We are now entering the last few weeks of the winter games season, with rugby and football clubs having to play their matches during the harshest weather period of the year – February to March - when poor conditions often result in saturated pitches that are prone to damage and wear. 
Playing in these conditions can have serious consequences.

Firstly, we need to understand what problems are facing turf professionals when pitches become flooded and remain saturated for long periods of time. Once a pitch becomes saturated, that is to say, all the pore (air) spaces in the soil profile remain filled with water, then we are in a situation of the pitch being in a poor state and will be prone to damage.

Another saturated rugby pitch 

However, the main contributing factor that reduces and damages pore spaces in soil is compaction, caused by compression forces, normally associated with play and use of machinery, particularly during wet weather periods. Over time, these compression forces reduce the pore spaces so that air, water and nutrient flow through the soil profile is restricted, and leads to many problems associated with compaction.

The heavier the soil, the longer it will take for the pitch to dry out; sandy soils are more free draining than heavy loam or clay soils and, therefore, will dry out more quickly.

Having an effective pitch drainage scheme will help. Most modern pitches tend to have primary and secondary drainage systems installed. These systems aid the removal of surface water quickly and tend to keep the pitches playable in periods of wet weather.

However, the effectiveness of any drainage system can be compromised over time when the drain runs become capped; it is important to retain a link between the drains and the playing surface.

This will be achieved by regular aeration work and the application of topdressings. Ideally, clubs should be putting on at least 40-60 tonnes of sand per pitch each year. This not only keeps the playing surface free draining, but also helps to restore levels.

Playing on saturated pitches will bring disastrous results. It is often better to postpone a fixture rather than ruin the playing surface for the rest of the season. Scrummage and lineout play are the main causes of damage on rugby pitches during wet weather periods. The severity of the damage will be dependent upon the soil type and the ability of the top 100mm to drain quickly.

It is important that, once the game has finished, remedial work is carried out to repair divots and stand the grass back up. Care should be taken not to further damage the pitch by trying to get machinery on when it is wet and saturated. 

Brain Sandals of Turfcare Blog has recently produced an article How to Repair a Muddy Damaged Sports Pitch that gives good advice on dealing with a damaged playing surface.

However, the best way to continually improve your pitches is to invest in them over time, which generally means having a robust annal maintenance regime in place and carrying out appropriate end of season renovation works.

The success of these renovations will dictate the future performance of the pitches.  

Any major resurfacing or drainage works are usually programmed to coincide with the planned end of season renovations. In most cases clubs are reliant on getting the work done by competent sports turf contractors, who have the correct equipment for these operations.

So, it is imperative you have secured or are seeking quotes for this work from well known, approved contractors. 

The extent and nature of the works undertaken will be dependent on a number of factors:

• Type of pitch profile system, natural soil, rootzone, fibre re-inforced sand constructed pitch
• Level of wear
• Budgets available
• Time for completion and establishment

For most clubs a basic renovation of the playing surface ideally should consist of the following works, cleaning out the surface by verticutting / scarifying in two or three directions. Aerating the pitch (de-compacting) with a vertical punch or linear aerator.  Top dressing with an approved sand/rootzone material usually applying anything between 50-100 tonnes of material. Then overseeding with a decent rye grass seed mixture at a rate between 30-50g/m2 depending on the condition of the pitch. Then finally fertilising with pre-seeding or spring/summer, applying at a rate of 25-35g/m2.

The cost of these operations will be dependent on a few factors; the number of pitches to be completed; types of materials used; scope of works; and haulage costs for material delivery of machinery and materials. Budget around £7,000 for a basic renovation based on industry contractors’ rates for a single pitch area (7000m2).

Due to the recent economic issues the country is facing, along with the war in Ukraine, we have seen a substantial rise in the costs of raw materials and fuel / transportation costs. We are now seeing in excess of £50 per tonne for top dressing and sand, depending on how much you are buying.

So, it is going to cost in the region of £4000 to buy 80 tonnes of material plus the cost of spreading. Seed prices have also risen to close on £90 per 20 kilo bag of seed. Twelve bags of seed to cover a full-size pitch will now cost in the region of £1000. On top of that you’ve got fertiliser costing around £25 -£30 per bag depending what NPK ration you choose - therefore it will now cost in the region of £300. Add into this the hiring of a contractor to undertake the aeration and scarifying and it will cost another £1000 per pitch.

That is a considerable investment for any club. However the benefits will be well worth the investment once you have successfully completed the works.
Also worth considering is a complete refurbishment of the pitch in terms of getting a contractor to come in and Koro off all the vegetation, cultivate, reform levels and reseed. This operation will cost more than an end of season renovation, but you are effectively giving yourself a brand new playing surface  - and at around £12,000-£15000 it could be a good investment. However, timing and having the ability to water the pitch once completed, would need to be considered. 

For me the most important issue is the ongoing maintenance work you undertake during the rest of the year. Why would you invest in a proper renovation and then refrain from implementing a decent maintenance regime at all other times?

It is generally the lack of appropriate maintenance that leads to the deterioration of the pitch in the first place. 

It is important clubs keep themselves informed of any financial funding schemes that may be available for them to improve pitch facilities. The RFU and FA websites should be your first port of call, followed by Sport England. Also, keep an eye out for information being posted by your local authority websites, they may also have some funding initiatives going on.

As a Pitch Advisor for the RFU, there has never been a better time for clubs to improve their playing surfaces. Rugby Grounds Connected (RGC) is an easy access, two-way communication network between the RFU and rugby union grounds people. It is the main communication channel for the RFU to provide information and advice to grounds people and has special offers and exclusive benefits for members. Everything the RFU does with relation to pitch maintenance comes under the banner of Rugby Grounds Connected. 

And finally, I’d just like to mention some renovation road shows tours that have been organised by the RFU and Campey Turf Care. The RFU have four dates (see poster above ) and the Campey Pitch Renovation Tour will visit 7 venues, beginning on the 11th April. I will see you all at Kidderminster Carolians on the 25th April. 

Speaking to TurfPro at their debut BTME, European President of Cramer, Simon Del-Nevo, tells us that turf professionals are focussed on making the switch from petrol products.

Watch the video below or via Turf Pro's YouTube channel.

Campey have confirmed a series of dates and venues for a roadshows of what they describe as "practical, hands-on demonstrations of turf care and pitch renovation techniques in real-world scenarios."

The company promises live renovations of sports pitches, including full pitch renovations, reseeding, aerating, or repairing damaged areas to improve the overall quality of the turf.

The dates and venues are:

THURSDAY 11th APRIL
West Ham United Training Ground, Rush Green Road Romford RM7 0LU

TUESDAY 16th APRIL
Plymouth Argyle Home Park Stadium, Outland Road Plymouth, Devon PL2 3DQ

THURSDAY 18th APRIL
Liverpool Football Club Academy, The Liverpool Way, Liverpool L33 7ED

TUESDAY 23RD APRIL
Venue to be announced soon

THURSDAY 25th APRIL
Kidderminster Carolians RFC, Marpool Lane, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY11 5HP

TUESDAY 30th APRIL
Washington AFC, Stephenson Road, Washington NE37 3HR

THURSDAY 2nd MAY
Deer Park Hotel and Golf Club, Golf Course Road, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 8AB

Registration is now open.

A the recent BTME 2024 Baroness U.K recognised the excellence achieved within their dealer network over the last 12 months.

The manufacturer says their dealer awards celebrate outstanding individual and team performance - with George Browns Ltd, Henderson’s Grass Machinery and Lister Wilder all receiving recognition in Harrogate. 

David Fisher of George Browns Ltd (left) receiving his award from Adam Butler, Baroness U.K. director

David Fisher, area sales manager (Groundcare) for George Browns Ltd was the recipient of ‘UK Salesperson of the Year 2023’. On collecting his award, David commented, “I’d like to thank all of my customers for the ongoing trust they have in myself and George Browns Ltd. 2023 was a great year and I look forward to continuing this positivity into 2024!” 

Baroness’ Richard Connell presenting the ‘sales growth’ award to Henderson Grass Machinery

Henderson Grass Machinery, Baroness distributors for central and East Scotland, were recognised for achieving the ‘Highest Machinery Sales Growth on previous year (2022-2023)’. The Henderson’s sales team received their award from Richard Connell, Baroness U.K. area sales & service manager for Scotland. 

The Lister Wilder Groundcare sales team pictured with Luke Collins from Baroness U.K

Completing the awards, and collecting the accolade for ‘Highest Overall Sales for 2023’, was Lister Wilder. Presented by Baroness U.K. area sales manager Luke Collins to the Lister Wilder Groundcare sales team in attendance, a spokesperson said, “It’s fantastic to receive this award. The huge growth that both Lister Wilder and Baroness have seen over the last five years is proof that we have become a ‘go-to’ choice for golf, sports and other fine turf customers.”  

Adam Butler, director for Baroness U.K. added, “The Baroness Dealer Awards provide a superb stage to showcase the hard work and dedication that our multi-branch dealers continue to deliver. Baroness are proud to produce world leading machinery, for which we strive for world leading backup and support - that’s what we have and that’s what we will continue to build on, day-to-day and year-to-year. We are extremely proud of all within our network and especially the aforementioned winners for 2023. From the whole Baroness U.K team, we’d like to extend a big thank you to our dealers and customers alike for their continued support.”

It has been announced that Jef O'Riley has joined FGM Claymore as head of marketing.

Jef O'Riley (left) with Paul Butterly, md of FGM Claymore

Since acquiring distribution rights to the Echo brand two years ago, the company says they have seen significant growth in the U.K. market.

Paul Butterly, MD of FGM Claymore, said, "We’ve had a fantastic couple of years. But we have even bigger ambitions for the future. To get there, we know that we need to invest in building our marketing effort here in the U.K.

“Jef is a well-respected figure in the industry and has a proven track record for developing brands that can go toe-to-toe against the biggest names in the industry.” 

As head of marketing for both the U.K. and Ireland, Jef brings with him 27 years’ experience in the garden machinery industry. Most of this time was spent marketing Echo, alongside other industry stalwarts including Ariens, Gravely, Countax, and Westwood.

This latest appointment follows a series of investments made by FGM Claymore. A new, state-of-the-art training facility at their Bidford-on-Avon office is set to open later this month. The new purpose-built space will serve as a sales and technical training centre for U.K. dealers.

Behind the scenes, the company also says it has invested in new IT infrastructure and systems - all necessary to process the increased levels of orders for wholegoods and spares

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

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 2024 series, I am taking the opportunity each month to look in more depth at individual organisations, large and small. 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 Origin Amenity, a major supplier of products and solutions for the turf, amenity and grounds maintenance sector. I am grateful for their time in meeting me to discuss these issues and providing supporting information.

The Origin group state clearly that they are fully committed to the sustainable agenda and driving forward more sustainable practice. They see themselves as an industry leader in both sustainable agronomy and global food supply responsiveness and have therefore acknowledged the need to integrate sustainable actions into the organisation’s foundations. They sum up their key objective as being to help optimise land use through integrated solutions.

Key Drivers

They have done this principally in two main ways, described by them as nurturing the environment and nurturing society. The former involves what they describe as a holistic, innovative and collaborative approach to sustainable land use, with a focus on positive environmental impact and resource efficiency. Essentially this has involved full analysis of all products, services and advice provided to customers that influence the environment, and the impacts on climate change, water usage, waste and operational efficiency. 

In flower, West Lancs council

‘Nurturing Society’ is seen as a move to further empower its staff and the communities served, conducting business with integrity and proper governance and reporting. This focuses on making sure that they embed their values through six strategic pillars or priorities, their internal code of conduct, their supplier code of conduct and in working with stakeholders and external influencers.

Setting Priorities and targets

In establishing these priorities, in 2023, as part of Origin’s efforts to maintain its level of transparency and sustainability, they undertook a comprehensive exercise seeking to allow them to, not only work towards more integrated sustainable reporting, but also to evaluate and prioritise external impacts affecting the organisation and the impacts on both society and environment. As stated to me, Origin sees sustainable practice as good practice and this exercise was about giving them focus in driving forward as a business. Diviya Thevarajah, Environmental and Sustainability Manager, says ‘’ Sustainability does not just affect us as a business nor does the work we do, it also affects our customers, suppliers, researchers, policymakers, non-Governmental Organisations, consumers, and shareholders, which is why we made sure all these voices were heard within the exercise’’. 

West Lancs council preparing roadside area for wildflower seed

From this, they identified key topics that were a high priority for Origin; these were biodiversity, soil health, sustainable food systems, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change resilience. They redefined their Environmental, Social and Government priorities, reviewed the goals for these six priorities and determined the necessary key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress. It was a very comprehensive exercise, a factor of their size and complexity, but it emphasises their determination to lead and influence sustainable practice in their sectors. 

Biodiversity & Energy Efficiency

As examples provided, one of the targets surrounding biodiversity includes helping to support the creation of 1,000 miles of wildlife corridors throughout Great Britain by 2030 by linking amenity, rural and agricultural land. Origin Enterprises, and its constituent companies, feel well placed to initiate and support projects to join up areas of habitat for important and declining species. They work with farmers, growers, and amenity businesses across the UK, and believe that they have the knowledge and resources required to advise and provide the practical elements needed.

Geoff Fenn, R&D Director explaining one of the trials

Another example, in terms of their KPI targets, relates to Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The targets set include to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) to 54.9% by 2032 from a 2019 base year, aligned with the 1.5°C overall reduction national target. Also, it includes seeking to reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, upstream transportation and distribution, and use of sold products by 32.5% within the same time frame.

Tackling emissions

All of this is being achieved by implementing practical measures across their operations. Origin quote that, in the financial year ending 2023, Scope 1 emissions decreased by 18.4% compared to the previous year and by 25.4% from the 2019 baseline. A primary emphasis within Scope 1 emissions is centred on achieving a 37% reduction in group fleet emissions by 2032 through measures such as optimising energy and resource utilisation in offices and business operations. In the current year, they have commenced programmes to reduce diesel usage and cut CO2 emissions, with hydro treated vegetable oil (HVO) introduced into fleets, working towards 80% of their heavy fleet by 2032. They are also moving to 100% renewable grid electricity throughout their extended organisation. A further interesting statistic is that last year, across Origin’s Ireland, UK and European business units, they purchased 12,314 MWh of electricity for use throughout their Group operations, of which 56.3% was certified low carbon.

Stratford Upon Avon District Council's Rainbow Annual Mix

Whilst conducting a recent greenhouse gas inventory analysis review, it was found that 'supply chain' emissions accounted for 99.8% of Origin’s total 2019 base year emissions. As such they are now actively working within their supply chain to reduce such emissions. They continue to proactively explore emerging technologies and develop innovative products to help lower this figure moving forward. Other key performance targets include having zero waste to landfill in the UK and Ireland by 2025, waste recycling programmes in place across the rest of their world operations by 2025 and increasing the use of recycled content in their packaging.

Helping customers become more sustainable

Linked to their services to customers, they include key targets and focus on improving soil health and helping optimise productivity through research and implementation of practices to Increase Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) of crops by 20% by 2030. They are using improved nutrition products to increase the uptake of nitrogen and promoting the application of precision tools for application and measurement.

Microdochium trials day at R&D centre

Origin Amenity Solutions has invested heavily in a Turf Science and Technology Centre aimed at supplying its customers with research-backed products, again linked to promoting better and sustainable practice. The facility aims to provide best-practice advice and to work on integrated management plans over an annual cycle. For example, the centre is carrying out 6 months Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for microdochium from September to March and is currently working on the 3rd year of trial data. This is increasing understanding of the impact of the weather on turf management. Using plant elicitors, moisture management tools, nutrition, bio controls and fungicides, they researched disease outbreaks by applying products using a UK Growth Potential (GP) of 9.5. Growth Potential is a figure taken from the day’s average temperature that indicates likely plant growth. By utilising this figure, they sought to optimise the timings of their plant elicitor programme, the OAS 20/20/30 + Mantle mix, to ensure it is applied when the plant has ‘used up’ all the previous application, or it has been removed by mowing. This is a more sustainable and effective approach as using this method ensures applications are only made when required. It may mean applications are closer together during warm weather, but it will only be applied on plant requirements. During colder weather applications can be spaced out much further. 

The current target set is a figure of 9.5 UK GP as the time to re-apply the plant elicitor. A direct comparison was made with the old ‘calendar’ application timing of once every 14 days from September to Christmas, and then monthly afterwards. The research showed similar levels of control of microdochium by applying every 9.5 UK GP compared to the ‘calendar’ method, but this only required six applications to achieve this control. Eleven applications were used following the ‘calendar’ approach, so a substantial product and time saving was demonstrated. They are also researching the new bio-controls that have been introduced to the market. The goal is to understand how to use these technologies as part of an integrated sustainable approach so that they can be used most effectively. 

Herbicide Use

In terms of selective herbicides, as regulations change and products removed from the market, it is important to understand how new technologies work and where they are more efficient. In their selective herbicide trials, Origin compared new technologies against products likely to be lost as a result of regulation changes. Another area is water. Water scarcity is a particular concern to amenity turfgrass managers as it is such an important resource when providing surfaces that play well. Climate change has seen extreme wet periods followed by extreme dry periods. Sports surfaces must drain well to avoid competition cancellations and therefore sand-based constructions have become the norm in the sector. The implication is that, during dry periods, it is very difficult to maintain moisture content in the profile. Origin is putting much effort into providing innovative solutions for water management. They currently have designed surfactant technologies in trial to reduce the risk of surface runoff and reduce water requirements. Last year’s trial results indicated that using a surfactant can reduce water usage by 33% whilst still providing surfaces that perform well.

Origin Amenity Solutions is working closely with partners to source and manufacture products with a lower carbon footprint. Testing raw materials and the products produced is seen as an important part of the technology centre, looking to reduce carbon footprint but still provide products that enhance turf performance.   

Conclusion

Looking at sustainability across Origin Amenity and indeed the whole group has been a fascinating experience. It shows that our supply and distribution sector is working hard to help all its customers in their search for more sustainable practice economically, environmentally and in its social context. Certainly these are challenging times, not least economically, but as ever also times of opportunity. 

Next month’s article will focus on the lawn care sector and specifically the work of the UK Lawn Care Association in helping members deliver sustainable practice

Previous articles in this series

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE GOLF SECTOR