Last week I was rewarded with a visit to two exceptional country parks as part of my Green Flag judging role. I always find it an enjoyable experience judging our wonderful parks and public open spaces. 

The parks in question were The Wirral Country Park and the Rivacre Valley LNR, two large public open spaces that provide an excellent wildlife corridor for all to enjoy. 

Rivacre Valley 

The Rivacre valley LNR is based on the valley of Rivacre Brook which is a small tributary of the River Mersey. The reserve is a 395-acre green corridor stretching into the town, making it one of Cheshire’s largest managed reserves and the largest open space in Ellesmere Port and Neston. The park is bordered by housing on the south edge and heavy industry to the north.

As for the Wirral Country Park, otherwise known as the Wirral Way, this was initially developed in the late 1960s by Cheshire County Council. The park is based on the former Hooton to West Kirby Branch Line railway. The country park is approximately 19.3km (12miles) in length. Half of the park lies within Cheshire, the other lies in the Borough of Wirral. 

Hadlow Road Railway Station 

Walking both sites allowed me to see the real value of what these sites can bring to their communities. During my visit I witnessed a wide range of age groups enjoying the Wirral experience.

Each site offered a vast array of habitats for enhancing and encouraging a wide range of flora and fauna and a haven for wildlife. 

 
Horse riding along Bridal paths 

The biodiversity of each site was rich with plenty of different habitats being managed by the council to ensure they continue to prosper and remain in a healthy condition for the local wildlife and insects that benefit from these managed habitats. 

Biodiversity in parks and open spaces refers to the variety of plant and animal species, as well as the ecosystems and ecological processes present within these areas. Parks and open spaces can serve as important habitats and refuges for a wide range of organisms, contributing to the overall biodiversity of an area.

Bees making the most of the rich food on offer

They provide habitats for various organisms, from trees and shrubs to insects, birds, mammals, and reptiles. The presence of diverse species promotes ecological balance and resilience.

The way the park is managed will help and support complex ecological interactions. For instance, plants may provide food and shelter for insects, which in turn serve as a food source for birds. These interactions create interconnected ecosystems, contributing to the overall functioning and health of the environment.

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in providing complex ecosystem services. These services include carbon sequestration, air purification, water filtration, pollination, and soil stabilisation, the presence of diverse species enhances the ability of ecosystems to deliver these services effectively.

Brook flowing through Rivacre Valley 

These valued spaces can also serve as protected areas for the conservation and preservation of rare, threatened, or endangered species. When turf professionals and volunteers maintain suitable habitats and implement conservation measures, these areas contribute to the long-term survival of vulnerable species.

In urban areas, parks and open spaces provide valuable green spaces, which are crucial for maintaining urban biodiversity. They offer refuge for wildlife, mitigate the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and enhance the overall livability of cities.

John Deere has announced the appointment Deanna M. Kovar as the future president of its Agricultural Machinery business, effective November 1st, 2023 - a move that they describe as part of its long-term succession plan.

Deanna M. Kovar

Kovar will oversee Regions 1 (Africa, Middle East and Asia) and 2 (Europe and CIS), the presidency for the Agricultural Equipment business, and the Turf businesses. She previously led the Precision Agriculture business unit.

The company says Kovar will spend the remainder of this fiscal year familiarising herself with the new role in addition to her existing responsibilities.

As of November 1st, she will then be given full responsibility for this post. On that date, Markwart von Pentz will assume an advisory role to CEO John C. May before his retirement in 2024.

von Pentz said, “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished with John Deere in Europe, Africa and Asia over the past years. Now is a perfect moment to pass on the baton and I can think of no better successor than Deanna."

Von Pentz has been one of two global presidents of the Agricultural Machinery business since 2007. In his long period as a board member Deere say he has played a major role in shaping and strengthening the company's position and economic power, particularly in South America, Europe and Asia, over a period of 16 years. Von Pentz also set in motion the company's realignment toward the digitisation of agriculture.

It is precisely in this digitalisation of agriculture that the manufacturer says Kovar is a proven expert. In her previous position, she was responsible for the area of Precision Agriculture, and was instrumental in the company's transformation into a 'Smart Industrial Company' and in the introduction of the [John Deere Production Systems'.

Kovar said, “For me, it was exciting to observe Mark's early commitment to digitalisation and our common goal was always to meet the complex and digital demands of farmers."

In the transition phase to the new position as Head of Public Europe, she will be trained by von Pentz in the Small and Medium-Sized Agricultural Machinery and Turf divisions.

More than a decade on from the switch to an organic feeding programme, the grounds team at Farleigh School in Hampshire say they are receiving more praise than ever before.

Staff, parents and pupils alike have cited how surfaces across the 70-acre site are providing consistent presentation and performance, despite the challenging climatic conditions, which grounds manager and sports coach, Shaun Crowley, attributes to the results from 18-1-8+Fe and 5-2-4+Fe from Suståne.  

“While we weren’t initially pressured to explore the organic route, it was something my predecessor and I were keen on - not just for the environmental benefits but considering the safety element for the children and the flexibility it provided on application rates. We have a packed schedule both during and between term-times so getting feed down without pupils around was challenging,” explains Shaun.

“Russell Riley from Suståne came in 12 years ago and it became clear that as long as we could catch a bit of favourable weather, we would be able to apply the product more flexibly which has been a great benefit ever since.”

Starting on the cricket squares, before finding uses on the outfields and lawned areas, Shaun and his team of five have found the combination of 18-1-8+Fe and 5-2-4+Fe delivers what they need - namely a kickstart in spring, followed by consistent health, colour and growth without flushes.

“We’ll apply when the temperatures rise, ideally March or April, to get the cricket surfaces ready for the summer season. We’ll then carry out three to four applications of the 5-2-4+Fe annually which we see as a ‘maintainer’, again on our cricket squares and on our Headmaster’s lawn area.” 

Shaun concluded, "Russell is a great person to have on the end of the phone. He pops in to make sure we’re on track and has given us some great advice for improving growth on some of our more problematic heavy-clay areas.”

Redexim UK have announced the appointment of Paul Thomas as their new sales manager for the southern counties.

Paul Thomas

   
After obtaining sports turf maintenance qualifications at Milton College and Shuttleworth College, Paul began his career as an assistant greenkeeper for a leisure facilities maintenance company in Cambridgeshire before moving into sales, with his first sales role at a nearby groundcare dealership. An opportunity then arose to join Ben Burgess & Co in 2016 where he held the position of area sales manager. Together with visiting and supporting existing and prospective customers throughout the purchase and after-sales process, here he says he also gained valuable hands-on experience with a range of machinery franchises - including the Redexim natural and synthetic portfolio. 

Upon his appointment, Paul said, “I’m really looking forward to representing Redexim and having the opportunity to work with the excellent network of dealers throughout the south.

"It’s exciting to join the company at this stage of my career and, having worked within a dealership, I feel I am well placed to support my customers - understanding the demands of their business while playing my part in Redexim’s future.”

Director of commercial operations Paul Langford added, “We are very excited to welcome someone with Paul’s level of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to our technical team. With his in-depth understanding of the Redexim range, Paul is ready to hit the ground running in what promises to be a very busy summer ahead.” 

Professional knapsack specialists Cooper Pegler have introduced cushioned straps on more of its models to heighten operator comfort and limit body strain for operators.

Many of the go-to knapsacks across the popular brand include ergonomically tailored harnesses to channel loading forces in a way that limits stresses on the body.

The latest advance from manufacturer Hozelock-Exel, which follows extensive trialling, further enhances operator safety and protection to include cushioned strapping on Cooper Pegler’s Classic and Series 2000 knapsack models.

"This is a global initiative," says Allan Wainwright, Hozelock-Exel's Sales Manager Professional Sprayers, "which aims to make our knapsack brands fully inclusive for all spray operatives."

The cushioned strapping is introduced at a time when more sports venues and amenity sites are reducing the quantity of treatment liquids they apply in a bid to improve their green credentials.

Golf course greens teams report they are using knapsacks increasingly for spot-spray weed control, a practice that cuts the quantity of liquid applied
significantly.

More knapsack hand spraying raises the importance of operator comfort to new levels, therefore.

"Those who spend a full day knapsack spraying will find the new cushioned straps more comfortable," Allan adds, "reducing the stresses and strains possible on the body during extensive sessions in the field."

The strapping is now available on new knapsacks but models already in use can be retrofitted with the accessory.

www.cooper-pegler.com

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DROUGHT CONDITIONS PREVAIL

MAY BE BUSY

A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT
by guest editor Angus Macleod

TURF HARVEST FESTIVAL

FEEDING TIME

TIME TO GET TOUGH

STAY CURIOUS!
by guest editor, Alex Vickers

A TRANSISTIONAL MONTH

SPRING IS UPON US

HEDGE YOUR BETS

PEOPLE'S PARKS, PUBLIC PARKS - IN PERIL?

by guest editor, Paul Rabbits

TESTING TIMES AHEAD

ROBOTIC POTENTIAL

CHANGEOVER TIME

WE MUST DEVELOP OUR OWN STAFF

by guest editor, Karl McDermott

DOUBLE CENTURY CELEBRATED

OUR PARKS IN CRISIS

AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS

OPTIMISM RETURNING
By Guest Editor, Roy Rigby

WATERLOGGING ISSUES

NEW YEAR, NEW FEATURES

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

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 the first of this series of articles, we sought to get a clearer definition of what sustainability is and what it means to an organisation, especially in the amenity horticulture sector. Sustainability comprises three pillars or components namely economic viability, environmental protection and social equity. The definition of these is important when any organisation seeks to become more sustainable, or indeed seeks to deliver more sustainable products and services to its customers. The remaining articles on this subject will now look more closely at various sub sectors of, and activities in amenity, and those providing services to them which hopefully will help all readers in their own search for sustainability. Previously we considered Sustainability In Practice, Sustainability At The Sharp End, Sustainability In Supply and Managing Weeds Sustainably. 

This month we look at the areas of innovation, research and trial work and explore how sustainability is driving the direction of this important work.

Having spoken to a wide range of people directly involved in research and trials work, relating to the amenity sector, it is clear that currently a key focus is sustainability. As one senior trials worker puts it, we are seeking to achieve similar results but in a more sustainable manner. This can translate itself in many ways. One example is seeking to achieve desired outcomes with less inputs by use of bio stimulants, improved plant health and achieving greater nutrient efficiency. In essence, when it comes to managing amenity and turf spaces sustainably, it involves taking a more holistic integrated approach, based upon informed and positive husbandry, and making use of all the tools available, so outcomes are not compromised but more sustainably achieved. 

Important research is on going at specialist research centres and our universities investigating the genetics of plants, implementing techniques such as genome editing, reducing susceptibility to disease or to enhance healthy growth, and, as mentioned, utilising bio-stimulants. These seek to influence internal processes allowing the plant to do better and become more attuned to combat pathogens and extreme growing conditions. This work seeks to re-think traditional practices and identify new approaches. A key factor of course in this is adapting to climate change and seeking to enable plants to deal with the increased stress caused to them.

 
One area in which this is particularly important is water with increasing times of drought and abundance. Research and trials work related to this for example at the STRI is really interesting, involving exploring further techniques in the use of surfactants, water storage and sub surface irrigation. In turf, the initiative launched by the Royal and Ancient a few years ago, is proving a very important driver, not just in stimulating and resourcing research and trials, but, perhaps most significantly, creating a pro-active discussion by all involved. For example, those directly engaged in turf management are at the sharp end and very much in a push pull situation. They recognise the need for more sustainable practices yet continue to have demand from users for high quality surfaces fit for purpose. Everyone wants to be more sustainable; it is just how it best can be achieved. Research is being geared to help us with this.

 
Policy changes also drive innovation. New regulations concerning fertilising products are driving significant changes in the supply of fertiliser, bio-stimulant and soil conditioning products to the sector.  The new regulations are more far reaching than previous, aiming to increase the number of products available, especially from sustainable sources or utilising organic alternatives. All products must comply with regulations aiming to protect the environment and, in particular, maintaining soil quality. This has prompted much investment in the supply sector, both in re-assessing current products and in diversification. It has stimulated significant growth in controlled slow release coated fertilisers with their increased biodegradability. The aim is to enable amenity and turf professionals to improve nutrient use efficiency, a further step in providing improved sustainable practice. Equally important is the search to create a more green approach to processes involved in fertiliser manufacture and supply.

I have had the privilege of seeing first hand many aspects of this important area of research and innovation. Trial work on new practices are widespread. As one example of this, a recent visit to a research farm demonstrated the wide range of activity. Sustainable practices are at the forefront of the trials programme there. There are trials on microdochium management over autumn/winter, with a strong focus on developing non-pesticidal methods of turf management. There is also work on-going in developing best management practices for any chemical controls available, so end-users can minimise pesticide use whilst maximising disease control. Nutrient use efficiency is another key area. A number of trials have already been undertaken to understand how all who work in the amenity sector can ensure that as much applied nutrition is taken up by the plant as possible. Huge amounts of nitrogen are applied to some high-budget surfaces, but we need to ensure as little of that as possible is released into the environment. Ensuring the highest nutrient use efficiency also gives end-users the best value for money for their fertilisers.

For all those directly engaged in supplying the very best inputs for the sector, sustainability is once again a key driver. Specialist organisations define this as seeking to create professional solutions in terms of improved technology and more integrated approaches. A recent discussion with senior staff directly involved in this work looked specifically at weed, pest and disease management. Again the need for a holistic approach predominates thinking; how can we make optimum use of the tools available. How, for example, can we utilise biologicals, not as an alternative directly, but working with synthetic chemistry. The pressures to reduce pesticide use cannot be ignored and this especially applies in mainland Europe, but it is important to look at this rationally and based on facts. As a recent important independent study undertaken in the City of Cardiff identified clearly, pesticides when looked at in a full life cycle analysis way can provide the most sustainable solution in many circumstances, provided they are part of a fully integrated approach. 

 
Most of this does require us to think outside the box. The use of nematodes to control pests is one example. It can prove very effective but requires careful and different management. It is not a direct substitute for previous practices. In another area, the important work on the control of invasive weeds, undertaken by Advanced Invasives, based at their Swansea site, has provided clear analysis and evidence based information examining trials of different strategies for managing invasives, an increasing challenge impacting on society. Whilst the use of glyphosate is key to the solution, and generally remains the most effective and efficient, related research both pure and applied linked to the site is creating new ways of thinking and potential solutions for the future.

What is clear from all of this is that there is a great amount of innovation, research and trials on going and, in many situations, amenity is leading the field. There is perhaps a greater need for co-ordination and certainly for resourcing. I would urge all our policy makers to give more priority to amenity and turf in research planning and funding. The message as always is that achieving greater sustainable practice is not a big bang approach but requires a series of small steps. It is recognising that sustainable practice is in fact best practice and that, in many situations, sustainable practices are already part of the management of turf and amenity spaces. 

The key in all of this is taking an open mind and being prepared to change and be aware of innovation and what it can offer. My mind goes back to 1968 when I was at the start of my degree course in agriculture. As part of the introduction to the three years, I met with the professor in agricultural botany who asked me why I had enrolled on the course. I told him that I wanted to learn. His reply was, well that might be so, but the key purpose of our teaching will be to make you think. There is a good lesson for all of us in this. In seeking to adopt more sustainable practice and still set the highest standards in turf and amenity management, the role of research and those involved with essential trials work is paramount.

"Research is to see what everybody else has seen and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi.

The next article in this series to be published in July will look more closely at the role of life cycle analysis in determining sustainable practices and the importance of fully considering carbon foot printing in management decision making. This will be followed by an article focussed on skills and training in sustainable practice.