WINTER GAMES PITCHES Essential maintenance required by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR
Recently I attended an RFU Rugby Groundsman Connected seminar at Hinkley RFC where both Keith Kent, ex-Twickenham groundsman and Ed Mowe, current Leicester head groundsman, were on hand to give advice on winter maintenance of rugby pitches.
We are now well into our winter games season with many playing facilities at football and rugby clubs, as well as schools, at the mercy of the weather. At this time of the year it is essential we ensure our winter games pitches are maintained to retain as much grass cover as possible.
With three tough months to get through, it is important to carry out the right maintenance regimes to keep the pitch functional and safe for play. November is usually a good time to carry out some deep aeration work using either a solid tine verti-drain type machine or a linear blade aerator.
In recent years we have also seen our industry embrace the acquisition of some compressed air tine aerators that combine a physical tine insertion with a blast of air. Campeys AirG2 machine has become a popular method of aerating pitches.
Timing of this work will be critical; you need to be able to get on your pitches without making a mess. In most cases, if the appropriate annual maintenance regimes have taken place throughout the year the pitch is more likely to be able to cope with the rigours the winter weather may throw at you.
The recent Rugby World Cup in Japan brought us some very memorable moments to cherish, particularly with the style of rugby played by the hosts as well as countries from both the northern and southern hemispheres.
As an England fan, after beating the All Blacks I was looking forward to the final with confidence that England only needed to play half as well and they could be World Champions. However, it was not to be. After a terrible first half, giving away a lot of possession and penalties, they had a tough hill to climb in the second.
On the day, South Africa played the best rugby and deservedly won. As always, these global sporting events do have an impact on the game and no doubt in the coming years we will see plenty of clubs benefiting from new players joining their teams.
Recently I attended an RFU Rugby Groundsman Connected seminar at Hinkley RFC where both Keith Kent, ex-Twickenham groundsman and Ed Mowe, current Leicester head groundsman, were on hand to give advice on winter maintenance of rugby pitches.
This seminar was the twelfth club Keith had visited as part of his Rugby Connect programme. Over 40 local club groundsmen took the opportunity to attend the evenings meeting, which began with an introduction to the evening by Pete Shaw, RFU area facilities manager.
Pete spoke about the interesting findings of a recent Leicestershire grounds survey, that was participated in by the following clubs - Leics Forest; Hinckley Market; Harborough; Coalville; Loughborough; Sileby Town; Quorn; Ashby; South Leicester; Lutterworth; Shepshed; Syston & Belgrave.
The survey highlighted some key facts about these clubs and some areas they interested in finding more information about :-
Over 60% of clubs do not possess equipment. 30% do own a tractor.
£3,780 is their average maintenance budget.
43% of clubs do not have a registered RGC member
They would like more info on Training; End of & in-season maintenance; Funding; Planning.
55% would like a Pitch Advisor visit or more information.
It would seem from the survey that most clubs are seeking advice and information on what funding resources are currently available along with gaining appropriate advice on pitch maintenance regimes and costs.
Keith as usual spoke passionately about his role and the importance of clubs to invest in the maintenance of their pitches, particularly paying attention to damage that can be caused by the lack of appropriate maintenance and not having the right equipment and machinery to do be able to undertake this work.
Keith also spoke highly about the current sponsors / partners the RFU are working with to help deliver the RFU Groundsmen Connect Programme (Dennis / SISIS, Iseki, Wessex International, Rigby Taylor, Mansfield Sands, Ransomes Jacobsen and local sports turf contractors, Woodward Turf Care) whose representatives were also on hand to give advice and information on the night.
Once Keith had spoken, it was time to go outside and see some machinery demonstrations out on the floodlit pitch. However, we were restricted to what could be demonstrated due to the condition of the pitch. Like most parts of the country, there were reports of over 12 inches of rain having fallen in the East Midlands during the last month.
This recent spell of poor weather will certainly have had a detrimental effect on many winter sports pitches. With many pitches now saturated, they can easily be damaged if they are not maintained appropriately or played and trained on in the wrong conditions. This can result in a loss of valuable grass cover. Pitch inspections before games are essential with the clubs liaising with match referees to decide on whether the fixtures should be played or not.
As for the demonstrations, Keith spoke about the benefits of the SISIS Quadraplay and the use of the compact Iseki Tractors and Sisis Outfield Spiker. Local Contracto,r Phil Woodward, spoke about the differences of using both the Vertidrain and Inmants roto knife.
After the demonstrations we then had an interesting insight into the work being carried out at Leicester Tigers, with Ed Mowe talking about what he and his staff had achieved since his appointment in 2017.
In short, this was getting the club to invest in new ways of working, building up relations with coaching and playing staff and investing in new equipment. In the limited time Ed has been there, he has certainly improved the aesthetics and performance of the playing surfaces at Welford Road and their training ground. An interesting video below details the work ED instigated at the end of last season to renovate the pitch and is well worth a view.
We then had a final Q&A session with members of the audience asking a number of questions that were answered by Keith, Ed and attending sponsors and pitch advisors.
The concluding message is that we need to share information and without doubt there is a need for clubs to invest in their pitches. At the same time they must ensure that they have a plan in place and the appropriate resources and funding to facilitate this necessary work.
Of course there will always be a cost for this work - whether you do it yourself, with volunteers or employ a groundsmen or contractor. Many rugby clubs have ex-players who, if approached, may be interested in helping. However, they will not want to carry out the job if it is seen as a chore or if the club does not have the appropriate machinery, resources and equipment to do the job efficiently.
The RFU have for several years implemented a support programme called Rugby Groundsmen Connected under the guidance of Keith.
Rugby Groundsmen Connected (RGC) is the RFU’s easy access, two-way communication network between the RFU and rugby union groundsmen. It is the main communication channel for the RFU to provide information and advice to groundsmen and has special offers and exclusive benefits for members. Everything the RFU does related to pitch maintenance now comes under the banner of Rugby Groundsmen Connected.
Groundsmen Connected is for anybody that has any involvement in the upkeep of rugby pitches; from the complete novice to Premiership groundsmen. Anyone can register to join RGC at no cost. Once signed up turf professionals will receive regular communications with advice, information and the opportunity to ask questions.
RGC now has well over 1,000 groundsmen registered and Keith has been very supportive of the scheme and has himself visited many clubs up and down the country to pass on his advice.
The RFU do offer, under the Rugby Groundsmen Connected scheme a Keith Kent Maintenance Package that consists of an Iseki Compact Tractor, SISIS Qudraplay unit, Wessex Roller Mower and SISIS Multitiner that would enable clubs to look after their pitches more professionally.
One of the most popular pitch management tools is the SISIS Quadraplay. The implement’s combination of frames makes up a single pass maintenance system which incorporates a mounted frame. The mounted frame accepts a variety of different implements for use on both turf and hard porous surfaces. Implements such as grooming rakes, spikers, slitters, rollers and brushes can be added to the frame, making this an exceptionally versatile piece of equipment. It can be used for fine and outfield turf to perform a range of tasks so effectively that you can aerate, brush, spring tine and roll in one pass.
Using these frames before and after matches helps keep the pitch in good condition and, above all, the spiker ensures the pitch is regularly aerated. In essence, maintaining natural grass pitches is all about supporting and promoting good grass growth throughout the year.
Personally, I believe buying your own equipment and building up a dedicated grounds team who can share and carry out the basic maintenance tasks is a better way to go. Yes, there is the initial cost of the equipment and a need to have a storage facility nearby. However, the benefits of doing the work yourself is not only satisfying, but you are in control of the performance and aesthetics of your ground. As for funding and getting enough money to undertake your own maintenance work, Keith and I have being saying for years that everybody (adults and youth sectors) who set foot on the clubs’ pitches (training and playing) should contribute £1 a week towards the maintenance costs. For most clubs that would equate to well over £250 per week, £1,000 per month, £9,000 for 9 months. If you were to invest that into your pitches you would have some decent surfaces.
Finally, there is no doubt that the recent success of the Rugby World Cup will have generated a lot of interest in people taking up the sport. It is now down to the clubs to embrace this and continue to provide the facilities and playing surfaces to accommodate this new surge of interest.
The GEAs, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2020, recognises golf clubs and individuals that strive to undertake environmental best practice.
The GEAs, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2020, recognises golf clubs and individuals that strive to undertake environmental best practice. Past finalists’ projects have ranged from simple but effective, to grand scale schemes.
Ecology consultants from STRI spent August and September visiting qualifying clubs that applied for the awards before painstakingly whittling them down to 17 finalists and five Home Unions finalists.
Four finalists have been named in three GEA categories - Conservation Greenkeeper of Year, Outstanding Environmental Project, Environmental Golf Course of Year and Operation Pollinator, while five golf clubs have been selected for the Environmental Golf Course of Year category. Another five worthy finalists have been identified in the new Home Unions National Awards category.
Representatives from the finalists will attend the awards ceremony on 22 January 2020 at the Crown Hotel in Harrogate, during BTME week.
Golf Environment Awards judge, Rowan Rumball, said: “This year was exceptionally difficult, and we have had some amazing and very worthy entrants. I have seen some superb projects and many clubs are now looking beyond the confines of their own club boundaries.”
Head of Ecology at STRI, Bob Taylor, said: “I cannot believe it’s 25 years since we first set up the Golf Environment awards. Moreover, the awards have become the leading accolade for ecological and environmental excellence within the golf industry. Many golf greenkeepers tell me the awards represent something to aspire to, they provide an opportunity to market the good works they do. For me the awards represent a growing community that all come together at the awards celebrations discussing works and passing on ideas. Anyone is welcome to attend the awards, and one thing is certain you will leave inspired by the great work clubs are doing.”
All finalists receive free entry into the Foundation Award in Amenity Horticulture course, recognised by BASIS, and managed by STRI, as well as CPD points. The lucky winners of the GEAs will also be able to enjoy a European Golf & Environment Trip of a Lifetime to Portugal.
Green space charity Fields in Trust has issued a General Election manifesto and is calling on candidates to sign a six-point Parks Protector Pledge.
Green space charity Fields in Trust has issued a General Election manifesto and is calling on candidates to sign a six-point Parks Protector Pledge, promising to champion and protect local parks and green spaces.
The manifesto sets out the role that elected representatives can play in delivering the health, wellbeing, environmental and community benefits that parks and green spaces provide; yet not everyone gets an equal share. Fields in Trust’s Green Space Index reveals 2.6 million people across Great Britain live more than a ten-minute walk from a local park or green space.
The Green Space Index shows that, although Britain has a total of 216,160 hectares of publicly accessible local parks and green spaces, less than 6% of this space is legally protected with Fields in Trust. With public sector cuts leading to pressure on parks and green spaces, candidates are asked to endorse legal protection of green spaces and help prevent more being sold off or developed.
The charity is highlighting the urgent need to secure and maintain parks and green spaces that we currently have and is calling for all candidates in the General Election to sign a pledge, if they are elected, that they will champion the important public service parks and green spaces provide locally, and advocate for policies that safeguard parks and green spaces across the country. Electors are invited to quiz candidates on their approach to parks and green spaces and encourage them to sign the pledge here.
Fields in Trust Chief Executive, Helen Griffiths, said, “There is overwhelming evidence that parks and green spaces contribute health and wellbeing benefits to our communities. We are calling on election candidates to advocate for policies which protect and support parks and endorse local efforts to help maintain and improve the green spaces in their constituencies.
“There is an urgent need to ensure the current level of park and green space provision is maintained and review what more can be done to legally protect vulnerable spaces for future generations to enjoy, because once lost, they are lost forever.”
Fields in Trust say their research demonstrates clear health and wellbeing advantages, including a saving of £111 million each year to the NHS from regular use of parks and green spaces; the charity is concerned that many people who don’t have a park or green space nearby could miss out on these benefits. It is also likely that future loss of parks and green spaces will disproportionately impact the most disadvantaged and underrepresented communities.
Despite having a thorough aeration programme in place, grounds manager Ben Connell called on the air-injection unit, to treat deep-level compaction and improve drainage.
The OxyShot, from Charterhouse Turf Machinery, recently came to the rescue of waterlogged surfaces at Ipswich Town Football Club’s training ground.
Two OxyShots in use on an Academy Pitch at Ipswich Town FC
Despite having a thorough aeration programme in place, grounds manager Ben Connell called on the air-injection unit, to treat deep-level compaction and improve drainage.
“In the lead up to the winter period, we had been aerating regularly with solid tines to best prepare ourselves for the wetter conditions,” explains Ben, who oversees 13 surfaces at the club’s training facility, together with the stadium pitch.
“When we started to find waterlogging on one of our academy pitches, I called Peter Knight of Bury Turfcare, who deduced that there was a pan layer roughly 400mm down causing these areas to hold water. As the OxyShot can work down to a depth of 500mm, he brought the unit in to shatter the pan layer and since then, this area has been free-draining.”
Using a single 25mm probe, the OxyShot injects air into the soil in four directions, at a pressure of up to 110psi. Suitable for ‘on the spot’ treatments, the unit can be transported for use in a variety of situations.
Impressed with the results achieved, Ben had the OxyShot back a few weeks later to carry out further spot treatments on another problem area.
“We worked on an area roughly 10m2 and the results were fantastic. We had some really significant rainfall in the few weeks that followed and while some surrounding areas were very wet, the test patch was free-draining and clear of any puddling. Months later and we’re still seeing the benefits of the work, with no compaction to report."
Independent golf agronomist, Greg Evans. has warned the industry not to suppress new ideas coming from the new generation of greenkeepers.
Independent golf agronomist, Greg Evans, has warned the industry not to suppress new ideas coming from the new generation of greenkeepers.
The 46-year old Master Greenkeeper has welcomed the recent influx of new greenkeeping talent in UK golf but cautions that old-fashioned attitudes are still widespread, and can often affect the confidence and stifle the creativity of newcomers.
Greg Evans (right) with Richard Elderfield, Head Greenkeeper at Sandy Lodge GC. (Photo: Andy Hiseman)
“It is crucial that experienced greens staff find a way of passing on their knowledge without micro-managing the life out of new talent,” said Greg, who started his Greg Evans Golf Course Solutions consultancy business in 2009 while he was the course manager at Ealing Golf Club, in Middlesex.
“A welcome trait of the new breed of greenkeeper is that they are prepared to challenge traditional thinking. Of course they are sometimes quite raw in terms of experience, but they are energetic, ambitious and willing to devote themselves to learning how to prepare a playable golf course.
“They need help in fulfilling their potential. Thankfully there are some wonderful examples in the UK golf industry where highly experienced course managers have taken a new protégé under their wing, creating a healthy combination of intensity and new thinking combined with the sure-footedness which can only come from decades of work.”
Evans also reports a shift away from thinking dominated by pure soil science, and towards a ‘performance and playability’ mindset in the greenkeeping world.
“Ten years ago it was all about agronomy,” he said. “Now, it’s more about the end-user, and how the golfer sees the ball performing on the golf course. I spend a lot of time talking to greenkeepers about ball roll, and how the ball reacts when it interacts with playing surfaces, especially greens.
“I think that golfers appreciate a greenkeeping mindset which is about creating maximum playability, rather than coming at it first and foremost from a soil science point of view.”
Another change over the last decade is that the industry has begun to embrace, rather than resist, the rise of the consultant, says Evans.
“Initially, some head greenkeepers saw people like me as a threat, but attitudes towards getting external help have changed for the better over the last decade.
“When I arrive at a golf club to assist with a project, I try to inject new levels of energy and drive into the existing team. Rather than rushing to change everything, and everyone, I prefer to advise and oversee the existing greenkeeping team.
“If I do expose any prior weaknesses we tend to find solutions quickly and efficiently.”
New 2019 projects at Ogbourne Downs, Test Valley, Harpenden Common, Westgate & Birchington, West Herts, Hamptworth, Wyke Green and Bishop’s Stortford have all benefitted from Greg's approach to improving conditions for golfers.
Reesink Turfcare has added 12 practical refresher courses to its machinery and equipment training offering for 2020.
Reesink Turfcare has added 12 practical refresher courses to its machinery and equipment training offering for 2020.
These one day operational and service courses are described by the company as being for those who need the latest knowledge or have previously completed the relevant two-day course, but need to refresh their skills to ensure they remain fully up to date, as well as learning about any new developments that are related to the job they do.
There are 12 refresher courses in total. Six are provided by LANTRA, the body for land-based and environmental training, and relate to operational aspects of turfcare machinery maintenance, such as equipment installation training, the safe use of ride on mowers, compact tractor driving, the safe use of pesticides and the sprayers and handheld applicators used in administering these chemicals.
Then, there are another six manufacturer-backed training days from Reesink and Toro in relation to Toro diagnostics and info centre training, plus training on the customer’s choice of any greens, fairway, rotary, cylinder or flail mower or utility vehicle.
Neil Adams, head of turfcare training at Reesink, says, “We’ve introduced these refresher courses based on what our customers are telling us they want - a reminder of the key points and skill set update. They are incredibly good value, being done on either a one-to-one basis or as a group if there’s more than one operative requiring the course. All the courses are delivered by nationally quality assured trainers and assessors and include a mixture of practical and theory work.”
These new refresher courses join the 11 already offered by Reesink and bring the full range to a total of 23.
“We are incredibly proud of the extensive range we offer our customers, it makes us stand out from the crowd by being able to offer so much more value..
“Our range of training courses demonstrates our belief in continuously improving standards in the industry. We aim to make training convenient with some courses delivered at the trainees’ working premises, too, using familiar equipment in a familiar environment. This set-up means it could not be easier for customers to develop and invest in their employees.”
Further information such as dates and details on how to book, plus all the other courses available which range from air-cooled engines and basic electrics and hydraulics, can be found at reesinkturfcare.co.uk.
The G34D cylinder mower is helping to provide a fantastic finish on the pitch at the Emirates Riverside Stadium according to Durham CCC head groundsman Vic Demain.
The Dennis G34D cylinder mower is helping to provide a fantastic finish on the pitch at the Emirates Riverside Stadium according to Durham CCC head groundsman Vic Demain.
This year has been particularly testing for Vic and his team especially with the pressures that came with hosting games for the Official ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. However, Vic alongside his team of four, rose to the challenge and received a number of plaudits along the way.
“We had three World Cup matches, but in addition to that we had approximately twenty days of World Cup practice sessions. At the end of the day we are competing against other international cricket venues such Lords, the Oval, Trent Bridge, Headingley and Old Trafford.
"When the World Cup is on TV, viewers might see a game at Lords one day and then the next day they will watch a game here at Durham. That’s a lot to live up to especially with the game being viewed by a global audience.
“The feedback we had about the pitch off the back of the World Cup was absolutely amazing and that was from people all over the world. We have to be realistic in the sense that we don’t have the same kind of budget as most of the other venues, so to be able to achieve what we did with the resources that we have, really meant a lot to me.”
For that all important, presentation Vic said he relied on the Dennis G34D.
“The G34D is a designated mower for cutting the squares and we probably cut them anywhere between once a week and fifteen times a week," explianed Vic, "depending on what presentation we need. Obviously, the more cuts the better the definition and the better it looks on television.
“There are other mowers on the market and we did try a variety. However, as a grounds team we talk as a collective unit when it comes to new equipment. It was a unanimous decision to go with the G34D.
“The staff at Dennis are very amenable, have fantastic industry knowledge and the spare parts are easy to get hold of. If I build up a working relationship with someone and that relationship goes well, I will tend to stick with them. I have always put my trust in Dennis.”
Manufacturer of professional wood chippers has been recognised as a member of the Made in Britain organisation.
Manufacturer of professional wood chippers, Timberwolf, has been recognised as a member of the Made in Britain organisation.
Accredited to businesses selling goods that have been manufactured or have undergone a final substantial change in Britain before sale, Made in Britain is the official collective mark for British manufacturers.
From its manufacturing facility in Stowmarket, Suffolk, Timberwolf specialises in the design and manufacture of professional wood chippers for the arboricultural and horticultural sectors.
Chris Perry, manging director at Timberwolf, said, “Everyone at Timberwolf works incredibly hard to deliver unbeatable power and performance from every machine and to be a part of a collective promoting British engineering is very important to us.”
According to a recent Make UK report, manufacturing in the East of England contributes £17.8bn to the UK economy and employs over 244,000 people in the region. Recognised for their contribution to the regional economy, Timberwolf were awarded the Large Business Award and Business of the Year Award in the 2019 East Anglian Daily Times Suffolk Business Awards.
The company say they are committed to helping support local suppliers with more than a quarter of suppliers located within 25 miles of their Stowmarket base, and 50% of suppliers within 75 miles. In addition, almost 90% of externally sourced components are supplied by British-based companies, with over 60% of components from within a 100-mile radius.
Chris Perry explained, “We have seen strong growth in our export markets over the last 5 years and we now export nearly 50% of our machines outside of the UK.
“British Manufacturing and Engineering excellence is valued highly in international markets and the addition of the Made in Britain mark, which our products will wear with pride, will help strengthen our ambitious international trade goals and let any customer know that their machine is made to the very highest of standards.”
The team behind the distribution of Spider slope mowers in the UK have launched a new website dedicated to showcasing the range to industry professionals.
The team behind the distribution of Spider slope mowers in the UK have launched a new website dedicated to showcasing the range to industry professionals.
The new website enables users to view details on all the Spider machines available to the UK market and learn more about the benefits of use on dangerous, challenging or steep terrain.
To book a free, on-site demonstration, an online form is available on every page which sends requests straight through to the team. Alternatively calls can be placed to a Spider representative in the UK, with contact numbers available for the team.
For those seeking to contact their nearest Spider dealer, the ‘Find a Dealer’ page provides addresses and telephone details for each of the UK dealers - a list which will continue to grow with new dealers sought to increase support and sales coverage for customers in new areas.
Bill Johnston, Head of the UK Spider distributor business Machinery Imports, said, “The new UK based website creates a hugely useful resource for Spider owners, dealers and customers looking for a suitable slope mower. Home to a wealth of information about the brand and the specific models available, as well as current and former user manuals, the website will be an asset to our business in promoting the benefits of Spider mowers for customers across the country.”
