PEOPLE'S PARKS, PUBLIC PARKS - IN PERIL?
We have gone beyond the tipping point
by TurfPro guest editor, Paul Rabbitts, Chairperson, Parks Management Association
Guest editor, PAUL RABBITS, chairperson, Parks Management Association, says he fears a plea to the All-Party Parliamentary Group will have fallen on deaf ears.
Paul Rabbitts is currently Chairperson of the Parks Management Association, Head of Parks and Open Spaces at Southend on Sea City Council, as well as a Trustee of the Gardens Trust. He writes about the perilous state of many of our public parks.
In early February 2023, I was lucky enough to be invited to the Keep Britain Tidy Awards in Liverpool where my local authority was shortlisted for a Love Parks Award 2022 (we won, by the way!).
Paul Rabbits, Chairperson of Parks Management Association, Head of Parks and Open Spaces at Southend on Sea City Council and a Trustee of the Gardens Trust
I decided to give the conference before the awards ceremony a miss, as there really was not much there for me. Instead, I ventured into some of Liverpool’s parks: Sefton and Newsham Park, and across the Mersey to Birkenhead Park, designed by Joseph Paxton and the godfather of all municipal parks.
A panel of bent railings fence off a gap in the railings at Newsham Park © Paul Rabbitts
In 1850, in the wake of two severe cholera epidemics, the Liverpool Improvement Committee advertised for plans for the laying out of new public parks across the city. In 1865, the Liverpool Improvement Act finally enabled the corporation to raise the five hundred thousand pounds needed to realize its ambitious vision. Edward Kemp, a protégé of Paxton, was to be a key figure in the resultant ‘ribbon of parks.’ As the designer of both Newsham and Stanley Parks, his style and approach have defined large swathes of the Liverpool landscape for nearly 150 years (History of Public Park Funding and Management 1820-2010, report by Dr Katy Layton-Jones for Historic England).
Yet today, Newsham Park is crumbling: grim, dirty, lacking any sign of investment and bereft of any perceived care. After nearly 35 years of working in the parks sector, I had to serious ask myself: what had been the point of it all? How did we get to this?
A vandalised litter bin in Newsham Park © Paul Rabbitts
Sefton Park and its magnificent Palm House provided a welcome respite, yet even here there are signs of decline, despite millions invested in its restoration just over twenty years ago. Over the Mersey, I was cheered up by Birkenhead Park, but again, there were signs of maintenance backlogs, works not being done, that downward spiral into decline, and I love this park – I love all parks, it’s what I do, but Birkenhead is a magical place.
Several months earlier, I had given a lecture on the history of public parks to the Arts Society in Halifax, regaling them with details of how we came to have them, their ultimate decline and their revival from 1996 onwards, thanks to the national lottery. Afterwards I had visited People’s Park in Halifax, also designed by Paxton.
The boarded-up bandstand in People’s Park, Halifax © Paul Rabbitts
My visit to People’s Park was the most upsetting. Graffiti and vandalism were prevalent, the bandstand boarded up, fountains and water-features empty, and I had that sense of unease, of not wanting to be there because I didn’t feel safe. I was embarrassed at having just lectured the local arts society, when here in Paxton’s People’s Park I was witnessing decline once again. I am sure Calderdale Council did not appreciate my call to the Heritage Fund stating my anger and upset at this. Yet I can’t blame Calderdale, or Liverpool, or indeed the many councils up and down the country once again facing cuts to their services that are simply not sustainable.
We have gone beyond the tipping point, yet I fear my plea to the All-Party Parliamentary Group in London in January 2023 - for funding, for leadership, for direction and for a national campaign to revitalise our parks once and for all - will have fallen on deaf ears again. Politicians will openly acknowledge the need for decent, good quality parks and did so particularly during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, but that has not yet led to action.
There is no other service that has the potential to improve so many aspects of our daily lives than our public parks: health, well-being, heritage, community, education, contact with nature, biodiversity, events, activity, play and so much more.
A neglected watercourse in People’s Park © Paul Rabbitts
So, what can we do?
We can campaign for our parks, we can write to our MP, we can join a volunteer group and encourage our local council to support such volunteer groups. We can also work in partnership with organisations such as the Gardens Trust, Historic England, the Trust for Conservation Volunteers, local residents’ associations, and local Wildlife Trusts. We can ensure our local council knows the value we place on our public parks and that boarded up bandstands, dereliction and lack of maintenance are simply not acceptable. Let us once again have public parks we can be proud of.
Paul Rabbitts is currently completing the definitive book on People’s Parks – The Design and Development of Public Parks in Britain, an update of Hazel Conway’s iconic book on public parks.
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#GROUNDSWEEK RETURNS
Buoyed by industry support
In our first WEB ONLY story, the GMA's campaign returns for a third year, with support from key industry organisations representing all corners of the grounds care sector.
NEW JAPANESE KNOTWEED RESEARCH
Environmental impact of control
In our next WEB ONLY story, new research has looked at the long-term environmental impact into different methods to control Japanese knotweed.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT SIGNED
Between two industry companies
New agreement reached to continue and enhance the relationship that the companies say has brought innovation, investment and service to the turf industry.
Syngenta and ICL have signed a new agreement to continue and enhance their relationship that they say has brought innovation, investment and service to the turf industry.
The ICL Syngenta business team
The move reinforces the close working relationship of ICL’s nutrition expertise, industry support and technical field force to deliver Syngenta’s technical R&D products and services over the past 15 years.
It will also ensure the continued investment and development of research and technical innovation that has led to many of the integrated turf management techniques now implemented by turf professionals.
Announcing the new agreement, Syngenta commercial head, Daniel Lightfoot said, “We are delighted to forge stronger links between the two companies that together can better help our customers to meet the current challenges, as well as develop further in the future.” The agreement includes the launch of new products, along with digital technologies and technical communication strategies.
Stephen Squires, ICL regional business lead, added, “We have built an incredibly strong strategic alliance with Syngenta, this agreement underlines the strength of the relationship."
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CAMPEY PRESENT AWARD
Name their Dealer of the Year
The award is a "welcome recognition of the hard work of the whole team," says dealer principal.
Campey Turf Care Systems has announced The Double A Trading Company Ltd as their Dealer of the Year for 2022.
L-R: Richard Heywood, Campey Product Specialist; Sandy Armit, Double A Trading Company; and Richard Campey Double A was formed in 1996 and is a equipment supplier to the Scottish groundcare industry, employing 45 staff over 3 outlets from locations in Fife, Aberdeenshire and Glasgow, offering customers a local service across Scotland. Managing director Sandy Armit received the award at this year's BTME exhibition in Harrogate. He said, “Winning the Campey award of Dealer of the Year is a very welcome recognition of the hard work of the whole team that occurs on a daily basis, and this only happens if we are all performing, whether that is sales, administration, parts or service. Everyone plays their part in creating a business customers want to buy from, and we can be very proud of that achievement.” Responsibility for supplying Double A is now in the hands of Campey product specialist Richard Heywood. He said, “It is a pleasure to work with Sandy and the brilliant team at Double A. We strive to assimilate the customers’ needs with our product range and good communication is essential.” Sandy added, “This direct support from Campey is key to our success and provides an invaluable benefit for the customer. We have grown the business steadily since 1996 but have had growth in the last 5 years, opening a new outlet in Aberdeenshire and taking over responsibility for John Deere turf equipment in the west of Scotland. Doing all of this through Covid and Brexit has had its challenges, so now we are in a period of consolidation making investment in people and training to ensure each part of our business is working at optimum performance before we move on to the next stage of our journey."
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LISTER WILDER TAKE ON NEW RANGE
Aimed at pro and private customers
Dealership says the new products will have a position within their portfolio that was previously missing.
PSD Groundscare have announced Lister Wilder as a new dealer for the full range of Stella products.
L-R: Oliver Gerrish and Phil Turner, area sales managers, Lister Wilder
From their branches across the south of England the dealership will be supplying and promoting the range including the Racoon ride-on flail mowers and the URS remote-control tracked mowers.
Phill Hughes, sales director at Lister Wilder said, “We believe that both our professional and private customers will recognise the engineering quality that’s built into the machines, and the products have a position within our portfolio that we were previously missing. We’re really looking forward to showing customers new and old the benefits and quality that the Stella range offers, and have invested in a fleet of demonstration machinery to do so."
PSD sales director Stuart Mercer added, “We have worked with Lister Wilder for many years and it’s great they have joined the growing dealer network offering the Stella range of mowers. When we showed the Lister Wilder team the machines in action they were blown away and were excited to be able to offer it to their customers.”
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ANOTHER NEW DEALER FOR MEAN GREEN
Also take on Altoz mowers
Overton (UK) Ltd have announced another new dealer appointment to their network.
Overton (UK) Ltd have announced Shinners Bridge Garden Machinery as their latest dealer for the electric Mean Green and Altoz tracked mowers.
L-R: Stuart Bruckner, commercial sales, Shinners Bridge GM; Richard Overton, md, Overton; Andy White, md, Shinners Bridge GM
Andy White the MD of Shinners Bridge said, "With our rapidly growing commercial range, these products fitted in particularly well with our business dynamic. With a customer base covering some challenging terrain, having now the option, of both battery and petrol commercial machines, we can provide satisfaction and quality of cut to all our end users.
"The added bonus, is the brilliant working relationship we have developed with Overton (UK), providing our staff with training and excellent product support. We look forward to working together on a long-term basis.”
THREE NIGHTS OF CONCERTS ANNOUNCED
As trade show celebrates 40th
Organisers say everyone who participates in the show this year can come to the party.
Equip Exposition, the international trade show that is taking place from October 17-20 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, has announced their entertainment lineup for this year.
Third Eye Blind will headline a “thank you” concert at the KFC YUM! Center on Thursday, October 19, for the event’s first-ever arena concert.
Equip say this special arena concert acknowledges their many significant friends and partners that have welcomed the trade show to Louisville for 40 years, and promises to be a "rocking great time" for Equip Exposition attendees.
“We’re celebrating our 40th anniversary of Expo, and we couldn’t have grown to this point without the support of thousands of people - from our attendees and exhibitors at the show to the bartenders and hotel staff throughout the city,” says Kris Kiser, President of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, which owns and manages the trade show.
“They all make the ‘Expo experience’ possible, and we want to say thank you with this concert.”
He adds, “The entire industry comes to Expo, and now everyone who participates can come to the party. It’s on us.”
. Registered attendees and exhibitors for Equip Exposition may attend all three nights of entertainment for free with their registration badges serving as tickets.
In addition to the concert at the KFC YUM! Center, entertainment during the 2023 three-day event include:
- House band, The Crashers with a jamming Welcome Party at the downtown Kentucky International Convention Center on Tuesday night, October 17. Food and hors d’oeuvres will be provided and there will be a cash bar for drinks.
- A free Fourth Street Live! Concert by the Juicebox Heroes starting at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 18 in Louisville’s historic downtown.
- World-champion, Kentucky-based chainsaw carver, Abby Peterson, at the Kentucky Exposition Center, October 18 - 20, to carve a statue of TurfMutt Foundation spokesdog, Mulligan the TurfMutt.
“Equip Expo offers a week-long experience for a range of interconnected industries - including outdoor power equipment, landscaping, hardscaping, tree care, design, lighting, irrigation and more,” said Kris. “While business is going on, fun is definitely part of the equation.”
Equip Exposition hotel reservations are open and making plans early on where to stay is strongly encouraged. Registration to the show will open in April.
Equip Expo 2022 was the largest show in its 40-year history. "We sold every inch of both indoor and outdoor exhibit space last year, and, in fact, had a waiting list," said Kris. "I encourage anyone seeking to participate in this year's show to act quickly - starting with reserving your hotel room. If you're going to fly in, book it today."
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STIHL UPGRADES CORDLESS CHAINSAW RANGE
Popular AP System
Offering professional users a new streamlined design, improved battery performance, faster cutting and enhanced operational features.
STIHL has launched upgraded versions of its popular AP System MSA 160 C-B, MSA 200 C-B, and MSA 220 C-B cordless chainsaws, offering professional users a new streamlined design, improved battery performance, faster cutting and enhanced operational features.
The new MSA 160 C-B is more powerful than the previous version, boasting a larger motor and compatibility with the recommended AP 300 S AP System battery, which ensures an increased electrical output of 1.5 kW for faster cutting performance.
Moreover, the enhanced MSA 220 now comes as standard with a 3/8P pitch, 1.1mm gauge PS3 PRO chain, which improves cutting performance by up to 20% due to its narrower kerf. The new chain has been specifically designed for use with STIHL’s new Light 04 1.1mm guide bar, allowing more cuts to be made per battery charge. The MSA 160 C-B and MSA 200 C-B feature a 1/4P chain for smooth and precise cuts.
All three new models have seen numerous upgraded operational features introduced to improve the user experience. These include improved visibility of the chain oil level for faster checks, a thumb lever and OPC starting switch for increased comfort and safety, as well as a soft rubberised grip and optimally balanced handle position for maximum control and comfort.
In addition, all new models feature quick chain tensioning for fast and tool-less replacement or tensioning of the chain, as well as bayonet style oil tank caps which can be opened quickly and easily while wearing gloves.
All the new saws are compatible with the STIHL Smart Connectors, part of the STIHL Connected fleet management system. Smart Connectors record and transmit the working time of the tool to the user’s smartphone, giving prompts to complete important maintenance tasks exactly when they’re required.
More for information on STIHL’s enhanced MSA cordless chainsaw range, visit www.stihl.co.uk.
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COMMERCIAL OPE BUSINESS MANAGER
The Positec Group
In this senior role you will be responsible for developing and driving the commercial sales and contract business with market leading new products for commercial end users through our Independent dealer network.
Job Title: Commercial OPE Business Manager
Location: South of England
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 + Company Vehicle (fully expensed) + Bonus + Great Benefits
The company
The Positec Group is an international company headquartered in Suzhou/China with over 4,000 employees worldwide. As one of the leading suppliers of robotic lawnmowers, power tools and outdoor power equipment, it is our goal to offer our customers the right tools and smart ideas for the implementation of their projects.
At our head office in Newbury, Berks, we are an open and diverse team of over 35 people made up of doers, forward thinkers and analysts. In addition to the contribution that everyone makes to our success story, cooperation also plays a major role for us. We don't just talk about social responsibility, we live it.
"Profit alone cannot inspire a company to become a great company [...] Whether it's creating products that are safe, valuing every single employee, being a good citizen in our community, or our carbon - to minimize footprint; it's all part of our shared dream of building a genuine sustainable business.” – Don Gao (CEO Positec Technology)
The role
Reporting directly to the National sales manager, In this senior role you will be responsible for developing and driving the commercial sales and contract business with market leading new products for commercial end users through our Independent dealer network. You will need to continuously identify and explore new opportunities, as well as giving practical product demonstrations where needed.
Create new business relationships and ensure our ranges are recommended for all new tenders.
You will be working with all decision makers at every level within the buying process focussing on and negotiating all trading terms where needed, you will have complete insight into your commercial end users operations in order to create a profitable win-win proposal.
Essential communication with the territory BDM colleague to maximise all opportunities and select the right dealers for large contracts.
You
- Must have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in commercial contract discussions.
- Have worked in the industry for a minimum of 2 years.
- Have genuine interest in winning new commercial business for a market leading company.
- Self-motivated with the ability to go above and beyond to offer outstanding customer service at every level.
- Demonstrable evidence of good gravitas, creativity and commercial organisation skills.
- Strong negotiation, relationship development and influencing skills to drive commercial success.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Be a good team player.
- Hit tight deadlines when needed.
If you wish to apply for this role please contact Harry at Veritas Partners at harryj@veritaspartners.co.uk or 01189241333.
Applicants to the positions advertised by Veritas Partnership Ltd consent to Veritas holding their data in pursuance of recruitment services for this and future roles.
For details of our privacy policy please visit our website at the bottom of our home page http://veritaspartners.co.uk/privacy-policy
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ADVERTISE YOUR JOBS HERE
Amazing success rates!
Advertise your recruitment needs on TurfPro Weekly Briefing and reach our targeted audience of recipients every week.
Contact Nikki Harrison for details - 01491 837117
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EDITOR'S BLOG ARCHIVE
Catch up with Laurence Gale's recent blogs
Want to catch up with one of editor Laurence Gale's blogs? Here is the place to do so.
TURFPRO FEATURE ARCHIVE
Find our previous features here
If you want to catch up with any of TurfPro's previous features, here is the place to do so.
SUSTAINABILITY AT THE SHARP END How to put into practice when budgets are tight?
ANOTHER NAIL IN THE COFFIN OF GRASSROOTS RUGBY Clubs are struggling
SUSTAINABILITY IN PRACTICE Seeking transparent and robust supply chains is essential
TIME FOR ACTION To reverse recruitment crisis
CONTROLLING COSTS Planning is crucial
THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABILITY What exactly does the term mean?
CARING FOR THE GRASSROOTS From volunteers to contractors
DEFRA IS LETTING DOWN THE COUNTRY Complete failure to address the plastic grass debate
WE CAN ALL DO MORE To aid biodiversity
MY LIFE IN GREENKEEPING With Bruce Cruickshank
LEVELLING UP, GETTING SMARTER & GETTING AHEAD Parks require so much more funding
SWITCHED ON FOR HARD WORK Putting trimmers through their paces
MACHINERY HIGHLIGHTS At this year's show
MY SALTEX Daniel Lewis​, Manchester City Football Club
AWASH WITH LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Two months till showtime
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD Priorities for the amenity sector
THE DECLINE OF ‘PARKITECTURE’ A symptom of the state of parks in 2022
DEVELOPERS SHIRKING GREEN SPACE RESPONSIBILITIES Lack of financial commitment
TIME TO COME TOGETHER For the good of the industry
THE DEATH OF GRASS ROOTS CRICKET Gathering apace?
ROUTES INTO THE INDUSTRY MUST BE ENSURED Q&A with David Fisher, Lantra’s head of industry partnerships
STRONG VIEWS ON CRICKET PITCH PERFORMANCE MARKING A bone of contention
A PREMIUM PRODUCT Delivered at Naas Golf Club
THE GREEN REVOLUTION And Esker Hills
MAKING A CHANGE Laytown and Bettystown Golf Links
A DAY AT THE RACES Naas Race Course
WORKING TOGETHER AS ONE VOICE How the industry needs to proceed
OVER 175 YEARS OF EDUCATION Wesley College
ELECTRIC EXCITEMENT Dennis's Ian Howard talks electrification
THE HOME OF CORK GAA Páirc Uí Chaoimh
LONG POLE BATTERY HEDGE TRIMMERS TESTED STIHL HLA 66 and HLA 86
OVER 800 YEARS OF HISTORY Johnstown Castle and Gardens
A CLUB GONE WILD Kilkenny Golf Club
A GOLF COURSE IN THE GARDEN OF IRELAND Woodenbridge GC
80 YEARS YOUNG Charleville Golf Club
AN UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club
GETTING BACK TOGETHER Albeit gradually . .
GO WEST Inishturk GAA pitch – one of the most westerly sportspitches in Europe
WORKING ON A TIGHT BUDGET Nenagh Golf Club
ON A MISSION Wrekin Golf Club aiming to enrich wildlife and fauna
WILD AND WONDERFUL Design By Nature
LEARNING HOW TO SURVIVE Abbey Par 3
TACKLING OBESITY Vital that schools can provide sport
A LIFETIME OF LEARNING Vital for turf professionals
CELEBRATING 125 YEARS Tullamore Golf Club
UNIVERSITY CHALLENGES At Trinity College Dublin
BLENDING THE OLD WITH THE NEW Bray Golf Club
A WELL POLISHED COURSE! Ierne Social And Sports Club
IDENTIFYING THE TRUE VALUES Of grounds maintenance
THE INDUSTRY WILL CHANGE & ADAPT But it will survive
WIRRAL GOLF COURSES SAVED Renewed hope and optimism for the future
GREEN SPACE CONTRIBUTION TO WELLBEING IS UNDERVALUED Parks invisible on national agenda
A SHINING LIGHT IN IRELAND'S SUNNY SOUTHEAST Wexford Golf Club
GREEN SPACES DO NOT LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES! Keith Kent says we must invest in people
WE SHOULD TELL THE WORLD ABOUT THE UK INDUSTRY Right time for all sides to come together
SOIL LIFE IS PRECIOUS Good-quality soil can help save the planet
MORE THAN JUST CUTTING GRASS Encouraging the next generation
A BUZZ FROM DOING THE JOB Wide experience of the turf grass industry
PAYING THEIR WAY Low wages is the bane of the industry
AMENITY MANAGEMENT IMPACTS US ALL Professor John Moverley
CARING FOR PARKS OF ALL TYPES Mary Worrall
TOP FIVE FRUSTRATIONS FOR CRICKET GROUNDSMEN What causes you the most frustration in your role?
PROFESSIONALS AT THE CUTTING EDGE Vic Demain and Phil Sharples
BOWLS CLUBS IN PERIL A sad decline
A VERY SPECIAL INDUSTRY Loz looks back
SNEAK PEAK AT A ROBOTIC "GAME CHANGER" Commercial model capable of covering 50,000 m2 teased
HALESOWEN PICK A BIG ROBOT UP FRONT Invest in mowers
COMPRESSED AERATION The new way
PARKS MATTER MORE THAN EVER Recent sector developments
ON TEST STIHL blowers
THREE CORE VALUES TO SHAPE OUR INDUSTRY Real concerns for the future
ENGLAND'S GREEN SPACE GAP A split along racial lines
ON TEST EGO STX3800 strimmer with RTX2300 Rotocut head
A SECTOR FACING IMPORTANT TIMES Review of the National Action Plan
PARKS MATTER The role of public parks in the recovery: a discussion paper
A UNIQUE SPORTING VENUE Wormsley private estate
A BTME OUTDOORS? A good bet for the industry
PARKS NEED APPROPRIATE POLITICAL REPRESENTATION Q&A with Philippa Reece, Parks and Foreshore Manager at Adur and Worthing Council
CRICKET LOAM What does it mean?
A HERCULEAN EFFORT TO GET PARKS BACK TO NORMAL Q&A with Chris Worman, Rugby Borough Council’s parks and ground manager
ON TEST STIHL battery products
TURFGRASS STRESS MANAGEMENT Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and antioxidants during biotic and abiotic stress in turfgrass plants
AUTUMN DISEASE MANAGEMENT The coming months are going to prove very difficult
THE ABUSE OF PARKS . . Is the abuse of society
WHY PARKS MATTER? A statement from the Parks Management Forum to the Prime Minister
THE 21st CENTURY PARKS MANAGER Innovative, creative and entrepreneurial
EAT, SLEEP, CUT, REPEAT! Cricket under covid
TIME FOR A SINGLE SHOW? Debate brought back into focus
A CHALLENGING TWO MONTHS Running golf design projects from home
PRESSURE SITUATION Cementing the reputation
A CLUB TO BE PROUD OF 10 years at the helm of Olton GC
GAME CHANGERS IN TURFCARE The day the Lord's outfield reconstruction proved its worth
THE ESSENCE OF ESSENTIAL Finding a sensible way forward on defining "essential maintenance"
THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS 2001
HOW TO LOOK AFTER A GOLF COURSE WITH NO GOLFERS Fundamental to the survival of almost all courses, if not of the game itself
RAIN STOPPED PLAY WOULD BE WELCOME . . along with ‘lunch is being taken early’
PHYSICAL CONTROL OF TURFGRASS PESTS An urgent problem
A DIVERSE & ENTERTAINING WEEK Successful BTME 2020
INTEGRATED PEST CONTROL Opportunity to embrace new methods
ENVILLE ON THE UP Major investments taking place
GREEN FLAG AWARDS 2019 A great success
U.S PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT SHOW EXCELS Buoyant GIE+EXPO
LEGACY OF THE SOLHEIM CUP At Gleneagles
A DAY OUT WITH THE LADIES Behind the scenes at the Solheim Cup
COVENTRY UNIVERSITY'S EDIBLE GARDEN SUCCESS 2006 - present
HAIL THE GRASS MASTERS! Boorish media comments about pitch quality are wide of the mark
CONTRACTOR SEES MULTI-DISCIPLINE SUCCESS 360 Ground Care serving professional facilities
BUSY TIMES Judging the Green Flag Awards
TAKING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH What does it all mean in managing turf surfaces?
UNDER PRESSURE Dry weather conditions continue to keep turf managers focused on moisture management
EDDIE SEAWARD Death of Wimbledon’s influential grounds manager
MAJOR NEW IRRIGATION PROJECT At Top 100 classic Berkhamsted Golf Club
NEW HORIZONS FOR THE HATTERS Investment paying off at Kenilworth Road
ELIZABETHAN RESTORATION At Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens
WHAT IS BIOPHILIA? The vital impact of parks and green spaces on health and well-being
WORM CONTROL Without carbendazim
THE TRUE COST OF PETROL Battery-powered outdoor power tools are now turning the heads of professionals
SANDS OF TIME Sand-based pitches are now the norm in professional sports
WHY DO WE DO THE RIGHT THING? We must maintain industry standards
CHASING GRASS PERFECTION? 11 things you need to know . . .
MAINTAINING STANDARDS Q&A with BASIS ceo, Stephen Jacobs
STRI RESEARCH DAY 2018 Hosted at research trial grounds in Bingley
THE MECHANIC Leicester City FC invest in new role
LORD'S 'GRASS-GUVNOR' TO RETIRE Mick Hunt bows out after 49 years
HOLLOW CORING & DEEP SCARIFICATION Is it really necessary?
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CHANGING CLIMATE
Is a borehole the key for clubs?
by Laurence Gale, TurfPro editor
With drought conditions becoming more prevalent during the summer months, we have seen a rise in the number of sports clubs that are prepared to invest in the installation of a water borehole.
In recent years, turf professionals have become resigned to drought conditions during the summer months.
Most grassroots clubs rely on natural rainfall to water their pitches, mainly due to the fact they have no irrigation system or indeed not enough water pressure to operate self-traveling sprinklers.
During hot periods, turf surfaces can be driven into droughty conditions and overtime will suffer from stress and can become unplayable.
During my time in this industry, I have definitely witnessed a change in our weather patterns. When I was a practicing greenkeeper back in the 1970s we experienced distinct weather patterns during the seasons.
We would know that during the late autumn and winter months we would get plenty of rain and snow. I remember times where we had days and days of drizzly rain. Not the flash flooding rain we tend to get now.
So, back then we would have plenty of rainfall to keep the rivers and reservoirs topped up.
The shortage of rain water that is forecast in our summer months now will no doubt have an adverse impact on the way we manage and maintain our natural turf playing surfaces.
Today we are seeing more and more grass roots sports clubs suffering from these long periods of drought.
To effectively manage and maintain a natural turf playing facility to a reasonable standard there is clearly a need to have the ability to water the turf. Unfortunately, many clubs do not have the use of automatic watering systems or often do not have enough water or the funds to pay for this precious resource.
Even if you do have a irrigation systems or the means to water your facilities, it is now coming at too high a cost for many clubs to afford.
In recent years however, we have seen a rise in the number of sports clubs that are prepared to invest in the installation of a water borehole.
One of the attractions of investing in these is that you can use up to 20,000 litres of water from a borehole in the UK without the need for a licence. If you plan to use more than this, then an ‘abstraction licence’ is required from the Environment Agency.
It pays to understand all the costs involved, beyond simply drilling a hole. You’ll need a geological survey, first of all, to determine the depth at which your water source is likely to lie. With this information, your recommended tradesperson can give you an indication of the cost for the creation of a safe-to-use borehole.
This will typically include: travel, equipment and set up for drilling the borehole.
The deeper your water supply, the greater the cost of accessing it and then creating a safe borehole for long-term use. Water bore drilling cost per metre will vary, but assuming your water lies at the average UK borehole depth of 60m, you can expect to pay between £10,220 – £16,000 for a professional to install your borehole.
This includes a hydrogeologist’s survey, the cost of drilling, a pump, chamber and pressure vessel.
The cost of drilling a water borehole on your property will rise depending on how far the water needs to travel from the source to where you need it. The further it needs to go, the more pipework and groundwork you’ll require, plus you’ll probably need a more powerful pump. Ultimately, the greatest cost is the drilling and creation of your borehole. For more information click here.
More and more clubs are now looking at investing in the provision of a borehole to extract the water they need for their facility - knowing only too well that the climate changes we are witnessing are only going to get worse.
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