EDITOR'S BLOG
EDGBASTON'S BASTION
Gary Barwell gives his insight to groundsmen
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR
 
Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

I was fortunate recently to visit Warwickshire County Ground, where head groundsman Gary Barwell, spoke to grassroots turf professionals about the work that he and his dedicated team of seven staff complete in the course of the year.

 


The game of cricket has dominated the sporting headlines this summer with the penultimate Ashes test match wrapping up at Old Trafford yesterday - unfortunately not giving England another one of those magical Sundays we've been so fortunate to enjoy this year. However one must give congratulations to Australia for retaining the urn and also commend all involved in making this series so compelling.


I also recently read in The Times that a club from Bedfordshire, Blunham Cricket Club, have just broken the world record for playing a game of non-stop cricket - playing for a staggering 168 hours and raising over £40,000 in the process.

 

 

While still on the subject of cricket I was fortunate recently to attend an Allett Mowers Groundsmen day at Edgbaston CCC, where 50 plus Allett customers were treated to an afternoon look behind the scenes at the Warwickshire County Ground and stay on to watch a T20 match in the evening with Birmingham Bears playing against Yorkshire Vikings - alas Yorkshire won by 19 runs.


Many of the groundsmen attending were from local grassroots cricket clubs, along with a number of school and university grounds professionals.


We were given a tour of the stadium and machinery sheds, plus a walk out onto the hallowed square where head groundsman Gary Barwell was happy to explain the work that he and his dedicated team of seven staff complete in the course of the year. The afternoon was rounded off with further presentations by Austin Jarrett md of Allett and Paul Farbrace, sports director for the Bears.

 


Austin Jarrett thanked everyone for attending and went on to explain the history of the company plus talk about the new challenges they face bringing new technologies and products to market. We then had a short question and answer interview with Paul Farbrace who spoke about the excitement of joining such a proactive club.


It was a real coup for the Bears when Paul agreed to join as sports director early in 2019. After almost a decade travelling the world with international teams, the last five as England's assistant coach, Paul was ready to step off the travelling treadmill and take on this new challenge.

 

Paul Farbrace


His role is strategic and all-encompassing, covering all aspects of the men's and women's first teams and the performance pathways. Having steered Sri Lanka to the World T20 title and helped take England to number one in the world ODI rankings, Paul's track record speaks for itself.


"Warwickshire is a very special club with incredibly proud traditions, and I'm very lucky to have this opportunity,” said Paul. “I’m also looking forward to working with Gary and his team to continue to improve the cricketing facilities at this fine club.”


It was left to Gary to then complete the presentations with a in-depth talk on the work he has achieved since his appointment in 2011.


Gary started his groundsmanship career in 1995 working at Grace Road, Leicester, then in 2009 he moved to Trent Bridge working under Steve Birks as assistant head groundsman before finally moving to take up the role of head groundsman at Edgbaston CCC in 2011.

 

 

As with any high-profile grounds, it is the attention to detail that makes the difference. Since his appointment Gary and his team have adapted and modified their maintenance regimes to continually improve the quality of the playing and training surfaces at Edgbaston.


For cricket, the year really starts with a thorough end of season renovation of the square. This usually involves scarifying the square in five directions with a tractor mounted scarifyer, soaking down with 8mm of water, leaving overnight before seeding, fertilising and topdressing and applying around ten bags of Onga Plus loam per pitch.


Depending on the weather, he may use some germination sheets to help speed up germination, however, they don’t want to be left on too long as they may cause fungal attacks.


As for the outfield, it is usually hollow cored, seeded and top dressed with 30 tonnes of sand. In November the whole square will be solid tined using a Weidemann verti-tine type aerator.


With the playing season starting ever earlier, usually around March 19th, pre-season rolling starts with a vengeance as soon as conditions allow. With little time to carry out this work, Gary tends to go straight out with his large rollers and rolls, undertaking between 15-30 hrs of rolling depending on weather conditions to firm up the square - rolling in several directions and finishing in the line of play.

 

 

As for grass heights, the square is kept at 12mm with each prepared wicket being reduced down from 12-6mm over a 20-10 day prepping time, while at the same time being rolled and brushed throughout the preparation time until the day of the match.


Gary uses a moisture meter and Clegg hammer to help monitor the condition of the pitch during preparations, aiming to retain about 38% moisture content and a cleg hammer reading of around 270 Gravities. These are a guide to help him gauge what stage they are at in pitch preparation - the rest is done by his own experience, feel and critical eye.
To date this year, all of his prepared pitches at Edgbaston have played well and given a fare balance for both batsman and bowler. It has definitely been an unusually busy year for Gary and his team having to prepare so many competition wickets and pitches.


As another season ends, Gary and his team will be reflecting on how well things have gone and planning for next year’s season of fixtures.


For further information on the importance of carrying out a robust end of season cricket pitch renovation click here.


I would like to thank Allett Mowers for inviting me to attend this enjoyable day to see at first hand the level of commitment, dedication, skills and knowledge that is required to maintain a high-profile county club cricket facility.

NEWS
RFU APPOINT NEW TWICKENHAM HEAD GROUNDSPERSON
Jim Buttar takes up role
 
Jim Buttar

Jim Buttar has taken up the role at the Home Of Rugby, a position he commenced on September 2nd.

 


The RFU has appointed Jim Buttar as Twickenham Stadium’s head groundsperson, a role he began on 2 September.

 

Jim Buttar

 

Jim has over 20 years’ experience in grounds maintenance. He was head groundsman at Tottenham Hotspur’s White Hart Lane for 11 years and deputy head for three years during which time he was awarded the Institute of Groundmanship (IOG) Premier League Groundsman of the Year two years in a row.

 

He more recently worked as an International Sports Turf Development Manager for Pro Pitch. This role saw Jim provide consultancy to leading sports associations and organisations in the delivery of major events and tournaments including the UEFA Champions League Final in 2018 and 2019, the Euro 2020 host venue in Budapest plus the FIFA Club World Cup and Asian Cup 2019.

 

In a statement the RFU said, "Jim brings a wealth of experience, particularly around new technologies and the effect of pitch surfaces on player performance and recovery. Jim will use his extensive knowledge of pitch maintenance to support grassroots rugby clubs via the Rugby Groundsmen Connected network."

 

Jim takes over from Keith Kent who previously held the role at Twickenham for 16 years.

SOMERSET CCC HEAD GROUNDSMAN TO JOIN HAMPSHIRE
Moving on after 20 years
 
Simon Lee pictured on Somerset CCC's website

Following autumn renovations at Somerset, Simon Lee is joining Hampshire CCC to replace Nigel Gray who had come out of retirement for this season after Karl McDermott joined Lord's.

 


It has been announced that Somerset County Cricket Club’s head groundsman, Simon Lee will be joining Hampshire County Cricket Club ahead of next season.

 

Simon Lee pictured on Somerset CCC's website

 

Simon will be replacing Nigel Gray at Southampton, who came out of retirement for this season following the departure of Karl McDermott to Lord's.

 

Simon explained his reasons for leaving to Somerset's website, saying, "This has been a massive decision for me to make. I’ve given it a lot of thought and I want to challenge myself at a larger venue that regularly hosts international cricket.

 

“I’ve been at Somerset for nearly 20 years and this is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. I have so many incredible memories of Somerset. I’ve seen two World Cups and seen the likes of Graeme Smith and Chris Gayle make big scores. There have been some incredible wins in the Championship and so many more great memories that I couldn’t even begin to name them all. I feel like I’m leaving the Club in a good place and that we’ve improved the field massively in the last 10 years.

 

“I probably take the most satisfaction from the fact that we’ve been able to change the characteristics of the pitches in four-day cricket and are able to give people exciting cricket to watch. That’s taken a lot of hard work over a 10-year period and there’s been a lot of pressure, but when Members come up to you and tell you that they’re really enjoying the cricket that they’re watching here, it makes it all worthwhile.

 

“The fact that we get so many people coming to the Ground to watch cricket shows that we must be doing something right and I’m very proud to be leaving that legacy.”

 

During his time at Somerset Simon has built up his reputation as one of the finest groundsmen in the country with his work has being recognised on numerous occasions by his fellow groundsmen and the ECB. Most recently Simon and his team shared the Best One-Day Pitch Award at the prestigious 2018 Business of Cricket Awards.

 

Simon will remain at Taunton to carry out the necessary autumn renovations before taking up his new position at the Ageas Bowl in January.

 

Somerset say the recruitment process for a new head groundsman is already underway.

IOG ANNOUNCE FINALISTS
For 2019 Industry Awards
 
2018 Award winners

The finalists have been announced for this year’s IOG Industry Awards which acknowledge the passion, dedication and challenges faced by grounds staff, volunteers and professionals across all levels of sport.

 


The finalists have been announced for this year’s Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) Industry Awards which acknowledge the passion, dedication and challenges faced by grounds staff, volunteers and professionals across all levels of sport.

 


This year’s finalists, including some international entries, for the awards are:

 

IOG Toro Most Promising Sports Turf Student
Callum Allsop, Leicester City FC;
Daniel Hill, Harlequin FC;
Lee Morgan, Arnold House School, London.

 

IOG Rigby Taylor/Top Green Young Grounds Person
Pierre Bagot, Stade Rennais, France;
Ollie Deeming, Northampton Saints;
Nick Pepper, Gloucestershire CCC.

 

IOG Volunteer Sports Grounds Team/Individual
Andy Cambridge, Foxton FC, Cambridgeshire;
Trubshaw Cross Ladsandads, Newcastle, Staffordshire.

 

IOG NGB Community/Grassroots Sports Club Grounds Team/Individual
Harborough Town FC, Leicestershire;
Norton Sports Charity, Stockton-on-Tees.

The NGB award is sponsored by the AELTC (All England Lawn Tennis Club), ECB (the England and Wales Cricket Board), The FA (Football Association), the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association), the Premier League, the RFU (Rugby Football Union) and the RFL (Rugby Football League).

 

IOG AMS Robotics Public Sector Sports Grounds Team
Prestige Grounds Ltd, Wiltshire;
Yeovil Recreation Centre, Somerset.

 

IOG Bowling Grounds Team/Individual
Polly Bowls Club, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire;
North Mymms Bowls Club, Hertfordshire.

 

IOG SCH Supplies Best Managed Artificial Surface
Ipswich Town FC;
University of Warwick.

 

IOG Ransomes Environmental and Ecology Strategy
Cardiff University;
City Football Academy, Manchester.


IOG Headland Amenity Professional Cricket Grounds Team
Essex CCC;
Sussex CCC.

 

IOG Cub Cadet Infinicut Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team
All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon;
Devonshire Park, Eastbourne.

 

IOG John Deere Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team
Huntingdon Racecourse;
Redcar Racecourse;
Warwick Racecourse.

 

IOG Professional Rugby Football League Grounds Team
Castleford Tigers, West Yorkshire;
Leigh Sports Village, Greater Manchester.

 

IOG Compo Expert Professional Rugby Football Union Grounds Team
Gloucester Rugby;
Northampton Saints.


IOG Professional Football Grounds Team
For English Leagues 1 & 2, National League, National League North/South, Scottish Championship & Leagues 1 & 2, Ireland & Wales Professional Leagues.
Charlton Athletic FC, London;
Colchester United, Essex;
Swindon Town FC.

 

IOG SGL Professional Football Grounds Team
For Premier League, Championship and Scottish Premier League.
Croke Park, Dublin;
Leicester City FC;
Tottenham Hotspur FC.

 

IOG Redexim Charterhouse/Kubota University/College Grounds Team
Cardiff University;
Nottingham University.

 

IOG Growth Products Independent School Grounds Team
Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh;
Rydal Penrhos School, Colwyn Bay, Wales.


IOG SISGrass International Award
Andy Cole, iTurf Management;

Alan Ferguson, FIFA;

Dean Gilasbey, ProPitch Management.

 

Independent judging at each venue will now take place.

 

Two awards will be presented on the night - at the IOG Industry Awards dinner hosted by BBC TV presenter Dan Walker on Wednesday October 30 at The Vox, located in Resorts World at the Birmingham NEC, on the evening of the first day of the SALTEX exhibition:

  • The IOG Grassmaster Outstanding Achievement Award, and the IOG Ransomes/DLF Alex R Millar Award – to the person chosen as the outstanding winner across all award categories.

Commenting, IOG chief executive Geoff Webb said, "With so many memorable sporting events to celebrate this year, the IOG Industry Awards’ shortlist rightly includes the grounds teams that have created the playing surfaces across all sports for such sporting drama. In addition, of course, this year’s awards also recognise the efforts of grounds people at all levels and at sporting venues of all sizes.

 

“This is the 11th consecutive year that the awards have uniquely provided a national stage for the achievements of everyone involved in groundscare and we should applaud everyone who took the time to enter as well as those who have reached the shortlist.”

ARIENSCO TO MANUFACTURE ZERO TURNS IN BRITAIN
At factory in Great Haseley, Oxfordshire
 
Ariens brand zero-turn mowers will be produced in Britain

Production of Ariens brand zero-turn mowers believed to be the first zero-turns to be manufactured in Europe.

 


AriensCo has announced that production of Ariens brand zero-turn mowers will commence at the company’s factory in Great Haseley, Oxfordshire.

 

It’s believed these will be the first zero-turns to be manufactured in Europe.

 

 

AriensCo reports seeing an exceptional growth in demand for zero-turn mowers in the UK and Europe. This follows similar trends in the US, where they say sales have more than tripled since 2003 as the popularity among users has soared.

 

In an official statement, AriensCo said, "According to industry analysis, zero-turn sales in Europe have grown more than 30% over the last four years, making them the fastest growing category of ride-on mowers and third fastest in the lawn and garden power equipment sector."


Darren Spencer, Vice President - EMEA and Asia  added, “Sales of zero-turns in Europe have experienced exceptional growth over the past three years.

 

“AriensCo have experienced this growth in numerous markets and, based upon extensive research with our distribution partners, we expect the growth to continue. This industry analysis points to the many opportunities to be met by producing zero-turns at our Great Haseley plant. We currently sell into ten different countries within Europe and aim to increase our European footprint in 2020. Future growth will accelerate as the benefits of zero-turn mowers are understood by customers. Zero-turn users are experiencing increased speed of cut and greater versatility over tractors and out-fronts.”


During 2019 AriensCo say they continue to make significant investment in the Oxfordshire factory in preparation for zero-turn production, including a new production line, fixtures and tooling. The UK will be manufacturing CE zero-turns for European markets only and will initially be producing the IKON, APEX and ZENITH models. Close collaboration with the US will be maintained to ensure products match up to Ariens’ reputation for manufacturing quality.


Zero-turn production in the UK is seen to offer significant advantages, allowing for rapid delivery and improved availability throughout the year. There is also potential for zero-turns to be adapted with features and benefits to meet local market needs. Increased utilisation of the manufacturing facility at Great Haseley will provide operational cost benefits and will generate a number of new jobs for the area.

 

The first zero-turn to come off the production line will be at the end of October.

GORDON MOIR TO BECOME BIGGA VP
Former St Andrews Links Trust director of greenkeeping
 
Gordon Moir

Old Tom Morris’ successor, Gordon Moir, has accepted the nomination to become vice president of BIGGA in 2020, with a view to becoming president in 2021.

 


Former St Andrews Links Trust director of greenkeeping Gordon Moir has accepted the nomination to become vice president of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) in 2020, with a view to becoming president in 2021.

 

Gordon Moir

 

Gordon, 60, retired from his position at St Andrews Links in December 2018 after a career that saw him involved with the hosting of more than 37 championships, including five Opens.

 

Gordon was just the eighth person to hold the title of director of greenkeeping at St Andrews since the first, Old Tom Morris, retired in 1904.

 

A farmer’s son from Fraserburgh in the north of Scotland, he began his career at the town’s golf club in 1976, attended Elmwood College for his training and very quickly moved through the ranks to the role of head greenkeeper. After 10 years in charge at Fraserburgh, he moved on to become head greenkeeper of St Andrews’ Eden Course in 1991, before later becoming the overall Director of Greenkeeping.

 

He has previously served on the BIGGA National Board and is a former chairman of the association’s Scottish Region. In 1995, while chairman, he met Arnold Palmer and presented him with a crystal vase in recognition of all the legendary golfer had done for greenkeeping.

 

Throughout his time at St Andrews, Gordon recognised that the club had a duty as torchbearers for the greenkeeping industry. As such, he was a great supporter of the Golf Environment Organization and the Golf Environment Awards and would often speak at the annual BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition.

 

As vice president, Gordon will support Colin Webber throughout his year as president of the association. Colin, 60, founded Portmore Golf Park in Devon in 1993 and is also heavily committed to ecology and sustainability, winning a Golf Environment Award at the facility in 2010.

 

Gordon said: “I was absolutely delighted to be asked to be president of BIGGA. To be honest, it was something that I really hoped would happen and I’m glad that my retirement has enabled me to accept this opportunity. I’ve tried to stay involved with the greenkeeping industry since retiring and so I’m really proud to be offered the chance to represent the association in this way and meet people from all over the country who I haven’t seen for a year or who I wouldn’t have met otherwise.

 

“There is so much available to members of BIGGA, such as getting involved with the various support teams or the numerous networking opportunities, and it can open up so many doors in your career. The association has done so much for me and I look forward to being the one talking to members and spreading that message.”

 

Gordon with Tom Watson and the Claret Jug

 

Colin said: “When I was asked to become president, my first thought was ‘why aren’t they asking Gordon?’ He’s the perfect candidate because of what he’s done throughout his career and the level that he’s worked at.

 

“His nomination just schows the scale of BIGGA as Portmore couldn’t be further from St Andrews, both geographically and in terms of its place in the golfing industry. It shows the breadth and scale of the association and how it brings together people from all over the greenkeeping industry together. I’m delighted that Gordon will be bringing all that experience to the role, which can only be a huge benefit to the association.”

 

Gordon will be appointed Vice President of BIGGA during the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition, which takes place in Harrogate, North Yorkshire during January 2020. He will then become President at the same event the following year.

 

BIGGA Chairman Scott Reeves said: “Each of BIGGA’s presidents have brought a new dimension to the role. I’m sure Gordon will add to this increasingly-respected position in his own unique way. I look forward to working with him when he becomes vice president and onwards in his year as president.”

GLENEAGLES RELEASE IMAGES OF 'NEW' HOLES
Re-invention of two Par 3 holes on Queen’s Course
 
The Queen's 13th

Gleneagles has commissioned critically acclaimed golf photographer, David Cannon to celebrate the completion of the detailed works to the 13th and 14th holes.

 


Gleneagles, the world-famous Scottish hotel, sporting estate and host venue of The Solheim Cup, has commissioned critically acclaimed golf photographer, David Cannon, to capture the re-invention of two Par 3 holes on its James Braid designed Queen’s Course.


The photographs celebrate the completion of the detailed works to the Par 3, 13th and 14th holes, showcasing the construction of new strategically-placed tee boxes and the introduction of native Scottish heather.

 

The Queen's 13th


The Queen’s is one of the UK’s finest Par 68 golf courses, a regular feature of many Top 100 ranking lists, and this detailed transformation, which started last winter, has seen the same team of five greenkeepers complete the project from beginning to end.


The 140-yard 13th hole, now benefits from an additional tee to the left of the original (which is still in play), but the approaches to the tight, well-protected putting surface approximately 130 yards away, are now bathed in native Scottish heather, with walkways intersecting passage to the green.


On the 14th hole a series of new tee positions have been created to the right of a picturesque loch, bringing the water directly into play, and giving golfers access to the green, via a new, sympathetically-designed footbridge.

 

The Queen's 14th tee


Director of Golf at Gleneagles, Gary Silcock, commented, “These significant enhancements to already beautiful holes, are part of our ongoing plans to elevate the golfer experience at Gleneagles, not only on The Queen’s Course, but across all three championship courses.


“Our members and guests are already enjoying the new challenge these great holes create and also, from a practical perspective, it is also giving our greenkeeping team the ability to switch play between existing and new tees, when necessary, to ensure conditions remain first class.”


Introducing Scottish heather to the 13th hole is part of a wider project at Gleneagles being overseen by Director of Agronomy and Estates, Scott Fenwick, a 39-year veteran at The Glen, and Golf Courses Manager, Craig Haldane.


Gary added: “As part of their research work, Scott and Craig have visited some of Surrey’s classic heathland courses to learn more about how heather is managed and grown on these sites and we now plan to gradually re-introduce it to areas of The Queen’s and The King’s golf courses, lining walkways in particular, over the coming years and adding to the ‘inland links’ feel.”

 

The Queen's 14th green


Extensive restoration works to The Queen’s Course actually commenced in 2016 with all 89 bunkers being lined with specialist Capillary Concrete to help maintain perfect playing conditions and drainage. The course also saw its fairway lines taken back to architect James Braid’s original designs of 1919, after the team studied historic photographs in the Gleneagles archive.


This week Gleneagles, which is currently celebrating its golfing centenary, welcomes The Solheim Cup on its Jack Nicklaus-designed PGA Centenary Course, the same venue that hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup.


The 850-acre Perthshire estate becomes the only venue in Europe to have hosted golf’s blue riband professional team events for men and women.

UK'S BEST PARK 2019
Shortlist announced
 
Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline

Four parks from across the UK have been shortlisted in Fields in Trust’s search to find the UK’s Best Park.

 


Four parks from across the UK have been shortlisted in Fields in Trust’s search to find the UK’s Best Park.

 

Castle Gardens, Antrim; Cyfarthfa Park, Merthyr Tydfil; Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline and Stanley Park, Blackpool have each been shortlisted following a public vote.


The UK’s Best Park is organised by green space charity Fields in Trust who, for over 90 years, have legally protected parks and green spaces ensuring they will always be available for future generations to enjoy. A record 364 nominations were received for UK’s Best Park 2019. Those nominations were supported by park users, communities, Friends of Parks groups, and landowners and an unprecedented total of 36,832 votes were cast for parks and green spaces across the UK.


The shortlisted parks are:

  • Antrim Castle Gardens, Antrim. The nomination identified that Antrim Castle Gardens has completed a transformation “… from local gem to national treasure” and recognised the “passionate team driven by the ambition to put their place on the map”.

  • Cyfarthfa Park, Merthyr Tydfil was identified as “…a park for people of all ages and interests”. The park was celebrated for its “…sensory garden and meadowlands which provide a haven of tranquillity”; and “The woodland walks, a delight for dog walkers and nature-lovers … it is a park for all”.

  • Pittencrieff Park in Dunfermline, Scotland is known locally as “The Glen” and was celebrated for its diversity “… from kid’s areas to glasshouses, peacock sanctuary and historical features …. rocky waterfalls, imaginative paths, well-stocked, neatly trimmed flower beds and herb gardens”.

  • Stanley Park, Blackpool, was described as “… a beautiful, tranquil place away from the hustle and bustle of the Blackpool seafront”. The “great volunteers and staff who keep it in tip-top condition” were also recognised in the online nomination.

 

In addition, 73 parks and green spaces have achieved “Much Loved” status, having been placed in the top 20% of all UK's Best Park 2019 nominations throughout the UK. The "Much Loved" status recognises the support of local people who use and love these parks and green spaces.


Fields in Trust is a UK-wide charity that since 1925 has been legally protecting parks and green spaces in perpetuity. The UK’s Best Park Award recognises the role that parks play in our communities, supporting mental and physical health and bringing people together. The charity is concerned that many parks and green spaces are under threat and are at risk of being lost to development or a cycle of decline and disappearance.


Fields in Trust recently published research, the Green Space Index, which revealed that over 2.5 million people across Great Britain do not have access to a local park within ten minutes walk from home. With public sector cuts leading to pressure on parks and green spaces, there is a risk that a lack of legal protection could lead to more being sold off or developed. Yet these vital outdoor spaces deliver health and wellbeing benefits to those that use them regularly. Fields in Trust research reveals that overall, parks and green spaces contribute £34 billion each year in health and wellbeing benefits to their regular users and save the NHS £111million each year simply in avoided GP appointments.


Fields in Trust Chief Executive, Helen Griffiths said: "The increased number of parks nominated, and a record number of votes cast, show just how much the UK’s local green spaces are cherished by the people who use them. Recognising the UK's Best Park is a way of revaluing our green spaces for the physical and mental health benefits they provide to their local communities. I congratulate all our “Much-Loved” parks and green spaces and wish the four Home Nation winners well for the UK’s Best Park award which we will announce on September 12th.


"Fields in Trust is committed to protecting these vital parts of the UK’s community infrastructure for future generations to enjoy. We know that green spaces are good, do good and need to be protected for good.”

LISTER WILDER TEAMS UP WITH PREDATOR
Appointed as a main dealer
 
Predator

Dealers to offer a comprehensive supply and servicing network across a wide area of southern England for the range of of tree stump grinders.

 


Lister Wilder has been appointed as a main dealer for the Predator range of tree stump grinders, offering a comprehensive supply and servicing network across a wide area of southern England.

 

 

Based near Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, Predator supply narrow-access grinders with a range extending from portable machinery through to radio-controlled tracked vehicles.

 

Lister Wilder say the Predator machinery fits well into their Groundcare & Arb Division, which operates from branches in Wallingford, Reading, Cirencester, Ashford, Devizes and Bristol. Each has highly equipped mobile servicing teams and parts back-up to support its sales experts.  Reading-based Lee Hatton will act as brand champion for Predator.

 

Lister Wilder Groundcare sales director Phill Hughes says he's delighted to add Predator to the company’s brand portfolio. “Predator has a big reputation for well-designed and reliable grinders that suit the often difficult access conditions in the UK,” he says. “We already have a very successful relationship with Timberwolf in the chipper sector, so this is a very good addition for us.”

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REGISTER FOR SALTEX 2019
Now open
 
SALTEX 2019 registration opens this month

Registration for Europe’s largest annual groundscare exhibition SALTEX 2019 is now open and visitors will notice some notable improvements to the registration process.

 


Registration for Europe’s largest annual groundscare exhibition SALTEX 2019 is now open and visitors will notice some notable improvements to the registration process.

 

Visitor registration is an integral part of the customer journey and new for SALTEX 2019 event organisers have partnered with LiveBuzz – the largest registration specialist in the UK which is the preferred supplier for some of the world’s most prestigious events.

 

SALTEX 2019 registration opens this month

 

Commenting on the new registration partnership, SALTEX event director Matthew Knight said: “It’s important that our visitors, our exhibitors and their customers have the best possible experience at SALTEX. We are always aiming to make improvements to the show each year and following an open tendering process we appointed LiveBuzz because we want the very best in all aspects of the show.

 

“We are confident that our visitors will experience a best practice registration process – it will be smoother, more interactive and in addition there will be ten registration terminals at the show entrance meaning that visitors will gain faster entry.”

 

Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 30 and 31 October, SALTEX 2019 will feature over 300 exhibitors including some of the biggest names in groundscare. The two-day event will offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the very latest industry trends and innovations, enhance their education and learn from industry experts.

 

The exhibition is the longest-standing event of its kind in the world, having been held almost every year since 1938, and the show is continually evolving with the people of the industry in mind.

 

This year the show floor will be bursting with everything a visitor needs to increase their efficiency and improve operations – and attendees can expect features such as:

  • NEW! Eco Village – live demonstrations purely dedicated to environmentally-friendly products.
  • Learning LIVE - SALTEX’s world-class free educational programme.
  • Pathology and Soil Science LIVE – a look in detail at the symptoms of turfgrass fungal disease problems.
  • SALTEX Innovation Award – celebrating the very best in new groundscare technology.
  • Ask the Expert - free face-to-face turfcare advice.
  • Outdoor Demonstrations – the latest products in action in an area directly outside halls 6,7 and 8.
  • SALTEX College Cup - land based colleges compete in an academic test of turf management knowledge.
  • Lawn Care Legends LIVE – a fantastic networking opportunity for landscapers and gardeners.
  • Job Clinic – free one-to-one sessions covering CV writing to interview techniques.

Registration is accessible through the SALTEX website and visitors can simply bring their email confirmation (on a phone or a printed copy to the registration desk) which will be located at the show entrance.

 

SALTEX 2019 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on October 30 and 31.

 

For more information visit www.iogsaltex.com

 

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @IOG_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/IOGSALTEX

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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?

EDITOR'S BLOG ARCHIVE
Catch up with Laurence Gale's recent blogs
 
TurfPro editor, Laurence Gale

Want to catch up with one of editor Laurence Gale's blogs? Here is the place to do so.

 


CHOOSING THE RIGHT MACHINERY
Turf professionals must be careful when buying new equipment

 

A GROUNDSMAN'S LOT
Under-appreciated and under-valued

 

CURRENT STATE OF BOWLS
Clubs facing many challenges

 

GEARING UP FOR THE RUGBY SEASON
Starts in less than 3 weeks

 

PREPARING FOR GOLF COURSE WORK
Renovations on tees and greens

 

PLANNING CRICKET RENOVATIONS
There are some basic aims when renovating a square

 

A FEAST OF SPORT
With turf professionals playing an integral role

 

THE CURRENT STATE OF GOLF
Courses must adapt to survive

 

TEEING OFF WITH JOHN DEERE
Partnership with Wentworth Club launched

 

WEATHER CONTINUES TO SURPRISE
During one of the busiest times of the year

 

BERNHARD LAUNCH TRAINING ACADEMY
Educating the next generation

 

THE NEXT GENERATION
We must inspire and recruit a new generation of turf professionals

 

OPTIMISATION OF WATER RESOURCES
Better understand the soil / water relationship

 

HARD WORK & DEDICATION
Ever changing playing surfaces

 

OBESITY MEASURES
Turf professionals have a vital role

 

TIMELY ADVICE
Rugby renovations

 

PLANNING AHEAD
Renovating grass surfaces

 

FROM WINTER TO SUMMER SPORTS
April is a busy period

 

THE VALUE OF TREES
Trees bring real benefits to our cities, health and well being

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Choice of fertiliser products will be influenced by many factors

 

A WONDERFUL INDUSTRY
But we need to be encouraging the next generation

 

THE VALUE OF PARKS
Facilities must not be taken for granted

 

A VERY BUSY MARCH
Plenty of work for turf professionals to be getting on with

 

SHARING KNOWLEDGE
At the Dennis & Sisis groundcare seminar

 

INSECT DECLINE
A cause for concern

 

HELP IS AT HAND
Seek advice from industry bodies

 

SPRING RENOVATIONS
February is a good time to start planning

 

BTME 2019 REPORT
Great start to the year

 

BTME WEEK IS HERE!
Harrogate time again

 

THE VALUE OF PLANNING
Benefits for pitch sustainability

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR
Opportunities & challenges in 2019

 

View all of 2018's blogs here

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