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EDITOR'S BLOG

THE REAL MEANING OF PARKS
Our priceless assets
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

For too many years now parks' maintenance budgets have been vastly eroded, with some local authorities now failing to provide the facilities that made them such valuable assets in the first place.

Recently, I was fortunate to visit The Quarry situated in the heart of Shrewsbury and nestled within the loop of the River Severn. Quarry Park is the town’s principal recreational space and one of its most cherished green areas. Covering 29 acres, the Quarry has been welcoming residents and visitors alike since 1719 and remains open to the public 24 hours a day, throughout the year, including most public holidays.

Maintained to exceptionally high standards and befitting such a prominent location, the Quarry offers a unique blend of heritage, horticulture and leisure facilities. Tree-lined walks, open amenity grassland and beautifully tended gardens create a setting that is both peaceful and vibrant, whatever the season. A wonderful green space that offers so much to the community users of the park.

It was so nice to see many people enjoying the facilities. The play areas were filled with children playing on the equipment, games of football, rounders and other grass sports were all being enjoyed on the open grass areas. Plus there well over 150 people sitting around the old Victorian bandstand, being entertained by the Wellinton Town brass band. One of many who have been booked to play on the Bandstand in the park throughout the summer season.

I always enjoy coming to the park, especially to see the renowned spring and summer bedding displays that Shrewsbury Town Council provide.
Unfortunately, the spring show of flowers were virtually over, with many spring flowering daffodils and tulips gone over. However, the council will be replanting the flower beds in early June with an array of summer bedding plants.

As a Green Flag judge it is refreshing to see a park that still maintains such high horticultural standards and tries to retain the skills and knowledge to provide such a spectacular display and well-kept park.

I have written numerous articles on the value of parks, including recently -

All of these paint a picture of the importance and value of a public open green space. Just seeing all these people enjoying the values of the Quarry Park puts into perspective the real meaning of parks. They are essentially priceless, but for too many years now their maintenance budgets have been vastly eroded. Many local authorities now fail to provide the facilities that made them such valuable assets in the first place, such as spring and summer bedding displays, bowling greens, toilets, play areas, tennis courts, cafes, and events.

Fields in Trust have written a report that reveals the true value of parks, that is well worth a read.

Also Drew Bennellick, head of Land and Nature Policy at the National Lottery Heritage Fund has written a piece entitled “Why should we invest in parks?” for the Parks Management Association that clearly advocates the value of parks open spaces.

Examining 26 years of National Lottery investment in the UK’s parks and green spaces Drew argues that maintaining parks is about far more than mowing grass and emptying bins. With more than £1 billion invested in regenerating over 900 parks, the findings highlight how these spaces support physical health, mental wellbeing and community life - particularly since Covid-19 increased public reliance on local green spaces. Crucially, the report says the greatest benefits come when investment also supports community facilities, engagement and inclusive access, rather than focusing solely on physical improvements. I encourage you to have a read in full.

For me personally, maybe it is time for the general public began to start champion these great assets and change the government’s thinking, finally bringing about change to provide the essential maintenance these public parks deserve.

My weekend outing to the Quarry in Shrewsbury certainly allowed me to see the joy these public parks bring to their local communities.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICER APPOINTED
By the Amenity Forum

The Forum says the appointment comes at an important time as the sector continues to respond to evolving regulatory, environmental and operational challenges.

The Amenity Forum has announced the appointment of Corrina Urquhart as its new executive officer.

The Forum say the appointment comes at an important time as the sector continues to respond to evolving regulatory, environmental and operational challenges. In her new fractional role, Corrina will help grow the Forum’s membership and influence, translating its expertise into clear policy positions, stronger industry engagement and increased sector impact.

Corrina has held senior roles with organisations including BASIS Registration Ltd, where she most recently served as chief executive. With almost 20 years’ experience across membership, education and research organisations, she has a strong track record in influencing policy discussions and supporting professional standards across the land-based and environmental sectors.

Ian Graham, chair of the Amenity Forum, said, “We are delighted to welcome Corrina to the Amenity Forum. She brings the experience and leadership we need as we continue to evolve and strengthen the Forum’s voice, profile and impact across the sector."

Commenting on her appointment, Corrina added, “I am excited to join the Amenity Forum as it has a strong reputation for bringing together organisations and individuals committed to promoting best practice, professionalism and responsible management within the amenity sector.

"I look forward to working with members, partners and stakeholders to build on that strong foundation, strengthen engagement and help ensure the sector’s voice is clearly heard in policy and industry discussions.”

ACQUISTION COMPLETED
Of fellow dealership

As part of the acquisition, three depots have joined the group with customers across the three sites continuing to be served by the same local teams.

Hamilton Ross Group has completed the acquisition of Ancroft Tractors Limited, with the deal finalised on Friday 1st May.

Hamilton Ross Group’s managing director, Jamie Gardiner, and Ancroft Tractors’ Tom Brown, who will be joining HRG’s senior team

As part of the acquisition, the Berwick-upon-Tweed, Macmerry and Kelso depots have now joined Hamilton Ross Group, extending the group’s presence across the Borders, Lothians and Northumberland.

Customers across the three sites will continue to be served by the same local teams, with all staff transferring across as part of the agreement. Day-to-day operations remain unchanged, with customers still able to access parts, service and sales support in the same locations as before.

Hamilton Ross confirmed the Fendt and Valtra franchises continue as normal and there is no disruption to existing orders, warranty work or service arrangements, with the Fendt franchise now also available at their Lanark depot for all sales, parts and service requirements, expanding their Fendt area offering.

Hamilton Ross Group now has nine locations across Scotland and Northern England including Bishopton, Tarbolton, Campbeltown, Lanark, Perth and Cupar, alongside the newly added Ancroft depots.

The addition of the Ancroft depots strengthens the group’s service, parts and sales coverage in the region, creating a larger support network for customers across the agricultural and groundcare sectors.

From an operational perspective, existing orders, contracts and service agreements will continue unchanged. Depot contact details including phone numbers, email addresses and opening hours also remain the same.

MITIGATING DROUGHT STRESS
By integrating biostimulants

A research and development agronomist has suggested that prevention is better than cure when it comes to mitigating drought stress.

Kate Finlayson, research and development agronomist at Orion Future Technologies, has suggested that prevention is better than cure when it comes to mitigating drought stress.

“Conditions can change quickly, but a trend for prolonged dry spells is being seen ever more frequently. Concentrating on plant resilience is an approach that has seen some turf managers withstand such conditions better than others, especially when the focus has been on grass health,” she says.

Kate says that use of silicon based biostimulants is not new. However, further research has shown that silicon can help grass to prepare for, and withstand, abiotic stress more successfully.

“Taking measures to deal with the difficulties of drought has often been reactive and unfortunately for some, too little too late. The principle of using silicon biostimulants is that turf grasses are being made ready for the stress that drought brings. With irrigation supplies being challenged in the worst droughts and fertilisers only able to provide a modicum of soft growth, the use of silicon can help bolster turf health during dry spells,” she adds.

Opting for a biological solution is more sustainable than a reliance on purely chemical solutions and can also offer cost savings, she says. However, it is most likely to be effective in instances where it forms part of an integrated turf management system.

Silicon helps to stimulate turf grasses to grow deeper seeking roots. This enables the plant to find moisture deeper in the soil structure where it is both more available and easier to obtain.

“Minimising unnecessary disturbance, encouraging microbial activity, and gradually building organic matter all contribute to a more functional rootzone. The objective is not simply to hold water, but to create a system where water can be stored and accessed effectively,” says Kate.

Combining silicon with phosphite is one method that has seen the biostimulant Fossil become a go to for many seeking to strengthen turf and make it more resilient to drought stress. The combination supports plant structure and root function by reinforcing cell walls, improving turgor retention and sustaining root activity when moisture is hard to find.

“Efficiency of water use has become more important than simply considering volume. This is why preparing plants to deal with abiotic stresses is potentially more important than trying to find ways to keep up water application. Encouraging deeper rooting, avoiding shallow irrigation patterns, and making more informed decisions based on monitored soil moisture all contribute to better outcomes,” she adds.

Kate concludes that inevitably conditions are forcing a change of culture and that turf management will come with environmental stresses that can adversely affect the visual appearance of grass, but that there needs to be a change in mindset to overcome this.

“The opportunity now is to build systems that are designed to cope with stress, rather than look at ways to recover. Healthier soils, deeper rooting, and stronger plant physiology all play a role in that transition. There is no single solution, and no input that replaces good agronomy. But, there is a clear rationale for futureproofing and using new tools to endure perpetual problems.”

SPONSORED CONTENT

40th ANNIVERSAY OPEN DAY
Thursday 9th July 2026

Campey Turf Care Systems invite everyone to celebrate 40 years of turf care innovation on Thursday 9th July 2026, from 10:00am – 6:00pm, at their Bosley, Macclesfield, HQ.

Campey Turf Care Systems say -

Join us as we celebrate 40 years of turf care innovation on Thursday 9th July 2026, from 10:00am – 6:00pm, at Campey Turf Care Systems, The Crossroads, Buxton Road, Bosley, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 0PS.

There’s plenty to enjoy throughout the day, experience a day bursting with live demos, cutting-edge technology, new innovations, and knowledge sharing…

Live demonstrations showcasing the latest turf care machinery
Opportunities to explore cutting-edge technology and solutions
Networking with fellow turf professionals and industry experts
Refreshments available all day
BBQ served from midday
Ice creams from 2:00pm

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate with us as we mark this milestone.

We look forward to welcoming you and celebrating this special occasion together.

Best regards,

The Campey Team

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