ability to hold nutrients and moisture. Suståne Enquiry 23

Nick Harris has been appointed the Managing Director of synthetic sports surface specialists, Replay Maintenance.

this private development project in Perranporth Cornwall, despite the distance, they wanted the paving works completed by Fisher Builders, as they had used them for quality paving before.

Fisher referred to NCC Streetscape, the flags were first sealed using GftK’s vdw 950-3in1-Protect and then the joints were wet-slurry grouted with GftK’s vdw 815 Paving Joint Mortar.

Transform your patio and driveway with new Geo-Fix colour range

Anthracite with black paving for a stylish and high-end design that is truly out of this world.

Graphite is guaranteed to make a real statement when teamed with sophisticated dark grey tiles, or why not choose a lighter stone to create a dramatic monochrome effect.

years. Geo-Fix All Weather is a ready mixed jointing solution that can simply be brushed into joints with minimal effort. Joints are easily finished by compacting with a pointing tool, saving you valuable time when compared to traditional wet pointing methods.

Instarmac launch online Training Academy

Workplaces have changed dramatically over the last 12-18 months with everyone rapidly adapting to the ‘new normal’.

Geo-Fix has enhanced its range of All Weather colours by introducing three new shades of brush-in sands.

Already available in two striking colours – Slate Grey

compound is now available in Anthracite, Graphite and Stone, a shade perfectly suited to all tastes and designs.

Pair Geo-Fix All Weather in

Stone is a truly remarkable colour that perfectly complements natural paving to create a classic design that will never go out of style.

Geo-Fix has been trusted by professionals for over 25

Geo-Fix All Weather offers huge time saving benefits, is totally resistant to freeze-thaw cycles and is proven to be a durable and weed resistant solution that is suitable for all paving projects.

Instarmac Enquiry 25

Basildon in bloom with Euroflor

Creating attractive floral displays in public places around Basildon, while increasing insect biodiversity to support local plant and animal life, were key factors in Basildon Council’s decision to use Rigby Taylor’s Euroflor wildflower seed mixes across the borough’s roundabouts, roads and open spaces.

In September 2019, Basildon Council set up a £50,000 fund to support a three-year ‘Pollinator Action Plan’ to help boost the local bird, bee and butterfly population and support local ecosystems. This plan involved the sowing of wildflowers to attract pollinating insects, increased tree planting and reduced grass cutting on some of the main routes into the town centre.

The council opted for Euroflor’s Sarah Bouquet wildflower

seed mix, which had been its choice during the previous seven years to help brighten up the local parks. The seed mix includes 30 plant species and varieties for maximum effect and insect biodiversity – offering a colourful, low maintenance, flower display from early summer to autumn.

According to Basildon Council Parks and Countryside Supervisor, Glen Owers, the Euroflor seed mix was first introduced into Lake Meadows Park because the council wanted to “add some colour and make it more attractive to visitors”, and due to the colourful “wow factor” that first year, they’ve used the seed mix ever since.

Glen further adds “Once the seeds have germinated, the team use Apex Organic OC2 fertiliser and the area is irrigated during

dry spells. The first colour appears around 60 days after sowing and the mix of species ensures that as one plant blooms and fades, another is coming through to take its place,”

At the end of the season, once the plants have gone to seed

and died off, Glen’s team cut them down to the ground and a rotary mower will mulch it up and put it back into the soil in preparation for the next seasons sowing cycle.

Rigby Taylor Enquiry 26

We have all had to adjust to new ways of working and learning, and with the demand for online training ever-increasing, Instarmac have spent the last few months researching and considering new approaches to training.

With this in mind, Instarmac are proud to launch their online Training Academy. Visitors to the Instarmac Training Academy will be able to continue their learning regardless of whether they are working from home, in the office, or out on site.

The Instarmac Training Academy has it all. Visitors can take part in webinars, complete CPDs, download podcasts, watch a variety of ‘how-to’ videos and

access a huge library of technical and educational resources.

Prefer your training in-person? Visit instarmactrainingacademy. co.uk to book your place at one of Instarmac’s extremely popular Academy Days, held at Instarmac’s bespoke indoor and outdoor training facilities in Tamworth, Staffordshire.

Whether you are a highway contractor, tiler, flooring contractor, or an architect looking to earn CPD points, the Instarmac Training Academy has tailored training perfectly suited to you.

For further information on Instarmac’s Training Academy, to see the calendar of events, or to book your place on an upcoming event, please visit instarmactrainingacademy.co.uk.

Instarmac Enquiry 27

and Mid Grey - Geo-Fix All Weather paving jointing

cleaning machines. RJ McLeod selected vdw 850 following a detailed evaluation of the whole operation, including the costs of the materials, labour, plant and the weather.

This advanced paving jointing mortar can be applied quickly

even in wet and rainy weather or at low temperatures, thereby allowing the tight programme to continue without delays due to the Scottish weather from autumn and into the winter.

NCC Streetscape Enquiry 31

Birkdale acquires Ellumiére garden lighting systems

Birkdale, the leading wholesale supplier of gate and fencing accessories, has announced its acquisition of garden lighting systems brand Ellumiére.

The move expands Birkdale’s portfolio even further with products that include deck lights, spotlights and illuminated bollards.

Combining quality with simplicity, Ellumiére is a specialist outdoor lighting brand that provides easy to install LED lighting solutions. Crucially, Ellumiére products do not require a professional electrician to install them. This is because by simply plugging the transformer into a waterproof socket, it will convert 240V to just 12V, ensuring a safe, easy and reliable mains powered lighting system.

Furthermore, the technology involved in the design of all Ellumiére lighting systems allows up to 12 LED lights per

transformer in any configuration, for optimal design flexibility. With energy efficiency built in, ease of use and flexibility - Ellumiére offers further assurance with a two-year warranty on all its products.

Birkdale’s acquisition of the lighting brand means the Ellumiére product range will now be available via Birkdale’s impressive merchant supplychain, allowing the products to become more accessible to landscape gardeners, fencing contractors and trade professionals.

John Abernethie, Managing Director of Birkdale, said: “With this innovative plug-and-play lighting range now sitting alongside our existing product portfolio, we are providing the trade with yet more ways to enhance a project with well-designed and simple to install solutions.”

RJ McLeod

for the Bellshill Town Centre.

Birkdale Enquiry 33

The high performing chemical free weed removal solutions

Unfortunately, weeds are always in season and areas including kerbs, paths, car parks and athletic facilities must be cleared of this unwelcomed growth several times throughout the year.

PSD Groundscare offer a range of weed strippers and brushes that offer the ideal solution to this problem, taking away the worry of complying with chemical legislation whilst doing exactly the same job.

Eco-friendly and entirely chemical free, these devices offer an easy and effective solution to weeding.

The weed strippers from AS Motor and Koppl provide completely green weed removal, they will eliminate all traces of weeds, algae, moss and lichen and the debris that they thrive in, making regular maintenance simple and effective.

Both AS Motor & Koppl also offer innovative battery powered models that are ideal for use in noise sensitive areas eg hospitals, schools, housing estates and business parks due to their quiet operation; the AS 30 E-Weedhex offers incredibly low vibrations –

only <1.0 M/ S², is emission free and has a charging time of only 75 minutes and delivers the same high performing results as the standard weedhex models.

Koppl offer a range of 2-wheel tractor power units and interchangeable attachments that are quick and easy to switch including the Compact Easy battery powered model which can be used for a number of applications including; sweepers, weed removal and mowing.

PSD Groundscare Enquiry 34

Headland’s Enstar provides concentrated control

Enstar from Headland Amenity is a powerful three-way selective herbicide for the control of a wide range of weeds including Slender Speedwell, Creeping Buttercup and Yellow Suckling Clover.

Suitable for use in both fine turf and sports turf applications, Enstar is also suitable for use on young turf when applied at a lower rate.

Part of the Headland selective herbicide portfolio, Enstar offers the safe, efficient and targeted control of invasive, broad-leaved and difficult-to-manage turfgrass weed species, without detriment to the health of the surrounding grass plants.

It contains three active ingredients – 2,4-D, dicamba and fluroxypyr – to control weeds in golf fairways, sports pitches, lawns and other amenity grass.

Enstar is most effective when applied while weeds are actively growing, the soil is moist and temperatures are warm, at a rate of 2L in 2001000L of water per hectare.

It can also be applied safely on newly-sown managed amenity turf, at least two months after grass emergence, at a reduced rate of 0.95L per hectare.

In addition to application through vehicle mounted equipment, Enstar is approved for use in boom and knapsack sprayers. Areas can be treated with Enstar up to twice per year, with a minimum interval of 21 days between applications.

At Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire, Estates Manager Paul Young has been using Enstar for the last three years, on an area of approximately 80 hectares –including estate lawns, and the

fairways, tees & roughs of the 18-hole golf course.

“Enstar is a fantastically versatile and simple-to-use herbicide that, after a single annual application, keeps everything in check” explains Paul. “While we’re not a particularly ‘weedy’ course, Enstar has controlled some issues we’ve had with daisies and dandelions, with minimal re-growth and the benefit of a second application if required.”

Daisies are also an issue for Darren Lee, Course Manager at Salisbury & South Wilts Golf

Club. “Some of our 27 fairways suffer so badly that it becomes difficult for players to see their ball at times!” he explains.

“We used Enstar for the first time this year, in a tank mix with Headland’s Xtend 46-0-0 and Elevate Fe, which we applied in mid-May. Along with fantastic results on daisies, it appears to have killed some Speedwell we had which, with previous products, we’d only really managed to knock back.”

Headland Amenity Enquiry 35

Weedfree has been a market leader for railway, industrial and amenity weed control for over 50 years, providing weed control and vegetation clearance services to the rail industry, local authorities, industry, utilities and power generators.

Richard Stow, Managing Director of Weedfree, relies on the spray adjuvant Speedway Total.

Versatility is key to SCH sprayer

The SCH GWCS9 is a versatile sprayer suitable for herbicides and fertilisers to both large and small areas.

The nozzle at each end of the boom is mounted on a swing back arm so, in the event of the boom coming into contact with a tree or shrub, it will swing back instead of breaking off.

Once the boom passes the obstacle, it flips back to its normal position and spraying continues.

The maximum spray width is 2440mm (96”) and, with the wing booms folded back and switched off, the spray width reduces to 1220mm (48”).

The lawn tractors battery powers the 12V diaphragm pump. Inline filters are incorporated to prevent blocked nozzles and time-consuming blockages. When the pump is off, anti-drip nozzles stop the liquid from continuing to flow.

Supplied with this sprayer is a brass hand-trigger lance, complete with quick and simple twist connectors. This lance is a useful tool for spot spraying and around trees and shrubs. In case of spillage, a 5-litre wash bottle is mounted on the chassis to save grass and skin from chemical burns.

SCH Supplies Enquiry 38

Foamstream helps keep streets clean

Weedingtech’s Foamstream system is helping street and public open spaces cleansing in Cornwall with two Foamstream M1200 systems now being operated in the county.

Foamstream is known to be the most cost-effective and versatile herbicide-free solution for controlling unwanted vegetation and carrying out sanitisation tasks in large green and urban spaces. Its patented low-pressure process combines hot water and biodegradable foam made from natural plant oils and sugars.

The active ingredient is the heat from the hot water which the foam insulates to ensure it is maintained and kills or severely damages the unwanted vegetation including weeds, moss and algae.

While primarily founded on weed control, Foamstream is also designed for power washing, general sanitisation and chewing gum removal. It is certified organic by the British Soil Association and approved for killing bacteria.

As such, it is highly effective for sanitising surfaces and urban cleaning. Optional lances are used in the process, and the eco-friendly system is safe for use around people, animals and delicate environments.

Use of the Foamstream M1200 system ensures minimum environmental impact on Cornwall’s street and public open space weed control and cleansing. The M1200 combines high performance with low-cost operation and fast treatment speed.

Mounted on a pickup, flatbed truck or trailer, it comes with a large water capacity and delivers a high flow rate, making it particularly well

Property Care Association accreditation for Wildscapes

Wildscapes CIC is pleased to announce that it has secured membership with the Property Care Association (PCA) for invasive weed control.

The PCA is an independent trade association representing specialists in the property care industry. It aims to promote high standards of professionalism and expertise throughout its represented sectors through carefully selecting members, providing training and other support services.

As an experienced provider of invasive weed control services we felt it was appropriate to join with like-minded organisations to ensure our offering is formally recognised as being of the highest standard within the industry. Following a rigorous application and auditing process, the PCA concluded that Wildscapes CIC met the strict criteria required to become members.

Becoming members of the PCA gives our clients, prospective client, partners, employees and the wider public the confidence that

we are competent in our field and delivering excellent quality work. We are part of an organisation that can provide additional, impartial support and advice, with the added benefit of being able to offer insurance backed guarantees, giving clients total piece of mind when it comes to eradication of their invasive weed issues.

Speaking about the recent award, Steven Greenwood, Conservation Contracts Manager at Wildscapes CIC commented, ‘We’re very proud to have secured accreditation with the PCA. It reinforces what we’ve strived to achieve over recent years – to provide a professional and trustworthy solution to a host of invasive weed problems’.

This achievement comes just months after obtaining CIEEM Registered Practice status and CHAS accreditation, further strengthening the position of Wildscapes CIC in the conservation and environmental services industry.

PCA Enquiry 39

Bayer launch new ‘Glyphosate Hub’

To support the use of glyphosate in the amenity sector, Bayer has launched a new amenity specific ‘Glyphosate Hub’ to empower contractors by providing them with relevant information about this vital active ingredient.

Freddie Bendall-Brown, digital marketing specialist at Bayer Environmental Science, explains that after surveying amenity professionals last year, the company believed it was important to help amenity professionals sort fact from fiction when it comes to glyphosate.

“This is why Bayer has developed the ‘Glyphosate Hub’. It provides amenity contractors with the references and information they need to respond to queries from the public and colleagues alike,” he says.

“The hub also emphasises that there’s few alternative tools out there to control such a broad spectrum of weeds, especially

with such a good safety profile backed by years of research and scientific study. Something many people outside of the amenity sector are not aware of.”

Freddie adds that historically, the focus on glyphosate has been centred around agriculture. “This is why we’ve developed this bespoke amenity hub, so relevant factual information for amenity contractors is in one place.”

“The hub also provides glyphosate specific information on UK and EU regulations, best practice guidance and independent research and resources from organisations such as CRD, the glyphosate renewal group and DEFRA,” he adds.

To visit the ‘Glyphosate Hub’ click on the link below: www.environmentalscience. bayer.co.uk/turf-management/ glyphosate-hub

suited to treating large open areas in urban and rural environments.

Weedingtech Enquiry 40

Origin Enterprise Plc is announcing the formation of new business Origin Amenity Solutions, comprising of four of the leading amenity industry brand names - Headland Amenity, Rigby Taylor, Symbio and TurfKeeper.

Building upon the individual strengths of these four business, Origin Amenity Solutions will be operating at the leadingedge of plant science and turf technology with leading products and integrated pest management and microbiology programmes.

In addition, this new business will be supported by the parallel launch of a dedicated amenity research & development facility based in Essex.. The Origin Amenity Turf Science & Technology Centre, through an investment

of £500,000, will comprise of extensive trial grounds comprising fine (poa/bent) grasses and ryegrass, sports pitch surfaces.

The trial grounds have a fully functioning Rain Bird irrigation system installed, Davis Weather monitoring and recording station station, Soil Scout below ground ‘real time’ monitoring of temperature, moisture and salinity and the low invasive, ground water dynamics drainage system.

Completing this extensive trials area will be greenhouses, fully equipped laboratory and conference facilities, all dedicated to identifying, developing and informing the industry on new and innovative products, techniques and practices.

Managing Director Chris Clark stated, “The decision taken to bring these four companies together as one business will enable customers to continue to benefit from their individual character and nature (which will not change), whilst at the same time maximising their complementary skills, knowledge and expertise for the benefit of all.

“Changes in climatic conditions are dramatically challenging and shaping our environment so it is vital we confront these head on by seeking solutions so as the mitigate their effect. For over a century we have provided integrated management programmes that have provided protection to the plant and nutrition for healthy growth.”

Rigby Taylor Enquiry 43

Dennis ramps up investment in electric Fields in Trust report on the impact of parks and green spaces

Dennis Mowers is to increase the range of models in its E-series range of electric mowers during 2021 and will also use the technology in some of its SISIS portfolio.

At present the E-series battery range consists of the ES-860, the ES-36 and the ES-34R, but Dennis is already welladvanced in bringing other models in its groundscare and greenkeeping range to market.

The company is planning to use SALTEX 2021 in November to showcase the extended E-series range and introduce new batterypowered versions of some of the popular SISIS machines.

The company spent three years working with carefully selected partners to develop a range of quality battery-powered

equipment befitting of the Dennis badge.

The aim was to provide a reliable and long-lasting solution with the ultimate performance that helps professionals meet sustainability and environmental initiatives, reduce carbon

Green Space charity Fields in Trust has published an online Impact Report following their Annual General Meeting.

The report shows that despite the challenges of the pandemic, work to champion, support and protect the UK’s parks and green spaces has continued. The report notes that 2020 was a year in which the value of parks and green spaces was widely recognised for the physical health and mental wellbeing benefits they contribute to regular park visitors.

Fields in Trust Chair of Trustees Jo Barnett said: “Like many charities we have had to adapt our services, embrace remote

ways of working and more digital dissemination like this years online Impact Report.

“But I am pleased to say we have continued to make great progress with 31 new spaces protected during the year and significant progress made on our regional programme to work with Local Councils and deliver real change for their towns and cities.

“As normal life resumes, we must not forget how vital our parks and green spaces have been - and that failing to protect them will be to our collective detriment.”

Fields in Trust Enquiry 45

Dennis Mowers Enquiry 44

Growing Toro fleet for expanding contractor

Owing to gradual business expansion, HHA Grounds Maintenance in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, has grown its Toro fleet with the addition of the LT-F3000 Triple Flail Mower and the GrandStand stand-on.

The family-run business, which is celebrating 10 years of service, is responsible for grounds maintenance for a number of schools and parish councils in the East of England.

Owner, Harvey Hart, had encountered Toro Groundscare machines before and at a pivotal moment in the expansion of

the business opted to boost the fleet with quality products they could trust.

Harvey comments: “With three two-man teams in operation daily between March and October, we needed a robust range of machinery which could cater for the variety of jobs we encounter.”

With lawns, playparks, schools, business sites and graveyards to maintain, HHA needed different machines to negotiate both urban and rural sites and varying terrains. With busy rotas and a growing client list, quality and longevity became key factors in

deciding what machinery to add to the fleet.

Harvey continues: “We have two Toro Z-Master ZeroTurn mowers which we got over eight years ago and they remain in excellent working condition. As the business grew, we decided to add to the fleet with a Triple Flail mower and a GrandStand stand-on machine.

“Both are fantastic, but we are especially pleased with the GrandStand which is compact, nimble and can get into places that the sit-on can’t. As with

all Toro mowers the cut is beautiful. Our clients are always thrilled with the finish.

“You can’t fault the Toro machines. They are absolute workhorses that just run and run if you look after them.

“We get minimal issues and we take good care of them. They pay for themselves, especially when you think that some of our Toro’s have been operating almost as long as our business!”

Reesink Turfcare Enquiry 47

PRO-Z-essional mowing from Cub Cadet

Proven by landscape professionals Cub Cadet’s PRO Z Series of zero-turns will fulfil all your commercial requirements whilst providing a fast, premium quality cut, plus Cub Cadet is celebrating it’s 60th birthday this year with some great savings on their range including a saving of £360 on the RRP of the PRO Z1.

The patented SyncroSteer technology with steering wheel means that even the less experienced operators can benefit from the ease of use and amazing manoeuvrability of this machine.

The ability to control all four wheels with a steering wheel and steerable front wheels, an exclusive offering by Cub Cadet in the commercial sector, minimises the turf being churned up by the wheels as it would on a lap bar zero-

turn, reduces mowing time by up to 10% compared to lap bar mowers, provides greater hillside stability up to 20°, enhanced traction on uneven terrain as well as mowing in straighter lines.

The PRO Z series powers through the thickest grass in one pass at maximum speeds of up to 12mph meaning you can do the job quicker.

The high lift Marbain blades with a blade tip speed up to 18,500 fpm and the 3” total blade overlap will ensure that you always get a tight consistent cut.

The frame and axle on the PRO Z floats as the machine moves allowing the deck to follow the shape of the terrain and avoids scalping.

EP Barrus Enquiry 48

Husqvarna now offers a large-scale robotic solution for commercial turf

Husqvarna has launched its new CEORA robotic system which it says will revolutionise the groundscare sector.

Valentin Dahlhaus, Vice President at Husqvarna, said he is confident that it will be a much-appreciated addition to any team of landscape professionals - a quiet, smart and autonomous colleague that will happily perform the most tedious tasks whenever needed.

“Not only is the pitch always ready for play, professionals free up their time for other tasks,” he added.

CEORA is robustly built and easy to manage even for somebody not used to robotic mowers. Greenkeepers can expect CEORA to navigate with a precision of 2-3 cm, thanks to Husqvarna´s satellite navigation system, EPOS. It is possible to select individually defined areas on demand, with different schedules as well as height-settings.

The user keeps perfect control of all mowers in the fleet, through the Husqvarna Fleet Services application. CEORA™ is backed by Husqvarna´s maintenance and support program, UpCare, which provides fast repair and replacement services.

CEORA is designed to avoid obstacles. With the ultrasonic remote object avoidance system, the mower slows down soon as it senses an approaching object. Emissions are reduced to zero, helping golf and football clubs as well as other public and commercial landowners to significantly lower their carbon footprint.

Husqvarna will launch two models - Husqvarna CEORA 544 EPOS and Husqvarna CEORA 546 EPOS - that will be available in Sweden, Denmark, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Poland, at selected Husqvarna pro-partners from the first quarter of 2022.

Husqvarna Enquiry 51

Wiedenmann UK dealers introduce the NEW STrac 700

turf to a maximum depth of 20 mm, leaving a perfectly flat and smooth surface ready to overseed. It is also ideal for removing bumps and undulations on goal mouths, tee boxes and gardens.

mechanically PTO driven and hydraulically lifted. They go forward at a decent walking speed of 6 km/hr and 4 km/hr if you go backwards.

Occasionally an ingeniously simple machine comes along which becomes instantly indispensable.

Welcome the Maredo STrac 700, a pedestrian power unit which supports four different groundcare operations – scarifying, aeration, seeding and fraise mowing with more to come.

The ‘access-all-areas’ STrac 700 is light, fast and versatile. Suddenly, even on difficult undulations, there is scope to provide uniformity of care and presentation across a whole site.

It can be used on all turf surfaces from bowling greens to full size pitches and for challenging areas like the collars of a golf course, or, where a tractor is too heavy.

Brought to you via your local Wiedenmann UK dealer, the STrac 700 has easy controls on the guiding handle and a set of inter-changeable heads. A very short turning radius means the rear wheels can adopt a variety of operating positions, while the tools connect effortlessly, cassette style.

Maredo offers four tool types each purchased separately with working widths of 65 cm:

• The ST200 Flex-Verticutter scarifies to 25 mm using carbide tipped blades with tool free adjustment. The blades counter rotate against the direction of travel so material is lifted tidily out the way rather than dragged into the slits.

• To relieve compaction down to 60 mm in stressed turf, the ST210 Vibe-Spike Aerator allows for expert following of undulations or making curves as required. Unlike conventional spike aerators, the spike tools vibrate to crack the soil, punching holes to let air and nutrients through.

• The ST170 FlexFrase-Mower targets problem areas by stripping off the top layer of

• Finally, the ST418 VibeDisc-Seeder head uses unique technology to plant the seed right where it should be and protect it against all kinds of outside influences. This is a slit seeder which can dose seed from 0 to -15 mm at as low as 2 g/m ² to 15 g / m². The seed box contains up to 6 kg of seed with disc seeder slit spacings at 42 mm. Coming soon is a new dimple seeder head which will create a pattern of dimples where the seeds will be placed.

Rob Hogarth, former Course Manager of Remedy Oak, the England top 100 club in Dorset, and now Regional Sales Manager of Fairways GM, has demonstrated the STrac units extensively since they arrived in the UK.

“Maredo has really thought these out,” he said. “Hydrostatic front wheel drive and 9 Hp mean they are manoeuvrable and fast. Whatever head you choose is

“The factory has more heads for more operations in development. The versatile size and carbide blades make the STrac 700 unlike anything else.”

Wiedenmann UK Enquiry 52

Manufactured

Just Click & Collect with John Deere

Ordering parts online has got a whole lot easier with the new John Deere Parts Click & Collect service.

Just visit partscatalog.deere.com, enter your machine’s model/ name or serial number and browse all available parts.

Then select and reserve them with one click and collect them at your dealer in a single visit... it really is that simple. During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the ability to be able to order parts via the internet has never been more relevant.

The updated John Deere Parts website is the new way for customers to find information about the parts you need, add them to a shopping cart and order them from your local dealership.

To get availability and price details in the online parts catalogue, you just need to select a dealer by entering your postcode; customer name and address details are only required once you proceed to the shopping cart to confirm and check out the order.

UltraGroomer cassettes satisfy players need for speed

Recording in the region of 4,000 rounds played every month, Southport’s Hillside Golf Club is a very busy course.

Tasked with balancing the expectations of the players with the sustainability of the Course is Links Manager Chris Ball – who is now conducting weekly passes with a set of UltraGroomer cassettes from the TMSystem to satisfy the golfers ‘need for speed’ without reducing heights of cut.

One of 12 maintenance cassettes from the TMSystem, the UltraGroomer features over 80 1.3mm tungsten tipped

blades,

and

New Dennis ES-860 gets Nice seal of approval

Scott Brooks, Grounds Manager at OGC Nice in France, believes that when it comes to batterypowered cylinder mowers, there is nothing that compares to the new Dennis ES-860.

Scott first started introducing battery-powered products into the operations at St George’s Park and claims that he was keen to continue embracing this technology in his new role.

Users of the Dennis G860 cylinder mower will no doubt see familiarities in the new ES-860.

This 34” battery powered turf management system delivers maximum versatility and the range of 13 interchangeable cassette options provide a solution to many day-to-day maintenance tasks such as

cutting, scarifying, brushing, slitting and verticutting. Furthermore, traditional G860 cassettes will also fit the ES860, meaning that customers will not have to purchase additional cassettes.

A robust LCD keypad screen is an integral feature of the handlebar console providing the operator with a multitude of information options including speed, clip rate, service checks, lifetime running reports and battery information.

“The battery life on the Dennis ES-860 is excellent,” continued Scott. “We were able to cut two pitches on one single charge, whereas we were struggling to complete one pitch with others. The charging capacity on them is incredible. For example, if

we have a big day ahead and everything is getting hand cut, then we know that we can bring the Dennis ES-860’s in at lunchtime and charge each of them for just twenty minutes. In this short amount

time, we know that we will get enough recharge in them to go back out and finish the job.

“Aside from battery power, I felt the Dennis ES-860 was a robust and solid unit that was ideal for continuously using on the training ground – it is an excellent piece of engineering.”

“The Dennis ES-860 is also so much easier to operate and the interchangeable cassette system is so simple to change cassettes.”

Dennis G860

Dennis Mowers Enquiry 57

John Deere Parts is designed to work across various platforms, including PC, laptop, tablet and smartphone, which is a major improvement over the old JDParts site.

John Deere Enquiry 55

spaced 5mm apart, to remove Poa, lateral growth and organic matter - enhancing the downward movement of oxygen, nutrients and moisture

making it more difficult for disease pathogens to take hold.

Infinicut Enquiry 56

Exciting developments continue at AS Motor

PSD Groundscare, the UK distributor for AS Motor, is delighted to offer a glimpse of several innovative, new machines from the AS Motor range including an exciting range of eco-friendly battery mowers, being introduced during 2022.

AS Motor have built an unrivalled reputation and core competence in the market of long grass and steep slopes mowing since it was founded back in 1959. The last 60 years has seen continued development in technological advancements and these new machines are no exception.

AS Motor announce the introduction of 2 new product lines - the AS 1000 Ovis

Remote Controlled tracked flail mower and a new range of Battery electric mowers capable for cutting long grass without compromising on performance.

The Colne-based organisation already boasts an impressive record for environmental awareness and over the past year has undertaken several new measures including investing in renewable energy, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions and helping improve air quality locally.

PSD Managing Director Chris Gibson said: “The expansion of the range of battery powered equipment with extended run times will provide our customers and dealers with high performance professional low noise machines that produce zero emissions and lower hand arm vibration.

“Meaning they’re a win-win for customers, operators and the environment that we can’t wait to get demonstrating to our customers.”

Groundscare Enquiry 59

Leicester City Football Club, last season’s FA Cup winners, is the latest organisation to appreciate the multiple benefits of Ventrac.

Delivered by local dealer, Farols, the package included a Ventrac 4500 all-terrain compact tractor in dual-wheel configuration, a Contour mowing deck, Trencher and Power Broom and will be used to maintain their new world-class training centre of at Seagrave in Leicestershire.

Following a demonstration earlier this year and with input from his team, John Ledwidge, Head of Sports Turf and Grounds at the Premier League club, specified the purchase.

He is an integral part of the team that has developed the worldclass training facility, where he oversees the management and development of the 180-acre site. This includes the equivalent of 14 turf pitches, synthetic

pitches, a 9-hole golf course and the world’s first dedicated Sports Turf Academy.

Commenting on the latest addition to the machinery fleet, he said: “The Contour deck helps us maintain the numerous banks and sloped areas around the complex, including ‘Mount Vardy’, the nickname we’ve given to a landscaped area of unused spoil from the original build.

“It is also used on the golf course where its articulated design prevents scalping. We’ve used the Trencher to insert drainage bands in some particularly wet areas of the golf course and the Power Broom does a great job on the pathways and carparks.

“It’s all about quality presentation and the versatility of the Ventrac helps us achieve the high standards demanded here.”

Price Turfcare Enquiry 60

Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks

Seeking a tractor with ample power and weight to operate its equipment, yet still tread lightly enough to protect turf and playing surfaces, Oxfordbased ODS Parks opted for a Kubota M7132 supplied by George Browns.

That was almost three years ago, and with over 2,000 hours under its belt, the tractor has more than lived up to expectations.

As the contracting division of Oxford City Council, ODS carries out a wide variety of grounds maintenance works, and contracting, in and around the city of Oxford.

Within the team’s remit is the responsibility for 90 parks, and a further 1,000-acres of countryside sites, plus cemeteries and urban grass verges, so the team needed reliability, comfort and practicality.

Equipped with an LM2605 loader, Mr Dix says the tractor has to perform as an all-rounder, though ODS has no requirement for Premium spec or the stepless KVT transmission.

Equally advantageous is a 50km/h road speed.

Kubota

Enquiry 61

PSD

Canycom Samurai brushcutter range available now

An updated range of Canycom Samurai ride-on brushcutters are now available in the UK, including the Japanese manufacturer’s strongest and most powerful model.

Recently appointed UK Canycom distributor, Martin Pears Engineering Ltd, are now offering the 24HP CMX2406, in addition to 14HP and 22HP models.

All offer a unique shaft-driven design, AWD and aimed to meet various users’ needs, from smallholders to professionals.

Louise Pears, Director at South Devon based Martin Pears Engineering Ltd, said: “We’ve been successfully retailing Canycom brushcutters for over four years and believe there are no other mowers of this type that perform as impressively.

“From steep, dense and arduous terrain to everyday mowing jobs, the machines are extremely robust, tough and capable. Demonstrations can be arranged and delivery is available nationwide.”

Martin Pears Enquiry

Toro’s Reelmaster 3575-D engineered to decrease turf compaction

Toro’s Reelmaster 3575-D is the lightest available cylinder mower in its class, bringing an unrivalled lightness of cut to pitches, training grounds and academies.

Designed to be 20 percent lighter than traditional larger cylinder mowers, Toro’s Reelmaster 3575-D weighs just 2550lbs including the cutting units – that’s 500lbs less than comparable four-wheel mowers – to decrease turf compaction and bring a superior quality of cut even in wet conditions.

Not only that though, this machine has been designed with a front-to-back and side-to-side balance of weight to produce a low centre of gravity and has a large footprint, which, when combined with turf-friendly tyres, reduces turf damage.

Since its launch in 2019, football clubs like Manchester City have trusted the Reelmaster 3575-D to improve turf quality without

sacrificing productivity and they’ve taken fairway cutting at golf clubs to a new level, too.

Alastair Rowell, UK sales manager for turfcare equipment at Reesink Turfcare, the sole Toro distributor in the UK for golf and sports fields equipment, explains: “This machine was designed to bring more choice to the lightweight fairway mower market – in fact, you could say it revolutionised it, and it didn’t take groundscare customers long to realise that this would bring new benefits into their mowing of stadium pitches, training grounds, and academies too.

“The three-wheel drive system helps with the tight turns at the ends of the pitch and brings impressive traction to hilly cutting areas. The 100-inch width of cut means productivity comes as standard making light work of your cutting duties.”

Reesink Turfcare Enquiry 65

Second Jacobsen Eclipse 322 for northerly Brora GC

Brora GC in Sutherland has had twelve months like no other in its 130-year history.

In common with many golf clubs, last March, it experienced the lows of the pandemic and the harsh reality of a much-reduced income. Resourceful enterprise from within the club, saw Brora launch a local membership campaign which ended up with global interest.

Golfers from across the world rallied for the club that has Tom Watson, five times Open Champion, as an honorary member.

Astonishingly, membership climbed from 500 to 700, which took in over £280,000 and the online sales in the shop reeling in over £40,000.

“It was just great that our plea was heard, and we were so grateful for such instant response,” continued James MacBeath.

But more good news was to follow. In March this year, after a four year initiative, the club became the landowner of its own links. For just the small sum of £70,000, including a £20,000 grant from the Trustees of local Kilbraur Windfarm, it was able to purchase the land on which it stands, from landowners Sutherland Estates.

One of the upshots of a little more financial stability and an increased membership, was to bring in some additional equipment. While decisive about the machine required, the financial ups and downs meant it was essential to secure excellent terms. James MacBeath, in conversation with his opposite number, Muir Ross, at neighbouring Golspie GC, found out that both clubs wanted a Jacobsen Eclipse 322 greens mower in the same timescales, from dealer Fairways GM at Inverness.

64

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.

Jacobsen Enquiry 66

Less labour, less time and no waste with new line marker for university

benefits with the new model,” says Les, who has worked at the University complex for over 40 years.

“One of the best things about it is that our groundsmen can walk at different speeds and still get the same even application and this is down to the variable speed pressure control.

successful trial, on account of its new innovative features.

“It’s simple, it’s quick to use, and there are two marked

Class act at Hartpury University and Hartpury College

“We also don’t have to premix the paint, because it comes ready mixed and it holds a 10 litre drum, recirculating it around the system for mixing.

“This results in less spillage and less water used as all we have to

do is put it in the drum, shake it and off we go,” says Les.

The Ranger can also be used with Fleet’s range of concentrated paints in 10 or 12.5 litre drums.

The University of South Wales Sports Park is a 30-acre site, with four football pitches, two rugby fi elds and mini football pitches, as well as one of the biggest rubber crumb 3G artificial pitches in the UK.

“We have plenty of footfall from University students and international professional teams and we therefore need

line markings which are quick to apply and paint that’s durable,” says Les. “The Fleet paint can last over two weeks on turf without over marking,” adds Les.

Iain McGuffie, owner of Fleet Line Markers, leading manufacturer of line marking equipment and the largest producer of line-marking paint in the UK, says the new Kombi

Ranger was engineered with the user in mind, designed from customer feedback.

“It has a 24-volt battery, which is easily removed for charging on a docking station, meaning there is no need to take the machine to the charge point, just the battery!”

Fleet Line Markers Enquiry 68

Rigby Taylor’s fully autonomous, robotic TinyLineMarker (TLM) Pro has proved to be a “big time saver” for the grounds team at Hartpury University and Hartpury College 360-hectacre, campus, according to Grounds and Sports Maintenance Manager Matthew Newman.

He oversees the grounds maintenance of the facility’s multi-million-pound outdoor sports facilities - used by students, as well as Premiership RFU side Gloucester Rugby, Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s RFC, Hartpury University RFC and the university football club. Mathew was introduced to the TLM Pro when discussing pitch line-marking time management issues with Rigby Taylor’s Technical Sales Manager, Simon Hughes.

“There’s probably not a single day when a line marker is not being used by my college team,” Matthew explains. “We normally pitch prep on a Monday and Tuesday for university and college mid-week fixtures, Gloucester Rugby trains on the same day, Thursday’s a repair day and on Friday we prep for the weekend fixtures.

“It normally took two members of staff one and a half hours to each mark a pitch, when Simon suggested I try the TLM Pro to help me free up the team members’ time to do other tasks.”

The onsite demonstration included a run through of the robot’s functions, GPS technology and step-by-step guide on how to create pitch templates - via the App and supplied Samsung Galaxy tablet.

Two interchangeable batteries provide up to 10 hours spraying time, without re-charging. The demonstration took place on one of Hartpury’s full-sized sports pitches and was completed in just 20 minutes - within an accuracy of 5-10mm.

Matthew was so impressed, he decided to invest in the machine there and then and says it immediately proved to be a massive time saver for the team. “Our sports pitches are adjacent to each other so we can now cut and roll one pitch, put the TLM Pro on to mark and then cut and roll the adjacent pitch while it’s doing its job,” he added.

Les Gibbs, Grounds Manager at the University of South Wales Sports Park has recently invested in a new Kombi Ranger line marker after a

Rigby Taylor Enquiry 69

Pitchmark shines bright at Euro2020

Pitchmark’s products have once again taken centre stage this summer as they are being used at another international tournament, the 2020 UEFA European Football Championship.

This follows previous success of supplying products to every stadium at the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 and EUR0 2016 France, highlighting the major impact that the organisation is having on the sports turf and amenity industry.

From Wembley Stadium to the Puskás Aréna, Pitchmark’s range of line marking machines – including the unique Hybrid spray marker – has been praised by grounds staff and spectators throughout the tournament.

Handmade at their HQ in Bristol, the innovative Hybrid design incorporates the proven spray system from their Eco range, as well as the manoeuvrability of a wheel-to-wheel marker.

Pitchmark’s products have also been seen at other venues during EURO 2020 including the Classic line marker at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam and the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville.

In addition to Pitchmark’s international success, the Bristolbased company has seen its products used week in, week out across the Football League, Premier League, and Champions League at stadiums such as Le Parc des Princes in Paris and The King Power Stadium in Leicester.

Pitchmark Enquiry 72

Vitax goes virtual with latest brochure

Vitax Amenity has launched its first ever e-brochure to meet the growing demand for in-depth product information which can be easily downloaded and accessed at the touch of a button.

Providing specialist products for sport and amenity turf both in the UK and overseas, Vitax Amenity can provide a comprehensive range of line marking machines and paints for a wide range of sports and playing surfaces.

Notts Forest mark every line with the Turf Tank One

Grounds Manager Ewan Hunter and Academy Head Groundsman Matt Tietjen to let it leave the site.

“I was very, very impressed. Obviously, I had never seen it before, and as soon as it started marking out, I was like, wow, this is brilliant,” Matt begins. “It’s very, very accurate, and every time it goes out, it’s spot on. It saves us a hell of a lot of time. To mark one pitch, it would take myself or two of my staff an hour, an hour and a half to two hours. But obviously, with the Turf Tank to mark one pitch alone, it takes 20 to 25 minutes.

reasonably good with technology, it’s very, very simple to use, and the programme is very straight forward. I’m not particularly brilliant with technology, but it takes five minutes to set it up, and then you can go and do other jobs while it marks out.

Adding the Turf Tank One to their team initially relieved pressure during a busy time, but the benefits of saving time, being able to work while the robot marks and the accuracy of the lines have all been vital during another packed season.

Since their Turf Tank One arrived at the Nigel Doughty Academy, Nottingham Forest Football Club has marked every pitch and grid they have with the GPS line marking robot.

The club’s interest in the Turf Tank One began at the end of a hectic 2019/20 Championship

season when a high volume of games were played before a short renovation window led straight into the 2020/21 season. With initially marking the pitches taking two or three days, the Turf Tank was brought in to mark everything comfortably within one. And after seeing it in action, it was difficult for

“Another factor for us is it allows our staff to carry on with the other jobs that need to be done, and the machine can basically look after itself. Generally, we’d use five to six litres of paint to mark a pitch, but with the Turf Tank, we probably use four litres. If you are able to use a tablet or are

Using the Turf Tank tablet, custom grids are regularly overmarked within pitches, as well as custom goalkeeping areas and other pitch markings. This is just another reason why the robot has worked so well at Forest, but for Ewan, it’s the accuracy that really impresses.

Turf Tank Enquiry 74

Carl Welsh, Vitax’s managing director, says: “Vitax has developed its online presence over the past few years and the decision to produce an e-brochure supports a significant shift in how the business is adapting to working with customers. The creation of the e-brochure is the next step in making all products readily accessible to everyone in the industry.”

Amenity Enquiry 73

Quality line marking paint

Sports-Cote GMC Premium Line Marking Paint is available from Promain and is a high quality product designed for marking lines on grass sports pitches, especially good on muddy pitches and is ideal for use with Spray Machines or Line Marking machines to produce accurate markings.

Sports-Cote GMC Premium Line Marking Paint is best used for applying the edges and aspects to football and rugby pitches on playing prepared grass surfaces.

Sports-Cote GMC Premium Line Marking Paint is a white paint, although colourants may be added to provide black, orange, yellow, green and blue finishes.

Sports-Cote GMC Premium Line Marking Paint comes in a 12.5 litre container that when diluted with 4:1 ratio with water, can coat up to 3 whole football pitches using a line marking machine or spray machine.

Promain Enquiry 76

Vitax

Wet sand is no issue with the Dakota 412

of Head Greenkeeper Jason Norwood, since March 2021, with the new man aiming to put his stamp on the course, starting with the greens.

As the sole full-time member of staff for the main 18-hole course and junior three-hole, Jason’s priority is the greens, with volunteers giving up two days a week to assist with the fairways and roughs.

ways of working, and the club has really been on board with that, and one of those things has been buying the new Dakota top dresser,” Jason explains.

As the most northern links golf course on the United Kingdom mainland, having a top dresser that can spread wet sand like the Dakota 412 from Campey Turf Care Systems is a must at Scotland’s Reay Golf Club.

The

The limited time available to Jason needs to be spent working, and with the Dakota 412, he’s able to top-dress as and when he needs to regardless of the sand moisture.

“I’ve tried to put my own stamp on things here with different types of machinery and different

“With it having four wheels the weight is distributed incredibly well, so it doesn’t leave a mark on the greens, and the first time I used it you’d have no idea that anything had been done or any heavy equipment had been over the greens it because the footprint was minimal.”

The Dakota 412 features accurate and easy to operate calibration with no manual adjustment and has four Ultra-Trac turf tyres on independent floating beam axels for maximum weight distribution, allowing Jason to

work without causing viable disruption to the surface.

As part of Campey’s installation, and to help Jason get the most out of the machine, Campey Product Specialist,

Richard Heywood, walked him through the various settings and features, which Jason views as an invaluable experience.

Campey Turf Care Systems Enquiry 78

With the goal of improving the resilience and year-round playability of the greens, Lymington Golf Centre have purchased a Rink DS800 from Redexim to improve both the frequency and effectiveness of topdressing.

Just a few months into his new programme of pencil tining, topdressing and incorporating the sand into the profile with the help of the Redexim Speed-Brush, Course Manager Brian Goodall is already noticing an increase in greens speed and the recovery of some weaker course areas.

Overlooking The Solent and out to the Isle of Wight, the nine USGA spec greens at Lymington Golf Centre saw a big increase in footfall during 2020. The ongoing resurgence in demand for golf was a big contributor in the purchase of the Rink, from local dealer Hunts Forest Group at the end of last year. “I was keen to improve the condition of a few key course areas, one of which was the greens, to not only improve the playing experience but also help them to cope with the increase in rounds” explains Brian, who oversaw the conversion of 50 acres of farmland into the golf course 16 years ago.

“We had been using a contractor for topdressing previously, the

issue being that the day you’re booked in isn’t necessarily the best day to conduct that sort of operation. Several other greenkeepers recommended the Rink from Redexim, and after other testimonials from Hunts and a local contractor I made the purchase.” Brian opted for the DS800 trailed model, featuring a 0.8m3 hopper capacity, variable spreading widths of between 2m and 12m, and spreading thicknesses of 0.5 to 15mm.

The DS800 has already completed two operations across all nine greens since its delivery, with Brian planning to topdress between four and six times a year. “It’s got a great range of adjustments and is so simple to use. Compared to the drop-dresser that our contractor used which could only cover 1.5m at a time, the Rink being a disc spreader means that in three or four passes you’re done and moving onto the next green!

We follow the Rink with the Redexim Speed-Brush to work the sand down into the profile and are already seeing truer, faster greens, less susceptible to pitch marks and more wear tolerant which puts us in good stead for the season ahead.”

James Braid designed course is positioned on the edge of Sandside Bay with views of the Pentland Firth and the North Atlantic from every hole. The course and its stunning views have been under the control

The key to topdressing is accuracy and consistency and with Toro’s ProPass 200 topdresser you can eliminate the guesswork.

From ultra-light dustings to ultra-heavy aeration hole filling applications, the ProPass 200 evenly applies materials to the turf from 9ft (2.74m) to 30ft (9.1m) thanks to the patented sliding adjustment that positions the twin spinners.

A unique drop zone system adjusts where the material lands on the spinner disks to give an even pattern across the entire spread width.

The spinners are fixed at a downward angle of 4 degrees to provide accurate and consistent

penetration of material into the turf canopy to provide a smoothness and trueness to the surface.

The intuitive colour-coded adjustment settings deliver extremely accurate spread patterns from the first pass, while the unique four-wheel, walking beam suspension contains two separate axles so that all four wheels are always in contact with the ground regardless of terrain bringing a light footprint to proceedings.

The wedge-style tailgate opens, closes and pivots on a wedge creating an angle to force wet or dry material through the gate in a consistent flow, while a smooth belt eliminates load shifting of material and uses a tight rubber seal on the sides preventing material from escaping.

GKB Sandspreader fulfils aspirations at club

Drayton Park Golf Club a course for all abilities designed and set out by James Braid, a five-time winner of the British Open Golf Championship, added the GKB Sandspreader to maintain their picturesque grounds.

With impeccable standards and a policy of continuous improvement, the GKB Sandspreader was the obvious choice for course manager Dale Housden.

Having heard about the reliable and robust SP100 from a fellow course manager and after multiple recommendations, Dale knew he had to get his hands on one.

With multiple reasons for sand filling and top dressing, the GKB Sandspreader can distribute a wide variety of materials in

desired quantities all with hasslefree application.

Ranging from 1m3 to 4m3, there are several hopper capacity options in four different designs.

The shape and design of the sand hoppers ensure effi cient operation and a clear view along the machine.

The GKB Sandspreader can also be delivered with four pivoting balloon tires for the perfect distribution of the weight on the grounds.

Removing the necessity of complicated and intricate use, the GKB Sandpsreader offers effortless and simple control.

GKB

Machines Enquiry 82

It’s available in both a utility vehicle mounted version and a towed version, with or without a wireless controller. The wireless controller, which is fully operational up to 100 yards (91 metres), provides the easiest and fastest method to set and control the spread functions with the option to store settings for future use.

Plus, the generous hopper capacity, of up to 25ft³ (.71m³ heaped), means you can do an efficient job without having to stop and start.

Reesink Turfcare Enquiry

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taking our knowledge of contracting to supply the best possible machine solution. Be it a natural, synthetic or hybrid pitch.. we have a machine to suit your needs. www.gkbmachines.com / tom@gkbmachines.com / 07495 88 36 17

Gkb machines, taking our solution. Be it a natural,

Gkb machines, taking our knowledge of contracting to supply the best possible machine solution. Be it a natural, synthetic or hybrid pitch.. we have a machine to suit your needs. www.gkbmachines.com / tom@gkbmachines.com / 07495 88 36 17

Gkb machines, taking our knowledge of contracting to supply the best possible machine solution. Be it a natural, synthetic or hybrid pitch.. we have a machine to suit your needs. www.gkbmachines.com

New 3 Series towable Takeuchi

weighing-in at just under 2440kg cab or 2310kg canopy, there is plenty of room for attachments and materials on the trailer.

Maximum productivity is guaranteed, the TB325R comes with 16.5kW of power, 19.3kN of digging force and breakout of 11.3kN; far more powerful than other mini excavators in this weight class along with digging depth to 2540mm and ground reach to 4350mm.

hydraulic control, ideal for auxiliary attachments. This feature is common on larger excavators and now Takeuchi have added this popular feature to the towable range.

A machine designed for maximum all-round operating visibility critical for utilities work; includes excellent footwell visibility and no obstructions on the offside window.

From the Takeuchi 3-Series comes the new Takeuchi TB325R short tail mini excavator in the towable weight class. The new model offers a powerful yet legally

towable option – compact in size with reduced tail swing.

Available in both cab and canopy the TB325R comfortably works within towing restrictions;

The TB325R has a compact 1500x1890mm machine footprint combined with a short tail radius of 8825mm and overhang of just 70mm when 90 degrees to the track, this provides maximum access in limited working spaces.

TB325R features joystick proportional control. The thumb operated slider on the joystick gives maximum precise variable

LED work zone lights as standard positioned on the cab and boom provide maximum visibility in darker working environments.

For added asset protection the TB325R has fully lockable service panels and comes with the TSS Takeuchi Security System fitted as standard with the TFM Takeuchi Fleet management available as an option.

Takeuchi Enquiry 85

John Deere mowers excel at The K Club

One of Ireland’s top golf resorts has taken delivery of two new John Deere 9009A TerrainCut rotary rough mowers to keep its courses in pristine condition.

The famous K Club 5-star golfing resort in Kildare, just half an hour’s drive from Dublin, hosted the Ryder Cup in 2006 as well as the Irish Open in 2016 and 13 European Opens.

When the need arose for new rough mowers at the resort, thorough research was carried out by the greens staff to investigate what each brand had to offer. In the end the top cutting quality and reliability of the John Deere models trumped the competition, and two 9009A mowers were ordered from local golf & turf dealer Dublin Grass Machinery.

Powered by a 55hp engine, the John Deere 9009A is a five-gang 68.6cm (27in) independent rotary deck mower with a cutting width of 2.7m (9ft), providing the allday productivity needed for golf course rough mowing.

Gerry Byrne has been Resort Superintendent at The K Club for the past 24 years and is well pleased with the machines’ performance. “We recently bought the two new John Deere rotary mowers as we wanted to improve the overall presentation of the rough areas on both the Palmer North and Palmer South courses,” he says. “We carried out extensive research into all the main brands and decided that the 9009A suited our needs best of all.

“We have operated other makes of rough mower here, and they carried out a good job of overall course maintenance. However, we felt the more versatile John Deere 9009A mowers would give us a better quality of cut. Both mowers not only provide a premium, precision cut but importantly they are also able to cope with our intricate dune style mounds, particularly around sensitive areas of the courses. I find them to be very proficient and user friendly.”

John Deere Enquiry 87

Agrovista UK announces depot upgrades

Agrovista UK is reinventing the way it distributes its wide range of products and that has started with a newly built depot in Melsonby and some significant upgrades in Allscott.

Ongoing improvements, developments and new initiatives are signalling exciting times for everyone connected with Agrovista UK.

Staff, partners, suppliers, and customers are reaping the benefits of all the mechanisms being put in place, and the company’s latest focus has been on improving its storage and distribution.

The initiative perfectly captures the essence of Agrovista UK’s recently launched new campaign, which highlights its support

for the arable and amenity industries that it specialises in. The new #ForOurGrowers and #ForOurSports campaign celebrates the hard work of all involved in British farming and in British amenity - particularly following the unprecedented challenges experienced during recent times.

Agrovista UK Enquiry 100

BSW Timber launches accredited installer scheme

The UK’s largest sawmiller and manufacturer of sawn timber products has launched an Accredited Installer Scheme that offers an array of exclusive benefits to contractors across the country. BSW’s Accredited Installer Scheme allows landscapers, joiners and builders to benefit from a wide range of services and support that will help to promote and add value to their business. Benefits include exclusive product training and automatic access to a rewards scheme, whereby installers can earn money just for using BSW products.

Installers will also have access to a personalised dashboard on the BSW website, allowing them to promote their specialist services and gain leads for their business. Installers will receive a comprehensive membership pack, which includes BSW product samples, literature and branded merchandise.

BSW Timber Enquiry 101

NEW K008-5/U10-5

Go anywhere or do anything with the UK’s best-selling micro excavators from Kubota. These small but powerful machines are about to get a whole lot better, with a host of brand new innovative features as standard, designed to make your working day easier.

Contact your local dealer to find out more. www.kubota.co.uk