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EDITOR'S BLOG

WATER THE RESTRICTIONS?
Considerations for sports clubs
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

Grassroots sports clubs should familiarise themselves with the local rules that apply, during a period where Temporary Use Bans are being enforced around the country.

NEWS

TGA CALLS FOR CONSISTENT 28-DAY EXEMPTION
For newly laid turf during water restrictions

In our next WEB ONLY story the Association is calling on all water companies to apply a clear and consistent exemption allowing newly laid turf to be watered for at least 28 days during Temporary Use Bans.

BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP VOLUNTEER SUPPORT TEAM NAMED
By BIGGA

19 greenkeepers who will join the course preparation team at Wentworth for this year's BMW PGA Championship have been revealed.

BIGGA has named the 19 greenkeepers who will join the course preparation team at Wentworth for this year's BMW PGA Championship.

Selected from clubs across the country, the volunteers will work alongside Wentworth's home team during championship week in September, helping prepare the West Course for one of the DP World Tour's flagship events.

The group includes apprentices, assistants, deputies, head greenkeepers and course managers, who will gain first-hand experience of the precision, teamwork and intensity required to prepare a course for one of European golf's biggest stages.

Wentworth is among the most prestigious names in world golf, recognised globally for its championship heritage, the Harry Colt-designed West Course and its long-standing role as the home of the BMW PGA Championship.

The programme enables BIGGA members to broaden their professional experience, build relationships with greenkeepers from other venues and learn from the preparation of a globally recognised championship course.

The volunteers will become fully immersed in the Wentworth operation during the build-up to the tournament, contributing to the demanding programme of work required to deliver outstanding playing surfaces throughout championship week.

The 2026 BMW PGA Volunteer Support Team

Andrew Armstrong, assistant greenkeeper, Burnham Beeches
Daniel Bell, assistant greenkeeper, The Grove
Joseph Bound, deputy course manager, Royal Winchester
Cameron Braes, greenkeeper, Sheringham
Ian Briggs, assistant greenkeeper, Woodhall Spa
Max Campbell, assistant greenkeeper, Dundonald Links
Tim Fewster, deputy course manager, Cowdray
Josh Greenley, apprentice greenkeeper, The Gog Magog
Andrew Harding, course manager, Boyce Hill
Sam Hughes, spray technician, Ganton
Stephen Jack, head greenkeeper, Pitreavie
James Kenyon, assistant greenkeeper, Orsett
Shay McQueen, assistant greenkeeper, Romford
Dan Robson, head greenkeeper, Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf
Jokubas Shkeir, assistant greenkeeper, Royal Wimbledon
Joseph Tindall, assistant greenkeeper, Tyrrells Wood
Samuel Trusler, assistant greenkeeper, Thorndon Park
George Watton, deputy head greenkeeper, Ludlow
Matt Yates, course manager, Llantrisant and Pontyclun

INDUSTRY AWARDS ANNOUNCE RETURN
Set for Emirates Old Trafford

Organisers say the awards celebrate the individuals and teams whose dedication and expertise help make sport possible at every level.

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has announced that its flagship celebration of the grounds management industry, the GMA Industry Awards, will return on Thursday 11 March 2027 at Emirates Old Trafford, the home of Lancashire Cricket.

The Association describe the awards as a celebration of the individuals and teams whose dedication and expertise help make sport possible at every level. They say guests will enjoy a prestigious awards presentation, a three-course dinner, evening entertainment and the opportunity to celebrate with colleagues and peers from across the industry. The event brings together grounds professionals, volunteers, suppliers, governing bodies and industry partners from across the UK to celebrate the vital role they play in sport.

The GMA also stress that the awards continue to be supported through the reinvestment of proceeds from SALTEX, helping ensure the industry can recognise and reward the people whose work underpins safe, playable and high-quality sports surfaces.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA said, "The GMA Industry Awards are about recognising the people behind the scenes who play such a crucial role in the success of sport. Whether they're maintaining a local grassroots pitch or preparing surfaces for elite competition, their expertise deserves to be celebrated.

"Emirates Old Trafford provides a fantastic setting for what promises to be another special evening. We look forward to bringing the industry together once again to recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams from across the sector."

Details of the 2027 award categories, nominations and entry process will be announced in due course.

MILWAUKEE REPORT SAYS PETROL POWERED EQUIPMENT PUTTING PEOPLE AT RISK
Electric manufacturer publishes white paper

Petrol-powered OPE is a significant and largely unaddressed source of air pollution, noise and worker harm across Europe, according to new research published by Milwaukee.

Petrol-powered outdoor power equipment (OPE) is a significant and largely unaddressed source of air pollution, noise and worker harm across Europe, according to new research published by Milwaukee.

The manufacturer of cordless machinery has published the 'Room to Breathe' whitepaper, developed through a survey of more than 2,000 professional users across EMEA, which they say "presents a compelling case for the industry to move decisively towards battery-powered alternatives."

The findings reveal that while adoption of cordless technology is growing, the pace of transition remains slow. Just 13% of professionals currently operate a fully cordless fleet, despite 93% already using battery-powered tools in some capacity. The manufacturer is calling on professionals, businesses and policymakers to accelerate this shift now.

In the whitepaper, Milwaukee argues that the environmental and health impacts of petrol-powered outdoor power equipment extend beyond carbon emissions. It cites research suggesting that two-stroke engines produce significantly higher levels of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter than modern road vehicles, while also highlighting concerns over prolonged operator exposure to emissions and noise.

The report also makes the case that battery-powered alternatives can reduce operating costs over time, with lower running and maintenance expenses offsetting the higher initial purchase price. Based on research commissioned by Milwaukee, it says three-quarters of professional users rate their experience with cordless equipment as good or excellent, while 72% would like to move away from petrol-powered tools altogether.

The company acknowledges that purchase cost, runtime and performance remain the biggest barriers to wider battery adoption. It argues, however, that continuing advances in battery technology are narrowing the gap, particularly for professional users, and suggests that businesses which begin transitioning ahead of any future emissions regulations could be better placed as legislation evolves.

You can download the full whitepaper here.

GREEN FLAG AWARD WINNERS REVEALED
2,391 parks & green spaces reach the standard

Organisers say the winners show what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed.

Green spaces across the UK are celebrating achieving the international quality standard for parks, with 2,391 parks and green spaces reaching the high standards required to receive a coveted Green Flag Award - during the 30th anniversary of the scheme.

Among this year’s winners are Sponden Sensory Garden in the East Midlands and Hillsborough Walled Garden, which Green Flag say demonstrates the positive impact that sustained investment and high standards can have on communities across the country.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said, “Today’s Green Flag Award winners show what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces that are safe, welcoming and maintained to the highest standards.”

To mark this milestone 30th anniversary year and generate vital media awareness around the true value of these spaces, Green Flag Award has also released new research highlighting a widening 'Green Divide' in Britain, already getting picked up on BBC Breakfast recently.

Paul added, "We are using this national conversation to help everyone recognise just how essential these green assets are to our collective wellbeing and quality of life."

Find the complete list of winners here.

MAJOR DEPLOYMENT
Of robotic mowers

Mitie describes the team-up with manufacturer as one of the UK's largest autonomous mowing investments within the facilities management and landscaping sector.

Mitie has partnered with Kress to deploy 24 of their autonomous Voyager robotic mowers across customer sites in what the companies describe as one of the UK's largest autonomous mowing investments within the facilities management and landscaping sector.

The rollout will see the autonomous battery-powered machines undertake routine grass cutting while being overseen by Mitie landscaping teams. Colleagues are being trained as 'Robot Pilots', using digital tools to programme the mowers, map sites, monitor performance and manage operations.

According to the companies, the units use AI and positioning technology to navigate sites autonomously. They also highlight the machines' ability to support grass cycling, with frequent mowing returning fine grass clippings to the soil to help improve soil health and reduce the need for fertilisers.

The deployment forms part of Mitie's wider robotics programme, which already includes autonomous cleaning robots operating at Heathrow Airport.

Tim Howell, managing director of landscaping at Mitie, said the partnership would enable the business to introduce autonomous technology while creating new digital skills for colleagues and allowing landscaping teams to focus on higher-value tasks.

Spencer Funnell, managing director of Kress, said the collaboration demonstrated how autonomous mowing technology could work alongside professional landscaping teams to deliver more efficient and sustainable grounds maintenance.

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