To begin this new year, I have been reflecting on another challenging twelve months we all faced as turf professionals during 2025. I would argue that it was once again the extreme weather fronts that posed the most difficult times throughout the year.

Summer 2025 became the warmest on record in the UK, with a mean temperature of about 16.10 °C — beating the previous record from 2018. This extended warmth was driven by persistent high-pressure systems and unusually warm seas surrounding the UK.

The heat was not limited to isolated spikes but was consistently above average temperatures throughout June, July and August, including multiple heatwaves.

Several distinct heatwaves occurred across late June, July and August, with temperatures exceeding 30 °C for extended periods in many areas.

This spell of dry hot weather impacted on soil moisture stress and water demands, which posed major challenges for turf irrigation and hydration and management of playing surfaces.

While summer was predominantly warm and dry, weather was highly variable regionally, with parts of northern Scotland seeing much wetter conditions and named storm systems like Storm Floris bringing heavy rain and strong winds

There were records of heavy rainfall spells and flooding in some regions - especially Northern Ireland and parts of northern England in July 2025 - which contrasted sharply with dry spells

In mid-November, the UK experienced a cold wave with low temperatures and some snow, particularly across Scotland and other northern areas.

Towards late December (Christmas period) there were cold, windy conditions with strong gusts (up to 55–65 mph).

In short, 2025 presented a wide mix of extremes - from record warmth and drought stress to regional flooding and cold waves - highlighting the increasingly variable and challenging weather patterns that UK turf professionals must manage. The season’s variability reinforced the importance of flexible irrigation strategies, robust drainage, and adaptive maintenance plans.

2026 will no doubt be another challenging year for us all.

State of play

I feel I must also reflect on the significant innovations and management practices we have all embraced over the last 25 years.

For me there have been several innovations that have changed and helped our role of grounds practitioners in becoming more respected for the work we do.

Hybrid grass systems that combine natural grass with synthetic fibres to deliver far greater durability, resilience, and playability than pure grass. I would say these have arguably been the biggest shift in high-level sport turf in the UK.

Hybrid systems like SIS Grass Hybrid have now introduced their reinforced fibres into a range of playing surfaces that include football, rugby, cricket and golf tees, delivering improved surface stability, more playing hours and faster recovery compared to traditional grass.

They are now widely used at professional clubs, including many Premier League venues. Hybrid installations have surged year-on-year, showing adoption from elite clubs down through Football League and non-league levels.

We have also seen vast improvements in Advanced Synthetic Turf surfaces (3G/4G/AGP). 3G (third-generation) synthetic turf has become the standard for community and competitive surfaces - offering consistent performance and higher durability than older sand-filled systems. 

Enhanced fibre technology and infills (including moves toward organic alternatives to rubber crumb in response to regulation and sustainability concerns) are shaping future AGP performance and maintenance.

These surfaces deliver all-weather playability and low maintenance at community level, while meeting governing body standards and inputs from player feedback on performance.

One of the other biggest shifts has been in in the understanding of soil science and how to utilise data to improve maintenance schedules, inputs of products and services. Technologies that now supports pitch management go far beyond traditional groundsmanship skills.

We also now have a plethora of tools, machinery and gadgets at our disposal to monitor and maintain pitch performance. These include the likes of soil moisture probes, clegg hammers, drone digital mapping, measuring soil nutrient status and robotic technologies.

We also enjoy superior and accurate irrigation systems, weather stations and software management systems to help manage work schedules.

Not forgetting the ongoing improvements to pitch construction, drainage and efficient end of season renovation techniques.

These are all coupled with the much-improved mowing, aeration, spraying and cassette systems along with the ever-efficient lighting rigs that have help promote much needed grass growth in the winter months. Along with modern fertilisers, wetting agents and growth regulators, they have all contributed greatly to the quality of natural grass and artificial playing surfaces in the UK.

Battery powered tools and machinery is also now a reality. It will be interesting to see how much further battery technology improves and develops over the next 25 years along with other innovative ways of maintaining natural grass pitches.

However, for me one of the most important issues is the future status of grounds professionals. At a time when we are paying top sports professionals huge weekly salaries, is it not time these clubs finally recognised the special skill set and dedication of our turf professionals – and, crucially, begin paying the appropriate salaries that reflect the skills and unsociable hours they work to produce playable pitches 365 days a year.

The GMA are soon to be celebrating 92 years of providing a membership for grounds personnel. Let’s hope in the coming years we see a more collaborative way of enticing the next generation of grounds professionals, who might finally be paid an appropriate wage for their endeavours.

To tie in with my thoughts here, I’ve asked several high profile turf professionals for their opinions on where we are as an industry right now. I will be publishing their answers over the next several weeks in our State Of Play interview series -  starting today with Gary Barwell of Edgbaston CCC.

GroundTech has announced its appointment as the first UK distributor for the Drop-Pit Ball Management System, developed by VDB Technics.

Specifically developed to work in conjunction with robotic range pickers, GroundTech say they can now provide a fully automated solution for collecting, washing, transporting and dispensing range balls.

The company says that using the Drop-Pit with an autonomous collector such as the Echo Range Picker eliminates the need for manual collection, ball washing, transportation and dispenser loading. 

With a capacity of 300 balls per cycle and 20,000 balls in a 24 hour period, the Echo RP-1250 will transfer the load into the Drop-Pit where they’re automatically washed and counted via the electronic control unit. A vacuum system then transports the clean golf balls to the dispenser ready for play. This vacuum-transport design keeps the line clear, resulting in less clogging than alternative automated systems. 

“Our decision to partner with VDB Technics is not only based on the system’s performance, but for its practicality,” explained GroundTech director Marcus Glover. “Thanks to its modular underground wash zone, compact drop box and long-distance vacuum transport capability it is easier to install than comparative systems and seamlessly integrates with existing driving-range equipment."

The R&A’s Sustainable Golf experts will be present at BTME in Harrogate next week, with the introduction of The R&A Clubhouse - described as a dedicated space designed to support learning, discussion and professional development throughout the show.

Located alongside The R&A’s stand in Hall 4, The R&A Clubhouse will complement the existing exhibition presence by providing an environment for structured talks, informal conversations and shared learning opportunities.

Led by R&A professionals and industry specialists, they say the Clubhouse programme will run across the three days of the trade exhibition, offering practical insight, experience-led discussion and discussions on the key challenges facing modern golf course management.

As in previous years, The R&A will be represented by a broad team drawn from across the organisation, including Sustainable Agronomy, Championship Agronomy, Golf Course 2030 Research and Education programmes. Specialists attending from Great Britain and Ireland, Europe and Asia-Pacific will be available throughout the week to engage with industry professionals, share experience and contribute to conversations around sustainable, performance-led course management across different environments and regions.

Richard Windows, assistant director - Sustainable Agronomy Services at The R&A, said, “BTME provides an invaluable opportunity to bring the industry together and encourage open discussion around the issues that matter most to golf courses. The R&A Clubhouse has been designed to facilitate meaningful learning, with contributions from our own specialists and wider industry experts, allowing attendees to gain insight that is both relevant and practical.”

Kubota (UK) Ltd has announced an extension to George Browns Ltd operating area at its Dunmow, Essex depot, for their agricultural and ground care portfolio.

Effective as of 1st January 2026, the additional area sees Brown’s coverage extend to the east, taking in Colchester and beyond, reaching the coast at Harwich before sweeping south to Maldon.

“The extension of George Browns area in Essex provides comprehensive coverage for customers throughout these areas,” said Henry Bredin, general manager of Kubota (UK)’s agricultural and ground care machinery business.

“Creating this larger area for George Browns will provide on-going support to existing customers operating in these areas, in addition to delivering sales, service and aftercare for Kubota’s agricultural and ground care portfolio.”

To further enhance its operations, George Browns has been through a period of consolidation to protect the future of its business, part of which has enabled remote working, team well-being and enhanced communication - all of which has a focus on delivering first class customer care.

“We have invested heavily in service and support, putting a greater emphasis on field-based operations that can better look after new and existing customers across this additional area,” said Steve Brown, managing director of George Browns. “From our four depots, we are now operating with 25 technicians, four apprentices and over 20 fully-equipped service vans.

“It is our goal to increase the support for the entire area we operate in, with dedicated sales and service personnel, along with manufacturer-backed knowledge for the Kubota portfolio that we currently sell,” he said.

Merlo UK has announced significant changes to its agricultural dealer network, strengthening their presence across large parts of the east, southeast and midlands. 

The company says this strategic development ensures enhanced customer support, improved aftersales service, and greater accessibility to their telehandler range. All new appointments will officially commence on 1st February 2026, and visitors can meet the expanded dealer team on the Merlo stand at the LAMMA Show next week.

Farmstar Ltd joins network

Sam Davies, managing director, Farmstar and Craig Footman, regional sales manager, Merlo UK

Following productive discussions, Merlo UK has confirmed the appointment of Farmstar Ltd, operating from three depots in Marr (South Yorkshire), Brigg (North Lincolnshire), and Market Weighton (East Yorkshire). Farmstar serves one of the UK’s most productive farming regions, encompassing large arable areas alongside livestock and root crop operations.

Formerly representing another telehandler brand for over 20 years, the dealership says they have embraced the opportunities Merlo offers and is eager to introduce the brand to its customers. 

Turney Group expands representation

Dan Coates, operations manager; Phil Bush, managing director; Peter McFerran, aftersales Manager, Turney Group and Craig Parkes, regional sales manager, Merlo UK

Earlier in 2025, Merlo UK appointed Turney Group to represent them from its new depot in Bredon, Gloucestershire. Building on this successful partnership, Turney Group will now extend representation to its other two depots at Princes Risborough (Buckinghamshire) and Middleton Stoney (Oxfordshire).

This expansion reinforces Turney’s commitment to delivering premium machinery backed by exceptional service.

Ernest Doe adds Merlo agricultural franchise

Graham Parker, sales director Ernest Doe and Owen Buttle, national sales manager, Merlo UK

Just five months after taking on Merlo’s construction franchise, with a strong network across 19 depots in East Anglia, South Lincolnshire, and South-East England, Ernest Doe brings decades of experience and a reputation for quality and customer care. Adding Merlo telehandlers to its agricultural line-up reflects Ernest Doe’s recognition of growing demand for high-performance handling solutions.

Owen Buttle, national sales manager at Merlo UK, said, “These appointments represent an exciting step forward for Merlo UK. By partnering with respected, customer-focused dealers like Farmstar, Turney Group, and Ernest Doe, we are ensuring farmers across key regions have access to Merlo’s innovative telehandlers and outstanding aftersales support.”

PARKS ARE FACING A TOUGH YEAR AHEAD

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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?