During the latter part of May and early June we will start to see many grass roots rugby and football clubs undertaking their end of season renovations, an opportunity to repair and restore their playing pitches after a long season of fixtures.

Generally, the damage done is a heavily compacted pitch with a loss of grass cover. The aim of the end of season renovations is to restore levels, de-compact the pitch and re-sow with new seed. 

The renovation work will be dependent on several factors; the sheer amount of wear and tear, the extent and quality of maintenance undertaken during the playing season and finally the amount of money the club has or is willing to spend. 

These variables are usually associated with the level of sport being played, the desired level of provision and the detailed level of inputs and maintenance operations that need to take place. 

We must also take into consideration its expected level of usage, current condition, and problems it may well have in terms of surface drainage porosity and sward composition. 

These costs will also be dictated by the way the work may be carried out. Whether it is done in-house, by volunteers, by contractors or by paid employees?

 
In many cases, the level of budget put aside for general maintenance of grassroots-level playing facilities tend to be way off the mark. One of the reasons for this is often the lack of understanding of groundsmanship and what is required in terms of inputs and resources necessary for the maintenance of the facility. No two sites are the same, Each have their own unique set of requirements, maintenance needs and inputs to either maintain its status or additional work to bring it up to standard. 

Far too often clubs can tend to do the bare minimum, resulting in a basic set of maintenance inputs. These can generally be mowing, feeding, marking out and some minor repairs when warranted. Quite often they also skimp on end of season renovations which over time leads to a deteriorating playing surface.

I spoke recently to Keith Exton, an experienced grounds practitioner from Perfect Pitches, a company he set up with his son Alex. I’ve known Keith for many years, and he and Alex are currently extremely busy undertaking pitch renovations. He says that a typical end of season renovation for a single football pitch that involves scarifying, vertidraining, topdressing with at least 60 tonnes of specified sport sand, fertilising and overseeding will cost in the region of £8000 depending on the transport costs. This could be more if you have to dispose of scarified debris. 

Effectively that works out at around a £1.40 m2. The biggest cost is the materials alone. Sand is around £50-60 per tonne, seed £90 per bag and fertiliser £40 a bag. Based on these figures the cost of the materials is virtually half the total cost of the renovation.

Out of the labour charge the contractor must pay for the machinery transport costs, repairs, service charges and fuel. But the thing to remember is you are also paying for experience and knowledge when employing a qualified contractor.

We have many good contractors working in the UK it always pays to get three quotes.  

However, there are a lot of clubs who now try and take on most of the work themselves, having invested in decent machinery.

For me, one of the biggest issues is the lack of regular maintenance during the playing season. Some clubs in recent years have successfully had machinery grants and have bought machinery. Items such as compact tractor mowers, Quadraplay, Sisis outfield spikers and line markers - but rarely use them to the full potential.

Ideally throughout the growing season we should be cutting the pitch weekly, fertilising every 6-8 weeks and slitting fortnightly - and using the Quadraplay pre and post matches. 

We also need to apply a selective weed control programme to reduce weed growth. It is often cheaper to employ a contractor to do this work as they are qualified to spray chemicals. 

We must promote growth and tillering by carrying out this regular work, along with rotating pitch use and controlling training activities on the pitches.

Again, there will be a cost attributed to these works and the time allocated. The more you can do, the better the outcome and welfare of the pitches. 

I firmly believe if clubs recognised the true costs and inputs required to maintain their pitch and produced a business plan to facilitate a way of securing the budgets to run the club, we would then start to see an improvement in club facilities and an increased level of sport participation.

The combination of doing both a decent end of season renovation and regular maintenance will ensure you have safe and consistent playing surfaces.

I am currently mentoring a local rugby club, Telford RFC, and they have a committed team of volunteers, have invested in some machinery and recently acquired the STIGA robotic mowers on offer. They have taken three in fact, to help them reduce the workload. They are cutting the first team and second team pitches, plus the training area, with these robots.

Currently the grounds team consists of several helpers that include the club’s chairman Neil Thomas and first team hooker, James Hudson.

James recently had the opportunity to visit the hallowed turf of the Allianz Stadium Twickenham, where he met head groundsman Jim Buttar and other Rugby Connect volunteers who won the opportunity to go to the stadium as part of the Volunteer Of The Year award. 

Neil stated that he had nominated James for the award for his dedication to the club as a player and more recently for helping with the maintenance of the pitches. It all came about after he got injured and has been out of the game for twelve months. To help his rehabilitation Neil thought it would be good for James to get involved with looking after the pitches. 

James helps utilise a robotic line marker, that has been a game changer at the club, and regularly mows the pitches with the Trimax mower. He also uses the recently acquired Quadraplay to help prep the pitches. 

During his visit to Twickenham, he had the chance to mow the hallowed turf using one of the Dennis electric rotary mowers and got to meet several likeminded volunteers.  

James, twenty-six, has recently been taken on as a grounds maintenance operative for a local sports turf contractor, Nobridge Nurseries based in Shropshire. He says he hopes to continue his volunteering role at the club along with playing for the first team. 

Neil understands the club needs to invest further in their pitches and realises they need to produce a 10-year management plan to clearly define and recognise the work and costs required to invest in their playing facilities to encourage the next generation of players to the club in the coming years.  

Visitor registration for GroundsFest 2026 is now officially open, as the trade show announces new transport options for visitors.

To accommodate the increasing number of visitors attending the event each year, organisers have confirmed free coach transfers will be available between Leamington Spa train station and Stoneleigh Park across both days of the show. Coaches will run regularly throughout the event.

Event director, Christopher Bassett, said, “GroundsFest has always been about creating an event that the industry genuinely wants to attend, and a huge part of that is giving visitors the chance to get hands-on with equipment and experience products properly. That’s exactly what GroundsFest delivers. The show offers a completely different experience to a traditional exhibition.

“Every year we continue to see more and more visitors attending the event, which is why we’re pleased to be offering free coach transfers from Leamington Spa station to make travelling to the show even easier."

Taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 16 and 17 September 2026, GroundsFest promises that it will feature its biggest exhibitor line-up to date, with expanded stands and a wide range of new machinery, live demonstrations and hands-on experiences across the grounds management, landscaping and amenity sectors. New for this year will be a dedicated Landscape Zone, delivered in partnership with British Association of Landscape Industries, while popular attractions including the lawn mower racing, sponsored by Kramp UK, and Machinery Nation Live will also return. The event’s live music festival will once again provide after-hours entertainment, networking opportunities and street food for exhibitors and visitors.

Kress UK has appointed Stuart Wharam as its new commercial business manager for the North, which they say strengthens their commitment to the golf and sports turf sectors across the region.

With around 15 years of industry experience, Stuart brings extensive knowledge of the professional groundscare and machinery market to the role. He began his career at a machinery dealership in East Yorkshire before spending eight and a half years with STIHL, prior to joining Kress UK.

In his new role, Stuart will focus on supporting golf courses, sports venues and commercial customers throughout a large territory stretching from Lincolnshire across North Wales, throughout the North of England and the entirety of Scotland. Working closely with Kress dealers, he will help introduce customers to the company’s growing range of battery-powered and robotic equipment.

Speaking about his decision to join Kress, Stuart said the brand’s technology and innovation were major factors. “The robotics and the technology from Kress are ridiculously good,” he said. “They are really pushing the boundaries when it comes to robotic mowing and battery technology. That’s what drew me to Kress.”

Stuart also believes Kress stands out because of its long-term commitment to battery power.

“From day one they’ve been battery-focused,” he explained. “Everything is moving towards battery technology, and Kress is already there.”

As part of his role, Stuart will work closely with both dealers and end users, particularly within the golf and sports sectors.

“My role is all about introducing customers to Kress and helping them understand the benefits of the technology,” he said. “At the same time, I’ll be working alongside the dealer network across the region.”

John Deere has been named as one of the UK’s top 15 employers of armed forces leavers.

The company says the achievement reflects the success of its Military Hiring Programme, which continues to offer veterans careers as technicians in professional turfcare and agriculture. 
 
The Great British Employers of Veterans programme benchmarks organisations to set a national standard for employing former servicemen and women.
 
John Deere made the top 50 last year but has risen further up the ranks in the 2026 list, recently released. The company’s final placing will be announced in June at the ninth annual British Forces in Business Awards. 
 
“We are passionate about finding a way to give back to those who have served our country,” said Allan Cochran, John Deere branch training manager for the UK and Ireland.
 
"The skills and the mindset of those leaving the forces are perfectly suited to the roles being offered by our dealerships, and those who have resettled into the John Deere family have cited many similarities in a working environment that's built around team effort and camaraderie. 
 
"We're honoured to be recognised in this way and thrilled to be shortlisted in the Top 15. It will further fuel our passion for offering service veterans a next step in their careers across the agricultural and professional turfcare sectors." 
 
In addition to John Deere, four dealerships have signed the Armed Forces Covenant in support of service leavers pursuing careers in the agriculture and turf industries.
 
Hunt Forest Group, Ripon Farm Services, Ben Burgess and Tallis Amos Group have all pledged to ensure that those who serve, or have served, in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly and should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services.
 
Each year, more than 15,000 individuals leave the British Armed Forces. Highly trained, values-driven and mission-focused, they represent one of the most capable and under-utilised talent pools in the labour market. 

Overton (UK) have announced that they have taken over the DR Power spare parts distribution from AL-KO Gardentech UK.

To ensure continuity of spare parts supply Overton say they will be the new primary contact for all DR Power spare parts.

Director Guy Overton said, "Overton would like to thank Stewart Anderson and his team for their help and support during the transition. Please contact us on 01522 690011 or email: sales@overtonukltd.com for all spare part enquiries."

THE REAL MEANING OF PARKS - 18th May 2026

WHERE WILL WE FIND THE NEXT GENERATION OF PARKS PROFESSIONALS? - 5th May 2026

HANDS-ON WITH THE LATEST IN ROBOTIC MOWING - 27th April 2026

SMALL TEAM, BIG STANDARDS - 20th April 2026

CONSERVATION TO INNOVATION - 13th April 2026

SPRING INTO ACTION - 30th March 2026

FROM CURIOSITY TO CORE TOOLS - 23rd March 2026

CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE TURF - 16th March 2026

SPRING AWAKENING - 9th March 2026

CULTIVATING CAREERS - 2nd March 2026

SPRING ON THE HORIZON - 23rd Feb 2026

DEALING WITH SATURATION - 16th Feb 2026

OUR INDUSTRY NEEDS THE SPOTLIGHT - 9th Feb 2026

PLANNING, PATIENCE & PREPARATION - 2nd Feb 2026

TRENCHERS TO TECH - 26th Jan 2026

FROM SNOW TO SHOW: 19th Jan 2026

TECH, TENACITY & TURF: 12th Jan 2026

PARKS ARE FACING A TOUGH YEAR AHEAD: 5th Jan 2026

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View all of 2018's blogs here

GROUNDCARE'S EVOLVING LANDSCAPE
Machinery options refined

PREPARATIONS REQUIRED AHEAD OF THE FIRST GAME
Cricket season is almost upon us

A COMMUNITY FACILITY POWERED BY VOLUNTEERS
Modern multi-pitch rugby venue

WE COULD ACHIEVE SO MUCH MORE WORKING TOGETHER
Says Brain Sandalls senior groundsman at Sussex Cricket Limited

WAGES SHOULD REFLECT THOSE OF OTHER TRADES
Says Durham CCC's Vic Demain

GOLFERS' EXPECTATIONS ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGE
Says Damian Wormald of Silkstone Golf Club

DROP IN TO LORD'S
Steaming at the Home of Cricket

AUTOMATION CHANGES THE MODEL COMPLETELY
Says David Withers, retired md of Iseki UK & Ireland

WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH EXTREMES IN WEATHER
Says Ian Smith of St Alban's School

GREATER RECOGNITION OF THE INDUSTRY'S IMPORTANCE IS REQUIRED
Says chairman of The Amenity Forum

THE MOST CHALLENGING ISSUE IS RECRUITMENT
Jim Buttar offers his thoughts

A UNIFIED GROUP WOULD BE INCREDIBLY POWERFUL
Gary Barwell of Edgbaston offers his thoughts

REFLECTING ON THE SAD DECLINE OF SPORTS IN SCHOOLS

The root cause

A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT

Incredible Equip show last week

ONE OF THE GREATS

Sad passing of Stephen Bernhard

NEW STRATEGY

BASIS commits to amenity sector

RECRUITMENT & CAREER PROGRESSION IN GROUNDS MANAGEMENT
How the GMA is tackling the key issues

ON TEST
Segway Navimow

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE IN THE SUPPLY OF FERTILISERS

To the amenity sector

50 YEARS OF GOLF STEWARDSHIP
Part four

REFLECTIONS ON A CAREER
A lifetime of dedication

CREATING AN INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PLAN
Key steps

50 YEARS OF GOLF STEWARDSHIP
Part three

50 YEARS OF GOLF STEWARDSHIP
Part two

50 YEARS OF GOLF STEWARDSHIP
Part one

DEMONSTRATING AND APPLYING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
Reviewing the tools available

CRICKET MANAGEMENT THROUGH THE DECADES
Part two

CRICKET MANAGEMENT THROUGH THE DECADES
Part one

A LOOK AT THE OPTIONS
When implementing an integrated approach

50 YEARS OF FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT
Part two

50 YEARS OF FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT
Part one

57 YEARS & COUNTING!
My life in the industry

DEMONSTRATING AND APPLYING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
New series of articles for 2025

IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE
Examples from across the year

VINTAGE PUSH MOWER USE
Enthusiast maintains lawn the old fashioned way

SUSTAINABLE AMENITY MANAGEMENT
Principles and practises

PLACING URBAN GREEN SPACES AT THE HEART OF INFRASTRUCTURE
Midlands Parks Forum's annual conference

RAISING THE VOICE
At the Amenity Forum's annual conference

SUSTAINABLE PARKS
Parks For London case study

WHY GRASSROOTS RUGBY IS IN DECLINE
A steady drop off in participation.

SEEDS OF SUSTAINABILITY
Focus on a major supplier of grass seed and related products to the amenity sector

ON TEST
STIHL BGA 300 cordless leaf backpack blower

ON TEST
EGO Multi-tool

PUT THEM ON THE TOOLS!
Time for an attitude change

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE TRAINING SECTOR
Grasping the challenge of encouraging more sustainable practice

SUSTAINABILITY IN LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Lessons learnt and experiences

SKILL SETS NEED RECOGNITION
Turf professionals are underappreciated

GREATER RESPECT FOR GROUNDS STAFF MIGHT MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
To the recruitment crisis

A COMPETITIVE SALARY
Why employers should advertise the salary when recruiting new staff

ON TEST
Makita XGT UV001G lawn scarifier

AN EXAMPLE OF SUSTAINABILITY IN MACHINERY SUPPLY
Focus on Kubota

MY PERSONAL GREENKEEPING PHILOSOPHY HAS NEVER CHANGED
I don't follow any set program

SUSTAINABILITY IN LANDSCAPING
A substantial element of amenity activity

IS IT TIME TO SAY NO TO 'NO MOW MAY'?
Any real benefits?

SUSTAINABILITY IN OUR PARKS & PUBLIC GREEN SPACES
Meeting the challenge

THE PATH TO WIMBLEDON
For groundstaff member, Conrad Cavil

ON TEST
EGO LBP8000E backpack blower

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE LAWN CARE SECTOR
A key consideration

BEEKEEPING IN COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENTS
The current situation

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE IN THE AMENITY SUPPLY SECTOR
Optimising land use through integrated solutions

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE GOLF SECTOR
Focus on BIGGA

THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE
Bringing together key points

DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR GOLF
R&A are supporting clubs

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF EVERY POUND OF BUDGET
A course manager's view

A NEWFOUND APPRECIATION FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS
Who look after grassroots pitches

SUSTAINABILITY & THE UK ACTION PLAN
For weed, pest and disease management

CONCERN FOR PARKS FOLLOWING COUNCIL BANKRUPTCIES
What does the future hold?

TAKING A GLOBAL LOOK AT SUSTAINABILITY
Is the rest of the world also driving towards sustainable practice?

RENOVATIONS, PLAY AND THANKS
On my mind this week

SUSTAINABILITY – IMPLICATIONS FOR TRAINING & EDUCATION
Set to play a crucial role going forward

TULIP TREE
Liriodendron tulipifera

LYDIA BROOM
Genista lydia

THE LAWN AND ITS VALUE
Changing attitudes

GIANT HOGWEED
Invasive and potentially harmful

LIFE-CYCLE ANALYSIS & SUSTAINABILITY
Considering every stage of the journey

NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY
The most important nutrient

BERBERIS THUNBERGII
A shrub that has stood the test of time

ENSURING FUTURE PROSPERITY
Advice imparted at road shows

INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY
A key focus

PHOTINA RED ROBIN
A sensational flowering shrub

VALUING THE GRASSROOTS
We must not overlook those who maintain these grounds

MANAGING WEEDS SUSTAINABLY
In amenity spaces

DETECTING NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
In turf plants

SPRING RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY
A crucial period

SUSTAINABILITY IN SUPPLY
A focus on those who supply essential inputs to our sector

CHANGING CLIMATE
Is a borehole the key for clubs?

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?