Turf Matters March April 2024

Where history was made…

The playing fields of Eton

PEDESTRIAN MOWERS

Latest machines line up

FERTILISERS AND CHEMICALS

Experts share their views

TURF

Mud, mud, inglorious mud

Don’t forget Sport…

The last two months have been a nightmare for many people in certain parts of the country and my heart goes out to everyone dealing with the aftermath of unprecedented flooding and devastating erosion.

The news coming from Wales that 6,000 grassroots football games had been called off because of the weather and inadequate facilities, will come as no surprise to those who have been at the sharp end of our rain dominated weather over the last six months.

The best case scenario for many is months of temporary living. For others, lives will never return to what they were.

While the fate of sports grounds and golf clubs might seem inconsequential in the face of such hardship, we at Turf Matters have a particular empathy with everyone who has seen years of agronomic husbandry literally washed away in the space of a few weeks.

Indeed, I’m sure many other parts of the UK will have similar stories to tell. And let’s face it, it’s not just football. Every grass-based sport has seen its drainage working to capacity and, in many cases, beyond.

It must be hoped that banks – the financial institutions, not the things which edge overflown rivers – take an understanding approach to sporting facilities which have been unable to service loans as a result of them being unplayable and so unable to bring in revenue.

My golf course is regarded as good draining, but while we’ve been able to play most weeks run on the ball is non-existent and for a short hitter like me, it makes the game even more of a slog than usual.

As we have seen with the recent Winter Olympics, sport has such a galvanising effect on society and can be the catalyst for so much good, that it is imperative sporting facilities are not forgotten when the promised assistance is being allocated.

So, I commend all those groundsmen and women, greenkeepers and turf managers in general, for working so hard and diligently in such conditions since the latter part of last summer.

On the issue of improving sporting facilities, we have been invited by Briggs & Stratton to become involved in its Pitch to Win competition, which provides a £3,000 makeover for what is judged to be the Under 18s football pitch in most need – find out more on pages 16-17. I am on the judging panel and visits will be made to a shortlist of deserving pitches soon. We will be looking not so much at the DESSO but the desperate!

Distributed every two months to

Distributed every two months to sports turf professionals, local authorities and buyers of turfcare machinery and products.

Editor: Scott MacCallum scott@turfmatters.co.uk

Editor: Scott MacCallum scott@turfmatters.co.uk

Design/Production Editor: Tim Moat tim@turfmatters.co.uk

Design and Production Editor: Tim Moat tim@turfmatters.co.uk

Sales Executive: Marie Anderson

Sales Manager: Pauline Thompson

Contributor: Summer Rogers

To advertise in Turf Matters, call Pauline on 07720 055676 or email pauline@turfmatters.co.uk

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Turf Matters is published by Straight Down the Middle Communications Ltd.

Turf Matters is published by Straight Down the Middle Communications Ltd.

It’s not been great for those using the pitches and courses, but it’s been far worse for those working on them and I know they only postpone when there is absolutely no other option.

Scott MacCallum, Editor

On a final note, I am thrilled by the reception that the first issue of Turf Matters received. Many people have taken time to say how much they liked the look of the magazine and how they enjoyed the articles. We’re all pleased you found it to your liking and we will work hard to maintain the high standards. Thank you all very much.

All material © Turf Matters magazine 2024. Awarded Best Writing and Best Design in the Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA) Awards 2019-2022 inclusive No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever, either for sale or not, without the written permission of the publisher. Information contained in Turf Matters is published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Turf Matters can accept no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by reliance on

All material © Turf Matters magazine 2014. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever, either for sale or not, without the written permission of the publisher. Information contained in Turf Matters is published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Turf Matters can accept no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by reliance on information contained in Turf Matters or in the event of any bankruptcy or liquidation or cessation of trade of any company, individual or firm mentioned is hereby excluded.

Printed by Warners Midlands PLC.

Scott MacCallum, Editor

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out our website:

The majesty of Gleneagles, pages 30-35

FIBRESAND SUCCESS AT COLLIERS PARK

Colliers Park National Football Development Centre, in Wrexham, is a premier facility dedicated to the development and training of football talents. One key figure contributing to its success is James Mathewson, the Head Groundsperson.

At Colliers Park, James implements Mansfield Sand’s Fibresand for the renovation of the pitches. The Fibresand pitch, now four years old, has proven to be a game-changer in terms of performance and durability.

“I used them for my first renovation I did here, and the rest is history. We topped up 150 tonnes of Fibresand, and it has been regularly topped up since it first came in,” said James.

He highlights several advantages of Fibresand over traditional soilbased pitches.

“The Fibresand pitch offers superior drainage, holds together better, and minimises the risk of chunks being kicked out during play. Gary Cunningham, Sport & Landscape Sales Manager for Mansfield Sand, comes in every year to core sample the pitch for a fibre content reading, reports back if a top up is required or not and then we go from there,” explained James. n www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

Riyadh has first fully indoor hybrid pitch

Riyadh’s showpiece football tournament featuring Messi and Ronaldo, was made possible thanks to the world’s first fully indoor hybrid pitch built in 21 days by SIS Pitches.

The competition which forms part of the Riyadh Season. During the event, the stadium broke two World Records. The first for being the largest covered football stadium;

the second for having the largest seating capacity for an indoor covered stadium.

Setting the stage was a major challenge for SIS Pitches. Construction and development of the indoor sports venue started in late 2023, giving the business a much shorter window to install and prepare a playing surface fit for top-level competition.

However, this short window was only one part of the challenge. SIS also had to ensure the natural turf grew strong enough to secure the small percentage of synthetic fibres stitched into the arena’s surface, as is standard for hybrid pitches of this type. This process was made harder by the arena’s fully indoor design, which has no windows or roof for sunlight to enter. The SIS team worked around this by using ultraviolet growing lights to prepare the pitch in time.

Sela, the developer responsible for the arena, requested a gameready playing surface in just three weeks, much shorter than the typical window for a major development of this type.

Speed and resilience were key. SISGrass, the solution specified by

SIS, merges natural turf with a small percentage of polymer yarn. Already used by many of the most recognisable names in sports, this mixture is injected by the company’s patented electric stitching machine, providing a more consistent and resilient playing surface. SIS’s machine is capable of covering 1300m2 metres per day with a 90mm shallow stitch, making it ideal for quick installs.

SISGrass is much harderwearing than an all-natural pitch, and is proven to accommodate more playing hours while also being less susceptible to wear or damage. This was particularly important for the Kingdom Arena, given the small window grounds staff have to prepare between entertainment and sports events.

“This project had an incredibly challenging timeline but our team was able to mobilise quickly, delivering a high-quality playing surface fit for who are arguably football’s two greatest ever players,” said David Ball, Managing Director at SIS Saudi. n www.sispitches. com/pitches/hybridpitch-sisgrass/

2024 TURFGRASS SEED GUIDE LAUNCHED

The British Society of Plant Breeders, in association with STRI Group, has launched the 2024 Turfgrass Seed guide.

The annually produced guide is available, free of charge, as a printed booklet or can be accessed online via the BSPB website.

“Following the success of last year’s digital launch we are continuing to promote the virtues of accessing the 2024 Turfgrass

Seed guide online. However, we appreciate that for many it is handy to have a printed booklet, so both are still offered,” said BSPB Technical Manager Jeremy Widdowson.

By publishing the contents of the guide on its website, the BSPB is reducing its reliance on paper-based methods of communication. The online guide was launched in 2023 and, alongside it, web viewers will find the Turfgrass Index, a separate

three-page document which lists the varieties available in 2024.

“Trials conducted at Bingley by STRI, help to identify the characteristics of different cultivars. The guide reflects this by using parameters such as shoot density, recovery, colour and visual merit to help decision-making for pitch care, ground care and amenity professionals,” said Jeremy.

n www.bspb.co.uk/turfgrass-list

GroundsFest back with a bang

Following its groundbreaking debut, GroundsFest is returning with a bang, promising an even bigger and better experience for the groundscare and landscaping industries. With a wave of new exhibitors, expanded space, and mounting excitement, GroundsFest 2024 is set to exceed expectations, offering opportunities for industry professionals.

The excitement surrounding GroundsFest 2024 is evident, with the event witnessing a significant expansion. A 90% rebook rate speaks volumes about the confidence exhibitors have in the event.

Many 2023 exhibitors including Overton UK, Toro UK, Ariens Co, Kress UK, Turfix, Husqvarna, PSD Groundcare, and Cramer, plus many more, have opted for significantly larger stands, a testament to the growing influence of GroundsFest in the industry landscape.

GroundsFest continues to attract

industry giants and emerging players alike, with over 40 new companies already committed to the event. Brands such as STIGA, Redexim, Milwaukee, Ventrac, Trimax Mowing Systems, Amazone, GKB, Wessex, Ferris, Spider, Jensen Woodchippers, Ransomes, Jacobsen, Kawasaki, EZGO, Wiedenmann, Avant Tecno, Hustler Turf Equipment, Ambrogio UK, Rat Barrow UK, BARBIERI SRL, Aebi Schmidt UK, and Bowcom, plus many more, have taken large areas dedicated to equipment demonstration, which underlines the event’s significance as a premier platform for companies to showcase their innovations and solutions.

The Landscape Zone, catering to professionals involved in outdoor planning and design, promises to be even more expansive, with a blend of returning exhibitors and new additions like Crowders Nurseries, Wildflower Turf UK, Lubbe & Sons (Bulbs), Warrington & Rose, Stabilia UK, and Soluform. The Landscape Zone will showcase the latest trends and technologies.

GroundsFest goes beyond traditional trade shows, offering attendees a truly comprehensive experience. From a live music festival to exclusive retail discounts and free LANTRA approved training, plus its cost-effective pricing structure for exhibitors and camping facilities, GroundsFest has reinvigorated the trade show landscape.

GroundsFest 2024 will take place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 10 and 11 September 2024.

n www.groundsfest.com

Milestone for Avant dealer awards

Avant Tecno, a pioneering force in the compact loader industry, celebrated its 25th anniversary in the UK with an event at Carrow Road Stadium in Norwich, Norfolk.

The occasion not only marked a quarter-century of Avant’s presence in the UK but also served as an opportunity to recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of its dedicated dealers through the Avant Dealer Awards.

Since its establishment in 1991, Avant Tecno has been a trailblazer in the manufacturing of compact

loaders. With a production milestone of over 70,000 loaders at their stateof-the-art manufacturing plant in Ylöjärvi, Finland, the company has left an indelible mark on the industry.

Avant’s global reach includes sales offices in Germany, the UK, and the US, along with import partners in more than 55 countries. Avant machines have been a staple in the UK for 25 years, with a rapidly expanding network of regional dealers covering the entire nation.

The recent Avant Dealer Awards served as a fitting occasion to express gratitude to the network of dealers who have played a pivotal role in the brand’s growth and success.

The awards ceremony at Carrow Road Stadium, home of Norwich City FC, saw deserving dealers acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to Avant Tecno’s success. The winners included:

• Eco Award 2023: Ben Burgess & Co Ltd.

After Sales and Customer Care:

Avant South East Ltd

Largest Growth: Essener Equipment Co.

• Recognition Award: Davies

Implements Ltd.

• Most Machines Sold: Essener Equipment Co.

• Leguan Dealer of the Year: Ben Burgess & Co Ltd.

• Avant Dealer of the Year: Ferrybridge Ltd.

One standout winner of the evening was Ferrybridge Ltd, recognised as the Avant Dealer of the Year. With nearly two decades of expertise in the Plant and Machinery industry, Ferrybridge has recently emerged as an authorised dealer for all Avant compact loader products in Ireland.

Andrew Shore, from Ferrybridge, expressed delight at winning the award, highlighting the opportunity to align with another world-renowned brand like Avant.

“The beauty of the Avant brand is that it has given us a doorway into a lot of industries. You name the industry, and we have probably sold an Avant machine into it. Becoming an Avant dealer was a good opportunity for us to get another world-renowned strong brand.”

Andrew also praised Avant’s commitment to innovation.

n www.avant.co.uk

Tom Bailey joins Price Turfcare

Tom Bailey, the former Sales Manager at RT Machinery, has joined Price Turfcare, the UK distributor of the Ventrac 4520 all-terrain compact tractor and multiple accessories.

Tom joined RT Machinery Ltd in June 2015 as a trainee Area Sales Manager, rising

through the ranks before being appointed Sales Manager in November 2022. Prior to his career at RT Machinery, he worked initially as gardener for The National Trust, then as a senior gardener at Coworth Park, prior to taking the position of craft gardener at SAS Ltd, with premises situated within a 110-acre estate in Berkshire. In 2019, Tom won Price Turfcare’s Dealer Sales Achievement award.

“We are delighted to have secured Tom’s services; he is a very welcome addition to our sales team. His sales record at RT Machinery was second to none and that can be seen by his 2019 dealer sales award,” said Rupert Price, Managing Director of Price Turfcare, “He fully understands the attributes of the machine and its accessories and his knowledge of the golf and groundscare industries across the south of England

is superb, with the added bonus that he is well respected across his territory.

“The industry tends to forget that we are still a relatively young business; it was only 2017 when we first introduced this unique compact tractor, with its multiple range of dedicated accessories, to the UK market. Now we are in an excellent position to move the company forward and Tom will be an integral part of our growth strategy.”

New product from Trimax redefines rotary blades

Drawing on the experience and knowledge gained over the last four decades, Trimax has now developed a product that redefines rotary mower blades and is scientifically proven to outperform everything that’s come before it.

The Trimax NexaBlade is

a new, elite blade for highend, fine turf applications such as golf courses, sports fields and turf farms. Every facet of the new blade has been scientifically designed to provide optimal performance come rain or shine.

With perfectly relative

angles and tailored geometry, the NexaBlades have proven to outperform the industry leading Trimax LazerBlade. Testing Results Having undergone various in-depth tests, the Trimax NexaBlade excelled in six key areas. Below are the results when comparing against the Trimax LazerBlade:

• 70% improvement in clipping and spreading

• 51% reduction in clumping

• 50% increased resistance to erosive wear

• 15% reduction in aerodynamic noise

• 14% improvement in cleanliness of cut

• 5% reduction in PTO power.

Ashley Craggs, owner of Knotty Hill Golf Centre, has been using the Nexablades on his Trimax X-WAM mowers to cut 45 fairways three times a week.

“The NexaBlades have been fantastic. I have been using them for a year and have found the cut quality is far superior compared to the LazerBlade. The NexaBlade’s curved shape helps glade through the

“THE NEXABLADES HAVE BEEN FANTASTIC.”

grass, reducing debris build-up, which keeps the blades nice and clean. This produces finer grass clippings which evenly spread out the back of the machine, leaving behind a better playing surface. In dewy and damp conditions, the NexaBlades don’t clump and leave excess grass debris,” explained Ashey.

“This allows us to keep cutting whereas before our machines would be parked up. We have also noticed a fuel saving with the new blades, they’re approximately 25% more economical. As the NexaBlades have been so successful last season, we will be changing all our Trimax mowers to the new blades as we are so pleased with their results and performance.”

Controls brochure empowers users

Agrovista Amenity, has launched its new Controls brochure. This comprehensive guide is a valuable resource for turf managers, offering essential information on plant growth regulators, fungicides, herbicides, wetting agents, and much more.

In the ever-evolving landscape of turf management, Agrovista Amenity aims to empower professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to overcome challenges. The Controls brochure features details on some of the most innovative products on the market, including the recently launched Maxtima - a revolutionary turf fungicide, the highly regarded Attraxor plant growth regulator, the powerful Medallion TL fungicide, and a range of total and residual herbicides such as Roundup and Valdor Flex. Other notable products highlighted in the brochure include Acelepryn insect

control, Ferromex mosskiller, and the impressive range of Aqua-Zorb wetting agents.

Dr Abigail Graceson, Technical Manager at Agrovista Amenity, emphasises the importance of tailored solutions.

“What might be right for one person isn’t always going to be right for someone else. It is about understanding your own circumstances and identifying the best solution.”

This sentiment reflects the core philosophy behind the brochure – providing turf managers with the information needed to make informed decisions based on their unique situations.

“Managing good quality turf surfaces and other amenity areas presents many challenges,” noted Abigail.

“Our objective is to maintain healthy plants while minimising the presence of undesirable fungal, insect, and plant pests.”

In a time of increasing

legislative and environmental changes, making informed decisions becomes paramount, as these choices form the foundation of management plans that deliver high-quality amenity environments.

The Controls brochure goes beyond product listings, offering a better understanding of integrated pest management principles. It equips turf managers with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of product selection in the face of challenge. To further support turf managers, Agrovista Amenity emphasises the expertise of its representatives, who are qualified to BASIS and FACTS as a minimum. These professionals can provide personalised support in product selection and advice tailored to the specific environment being managed. Additionally, the Agrovista Amenity Academy (www.

amenityacademy.co.uk) offers free courses covering product knowledge and wider aspects of managing amenity environments. These courses are designed to enhance knowledge and maximise the benefits of the products in use while allowing professionals to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. n w www.agrovista. co.uk/amenity

Fully electric mowing solution

In 2024, Jacobsen will become one of the first manufacturers to offer a fully electric golf course mowing service solution.

With the Eclipse 2 ELiTE walking greens mower, ELiTE lithium outfront and AR1 ELiTE articulated rotary mower joining the already successful Eclipse 360 ELiTE and SLF1 ELiTE models.

Jacobsen has scaled up the power requirements for fairway and rough machines using tried

and tested Samsung Lithium SDI technology. By partnering this technology with Jacobsen mowers, turf professionals can cut all day on greens, tees, fairways, or roughs, while always maintaining Jacobsen’s famous quality of cut.

Extending the benefits of lithium to the entire course enables golf organizations to reduce their carbon emissions further, but there are also significant user benefits. With noise and vibration

greatly decreased, a day of cutting fairways or rough will have less stress on the operator, bringing increased comfort and productivity. PACE can be accessed from any device and features real-time tracking and task management to maximise the effectiveness of your operation. Users can track the power output per hole of the machines to maximise their performance and develop a bespoke picture of how they work on the course.

Chris Brook, Group Courses Manager at The Club Company says:

Great work is recognised by Golf Environment Awards

The 29th Golf Environment Awards hosted by STRI Group, took place during BTME.

The awards ceremony was attended by UK and international golf clubs to celebrate and reward industry professionals who dedicate their time and energy to protecting and enhancing the environment.

Golf courses represent 33% of the UK’s open space, and when managed properly can significantly enhance biodiversity, conserve rare habitats, and be a leading sector in promoting positive environmental practices.

“The GEAs shine a light on the impressive work from each finalist, and we hope these awards will continue to empower all golf clubs to begin implementing environmentally sound practices on their courses,” said Tina Jessop, Head of Brand and Communications at STRI Group.

The winners were...

OPERATION POLLINATOR AWARD

Awarded to golf clubs who consistently deliver outstanding ecological habitat creation and management:

Huntercombe Golf Club

ECOLOGICAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR

For golf clubs who have implemented a successful ecological project, with clear objectives and targets that contribute to a better environment:

Canterbury Golf Club

CONSERVATION CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

Outstanding individuals who make significant contributions to

the success of environmental and ecological management making a positive impact on the surrounding landscape and biodiversity: John Milne, Garmouth and Kingston Golf Club

SUSTAINABLE PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Golf clubs who have implemented a successful sustainable project with clear objectives and targets that contribute to a more sustainable environment: Royal Dornoch Golf Club

INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL GOLF COURSE

Golf clubs outside of the UK that brilliantly demonstrate efficient management across nature conservation, turfgrass, waste and water: Golf della Montecchia, Italy

UK ENVIRONMENTAL GOLF COURSE OF THE YEAR

Golf clubs in the UK that are leading the way in sustainability across nature conservation, turfgrass management and waste and water management: Colmworth Golf Club.

Each winner received a £750 grant to help fund further ecological and environmental projects at their clubs, a visit from an agronomic consultant, entry to the Foundation Award in Amenity Horticulture Course, BIGGA membership for the Conservation Champion award winner and promotional materials to display across digital platforms. Sponsors were Aquatrols, BIGGA, Syngenta, Tillers Turf, Textron and the R&A.

Tilly Vesely collected the UK Environmental Golf Course of the Year award for Colmworth Golf Club

We

sure you’re part of it!

First roll-on roll-off grinder is a game changer

It isn’t often that a completely new product is introduced into the market, but that is exactly what has happened at BTME.

The Foley 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder brings a whole new meaning to quick spin. It is designed to accommodate the widest of mower cylinders and is a simple roll-on roll-off solution to grinding, with the machine sitting at floor level.

The wheel in and wheel out action removes all need for heavy lifting facilities, revolutionising the way the groundsman and greenkeepers view touch-up spin grinding.

It offers a fast, easy operated option for providing a quick touch-up spin, between the regular relief grinding schedules. It is also the perfect solution to sharpening the extra wide, heavy mowers used on sports fields/pitches, which are often cumbersome to load into the standard grinder.

Paul Rauker, CEO and President of Foley Company had made the trip to Harrogate to support

Foley Company the launch of the world’s first ever professional floor level roll-on, roll-off grinder.

‘This is truly a remarkable occasion. The 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder is the first of its kind and I’m delighted to be here to acknowledge the significance of our latest development,” said Paul.

“It is a machine that will appeal to all grounds professionals who are looking to improve the performance and efficiency of their grinding programmes. As the leading manufacturer of Grinding equipment Foley Company is once again leading the way in grinding technology. We have developed and patented simple to use controls to save time without compromising on performance,” he explained.

“The patented clamping system secures any cutting unit in all configurations and the roller clamp is adjustable for any variety of rollers and groomers. This machine really will change the way we look at grinding in the future!’

STIHL has launched two new AP System battery-powered brushcutters with enhanced operational performance, specifically designed for professionals to tackle large areas of tough grass.

Replacing the FSA 90 model, the new FSA 120 and FSA 120 R boast a 40% increase in power, making them the ideal choice for professionals undertaking landscaping projects. The FSA 120 is available with a bike handle or loop handle to best suit customer requirements.

Thanks to the utilisation of the same gearbox used in STIHL petrol tools, the new brushcutters are compatible with a wide range of cutting attachments, including AutoCut, PolyCut, DuroCut and TrimCut cutting heads, as well as metal grass blades for greater versatility and longer working times.

The FSA 120 offers flexibility with two-speed settings and a variable trigger, enabling users to adapt to different cutting requirements with ease. Not only do both brushcutter models feature an innovative ECO mode that reduces RPM to maximise working time, but they also automatically adapt their speed for optimum performance.

Other features include a tool-free adjustable loop handle for easy adjustment and maximum comfort, as well as an adjustable harness hook that allows users to move the attachment points along the shaft quickly and simply. n www.stihl.co.uk

STIHL launches new brushcutters

Salary recommendations for golf clubs published

Following extensive research, the Committee for Golf Club Salaries recommended a 7% increase in the salaries of golf club staff for 2024. With an increase in the National Living Wage due to come into force from April 2024, to ensure all staff remain ahead of that base line a 9% increase has also been recommended for assistant greenkeeper

The increases have been added to the salary calculators provided

website and take into account the National Living Wage increase, the prevailing economic environment and the importance of golf facility staff to the overall industry.

The salary calculators take into account geographic regions, facility size, core responsibilities, club rating, qualifications and experience, ensuring recommendations can be tailored to individual members of staff.

The CGCS is comprised of representatives of BIGGA and the GCMA alongside independent golf club experts.

While keen to impress the need for golf clubs to ensure staff are suitably paid and valued by their employers, the committee is also aware that employee reward

and retention must be balanced alongside the affordability and financial health of the business.

Alongside salaries, the organisations represented on the CGCS advocate for the provision of resources aimed at supporting employee mental health and wellbeing, as well as providing adequate opportunities for career pathway support, training and development. To find out more about what BIGGA and GCMA can provide in these areas, please do not hestitate to get in touch. Contact details are on the various associations’ websites.

Head to the CGCS website for more information and to explore the salary calculators, guidelines and principles of good pay.

Lifetime achievement award for Dean is well-deserved

Golf greenkeepers from across the globe joined together at BTME to celebrate the career of a former Head Greenkeeper who spent 30 years building a network of turf professionals across Europe.

Dean Cleaver began his career at The Leicestershire Golf Club and later became Head Greenkeeper at Rugby Golf Club and then Stratfordupon-Avon Golf Club. He first joined the committee of a greenkeepers’ association aged just 17 and in 1996 became BIGGA’s youngestever chairperson, aged just 38.

In 1996 he led the formation of FEGGA and has acted as Executive Officer ever since, building a network of organisations to promote greenkeeping and enhance the support available to turf professionals, whether a country has

thousands of golf courses or just one.

Today FEGGA unites 23 associations around the world, including the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and the Turfgrass Managers Association of South Africa. Dean will step down from his post when he retires later in 2024.

At the BIGGA Celebration sponsored by Jacobsen, hosted on the opening evening of the BTME, Dean was presented with the Outstanding Contribution award sponsored by Jacobsen, in recognition of a half-century of commitment to supporting his fellow greenkeepers.

“During a 50-year career, Dean Cleaver has shown an unwavering commitment to uniting greenkeepers, no matter their golf club’s location or standing in the game,” said

Dean Cleaver, left, and Jacobsen’s Simon Rainger

BIGGA Chief Executive Jim Croxton.

“Possessing a work ethic instilled in him at The Leicestershire by his mentor, Paddy McCarron, Dean spent decades supporting the activities of first the British Golf Greenkeepers Association and then BIGGA when it was formed in 1987.

“His commitment to a Europewide project led to the formation of FEGGA in 1996 and that has provided a network that links established associations such as ours with those in countries where golf is still an emerging sport.

“Dean’s legacy will be felt for decades to come and in this, the year of his retirement, BIGGA could not be prouder to present him with our most prestigious accolade, the Outstanding Contribution award sponsored by Jacobsen.”

Also scooping top prizes at the BIGGA Celebration and showcasing the broad range of clubs represented by members of the association, were two clubs at either end of the golfing spectrum.

The team at Dudley Golf Club received Greenkeeping Project of the

Year sponsored by Origin Amenity Solutions. Leading a team of just three, Stewart Marshall has brought the Midlands golf club back from the brink by using innovative and often cost-free sustainable solutions. From being on the verge of closure prior to the pandemic, the team has transformed Dudley with little or no budget into a thriving venue, just in time for the club’s 130th anniversary.

Stewart and his team have shown what can be achieved through innovative thinking and greenkeeping expertise, highlighting the key role greenkeepers play in the success of any golf club.

Also receiving a BIGGA Award was Walton Heath Golf Club. Following the successful hosting of US Open qualifying and the AIG Women’s Open, Michael Mann and his team were awarded with Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year sponsored by Bernhard & Company.

Following the news the club would be hosting the only UK-based women’s Major championship in 2023, a pest infestation and

prolonged drought devastated turf quality at the historic Surrey venue, ultimately leading to the installation of a new irrigation system. Vandalism further damaged playing surfaces but the team worked extra hours – often working under floodlights – to repair the damage. Delays slowed progress but the greenkeepers stepped up and took on responsibility for reinstating turf on top of daily maintenance and other project work, eventually completing installation a full 12 months after the contractual end date.

“DEAN’S LEGACY WILL BE FELT FOR DECADES TO COME… BIGGA COULD NOT BE PROUDER TO PRESENT HIM WITH OUR MOST PRESTIGIOUS ACCOLADE”

“The battle of Waterloo on the playing fields

– Duke of Wellington (allegedly)

Eton College’s Lee Marshallsay, below, became the first school Grounds Manager to become the GMA Grounds Manager of the Year, proving that it’s not just the boys in the Eton classrooms who are high achievers. Lee spoke with Scott MacCallum

Waterloo was won of Eton”

The most famous school grounds in the world

“THE EXCELLENCE EMBODIED BY ETON, AND ITS FELLOW BRITISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS, WAS WHAT CARRIED THE COUNTRY TO VICTORY.”

The Battle of Waterloo, perhaps one of the most famous triumphs to be carved onto the bedpost of British military history, was said by the very man who led our forces, to have been won on the playing fields of Eton.

Now in all likelihood the Duke of Wellington didn’t say it, or to be charitable, no-one is around to prove that he did or didn’t, but what it did was ensure that those very playing fields became the most famous school grounds in the world. An accolade held to this very day.

Can you think of anywhere to rival them?

What the quote actually meant, apocryphal or not, was that the excellence embodied by Eton, and

its fellow British public schools, was what carried the country to victory. That ethos remains in place in 2024, a mere 584 years after Eton was founded in 1440.

So, it is perhaps fitting that the man charged with looking after those famous fields has also achieved a degree of excellence which marks him, and his superb team, out from the crowd.

Lee Marshallsay was crowned Grounds Manager of the Year at the recent GMA Awards, held at Headingley, in Leeds.

“It was a real shock as the winner normally comes from football, cricket, tennis or horse racing, so I certainly didn’t expect my name to be called out. I believe it is the first time that someone from a school has won the award.

“But it was great as it was only possible for me to win because the team had won the Top Independent Schools Grounds Team award earlier in the evening, so it is an award for the whole team.

At 37, Lee is still a young man but he has packed a lot into his 20 years as a groundsman and grounds manager and he has a CV which includes two other schools at the very top of the independent school tree – Harrow and Charterhouse, both of which he was Grounds Manager.

But the role at which he has excelled was very much second choice by way of a career.

“I actually wanted to work in taxes and excise, but I didn’t get the grades,” laughed Lee, as we stood on the balcony of one of Eton’s famous

“I PERSONALLY DON’T LOOK AT THE FACT THAT IT IS ETON ANY DIFFERENTLY TO HOW I LOOKED AT IT AT EITHER OF MY PREVIOUS SCHOOLS. FIRST AND FOREMOST I’M LOOKING TO PRODUCE PLAYING SURFACES FOR THE BOYS. IT’S JUST ON A BIGGER SCALE.”

} pavilions, about to conduct a Turf Matters, YouTube video interview.

It says a lot for Lee’s single minded focus that he would have contemplated a job which doesn’t feature strongly on many people’s list of dream occupations, but having seen those aspirations dashed, he embarked on another activity which doesn’t offer much by way of love and affection either.

“I was a football referee to quite a decent standard,” he revealed, adding that he was a referee at Conference level and assistant referee at National League level.

With his commitments at the school he has retired his whistle and flag, but he does attribute

refereeing for adding to his man management skills.

“Dealing and managing people in stressful situations on the pitch showed me that everyone is different and everyone has to be handled in different ways. I miss the 90 minutes of a game, but I don’t miss everything else that goes along with it.”

It was actually flicking through the prospectus of Oaklands College, shortly after his tax man dreams had been thwarted, that he fell upon the Greenkeeping and Grounds Management course.

“So that’s what I did,” he said of a decision which must go down as one of his best ever.

“I did a one year’s course including some work experience at Tottenham before getting an interview at Harrow School.”

Lee worked his way through the ranks at Harrow before eventually becoming Grounds Manager. He made the move to Charterhouse after 12 years and it was further four years before the attraction of his current employer saw him make the move... four years ago in the middle of Covid!

His attitude to being the man in charge of the most famous sporting fields in the world is refreshingly down to earth.

“I personally don’t look at the fact that it is Eton any differently to how I looked at it at either of my previous schools. First and foremost I’m looking to produce playing surfaces for the boys. It’s just on a bigger scale.”

Lee manages a team of 30 at Eton which is split into three areasthe playing fields team, which looks after 38

winter sports pitches covering 600 acres; the gardens team which looks after the formal areas of the school and the gardens of the 25 boarding houses, and the landscaping team which works on the meadows, the hedges, the trees and the management of Dorney Lake, which was the venue for the 2012 Olympic Rowing regatta.

There are also 500 acres of farmland which doesn’t come under the management of Lee and his team.

“My goal is always to try and improve year on year and I feel that as a team we’ve gone on a bit of a journey since I came here. We aren’t perfect but we always want to be better, and always try to be better.

“We came second to Whitgift School in the GMA Awards last

year so to win it this year shows that we haven’t rested on our laurels. We went again and have been recognised and that is great for the team to show them that the hard work they’ve put in has been recognised,” said Lee.

If there is one thing that Lee is particularly hot on, it’s presentation.

“We have parents and grandparents visiting the school, as well as other visitors and people who walk around the grounds, as we are an open site in the town, so presentation is very important. I want to make sure that we are always on point, that pins are straight goal posts are clean etc. All small things, but they are noticeable if they are not done well.”

Lee may not have learned the phrase back at school in

Borehamwood, but he is an advocate of Carpe Diem – seizing the day!

“The biggest thing I’d say about this site is when the opportunity comes up to do work, you’ve got to do it because if you miss the boat you may not get the chance again for some time.

“The reason that is the case here at Eton is the weather. We are getting more rain and with the Thames so close to us our water table is higher than most, while our fixture list, with over 1500 boys on the role, is packed. There is play on most pitches every single day but if there is a gap we will go on and carry out work,” said Lee, who explained that the boys play sport from 2pm every day. There is one sport that doesn’t give Lee too many headaches when it comes to presentation. The Eton

Wall Game is unique to the school, and bizarre barely covers it.

Two teams, one comprising pupils from College, which is one of the boarding houses, pit themselves against a team made up of the “Oppidans”, pupils from all the other boarding houses. The combination of rugby and football doesn’t produce much by the way of scoring with many matches finishing 0-0 but it is a spectacle nonetheless.

It is played on a strip of ground called the Furrow five metres wide and 110 metres long, next to a slightly curved brick wall erected in 1717.

The St Andrew’s Day match, in particular, is viewed by many as one of the highlights of the year which sees almost the entire school turns out to watch.

It is a bitterly contested clash, with the Oppidans currently holding a slight advantage at 48 victories to the 43 of College, with the remainder ending in draws.

“We don’t have to prepare the pitch for the Wall Game, but it is tradition for the Head Groundsman to toss the coin before it starts,” revealed Lee.

While that is not something any other Grounds Manager has on his list of tasks, there are many others which are just the same as any grounds team up and down the country.

“A few summers ago we had the dry hot weather where everything burnt off and died while we had the frosts at the end of that year while we’ve had the floods as well.

“As people who work on grounds we have to adapt and we learn

how to know where we can make a difference and which parts of our land that we need to avoid. This time last year was a nightmare for us in terms of trying to get things done to the cricket square.”

Lee has come a long way from that 16 year old unfulfilled tax man back in Borehamwood. What would the Lee, with 20 more years’ of experience under his belt, say to him to cheer him up?

“I would say to grab every opportunity that comes your way because you just don’t know where it is going to take you. And in this job, if there is something you want, you can really go out and get it.”

And coming from the man who now looks after the most famous sports fields in the world, that is very sound advice.

Check out Scott’s interview with Lee on the Turf Matters YouTube channel

J Premier Pitch hailed for its resilience

JPremier Pitch from Johnsons Sports

Seed has been described as a ‘game-changer’ for Northampton Saints Rugby Club, delivering outstanding resilience, wear-tolerance and overall turf quality at both the stadium and new high performance training centre.

As one of just three clubs in the Premiership with an all-natural pitch, expectations and demands on the turf are high – but with the right seed, feed and maintenance programme in place, the team lead by Head Groundsman Andrew Miller are delivering on every front.

The cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens has been the stage for a strong season for Northampton Saints, leading rugby union’s top division at the time of writing. Ensuring the aforementioned stage is set is Andrew and a team of three.

“Maintaining top flight rugby facilities poses a number of challenges” he explained.

“Not only do we have the micro-climate stadium conditions like many other sports, but rugby demands strong, healthy rooting if the surface is going to withstand the pressures exerted by two 900kg scrum packs! Without the help of any hybrid support, Johnsons J Premier Pitch has helped us deliver on this and so much more.”

Andrew has been using the 100%

“THE TURF QUALITY AND QUICK ESTABLISHMENT HAVE SURPASSED OUR EXPECTATIONS, VITALLY IMPORTANT WITH THE SMALL WINDOWS WE’RE GIVEN TO GROW THE PITCH BACK IN AFTER CONCERT SEASON.”

perennial ryegrass mixture for the last nine years. The new 2024 formulation blends five top-rated cultivars to create the ideal winter sport mix, incorporating Monroe and Gildara for significantly improved resistance to Brown Patch and other common turf diseases. Trusted by many of Europe’s leading stadia, J Premier Pitch delivers proven play performance and outstanding visual merit.

“The turf quality and quick establishment have surpassed our expectations, vitally important with the small windows we’re given to grow the pitch back in after concert season. It gives us more than just a great density of sward with vibrant

green colour which looks fantastic in a stadium - the resilience and recovery is outstanding, particularly during intense periods of play and the bad weather we endure through the winter months.”

Besides the stadium, J Premier Pitch was also used on the replica stadium pitch at the club’s High Performance Centre – upgraded during the summer of 2022 and officially unveiled in April 2023.

“We achieve fantastic consistency and know and trust the quality we’re going to get from every bag. This seed mix has been the foundation to elevating all of our surfaces to a standard that professional athletes love to perform on!”

Golf club’s

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Droitwich, Worcestershire, Gaudet Luce Golf Club has embarked on an impressive wildflower project under the guidance of Course Manager Andy Laing.

The stunning results achieved can be attributed to the use of DLF’s Colour Boost range, demonstrating the positive impact it can have on both the golfing experience and the local environment.

Playing a pivotal role in the transformation of Gaudet Luce’s landscape is DLF’s Colour Boost range. This carefully crafted mixture of wildflowers and garden flowering species not only enhances visual appeal but also supports local wildlife and restores critical habitats.

“…NOT ONLY ENHANCES VISUAL APPEAL BUT ALSO SUPPORTS WILDLIFE”

Ideal for landscaping projects, the Colour Boost range is designed to bring colour, biodiversity, and interest to any space.

Among the varieties in the Colour Boost range, Andy opted for the Chameleon mixture for Gaudet Luce’s wildflower project. Comprising over 40 species and subspecies, this dynamic blend ensures a constantly changing display of colours and forms throughout the growing season. It has proven to be a consistent

wildflower success

performer, offering a dazzling show from spring to November.

Reflecting on the success of the wildflower project, Andy shared insights into the club’s journey.

“In 2011, we experimented with perennial wildflower mixes, but they proved hard to establish. Shifting our focus to annual wildflower mixes in 2012, we now have approximately 15 wildflower areas across the course,” he explained, emphasising the importance of meticulous preparation.

“The mixture we chose was Chameleon from Colour Boost, offering over 40 different varieties for successional flowering. The mixes change throughout the year, continuing to flower through to November, with the first frosts.”

Highlighting the environmental impact of the initiative, Andy noted that the abundance of bees and insects has been phenomenal.

Leaving the wildflowers, once they had stopped flowering, over

winter also proved effective, attracting birds to feed on the leftovers. Customer feedback has been exceptional, with visitors now expecting and appreciating the vibrant wildflower displays as an integral part of the golfing experience at Gaudet Luce.

Matt Gresty, MM, and Designer Sales and Brand Manager for DLF, played a supportive role in the project.

Gaudet Luce Golf Club’s commitment to the wildflower project, coupled with the success of DLF’s Colour Boost range, showcases how careful planning and quality products can transform a golf course into a biodiverse and visually stunning landscape.

The vibrant wildflower displays not only enhance the golfing experience but also contribute to the overall wellbeing of local ecosystems. n www.dlf.co.uk

Enhanced germination with Turfco

Grass seed is an expensive, but essential commodity for the turf manager and seed that fails to germinate can be extremely costly. There’s no guarantee to effective germination but you can shorten the odds using the technology inherent in Turfco’s overseeding equipment.

The TriWave 60 and TriWave 45 significantly increase the success of overseeding operations by up to 30%, especially on contoured ground. With options to mount behind a tractor or trail behind a work vehicle, they are perfect for amenity areas including parks, recreation areas, estate grounds, golf courses and sports stadia.

The TriWave 45 is a self-contained trailed overseeder, which can be towed behind a utility vehicle, quad bike, bunker rake or tractor, and provides versatility and easiest operation of any overseeder on the market. Power comes from an 18.4 kW Briggs and Stratton Vanguard petrol engine and it quickly attaches

to most turf vehicles making it convenient and efficient to use.

The larger tractor-mounted TriWave 60 was the result the frustration of turf managers with regard to the overseeding process. Disruption of existing turf, the inability to follow ground contours and limited seed germination when using existing equipment, was the driving force behind its development.

Both machines feature WaveBlade counter-rotating blade technology which creates a U-shaped slit (instead of the usual V-shaped slit of competitor products) providing more seed to soil contact and the patented seed delivery system places seeds into the slits without waste, increasing the possibility of successful germination. The combination of the floating heads and infinite depth adjustment keeps the seed depth consistent, regardless of terrain. n www.turfco.com

Welcome to our side of the business

Scott MacCallum chats with Henri Lansbury, who has swapped his football boots and designer washbag for gardening gloves and a directorship of a burgeoning new company in the amenity and retail turf industry

It could have been the shortest chat of all time, but I thought in for a penny, in for a pound, when I said to my latest interviewee. “Your family must be delighted that, having pottered around in sport for most of your life, you now have a proper job!”

Fortunately Henri Lansbury, he of Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Aston Villa and Luton fame, to name just a few of the clubs whose jersey he has worn, took the comment in the manner in which it was intended, and laughed.

In fairness, we had met before, as I’d interviewed him on stage at last year’s GroundsFest, so I was pretty sure I was on safe(ish) grounds.

“You could say that. The famliy keep calling to ask me to do their garden, but just I tell them I’m too busy,” he smiled.

Henri was talking about his new

post-football life as Director of Grass Gains, a company he founded with two groundsmen friends he knew for his footballing days.

And to show just how wrapped up in his new career he has become, he had to delay the Zoom call as he had been held up while out cutting a client’s lawn!

With most retired footballers gravitating towards getting their coaching badges and ultimately moving into management, or becoming a TV pundit, Henri’s new role is perhaps surprising. But not if you caught him doing a unique lawn mowing goal celebration following a goal for Luton against Hull in 2022.

And if anyone thinks it’s just a case of someone with time on their hands exploring a glorified hobby, they too will be pleasantly surprised. Grass Gains has hit the ground running and is attacking the industry on two fronts – the

“HENRI’S NEW ROLE IS PERHAPS SURPRISING. BUT NOT IF YOU CAUGHT HIM DOING A UNIQUE LAWN MOWING GOAL CELEBRATION FOLLOWING A GOAL FOR LUTON AGAINST HULL IN 2022.”

amenity sports turf sector and the potentially lucrative retail market. Grass Gains has professional “Black” Editions, of its range of products - Lawn Bulk, Super Seed and One Shot Wonder –which are tailored specifically

for sports teams. They are also able to create programmes for football clubs and golf clubs.

“If clubs book us in and want a certain bespoke programme designed for them, we can do that. We are now going into the sports side, including liquids for hybrid pitches. We’ve done a lot of research with some friendly boffins in white coats which has complemented the experience of life at the sharp end that our guys bring to the table” explained Henri.

He is very much looking at tapping into the new approach being taken by the more recent intake of sports turf professionals.

“The older generation of groundsmen is coming to the end so, for me, to be able to go in with the new generation of groundsmen, is what I really want to do. I love it. I follow all the groundsmen on Linkedin,” said Henri.

“Craven Cottage was one of the best pitches I played on and at BTME this year I met up with guys at Fulham, who asked me to spend a day with them, take in a match and even help with the divotting

at half time,” he said, with all excitement of a young club mascot.

Seeing things from “the other side” has given Henri a real understanding of the work that generally goes on behind the scenes.

“When playing you are going in there and training and playing. You’re not really taking in what has gone into getting the playing surface to where it is. I then started to learn more about the work that goes into producing that pitch and that a team of guys is out there night and day getting it ready for us.

“I started to chat to them a lot more and they gave me a lot of knowledge. I’ve got so much respect for every groundsman out there. It is incredible what they do.”

“Speaking as an ex-player I can say that pitches are so good now that no player can seriously blame their injuries on the surface. It may be a little too hard, or a little too soft for them, but they are all so good. The ground staff put so much effort into a pitch. It is like their baby at the end of the day.

“It hasn’t always been the case.

“I’VE GOT SO MUCH RESPECT FOR EVERY GROUNDSMAN OUT THERE. IT IS INCREDIBLE WHAT THEY DO.”

I used to think it was never my fault if I slipped on the pitch, but now I blame the player. He’s got the wrong boots on!”

But not everyone has the privilege of playing their football on the highest quality of surfaces. Many Sunday league and junior games are played on pitches which are not remotely close to that level. One of Henri’s goals is to improve those pitches and thus increase the enjoyment of football for those who are not going to be gracing the magnificent stadiums around the country.

“We are developing a grass roots blend, as my main thing is for kids to be able to play on nice pitches. Providing a grass roots blend for them will make a huge difference,” he explained.

He talked about helping a friend with his council run pitch and the issues he faced.

“The council had a moan at me when they saw that I’d cut the pitch, but I told them that they’d put a big tractor on the pitch and were leaving inprints and I asked how they expected people to play football with tractor prints on their pitch?

“So I took along a tractor-drawn vertidrain and showed them the turf tyres that they needed for the tractor. I even offered to lend them some kit, just because I wanted the pitch to be nice for my friend. I fertilised it, sprayed it and asked the council to keep it in good nick, but I went back the other day they had the big tractor, with the agricultural tyres, out again.”

Henri is sure that their grass roots blend will be ideal for councils and sports clubs.

“I’m hoping to team up with the FA because I know they give a lot of funding for the grass roots game. Every player started out at a grass roots team and if I’m not giving back through coaching I’d like to give back in another way,

} Henri Lansbury

by giving them a nice pitch.”

That love of the gardens and pitches, together with a desire to find a role when his football career came to a conclusion in 2023 after a 16 year professional career, at the age of 33 all came about during Covid.

Henri takes up the story...

“During Covid we were at home and I had a guy come round and cut the grass but he left it a bit long, which wasn’t ideal as I was training on it. I couldn’t get him to come back so I asked one of my groundsmen friends, Mark Pettitwho had been at Arsenal and who is now Premiership Lawn Care - if he could get me a lawn mower.

“Mark asked what I needed one for and I told him that I wanted to cut the grass. He got me a Hayter Harrier and I was hooked. I just l loved looking back and seeing the stripe in the grass. Ever since then it just sucked me in and I continued doing it.”

As things progressed Henri became more interested in the subject and how he could get his lawn to look as good as possible.

“I’d spray it for weeds and fertilise it but my missus was going through an organic phase and didn’t want me to put anything that was toxic because of the kids and the dog. I was telling them they had to stay off the lawn for 48 hours... even if the sun was out.

“So I asked Mark if there was any organic fertilisers out there but he said there was nothing on the market. I had tried some off the shelf products but they just weren’t doing it for me. Then my wife suggested that we make an organic fertiliser, as there was obviously a gap in the market.”

So, inspired by the words of Mrs Lansbury Henri sat down with Mark and Josef Farrow, Groundsman at Oakham School, a former Young Groundsman of the Year, and Mark’s brother-in-law.

“Working with our scientist colleagues, we came up with a product and trialled it on our lawn and around the kids and the dog. Initially it was going to be just for our garden but because it was so much better than the products that were out there already, we decided that we should look to expand out horizons,” explained Henri.

“We just got a small batch initially and I would go to my mum’s house, my nan’s house and my auntie’s house, put it down and they’d all say that it was amazing. My nan’s

a big gardener and she couldn’t believe how good it was and said that there was obviously a gap in the market and that we should start to make it commercially.

“So we came up with the name, Grass Gains. We started going on Instagram with before and after pics. That was when we decided to take it to the next level.”

Initially they launched their aforementioned range of three products – Lawn Bulk, Super Seed and One Shot Wonder – into the retail market and these are now available through Home Base.

Henri is certainly not playing at his new vocation. He worked out that they needed a fresh modern look to attracted the younger people who are buying their first houses and wanting to make something of their first garden.

“If you make a garden look good it is like having an extra room in your house. You definitely want to be outside in the summer,” explained Henri.

“We took that leap of faith and it is now paying off. As you said we are going into Home Base on-line and in stores and they are very happy with it. We are building up the brand and looking to modernise gardening for the younger generation,” said Henri, adding that he’s now got a lot of his mates into gardening who see how therapeutic it can be.

Henri is now so confident in his ability to restore his lawn that he is more than happy for bouncy castles to be a feature of the Lansbury children’s parties.

“If the lawn is damaged I enjoy bringing it back to its best.”

Far removed from his once a day training sessions Henri is now discovering just what real work is really like.

“This has taken up so much time. My phone goes non stop. I tell people that I’m available 10 to 2 and 8 to 10, to fit in with dropping the kids off at school and picking them up. When we’re at home I ask not to be messaged until later in the evening.

“I LOVE BEING THE UNDERDOG AND AM VERY AMBITIOUS FOR THE COMPANY.”

As a recognised sporting figure Henri knows that he can open doors in a manner in which most new starters can’t, but he also knows where he gets most job satisfaction.

“I try and do a bit of all elements of the job and attend the meetings when I can, but my happy place is getting people’s gardens to how they want them. I’ve currently got about four or five renovations to do. Today I was just out cutting and strimming a lawn for a client.“

Grass Gains is trying to gain a foothold in a very competitive market filled with multi-national companies. It’s very much David against a bunch of Goliaths.

“I love being the underdog and am very ambitious for the company. From the retail market we want to be the number one go-to product in five years’ time. We are really going to push that side of it. On the sports side of it we want to be known for giving quality to the groundsmen and something that they can rely on. It’s not just me, who is a novice at it all.

“There are many great people behind it all and I’m just the face of the company. It is a passion for me to love good pitches and golf courses. Any grass area, I want to have our products on there. I think we have ruffled some feathers already.”

Who would doubt him and, having been used to the stands and terracing singing his name, it may be that Henri will still have his name ringing out but this time from the depths of the stadium, or the practice ground, and emanating from the maintenance facilities.

Mark Pettit

Dennis gives Colliers Park the cutting edge

Head Groundsperson James Mathewson, in his 18 months at Colliers Park, has ushered in a new era with a forward-thinking approach, exemplifying this through the adoption of cutting-edge sustainable technology, such as the Dennis ES-860 battery-powered cylinder mower.

His choice in equipment is not the only modern approach James adheres to as he emphasises transparency in his role.

“We try to explain as much as possible what we are doing. I want to see people playing football and see the pitches in use.”

This commitment to transparency and active pitch use aligns with Colliers Park’s dedication to providing top-quality pitches.

Colliers Park’s grounds team, inspired by the Football Association of Wales’ passion for sustainability, recently invested in batterypowered pitch maintenance equipment. James’ confidence in the Dennis brand led him to choose the ES-860, the battery powered counterpart to the acclaimed Dennis G860 cylinder mower.

“Dennis took their time and carried out comprehensive testing before launching their battery-

powered machinery, but they are by far the best on the market in my opinion,” said James.

“I had previously used the Dennis G860’s and they were brilliant. A question we asked when we first looked at the ES-860’s was whether the cassettes from the G860’s would fit, and once we found out they did, it was an easy decision.”

The ES-860 is a 34” battery-powered turf management system with 13 interchangeable cassette options, offering versatility in day-to-day maintenance tasks such as cutting, scarifying, brushing, and verticutting.

James offers further insight into his use of cassettes.

“We’ve got the 8 bladed cutting cassette, three verticutting cassettes which we use quite a lot, and we also have brushes and sorrel rollers. Being able to increase the cassette speed when using the brush is a big plus, they work a lot better and throw the debris into the box a bit more. The verticutter is a really useful tool for us, and with the electric power behind it, it is fantastic. We can do a whole pitch in between a training session, and that’s the job done for the week.”

Praising the battery life, James expresses satisfaction with the

ES-860’s ability to complete a whole pitch on a single charge.

“We can get a whole pitch cut on one single charge without fear of it running out,” he said.

“If three of us go out, each with a mower, it will take us about an hour and half, and the charge will be on approximately 80-85% when we’ve finished. To lose just a small amount of battery for an hour and a half of cutting is phenomenal. We have no worries about topping them up with fuel or having to take time out to go to a petrol station. They are just always ready to go and if someone did forget to put them on charge, then you will still have the majority of the battery remaining.”

The machine’s reliability and solid build make it a trustworthy machine in the unpredictable weather of Wrexham. Additionally, James commends the comfort of use, particularly the easy turning that accommodates the tight turning circles at the end of the pitches.

James’s endorsement of the Dennis ES-860 reflects not only its superior performance but also the commitment of Colliers Park to embrace sustainable and efficient turf management practices.

n www.dennisuk.com

Productive peace at Hillside Golf Club

Hillside Golf Club in Southport was one of the first clubs to invest in Toro’s all-electric eTriFlex 3370 riding greensmower and last year the club invested in two more as the club benefits from the improved productivity of all-day course maintenance that comes from using electric machinery.

In the decision-making process for the Championship club’s first eTriFlex 3370 greensmower three years ago, there was an environmental focus with the aim to completely eliminate hydraulic leaks on the greens.

While the green reasons still apply, these machines have surprised the club with an additional benefit: they are now favoured just as much for their lack of operational noise, which has enabled greenstaff to continue mowing throughout the day.

“The way golf clubs mow courses has changed, and it’s not possible to fit in all the work we need to do before play starts any more. This is mainly because of a post-COVID increase numbers in members and visitors and the commonly held view that rounds played over the same course take longer than they once did.

“Work needs to happen all day –it’s not viable to have 11 staff with nothing to do after morning setup. Plus, as we’ve experienced hosting numerous tournaments, coordinating the cutting would be a lot harder if we were restricted to evenings behind play. The solution to that is quite simple, it’s electric power.”

It’s an approach the R&A supports, agreeing in its Pace of Play guide, that course maintenance during play is necessary. Because of this, adapting maintenance schedules is vital to have as little negative impact on pace of play and the players’ enjoyment as possible.

“With the electric mowers, we can work around members without disturbing them and that makes such a difference with the amount of work that needs doing. We can even get in right behind tournament play as it happens which is essential in keeping on top of the course throughout an event.

“Seeing how this way of working has improved productivity and

elevated the condition of the course, helped us make the decisions to boost our electric mower fleet, and switch to electric utility vehicles and power tools.”

Confirming the point, it’s not just two new Toro eTriFlex 3370 mowers the club has invested in; also enabling all-day working practices are two Toro Workman GTX Lithium utility vehicles. With these machines, bunker work such as raking, and all other daily maintenance tasks can run alongside mowing throughout play.

“The no-noise option has been a game changer. Everyone is comfortable with the silence and all the benefits it brings.”

In terms of performance, Chris

compared to its diesel equivalent.

“I can well believe it. There’s a number crunching exercise to be done but I’d say we’re well enroute to that. It’s the absence of downtime and lack of repairs required that’s particularly noticeable, and how easy and quick maintenance is. All that’s needed is a splash of oil at 800 hours and a sharpening of the cutting units and that’s without factoring in reduced running costs and no fuel.”

All of this is part of a wider sustainable picture. Chris and the team have long since been working towards being non-reliant on chemicals, spending six years carefully choosing the perfect combination of drought-resistant

says the eTriFlex 3370 is a ‘ninja’.

“When the first mower arrived it went straight into tournament preparation, and I admit we pushed it in the early days. We were keen to see exactly what its capabilities were, its run per charge and if there were range issues, but it’s a ninja in how it sneaks around the course. Getting 36 greens from a charge is no mean feat.”

When Chris bought the original mower, total cost of sale was a big factor, yet at the time it was a look into the relative unknown. Thanks to Toro’s newly developed cost calculator however, designed to compare operating expenses of alternative energy-powered machines, we now know that using the Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 over five years will save £10,153

and disease-tolerant grasses. The goal is to use less water and fewer chemicals and spend less money to get the same results.

“It’s important to make the investment now to reap the benefits in the future,” Chris concluded.

“We trust the work we’re doing will put the club in good stead. The constant work we do here that goes into ecological habitat creation and management, restoring nature, protecting and encouraging biodiversity all while continuing to maximise the enjoyment of golf – that is something I hope becomes part of the club’s history.”

And leading the way with electric machinery has been an integral part of that investment in the future too.

n www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk

High power, high productivity

The Kress Commercial 60V walk-behind lawn mower eliminates any need for petrol, and is the only choice for commercial landscapers looking to go emissions-free.

Never get bogged down cutting dense grass again. The brushless motor spins the blade with massive torque of 9.5 Nm for optimal cutting efficiency.

And with high vacuum levels and spiral tunnel design, bagging and mulching capabilities are on par with commercial petrol-powered walkbehind mowers. Go green without compromising on performance.

The Kress Commercial line of tools for turf care professionals and landscapers has been designed from the ground up to withstand the unprecedented power delivered by the 8-Minute CyberPack batteries.

Powered by a 1.6kW motor, the KC711.9 easily rivals petrol machines of an equivalent size. The 51cm reinforced steel deck, heavy duty composite wheel, all rubber tyres and sealed ball bearing construction will provide a long service life.

The mower has an intuitive LED control panel, which is also found on

the other machines in the Commercial range. This makes varying the selfpropelled speed and turning the machine on and off a simple experience.

The system also features an advanced constant speed control that will vary the cutting speed via both the loading of the grass and in line with the selfpropelled speed being used to ensure you maintain a higher working efficiency. The handle itself has an ergonomic design and all steel construction.

The unique spiral bagging tunnel provides increased air flow, forcing clippings to the back of the bag for a more complete bag fill. This provides an additional up to 33% capacity, matching the performance in petrol mowers.

A long reach mulching plug combined with the gator mulching blade transforms this machine into an effective mulcher, along with the continually flat deck to give more precise and even mulching performance.

There are four types of blades available for this machine to suit all environments from a coastal low lift that can also provide a long run time, a medium lift

multi-purpose blade, a high lift blade for bagging, and then a gator-type blade for the most effective mulching performance. 2-point height adjustment ensures professional landscapers can make the required adjustments easily. There is a replaceable front bumper guard to ensure the battery is protected and the mower unharmed when being transported in the back of a truck or on a trailer, and the steel wear plate provides side protection from bumps and scrapes.

J4Turf 25 delivers strength at Stratford Racecourse

J4Turf 25 from the Johnsons Sports

Seed range is ticking the boxes of wear tolerance, quick establishment and fast recovery for the team at Stratford Racecourse – as the track finds itself in the midst of a packed eight-month summer race season.

Head Groundsman Sam Linley has been relying on the tetraploid blend for the last two years, with the deeper rooting and harder wearing perennial ryegrasses providing outstanding strength to the highest areas of wear and tear around the track.

Racing has taken place at the Warwickshire venue since 1755, with the summer jumps track hosting a meet on average every two weeks between the months of March and October. While seasonal breaks present an opportunity for Sam and his team to conduct some remedial works in late spring and early autumn, the batches of fixtures leave little time in the

remainder of the season for recovery. “

Stratford isn’t the biggest of tracks in terms of width and total ground so quick recovery is absolutely critical –especially in the summer where meets come thick and fast!” explained Sam.

“We’ve been using J 4Turf 25 for two years now after struggling to find a mixture that could withstand the high impact around the fences. Our Regional Technical Manager from DLF Ian Barnett together with Adam Moss from Aitkens recommended the tetraploids for their deeper rooting and we honestly can’t fault the results we’ve had with it, particularly on the bends and the landing and take-off areas.”

The blend of highly-rated diploid perennial ryegrass, along with Fabian and Tetragame 4Turf tetraploids makes J 4Turf 25 an ideal choice for equestrian use. The sward strength, outstanding visual merit and ultra-fast establishment delivered by the tetraploid cultivars

have proven their worth as both a post and in-season renovation mix.

“The sooner we can get recovery post-race, the quicker we can crack on with the other maintenance tasks we need to get done, sometimes in very limited windows between fixtures. That’s been brilliant with the Johnsons mix.”

This year, Sam has also introduced further visual appeal to the site through the introduction of a wildflower area sown with the Chameleon mixture from DLF’s ColourBoost collection.

“We had a banked area in one of the enclosures which was maintained but looked a little run down. Ian and Adam suggested some high-impact wildflowers and this has transformed the space… great effect with very little effort! Not only have we had lovely comments from people admiring the display but it’s been great to see more bees, butterflies and moths around.”

Agrovista unveils Maxtima fungicide

In a groundbreaking announcement at BTME 2024, Agrovista Amenity revealed the much-anticipated launch of Maxtima, a revolutionary turf fungicide.

Maxtima heralds a new era in fungicide technology, promising fast-acting and longlasting solutions for turf disease control.

John Marland, Head of Amenity at Agrovista Amenity, expressed his excitement about Maxtima, stating that they were thrilled about the launch of Maxtima, a product that truly represents the dawn of a new era in fungicides.

“Building on the success of Attraxor plant growth regulator, Maxtima showcases the excellence in BASF technology and promises fast-acting, long-lasting disease control that will undoubtedly make a significant impact in the turf management industry.”

Maxtima contains Mefentrifluconazole, an advanced demethylase inhibiting fungicide. This active ingredient is responsible for the fungicide’s exceptional performance against turfgrass pathogens.

Maxtima rapidly enters the plant and effectively combats active infections. Its quick uptake and action help control turf diseases promptly.

It also demonstrates excellent absorption even at temperatures as low as 4°C giving it an improved ability to combat fungal pathogens during the autumn and winter months.

One of the standout features of Maxtima is its ability to provide extended protection for up to 28 days. This is made possible by the active ingredient’s slow release from leaf tissue reservoirs.

Maxtima offers broad-spectrum disease control, making it effective against a range of turf fungal pathogens. It can help manage even the toughest turf diseases.

Maxtima boasts low application rates, minimising chemical usage and impact on the environment.

Due to its unique chemistry, Maxtima serves as an excellent rotation partner for non-DMI fungicides on sports pitches, greens, fairways, and tees. This rotation capability can help prevent the development of resistance in fungal populations.

Phillippa Overson, Key Account Manager at BASF, highlighted the significance of Maxtima. She said:

“We have been so eager to launch Maxtima in the UK! The ground-breaking DMI fungicide

is a must-have for turf management professionals and is a cost-effective, and versatile fungicide for complete control of the toughest turf diseases. We know it is going to quickly become a favourite for turf specialists due to its wide range of disease protection, and its year-round application.

“Maxtima is the latest turf product to be added to the BASF turf and amenity portfolio, and we’re extremely excited for turf management teams to try it.” n www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

Turf Matters’ Scott MacCallum, left, interviews Phillippa Overson, Key Account Manager at BASF and John Marland, Head of Amenity at Agrovista Amenity, following the launch of Maxtima at BTME 2024. See the video on our YouTube channel

Bionema Group, has announced a transformative breakthrough in the agricultural sector with the introduction of Soil-Jet BSP100.

The revolutionary biodegradable surfactant will enhance the effectiveness of biologicals and agrochemicals while nurturing plant health and growth. Soil-Jet BSP100, featuring patented Polyether-Modified Polysiloxane technology, is set to reshape irrigation and fertigation practices worldwide.

Dr. Minshad Ansari, CEO and founder of Bionema (pictured), said: “Soil-Jet BSP100 represents a gamechanging advancement in agriculture. It harnesses the power of biodegradable surfactants to optimize water and nutrient utilisation, combat soil water repellence and create an ideal environment for robust plant growth.

“This innovation perfectly aligns with our mission to promote biological solutions for sustainable agriculture practices while

reducing the use of pesticides and fertilisers, ultimately promoting healthier soil.”

Bionema is a biocontrol biotechnology company specialising in sustainable, eco-friendly solutions for crop protection and plant health. They harness nature’s power to develop biocontrol agents that combat pests and diseases, aiming to protect crops, enhance yields, and reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.

Bionema’s approach aligns with sustainable agriculture principles, emphasising continuous innovation and global outreach. They actively collaborate with partners to advance biological solutions for crop protection.

Field trials conducted in several countries demonstrate a 20-30% increase in the efficacy of biologicals and agrochemicals compared to existing products.

Soil-Jet BSP100 is meticulously designed for agriculture, horticulture, sports turf amenity, and forestry, offering improved efficacy for agricultural biological products and agrochemicals by enhancing deposition,

adhesion, and retention on soil and plant leaves, resulting in increased efficiency.

KEY BENEFITS OF SOIL-JET BSP100:

1. Optimises water and nutrient use in irrigation for resource efficiency.

2. Addresses soil water repellence, reducing runoff, erosion, and nutrient loss.

3. Accelerates water penetration, improving moisture distribution in the root zone.

4. Enhances water distribution, ensuring consistent moisture and increased nutrient availability.

5. Maintains stable soil moisture, fostering robust plant growth.

For optimal results, apply SoilJetBSP100 at a rate ranging from one to two litres per hectare across various crops, including vegetables, grapes, fruits, turf, ornamentals, and more.

It is advisable to repeat applications at intervals of at least 10 days, up to a maximum of six times per growing season, while adhering to regular irrigation practices between application cycles.

Surfactant will increase effectiveness Support your turf after winter with Marathon Algae

When the cold season arrives, the grass enters a phase of weak or no growth. During this period, it becomes particularly sensitive to climatic stresses such as excess humidity or frost. The use of sports pitches during this season exacerbates the situation. The cause: compaction induced by trampling and uprooting. Trampling during wet periods breaks the structure of the top layer profile, causing fine particles to rise up and obstructing the porosity of the soil, resulting in water accumulating on the surface. At the end of winter, compaction of the surface layer also slows down the restarting of the soil’s biological activity by asphyxiating the environment, leading to mineralisation and nutrition problems for the turf, problems accentuated by the leaching of nutrients such as nitrates and sulphates during the winter.

Another disadvantage of insufficient biological activity in spring is the slowdown in the decomposition of organic matter such as

mowing residues. The thatch buildup accentuates asphyxiation and encourages the onset of disease.

In short, a negative cycle sets in, leading inexorably to a deterioration in the quality of the turf!

That’s why, after a cold, wet winter, it’s essential to approach the new season with a tailored nutrition programme, thanks to the Maratho ALGAE range.

As soon as the grass emerges from winter, it is important to act upon two important areas: the supply of nutrients to support the increasing needs of the turf, and the stimulation of biological activity in the soil to boost the mineralisation of organic matter. That’s the aim of the Marathon® ALGAE range of organo-mineral fertilisers.

Thanks to its patented XSER complexation technology, Marathon® ALGAE releases nutrients sequentially into the soil solution, gradually meeting the growing needs of the turf, while protecting the nutrients from leaching. This stimulates the turf’s growth, regenerates its roots and repairs the plant cover damaged by the winter.

The organic component of Marathon ALGAE has two special features. The first is that most of it comes from a dehydrated source rather than a composted one. This characteristic preserves all the reactivity of organic matter for a rapid effect on stimulating soil microflora.

The second special feature is the addition of SEADRY dry seaweed extract, which is rich in specific molecules (sulphated polysaccharides) and rare trace elements (such as vanadium) favourable to the development of microbial activity in the soil and root hairs.

The different NPK balances available in the Marathon® ALGAE range can be used to support turf throughout the year.

The range is available in two particle sizes: 0.7 - 2 mm for greens, elite and stadium pitches, and 2 - 4 mm for fairways, training pitches, parks and gardens.

Sports ground managers now have an effective tool at their disposal to create the right conditions for the development of high-quality turf that meets their requirements. n collier-turf-care.co.uk

Offers from ICL for 2024

Ultimate Offers are a range of popular tank-mixes from ICL that contain various combinations of nutrition combined with Syngenta’s plant growth regulator Primo Maxx II.

These packages are versatile for application on multiple areas of a golf course, including greens, tees, surrounds, fairways, and roughs. They’re also suitable for use in multiple pitch and stadium applications.

They offer turf managers top-quality products via highly cost-effective packages, facilitating substantial savings and the potential to earn up to 15 Turf Rewards points, depending on the chosen Ultimate Offer.

Ultimate Offer NK – earns 5 Turf Rewards points

· 1 x 5L Primo Maxx II

· 1 x 200L Greenmaster Liquid NK

· 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles

· ICL Application Booklet

Ultimate Offer High N – earns

5 Turf Rewards points

· 1 x 5L Primo Maxx II

· 1 x 200L Greenmaster Liquid High N

· 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles

· ICL Application Booklet

Ultimate Offer S & S – earns

5 Turf Rewards points

· 1 x 5L Primo Maxx II

· 1 x 200L Greenmaster Liquid Spring & Summer

· 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles

· ICL Application Booklet

Ultimate Offer CalMag – earns

5 Turf Rewards points

· 1 x 5L Primo Maxx II

· 1 x 200L Greenmaster Liquid CalMag

· 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles

· ICL Application Booklet

Ultimate Offer WSF/18 – earns

10 Turf Rewards points

· 1 x 20L Primo Maxx II

· 18 x 15kg Sportsmaster WSF High N

· 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles

· ICL Application Booklet

Ultimate Offer WSF/36 – earns

15 Turf Rewards points

· 2 x 20L Primo Maxx II

· 36 x 15kg Sportsmaster WSF High N

· 1 x Syngenta Art of Application Kit

· ICL Application Booklet

Ultimate Offer Iron – earns

5 Turf Rewards points

· 1 x 10L Primo Maxx II

· 1 x 200L Sportsmaster Liquid Fe

· 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles

· ICL Application Booklet

Ultimate Offer SMX – earns

5 Turf Rewards points

· 1 x 5L Primo Maxx II

· 8 x 1kg Sportsmaster WSF SMX

· 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles

· ICL Application Booklet

The offers are available exclusively through ICL distributors. n www.icl-sf.co.uk

Spring forward with the right fertiliser

By Kelly Marie Clack, Origin Amenity Solutions

Selecting the ideal fertiliser can be a tricky task, so make sure you understand what you are trying to achieve before applying the fertiliser. In early spring when soil temperatures tend to be low, we can not rely on soil microbes to break down nitrogen to make it plant available. It is therefore essential we understand which nitrogen sources are available to the plant when applied and what we can expect to see when we apply the product.

Nitrogen is absorbed through the roots in solution form, as ammonium or nitrate.The nitrogen is classed as plant-available therefore applying a fertiliser containing these forms gives a relatively quick turf response.

If the ammonium is not taken up by the plant it will sit in the cation exchange until it is required by the plant for growth, or it will go through the nitrification process. This is

when ammonium is converted by nitrosomonas bacteria into nitrite and then nitrobacter converts this into nitrate, which as we know is plant-available, but, this process also requires soil temperature.

Organic fertilisers and soil organic matter must go through a process called mineralisation. Soil microbes will break down the organic nitrogen into ammonium which is then available to the plant to utilise for growth. Soil temperatures need to be above five degrees for mineralisation to take place. Likewise, urea requires soil temperature for urease enzymes to convert the urea into ammonia (hydrolysis.)

Ammonia is a gas that can volatilise but fortunately, hydrogen in the soil converts ammonia into ammonium for plant uptake. These nitrogen sources have to be changed before they can be used by the plant for growth. Therefore the turf response is much slower with very little visual impact.

To summarise;

Nitrate and ammonium sources of nitrogen are available instantly. Perfect for cool temperatures.

• Organic and Urea must be converted to be made plant available so consider the soil temperature.

For rapid nitrogen uptake, you can apply a foliar application of nitrate or ammonium.

Select a granular or liquid fertiliser containing nitrate nitrogen or ammonium nitrogen in cool weather conditions to encourage growth,

sward density, and improved aesthetics. Origin Amenity Solutions offers a range of products containing both nitrate and ammonium for rapid uptake. Selecting the total quantity of nitrogen to apply should be based on the growth and recovery required to improve consistency and performance following the winter season.

For advice and support, please contact your Origin Amenity Solutions Area Manager on 0800 138 7222 or email sales@originamenity.com

Accurately apply your products with Smithco

Precision and consistency applying chemicals to the exact areas that need to be treated are key attributes of GPS-enabled sprayers. Assisting in the precision, individual nozzle control means sprayer operators will only spray inside designated boundaries, without wasting chemicals on non-targeted areas, negating the need for the operator to turn on and off boom sections when spraying.

The ability to correct over spraying/ over application brings additional environmental benefits, including reducing the usage of chemical inputs and more accurate distribution.

Smithco were one of the first companies to introduce GPS technology when the Star Command system debuted in 2012. Today they are on the third iteration of the system on their Spray Star range of industry-leading sprayers.

The Spray Star range features four self-propelled sprayers with control options such as the TeeJet Radion Rate Controller, Radion with Dyna-Jet Pulse Width Modulation, or Smithco’s Star Command 3.0 providing minimal corrections, turn compensation, and the industry-leading 25cm nozzle spacing offering a 100% greater accuracy than competitors.

The centre-mounted engine and hydropump provide easy access and the ultimate in serviceability and balance. Hydrostatic drive allows a constant engine RPM providing

constant flow and pressure to the spray system for a consistent spray application.

As the largest capacity dedicated sprayer in its class, it ensures that efficiency is optimised with a 757-litre low profile elliptical polypropylene tank, warrantied for life. The high performance, cost-efficient pumping system features a self-priming and corrosion resistant, stainless steel centrifugal pump generating 341 litres/ minute and providing the capability for high flow applications with superior agitation.

The cab-forward design provides superior visibility, handling, and operator comfort, providing and excellent platform that makes the work simple, comfortable, and enjoyable.

The popular Spray Star 1200 features the most accurate spray technology at your fingertips, while the GPS-enabled state-ofthe-art Star Command 3.0 ensures a precise application every time. Superior construction materials combine to ensure industryleading longevity across all product lines. n www.smithco.com

Success with Suståne at Watford Football Club

Three formulations of Suståne Natural Fertiliser have been credited with their role in the ongoing success of the maintenance operation at Watford Football Club.

Forming the base of the nutritional programme at both the Vicarage Road stadium and the club’s London Colney training ground, a combination of Bolster Granular 4-44+3Fe, 1-1-1 Soil ReGen and Suståne 4-6-4 have delivered consistent results to the satisfaction of the club and grounds team alike!

As one of the world’s most widely-researched organic ranges, Suståne’s tried and tested portfolio for winter sports plays an important role for grow-ins and renovations –providing long lasting soil builders and sources of plant nutrition that specifically encourage rapid root development, superior growth and ongoing plant protection.

It’s here that Watford Grounds Manager Scott Tingley has cited the successes of Suståne, with both the Bolster Granular 4-4-4 + Iron and Soil ReGen playing an important part in post-renovation recovery.

“We’ve been using Suståne products at both of our sites for the last seven seasons. Bolster Granular 4-4-4+3Fe is applied primarily at renovation time, due to the addition of Mycorrhizae,” explained Scott.

Derived from biologically stable ingredients and containing both water soluble and slow-release sources of nitrogen, Bolster Granular provides a formulation of organic nutrients, beneficial microbiology, plant bio-stimulants and a powerful blend of mycorrhizae to promote greater root access to soil nutrients and water.

The addition of 3% chelated iron enhances colour and rapid root development, while seaweed extract, humic acid and compostbased microorganisms deliver plant health and strength for all turf grass situations.

Alongside Bolster Granular 4-4-4+3Fe, Scott applies Suståne’s Soil ReGen following full or partial renovations - a soil conditioner that reduces compaction, increases water and air infiltration rates while also improving the nutrient

and water holding capacity.

“This helps us to incorporate lots of valuable nutrients such as Zeolite, Biochar, Mycorrhizae and Humates at a critical time, when the plant is wanting to root and develop.”

“Throughout the playing season, we switch to Suståne 4-6-4 organic slow release, to replenish our sand

“WE PUT A LARGE PART OF OUR SUCCESS DOWN TO THE BENEFIT OF USING SUSTÅNE PRODUCTS”

dominant constructions with a rich supply of humus and other essential nutrients. We’ve found this to contribute to increased rooting and a strong, healthy plant more resilient to disease and turf pathogens.”

The results at both sites speak for themselves: “We put a large part of our success as a grounds team down to the benefit of using Suståne products,” concluded Scott.

and groundsmen

The Team Vixen Pro self-propelled sprayer has been designed for the greenkeeper or groundsman who requires efficient, reliable lowground pressure application.

It features a robust and simple design with the option to spray in either forward or reverse direction. The smooth action 24V powered axle is highly responsive with fully adjustable forward and

reverse speeds. Constant speed settings ensure accurate spray application.

Low ground pressure tyres are fitted as standard whist an efficient axle differential eliminates the chance of turf scuffing. The motor is powerful enough to deal with inclines, making the Vixen Pro SP highly manoeuvrable in all situations.

“The pedestrian sprayers have been designed by people who clearly know

what they are doing. They’re not into gimmicks, are simple to operate and quick to calibrate (just 2 minutes before each job),” said David HedgesGower, of Lawncare Experts.

“They’re quick and easy to load up, a major advantage over compact tractor mounted sprayers if you are servicing numerous sites.” n team-sprayers.co.uk

Team Vixen Pro is pitch perfect for greenkeepers

Environment focus for water management

Aprivate boarding and day school in the East Midlands area sought an effective water management solution to maintain their sports pitches while complying with water regulations and environmental directives.

The installation of a ClearWater recycling system, featuring a 5,000-litre capacity and two hoses, was proposed by the ClearWater team to optimise water usage and promote sustainability.

The school faced the challenge

THE NEED FOR A ROBUST WATER RECYCLING SYSTEM WAS CRUCIAL

of managing multiple sports pitches including a rugby, cricket, football, and tennis court, while adhering to water regulations and environmental standards.

The need for a robust water recycling system was crucial to minimise water consumption, reduce environmental impact, reduce costs, and ensure compliance.

The Clearwater team worked on providing a bespoke solution for the school that includes of a 5,000-litre, dual-hose ClearWater recycling system was strategically on the grounds.

A concrete-enclosed pad was added to minimise splash and spray during operation.

The team ensured ample space was measured for a fuel dispensing tank

to contain contaminants in a bunded area, mitigating pollution risks. The pad’s large footprint, also features two grass traps, to anticipate for the future growth needs of the school.

The water management system at the school optimises water usage, reduces consumption for sports field maintenance, promotes responsible water practices and ensures compliance with The Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009 and the EU Water Framework Directive.

The ClearWater recycling system not only addressed the immediate water management challenges faced by the school but also positioned it as a leader in environmental stewardship within the educational sector. n acumenwaste.co.uk

Where do you think a turf manager sits in status in the eyes of the general public?

I think the general public have the idea we only cut grass and that the role is not important but how wrong can they be. We are trying to save the environment by managing the turfs needs instead of throwing down chemicals all the time and wasting water.

Are you considered an “equal” by those people on a similar level in different departments?

Where I’m now yes but in the past, they would look down and wouldn’t listen because in their eyes, I was just a person who cuts the grass - what does he know.

What needs to happen to assist the turning of the job of turf maintenance into that of a true profession?

More money into the industry. A lot of the courses or training is not cheap, unless you have a good work place that will help you with the costs.

What are the best things about working in turf management?

I would say the “Wow” factor you get when the players and spectators appreciate you work, then watching apprenticeships grow within the industry.

If you could swap roles with someone in any other area of sports management, what would it be?

I really like my role but wouldn’t mind swapping with someone at Wembley Stadium. To learn how quickly they turn the pitch back from any event.

Five years from now… What do you think will be most noticeable in the job?

I think a lot would have changed in five years because it is changing daily and a lot of chemicals will be banned and everyone will be on electric.

If there was one task you’d love to see the back of in five years’ time, what would it be?

Sitting on a ride on mower for eight hours a day. Would be lovely to have a five-gang robotic mower, which will give me more time in the summer months.

In a perfect world, what should the various R&D departments be working on, currently, to give you in five years’ time?

This is a really good question because the industry is really changing in this country mainly down to the weather but the biggest thing for me would be more electric kit. Which can be used for longer without swapping over batteries or something that can handle the work.

In terms of working conditions, what would you like to see for yourself and your team?

To be honest the school has just

ripped out our messroom and toilets, then replaced the lot, plus installed a drying room for us.

Leaving your current workplace aside, if you had a choice in five years’ time where would you love to be turning up to work, and in whose job?

I wouldn’t mind giving a teaching role a go, to train the apprentices coming through the colleges but that wouldn’t be within five years I’m not hanging up my boots yet on this role. I still have a lot to learn myself.

ROB TAYLOR

Grounds Manager at Worth School, Crawley