We’re a week into now, but I’d like to take the opportunity today to wish everybody a happy new year. I am sure 2024 will be another testing year for our dedicated professional and volunteer grounds staff - certainly if last year is anything to go by!

The effects of climate change will again, without a doubt, influence the work of grounds practitioners. I recently read with interest on the BBC that the National Trust has published some information on this topic. 

The article quoted the National Trust as saying a loss of predictable weather patterns is "causing chaos for nature”. The BBC reported that the NT is warning, “climate change is upsetting the regular rhythm of the seasons, making plants and wildlife more susceptible to disease.”

It was also reported that 2023 saw a series of temperature records, with the warmest June and highest sea temperatures ever recorded around the coast of the UK.

An unusually warm winter has clearly allowed pests and diseases to thrive. On a recent walk in my local wood, I saw plenty of insects flying about which was unusual for this time of year. 

Meanwhile low water levels in rivers, lakes and reservoirs - caused by a lack of rain coupled with the high temperatures - has been a factor in increased algal blooms.

On some occasions this has led to mass fish deaths as oxygen levels crash, causing them to suffocate. And there were dramatic storms too, with storms Babet and Ciaran damaging landscapes and coastlines around the country.

The latest storm Gerrit that has just blown through the UK has again caused awful flooding and left many natural grass winter sports pitches saturated or completely submerged.

For me, like many other turf professionals, we are now seeing a definite change in seasonal weather fronts, with often very warm and dry, or wet, periods at time of the year when we least expect. As for winter weather fronts, it been many years since we had prolonged frost and snow cover lasting several weeks. We now tend to see milder, warm and wet weather during December, January and February.

I can certainly remember as a child back in the 1960s, specific seasonal weather fronts. Summers where hot and dry, autumns wet and windy, winters cold and frosty and the spring bringing drying winds and sunshine. 

How all that has changed in recent years with weather fronts acting unpredictably, with extremes of boom-and-bust.

However, with many more aids, machinery and effective products now available, the practicing turf professionals are better prepared for any extreme eventuality.

Therefore it will be fascinating to see just how we all cope with the various weather fronts we will all have to deal with in 2024.  

Looking ahead

As for our ever growing TurfPro magazine, I am looking forward to bringing you all the latest news, gossip and industry related articles that dominate and affect our industry. You can read today the top ten articles that grabbed your attention last year within our pages, here.

Throughout 2024 I will be out and about, beginning with attending the BTME show in Harrogate on 23rd-25th January. The first of our annual grounds related shows, it always enables turf professionals to network and meet up with one another, whilst viewing the latest products and services on offer. 

I personally enjoy attending BTME especially due to the fact that not only are we able to see a wide range of products and attend plenty of educational seminars, but once the show has finished we are able to carry on the important networking opportunities in the many bars and wonderful restaurants Harrogate as to offer. It’s always a highlight enjoying a drink and a chat in Wetherspoons with fellow industry professionals and work colleagues.

This year, we will be continuing with the popular Sustainability articles penned by Professor John Moverley that we will be publishing each month throughout the year. We will feature gust xpert authors regularly and I will also be writing technical and sport-specific articles. I’ll also continue with  testing and reviewing a number of products during the year, along with visiting various sporting venues. 

I look forward to catching up with you all throughout the year.

Today we reveal which stories were the 10 most read by TurfPro subscribers throughout 2023.

The articles that garnered the most attention were once again the expert, knowledgeable and passionate editorials written by TurfPro editor Laurence Gale and his invited specialist guest authors - as well as unusual and eye-catching news stories.

So without further ado, in order of ascending popularity, here are the most read stories in TurfPro of 2023.

10.

STATEMENT ON 3G PITCHES ISSUED - 24th April 2023

In response to questions and concerns regarding 3G artificial grass pitches a joint statement was issued by key stakeholders, the DCMS, Sport England, sportscotland, Sport Wales, the GMA, Football Foundation, The FA, RFL, SAPCA and England Rugby.

9.

ANOTHER NAIL IN THE COFFIN OF GRASSROOTS RUGBY - 20th February 2023

TurfPro editor Laurence Gale wrote an impassioned editorial where he explained how it was tragic to hear about the many issues facing rugby clubs up and down the country

8.

SENIOR RESIGNATION AT BIGGA - 11th December 2023

BIGGA announced the resignation of their chief operating officer, Sami Strutt, who will depart the association in February 2024 before taking up a role as education director at the Bernhard Academy.

7.

COUNCILS IN CRISIS - 18th December 2023

With several councils declaring themselves bankrupt in 2023, Loz voiced his concern that we will see further cuts to the maintenance of our parks and public open spaces - which he believed for many years had already been on a downward spiral. 

6.

DISGUSTING VANDALISM - 2nd October 2023

In a heartfelt editorial, Laurence reflected on the tragic news of the disgusting vandalism of the felling of an iconic native landmark - the 200 year old Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland. 

5.

WE MUST DEVELOP OUR OWN STAFF - 20th February 2023

Guest editor, Karl McDermott, head groundsman of Lord's, wrote that turf professionals must educate their teams about as many aspects of the job as possible.

4.

SALTEX ANNOUNCES FIGURES - 13th November 2023

The GMA, organisers of the SALTEX exhibition, said that 2023's show saw over 7,900 visitors to the two-day event.

3.

MY TOP FIVE CONCERNS - 19th June 2023

Guest editor, Andrew Turnbull, director of SouthWest Agronomy Ltd, highlighted the five principal issues that he believed were facing those who prepare and manage turfgrass surfaces, with a view to raising awareness and discussion so that change could occur.

2.

F.R JONES IN ADMINISTRATION - 17th July 2023

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F.R Jones And Son Limited, one of the most well known names in the UK dealer sector, ceased trading and entered administration. The Swanley, Kent based dealership that specialised in turf care and arboricultural products, had been established since 1963 and was one of the largest dealerships in the UK.

1.

A CRISIS IN GOLF - 23rd October 2023

In a call-to-arms editorial, Laurence Gale fumed that turf professionals are treated as second class citizens, writing that it is staggering that in the eyes of outsiders they are mostly viewed as purely grass cutters - and worse still, continue to be poorly paid.

With a number of new battery-powered products launching in early 2024, and as part of its continued focus on sustainability, STIHL GB has issued a statement to remind users of its battery collection and electrical waste recycling programme.

The manufacturer says the process means that users " . . can discard end-of-life STIHL batteries in a safe and environmentally responsible manner."

The statement read, "As a producer of industrial and portable batteries, STIHL GB operates in accordance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive, which ensures that, where possible, components are reused or recycled to minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill or incinerated. 

"For clarity, industrial batteries exceed 4 kg in weight and would include AR batteries and lead acid lawn tractor batteries, whilst portable batteries weigh less than 4 kg would include all other batteries."

The statement continued, "If the batteries are undamaged, users can simply return them to either the STIHL Approved Dealer they were purchased from or their local civic amenities site. As part of its service to its STIHL Approved Dealers, STIHL GB has partnered with the European Recycling Platform (ERP) to offer collection and recycling services."

The manufacturer also says that their machinery users can return batteries directly to STIHL GB for recycling. In order to do this, users should send an email to enquiries@stihl.co.uk with WEEE Recycling in the subject line, providing details of the machine and its serial number and a member of the STIHL team will respond confirming next steps. 

Husqvarna Group have announced that they are assembling a team of experts for their newly formed Husqvarna International Biodiversity Advisory Board.

The manufacturer says this panel of senior academic representatives will serve as their " . .guiding force in the realms of market and product development, aligning with the COP 15 commitment to safeguard and restore biodiversity by 2030."

At COP 15 in 2022, global leaders committed to taking "urgent action" to "halt and reverse biodiversity loss" by the end of the decade by protecting 30% of the planet and restoring 30% of ecosystems. Husqvarna say their Advisory Board aims to exchange knowledge and pinpoint opportunities that allow customers to make informed decisions regarding biodiversity. The Board will play a role in validating some of the current and forthcoming products and services from Husqvarna.

"The Husqvarna International Biodiversity Advisory Board will function as a guiding light and give direction to our future initiatives. We feel honored to have these distinguished experts as support in our continued journey," said Jonas Willaredt, vice president of sustainability affairs at Husqvarna Forest & Garden.

Members of Husqvarna International Biodiversity Advisory Board:

Chairman Thomas Elmqvist, PhD, professor in Natural Resource Management at Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University. His research is mainly focused on urbanisation, urban biodiversity, and ecosystem services.

Sandra Lavorel, functional ecologist at the French CNRS with 20 years’ experience in interdisciplinary research on global change, ecosystem services and sustainability, at scales ranging from local to regional and global.

Dr. Steven Handel, Distinguished Professor of Ecology Emeritus at Rutgers University, and formerly Visiting Professor at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, studies the restoration ecology of urban habitats. 

Cecilia Polacow Herzog, urban landscape planner, professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro.

Risebridge Golf Centre in Romford say continued investment and the hard work of their greenkeeping team has seen the 18-hole pay and play facilities go from strength to strength - as has the club’s relationship with dealers George Browns Ltd, who have recently installed another batch of maintenance equipment.

Doug Mackison (left) pictured with Luke Farrow of George Browns Ltd and a selection of his machinery fleet

Spearheading the full-time team of four is head greenkeeper Doug Mackison, who says George Browns Ltd have played a supporting role in operations across the parkland course for the last four years.

“We struck up a relationship with Tim Mason initially, who helped us out with some hire equipment before the funding became available to invest. By this point I’d been in the industry for over 40 years and in that time there weren’t many brands of mower I hadn’t tried. Baroness, however, was one of them but Tim demonstrated how good the cut performance and build quality was and it was on the back of this that we purchased a fleet of fairway mowers, greens and tees mowers and a bunker rake. We’ve not looked back since.”

Doug continued, “Luke Farrow installed the recent trio, he was very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the procurement process and continues to support us as we get to grips with our new machines.

“Actually, the support we’ve had from George Browns Ltd has always been excellent! We go to them for some of the annual servicing requirements and the rest of the time they’re always on hand to answer questions from our mechanic. On the odd occasion we’ve needed a spare part, these have always been supplied quickly.”

Doug concluded, “It’s the whole package which keeps us loyal. The top service and the 13 machines that George Browns Ltd have supplied are a real asset to us and our course.” 

COUNCILS IN CRISIS

LET THERE BE LIGHTS

WINTRY TIMES AHEAD

A MOST VALUED INDUSTRY ASSET

SATURATED PITCHES

THE DUMBING DOWN OF PARKS SERVICES

CRISIS IN GOLF - PART II

A CRISIS IN GOLF

WHEN AUTUMN LEAVES FALL

AUTUMN TURF DISEASE PREVENTION

DISGUSTING VANDALISM

GROUNDSFEST KICKS OFF

REFLECTIONS ON CHANGES IN THE MARKETPLACE - PART II
by guest editor, Ian 'Poggy' Pogson

THE VALUE OF LOCAL COMMUNITY CLUBS

BUSY SHOW SEASON UPON US

WATCH OUT FOR AUTUMN DISEASES

REFLECTIONS ON CHANGES IN THE MARKETPLACE
by guest editor, Ian 'Poggy' Pogson

HEDGE CUTTING SEASON

AERATION IS KEY

RAIN STOPPED PLAY

EDUCATION IN SPORTS TURF

by guest editor, David Roberts

SPORTING (SURFACES) PROWESS

WATER SHORTAGES

CRICKET ON THE UP

MY TOP FIVE CONCERNS

by guest editor, Andrew Turnbull 

BIODIVERSITY IN PARKS

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

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?