Spring is definitely upon us, with a glorious display of spring flowers everywhere you look. Cherry blossoms, crocus, forsythia and muscari, with daffodils taking centre stage. Hedgerows are also now coming into leaf.

With soil and air temperatures into double figures, these favourable temperatures will promote some much-needed grass growth. April is a good time to carry out any relevant spring renovation work to your lawns. 

This usually sees an application of moss killer, a light scarification of the lawn in two / three directions to remove any dead moss and clean out the base of the grass plant to be able to re-populate the lawn with some new grass seed. Also, if required you could aerate the lawn and finish off with applying a granular spring  9.7.7 NPK ratio or similar fertiliser product. within a couple of weeks, you should start to see a vast improvement to the appearance of your lawn.

Green Flag update

I was also recently given notice of the start of the GreenFlag awards programme where judges like myself are given a list of parks and public open spaces to assess. Each year I, along with some 400 other experts, are enlisted to help judge over 2000 parks and public open spaces in the UK.

The Green Flag Award scheme recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

The purpose and aim of the scheme is to ensure that everybody has access to quality green and other open spaces, irrespective of where they live and ensure that these spaces are appropriately managed and meet the needs of the communities that they serve.

I have been judging parks for well over ten years now and find it rewarding to see that in light of all the government cutbacks, many local authorities are still trying to deliver decent standards of maintenance and retain the many skills required to look after these diverse public spaces. 

The Green Flag awards started in 1997, when the green space sector in the United Kingdom was in a parlous state. Decades of underfunding had left many once proud and beautiful historic city centre parks derelict, dangerous, no-go areas, and many other green spaces were neglected or barely maintained. 

Experts with a shared interest in promoting natural spaces from a range of backgrounds came together in response to this decline. The scheme was directed by a steering group made up of individuals and representatives of larger organisations, led by Mark Davis of the Pesticides Action Network UK.

Their intention was to establish agreed standards of good management, to help to justify and evaluate funding, and to bring people back into the parks.  And it worked.  As the standard became established, other green spaces began to apply for the Award, and now Green Flags fly over parks, cemeteries and crematoria, recreation grounds, canals, reservoirs, educational campuses, hospital grounds, housing estates, nature reserves and allotments. There is no limit on the size of the site; they currently range from less than one hectare to thousands of hectares.

It is important we can safeguard and promote these public open spaces especially at a time when local authorities are going through a tough budgeting period, especially as several councils have been declaring themselves bankrupt.

I believe you really cannot put a value on these precious green spaces. Let us hope councils up and down the country recognise the value of these assets and find a way of keeping them maintained to a decent standard. 

As for me, I will be rather busy over the next few weeks, trialling a number of new outdoor powered tools, kindly supplied by STIHL, EGO and Makita. I have a range of equipment supplied that I shall be putting to the test that includes back pack blowers, multi tools and a scarifyier. 

On Thursday, March 28th 2024, groundcare and agricultural machinery dealers, Collings Brothers of Abbotsley, St Neots, announced that they were ceasing trading with immediate effect.

In a letter sent to customers and in a post to their website, the owners confirmed that the dealership would continue to finish jobs that are currently being worked on but that they could not take on any new workshop tasks. Any job that had been booked in but not started, they said, they would not be able to facilitate.

The owners explained, "The current economic situation has put a lot of pressure on the business with high stocking charges, a reduction of sales due to the state of the market and together with staff shortages has made it impossible to continue."

The statement went on to confirm, ". . the company is solvent and the staff will be supported during this difficult time."

After thanking customers for their support over the years, further explanation was given to the closure, saying ". . it has been difficult since the franchise change and Covid and we have tried to fight through this difficult period against the odds but unfortunately the economic situation has just been too much for this business."

Masons Kings, a well-known, family-run agricultural and turf machinery dealership, that operates across the South West, recently marked four decades of steadfast service to the industry and to domestic customers.

John Deere visited the dealership to present an award to recognise the accomplishment of providing products and services for 40 years. The day reflected on the company’s history and the challenges they have overcome in a dynamic agricultural and turf landscape.

Established in 1984 as a John Deere dealership situated initially at Harcombe Cross Petrol Station, Chudleigh, the company has evolved and grown remarkably over the years.

In 2009, Masons merged with Kings. The company says this strategic merger not only solidified their position in the market but also marked the addition of the Exebridge depot to their expanding portfolio.  

Fast forward to 2024, and Masons Kings now has depots located in Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall. The company boasts a team of over 120 staff and a turnover of £48 million. 

The dealership attributes their success to the early adoption of technology, a commitment to quality products and services, and prioritising in keeping their team well-informed and fostering enduring relationships with new and existing customers.

Roger Prior, owner & director at Masons Kings is quoted on their website saying, “Masons Kings remain committed to their steadfast motto: “Providing Premium Support For Premium Products.” This commitment not only reflects our past achievements but serves as a guiding principle for future endeavours in serving and supporting the needs of our valued customers and the community.”

The Lawn Association has announced a new collaboration with the University of Oxford to spearhead a new venture in sustainable lawn care training. 

Lauded for their meticulously manicured lawns, the University of Oxford has sustainability at the forefront of its environmental concerns. The institution is turning to The Lawn Association to chart the future of eco-friendly lawn maintenance.

David Hedges-Gower, chairman of The Lawn Association, highlighted the critical need for a shift in mindset regarding traditional lawn care practices, saying "Most people are led down the path of sports-turf thinking, which often results in the use of grass species prone to failure, necessitating frequent over-seeding.

"This unsustainable approach not only harms the environment but also drains resources. The future lies in green and sustainable lawn care practices, which prioritise the use of appropriate grass species, doesn’t use polymer-coated fertilisers, and eliminates the need for pesticides."

The Lawn Association say this collaborative endeavour between themselves and the University of Oxford signifies a collective dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability in lawn care practices. By embracing these progressive principles, they say, both institutions stand as trailblazers in propelling the adoption of environmentally responsible measures that not only benefit the environment but also elevate the aesthetic allure and durability of green landscapes.

Pangbourne College is one of the first customers to invest in the new Toro Workman UTX 4x4 utility vehicle. 

Ian Osbon, head groundsman at Pangbourne College, with the new Workman UTX utility vehicle
 
Head groundsman Ian Osbon says the machine is an ongoing investment he’s proud to make in the grounds maintenance of the 234 acre independent school which includes hockey, rugby and cricket pitches as well as woodlands and gardens in Berkshire. 

From the moment Ian arrived in 2010, he says he was faced with projects requiring machinery muscle including levelling out the grounds and incorporating new drainage systems: “It’s been so important to get the right machinery,” he says. “I had a few machines that weren't strong enough for our needs.”

Determined not to face similar issues going forward, Ian opted for Toro’s new utility vehicle. He said, “I was instantly impressed with the machine’s strength and stamina. The electric tipper is noticeably stronger than the piston system we had in our previous utility vehicle which wasn’t strong enough for grounds maintenance."

First up on the Workman's to-do list is helping out with a wildflower meadows project, landscaping and lots of planting, explains Ian: “We have big plans for our wildflower meadows and there are beds, borders, rewilding and planting work to do too, as well as transporting tools and lugging soil."

Plus, it’s road-ready, which Ian says has been convenient for the multi-site venue: “It’s been so handy being able to tow and transport to the school a little way away.”

Also involved in the order with distributor Reesink Turfcare is Toro’s Grandmaster 4300 rotary mower, which after proving itself to Ian and his team of three over five years of leasing it, Ian has decided to buy. 

“Originally, I wanted a cylinder mower, but I knew the grounds here wouldn’t suit it, we’d risk ruining the blades, so we went down the rotary route,” he explains. “It was the right thing to do for both productivity and cost savings for maintenance and servicing.”

WATCH OUT!

THE VALUE OF SPRING RENOVATIONS

FULLY LOADED ARMOURY

THE VALUE OF TREES

WE MUST SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE

COUNCIL SERVICES IN DECLINE

INVESTING IN NATURAL GRASS PITCHES

WORRY OF WEATHER CLOSURES

BUSY & BUZZY BTME

A VERY PARTICULAR SET OF SKILLS

COPING WITH CLIMATE CHANGES

View all of 2023's blogs here

View all of 2022's blogs here

View all of 2021's blogs here

View all of 2020's blogs here

View all of 2019's blogs here

View all of 2018's blogs here

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?

In 2023, I wrote a series of monthly articles, and their key purpose was to help all readers increase their understanding of sustainability, learn from the experiences of others and help them deliver sustainable practice in their own organisations and operations. In this new series, I am taking the opportunity each month to look in more depth at individual organisations. How are they seeking to be more sustainable and, importantly, how are they seeking to advise and support members or customers?

This month we focus on the parks sector based upon discussions with two key players operating in South Derbyshire and Birmingham.

Chris Worman is parks and green spaces manager for South Derbyshire District Council. He has a wealth of experience. His responsibilities include the management of a 154 acre Forest Centre as well as over 100 acres of green space as parks or similar public areas. From the outset when meeting with him, he discusses the need for a pragmatic approach, a careful balancing of the need to be both more sustainable and achieve climate targets whilst bringing the public along with what is done and the changes it will bring.

 
South Derbyshire has declared an ecological emergency and is managing its parks pesticide free, except for the control of invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed where herbicides currently remain the only practical solution. However, living without pesticides poses some challenges in parks maintenance. More hand hoeing is needed and there must be an acceptance of levels of weediness. This needs careful explanation both to users and those in authority. There has also been more attention to the management of landscapes linked to their use. Bark is now used much more on borders in the parks to suppress weed growth and there has been increased use of green waste and recycling on site. Leaves for example are still raked but not taken off site; rather composted and re-applied to beds. 

Grass cutting and choice of plants

In terms of grass cutting, again pragmatism is the rule. Grass is left around trees and there has been much reduced mowing, especially out of the holiday seasons. This has resulted in some public comment and, again, Chris believes in dealing with these issues on a case by case basis and accepting certain areas still need close cutting to meet their use. Within the forest land and boundaries, there has been areas left to encourage wildlife and biodiversity but Chris insists that they still need managing to avoid them becoming infested with brambles and other dominant species. 

 
On planting beds, the emphasis is on herbaceous rather than the formal bedding of previous times, although some small areas are maintained in prominent areas. Within the planting, some wildflower mixes are included but again Chris emphasises the need for these to be managed. Choice of plants has also changed with emphasis on plants such as geranium which require less maintenance and watering. The emphasis is on colour and diversity.

Taking a pragmatic approach

On machinery used, there has been a move to electric battery powered for smaller machines, including leaf blowers. These also have advantages in reducing hand arm vibration to users. However for larger machines, and given the use they get, the authority has for now retained existing machines although developments in electric, lighter batteries and longer life, continue to be monitored. At the Forestry Centre, energy supply is tricky as sources such as solar or heat pumps cannot be used; the option taken has to been to source from suppliers who are 100% green.

 
A number of policy developments are resulting in planning of operations to be further reviewed. These include the authority declaring climate and ecological emergencies, an action plan for nature and recent legislation for biodiversity net gain requirements, not least set to strongly influence landscaping decisions in property developments. Chris again emphasise the need for pragmatism of approach and integrated planning. There can be no one solution to suit all situations. If sustainable practice is to be successful, there is a need to bring all sides with you.

Parks in Birmingham

Over in Birmingham, Mike Hinton is district parks manager for Hall Green, Yardley and Hodge Hill. As readers will know, the Birmingham Authority has immense financial pressures and it is important that, whilst parks are maintained to a required standard, this must be achieved in the most effective and efficient manner. Just as in Derbyshire, the authority also has national targets to meet with respect to sustainability and climate change and this must be reflected in planning parks development and maintenance. The following is a summary of Mike’s approach to weed management, mirroring in many ways the principles and approach of Chris Worman.

 
In addressing weed issues in their parks, they have sought to adopt an integrated management approach. This principally focuses on determining, and identifying, acceptable levels of management in specific areas, linked to the intensity and type of use. For example, grass cutting height and frequency used to be very much uniform and standard and undertaken at set times often as part of contract terms. It is now tailored both in frequency and length of cut to the use of a particular area. There has been more voluntary group involvement and increased training and continuous professional development for staff involved.

 
Design and maintenance

Greater consideration to planting and types of plant is given and ensuring new areas of grass are sown or turf laid in the very best conditions. Seasonal bedding is an important feature in terms of impact with a kaleidoscope of colour drawing people to these features.  To improve the design, the aim is to have high density planting which will reduce the weed growth, especially in the initial weeks. In terms of shrub borders, the critical aim is to ensure that whatever is planted establishes itself as quickly as possible so that the plant canopy covers the soil in the shortest amount of time. This type of planting is similar to what happens in nature, for example, in a beech wood, there is an overall canopy, then a sub-canopy with medium height shrubs and then, at the edge, there are ground covering plants (the edge effect). The aim is to completely shade out any bare ground that weeds may establish in and this requires good quality plants and high density planting

 
Designing hard landscape features to minimise detritus trapping is also a factor with sweeping regimes fully co-ordinated with other methods used. Other priorities include better timing of operations such as forking/hoeing weeds before they flower and drop seed, and increased density of planting and mulching. Each is a small step in its own right but each provides the pathway to sustainable practice. 

Adopting an integrated approach

Mike identifies some key elements to adopting an integrated approach to the management of public spaces such as parks as follows:

• Budgets need to be reviewed annually linked to developments and experiences.
• More voluntary group involvement is important both in cost terms but also increasing public understanding. However proper training is essential.
• Commitment to updating and continuous professional development for staff is essential
• Everyone involved must be open to new ideas in management and innovation.
• There is a need to identify economically acceptable level of weed growth. 

Conclusion

Just as for any public green space, managing a park is not easy. The facility has to cater for a wide range of users, all with differing requirements and demands. Managing the surfaces that they walk on, play on and relax upon, means real attention to detail, all within tight budgets, usually significantly diminishing in real terms. The parks also are public assets and communities, demanding more sustainable practices whilst still meeting the requirements for use. In such circumstances it would be easy for the manager to see this as all too big a challenge but, as always, it involves small steps. Having spoken to two leading people who have responsibility for park management at the sharp end, I am confident that the challenge can be met.

Next month’s article plans to focus on the training and qualification sector and specifically the work of Lantra in helping sector deliver sustainable practice.

Previous articles in this series

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE GOLF SECTOR

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE IN THE AMENITY SUPPLY SECTOR

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE LAWN CARE SECTOR