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EDITOR'S BLOG

EARLY AUTUMN COLOUR
Highlights both nature’s bounty and the challenges of a changing climate
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

With the early and plentiful harvest of berries and fruits across the UK, I consider what it reveals about our environment and what it can mean for turf professionals.

We have all been witnessing an early splash of autumn colour, coupled with many trees and shrubs bearing berries and fruit.

Walking through my local woods, the sheer number of acorns falling off the trees is staggering, along with sweet chestnuts. The abundance of apples and pears has again also been staggering. Only last week I had to re stake a pyracantha bush that had fallen due to the sheer weight of the berries that the plant had produced.

A BBC article I read explained many of the reasons why we can see this fruiting bonanza, saying that a combination of a warm, dry spring, followed by July and August rains, can lead to a plethora of berries.

Early ripening of berries in UK shows nature is under stress, say experts in this Guardian article that I also read.

“A lot of what we’re seeing has been caused by a very hot and very dry spring and summer, it’s been one of the driest periods on record,” the piece quotes Kathryn Brown, the director of climate change and evidence at the Wildlife Trusts. “So it feels like autumn has come early, but it’s due to the natural environment reacting to that very extreme spring and summer, which is not average conditions that our species are adapted to in terms of seasonal cycles.”

I think regardless of what winter may bring, the plentiful berries this season are a lifeline for our local wildlife. Birds, small mammals, and insects depend on these fruits to prepare for the colder months, building up their reserves and ensuring their survival.

This bounty reflects a healthy, functioning ecosystem – one where plants and animals are thriving together. It’s a sign that the countryside around us is vibrant and flourishing, providing for all who call it home.

The recent wet weather has also helped grass playing surfaces recover from the drought conditions we have experienced this summer - in fact it has been well timed for the current end of season renovations being undertaken by cricket and bowls clubs.

September is an ideal time to renovate your lawn - especially after the exceptionally dry period we had throughout the summer months, that created many hydrophobic conditions (dry areas) of the lawn, thus killing off a lot of grass. By carrying out a decent renovation, that involves scarifying in three directions, aerating, topdressing, overseeding and fertilising this will help restore and reinvigorate your lawn.

Elsewhere, it was great weekend of sport especially witnessing the England’s women rugby team winning the World Cup at Twickenham on a perfect playing surface prepared by an all female grounds team. Congratulations to both.

Finally, I would like to remind people of the forthcoming Amenity Forum Conference that will be held on 9th October 2025 at British Motor Museum Warwickshire.

The Amenity Forum is the UK’s industry led voluntary initiative, promoting best practice and the safe and sustainable management of weeds, pests and diseases across this very diverse and important sector.

It is funded by member organisations drawn from all sub sectors of amenity who, through this, demonstrate their commitment to their objectives and ensure the highest professional standards are maintained.

I will be there and I am looking forward to meeting many of our industry partners, companies, and people who work in our diverse land-based sector.

NEWS

"RECORD-BREAKING" FREE EDUCATION PROGRAMME PROMISED
By show organisers

In our first WEB ONLY the GMA say they will be delivering their "biggest and most tailored programme to date".

RENEWED LEADERSHIP TEAM ANNOUNCED
To drive change

In our next WEB ONLY story the industry organisation says the appointment of two new members to its Senior Leadership Team marks a key milestone in their wider transformation programme.

MANUFACTURER CELEBRATES THEIR NETWORK
Dealership & technician awards bestowed

Company celebrates "exceptional standards in customer support, service, skills, and parts."

Reesink UK has recognised its dealer network with their 2024 Aftermarket Dealer Awards, celebrating exceptional standards in customer support, service, skills, and parts.

Double award winner, Reesink Scotland

Alastair Black, technical support and training manager at Reesink UK, said, “Dealers are often the first and most regular point of contact for customers, so their service reflects directly on us as a distributor.

“The Aftermarket Dealer Awards highlight the importance of that role and recognise the hard work, commitment and customer-first mentality that keeps our standards high across the UK.”

The awards cover five categories: Excellence in Service, Parts and Skills, alongside overall Aftermarket Dealer of Excellence and Improved Performance recognitions.

This year, Reesink Scotland took home the Gold Award for both Aftermarket Dealer of Excellence and Excellence in Skills. Mike Turnbull, branch manager at Reesink Scotland, commented, “These two awards reflect all the changes and hard work done by the whole service team in Scotland over the last year.

“Since taking over as branch manager we have set out to implement several changes to elevate the standards of the aftersales service for customers at our Livingston branch, which has resulted in helping reduce downtime and running costs on their Toro equipment and improving the overall customer experience.”

The Excellence in Parts Gold Award went to the Ted Hopkins dealership, and Robert Skipp, aftersales manager at Ted Hopkins Ltd said: “This is a fantastic recognition of the whole team’s dedication to delivering the highest standard of service and support.”

Reesink East Anglia secured the Excellence in Service Gold Award, while the Keys Brothers from Northern Ireland were named the 2024 Improved Performance winner. Andy Keys, company director at Keys Brothers, said, “We’re delighted to have won the Improved Performance Award – it honours the hard work and commitment from everyone at Keys Brothers, as well as our focus on building strong relationships with customers, always striving to provide the best service and support, and continuing to contribute positively to the wider industry.”

Keys Brothers also secured the Silver Award for Excellence in Parts, while Cheshire Turf Machinery won the Silver Awards for Aftermarket Dealer of Excellence and Excellence in Service. Finally, the Silver Award for Excellence in Skills went to Reesink South East.

Special recognition also went to Darrell Richards from Reesink Southeast and Norann Chambers from Ted Hopkins, who recently completed the Master Service Technician Award (MST).

CPD ACCREDITED IRRIGATION EVENT ANNOUNCED
Free training on offer

Organisers say the event will feature hands-on demonstrations, expert-led training, and updates on new technology and sustainable solutions.

The latest GroundsFest Academy event has been announced as a free training event focusing on the latest in irrigation and maintenance practices, with sessions accredited for CPD.

Organised in partnership with Origin Amenity Solutions, organisers say the event will feature hands-on demonstrations, expert-led training, and updates on new technology and sustainable solutions. Attendees will also have the chance to tour facilities to see real-world applications in action.

The Academy says those taking part will gain practical skills in installation, problem diagnosis, and irrigation basics, while earning CPD hours and certification. The event also offers an opportunity to network with industry peers and specialists.

It takes place on October 15th at Throws Farm in Dunmow and free registration is now open.

B&S MAKE TOP LEVEL APPOINTMENT
Senior director of sales EMEA

Responsibilities will include driving growth across the company’s engine and machinery brands.

Briggs & Stratton has announced the appointment of Philipp Deubel as senior director of sales EMEA.

Philipp will report directly to Sjoerd Van de Velde, managing director EMEA, and join the European Leadership Team. He brings more than 15 years of international sales management and key account experience to the role. Most recently, he held a leading global sales position in the off-highway sector at a steel wheel manufacturer, with responsibility for major accounts in the agriculture and construction machinery markets.

Working from the Netherlands and Germany, the company says he will play a key role in strengthening partnerships with customers across EMEA and in supporting the company’s ambition to expand its market presence in the region. They say his responsibilities will include driving growth across the company’s brands such as Briggs & Stratton and Vanguard engines, Billy Goat, Ferris, Simplicity, and Snapper.

Philipp said, “I am delighted to be joining Briggs & Stratton and to work with such an outstanding sales team. It is inspiring to collaborate with such a strong network of customers and partners, and I look forward to helping our team build momentum and deliver even greater success across EMEA - not only for Briggs & Stratton, but also for the customers and partners we serve.”

JOBS

SALES MANAGER, ELECTRIC SPECIALISED VEHICLES
Reesink UK Ltd

As the Sales Manager of our electric vehicle division, you’ll have the responsibility and accountability for running our battery powered vehicle activity.

AREA SALES – SHROPSHIRE / STAFFORDSHIRE
Reesink UK Ltd

Providing product advice, demonstrations, and quotations to end user customers.

PRODUCT SPECIALIST NORTH
Reesink UK Ltd

Providing after-sales/product support to the retail sales team, service centres, dealer network and end-user customers.

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