Printer Friendly Version

EDITOR'S BLOG

WE MUST SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE
To get governments to listen
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

I firmly believe the only way to get governments to change would be the coming together of our trade organisations to form a stronger, single, coordinated voice.

The value of green open spaces is multifaceted and extends beyond mere aesthetics.

These spaces provide a wide range of social, economic, environmental, and health benefits. Having worked in the horticultural and sportsturf industry for more than fifty years I probably have, like many other turf professionals, a strong affinity with the importance of our green public open spaces.

We live in a densely populated country and our saving grace is the fact we have on our doorstep an abundance of valuable green space. However, it is high time we should be valuing its importance to society and our wellbeing.

There are so many benefits from having a diverse green space close to you. Green spaces support diverse ecosystems, providing habitats for various plant and animal species. Trees and plants absorb pollutants and release oxygen, contributing to improved air quality.

Tree canopies and grass areas help regulate temperatures, thus reducing the urban heat island effect and mitigates the impacts of climate change.

Access to green spaces encourages physical activity, reducing the risk of obesity and related health issues. Nature has also shown to have positive effects on mental well-being, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Green spaces serve as gathering places, fostering social interactions and community cohesion. The proximity to green spaces often enhances property values, attracting residents and businesses.

Attractive parks and green areas can boost tourism, benefiting local economies while at the same time providing venues for recreational activities such as jogging, picnicking, and sports.

Green spaces also help absorb rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding in urban areas along with acting as a natural filter, improving water quality in nearby water bodies.

Recognising and preserving green open spaces is crucial for sustainable urban development and the overall well-being of communities. As urban areas continue to grow, it becomes increasingly important to prioritise and protect these spaces to ensure a balance between development and the preservation of nature.

For several years now we have seen a dramatic decline in the investment in public parks and open spaces. I know this from my own personal contacts and membership of several relevant organisations associated with the management and maintenance of these valuable assets.

The GMA, BIGGA, Parks Management Association, Green Flag Awards, as well as others such as Fields in Trust, BALI, The Landscape Institute, The Arboriculture Association, RHS, National Trust and the HTA all recognise the importance and value of the management and maintenance of these vital assets.

I read with interest that the Horticultural Trades Association have officially released its Environmental Horticultural Manifesto outlining ten key priorities for a future UK Government.

In summary these are:

Maximise the value of the UK’s green spaces across key policy areas by delivering an Office for Green Spaces, a Horticulture Strategy and a health and well-being campaign.
A bold national programme of urban greening supported by reformed planning processes and guidelines setting out clear targets in relation to location, green space, garden size and biodiversity.
Build on the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement by negotiating an SPS agreement with the EU and delivering a functioning cross-border trade regime for plants.
Work with UK horticultural experts to deliver a world-class plant health regime in order to safeguard a thriving UK horticultural sector and the UK’s natural landscape for future generations.
Commit to a sustainable transition and timeline to peat-free horticulture from 2030 with a support package that grows the industry, supporting SMEs and the UK’s gardeners.
Include environmental horticulture in the government’s green jobs and skills definitions and recognise the value of sector careers and opportunities from early curriculum to apprenticeships and degree level.
Complete a review of and publish a strategy for the UK water sector, covering water resilience from flooding to drought, which recognises the importance of environmental horticulture growers and landscapers delivering and maintaining green spaces.
Undertake a consultative review of current and future UK environmental and business regulation to ensure proportionality, allowing UK businesses to transition to NetZero, deliver on environmental and growth targets, whilst being competitive and viable.
Make the UK a global leader in environmental horticulture through smart use of accessible R&D and grant support schemes for SME horticulture businesses, providing an economic and environmental return on investment.
Ensure UK Public Procurement rules, guidelines and approaches at all-levels of government can be met and delivered by UK growers, landscapers and horticultural businesses, providing confidence to invest and grow.

This is one of dozens of organisations that promote the importance of our natural landscape assets - however, like all organisations, they will be simultaneously promoting their own agendas.

I firmly believe the only way to get government to change and finally invest more resources and money into managing our landscape assets for future generations, would be the coming together of these organisations to form a stronger, single coordinated voice to achieve the many outcomes we would like to see to better manage these vital green spaces.

One main achievement would be for councils to be given a statutory status for maintaining their parks and open spaces, ensuring there is appropriate money from both public and private purses to pay for upkeep and maintenance of these precious assets.

So for me in our roles as turf professionals, we all must be aware of the value of our green and public open spaces. We need to manage and maintain these to ensure our future generations can enjoy the many benefits they offer, safeguarding everyone’s wellbeing.

NEWS

HISTORY TO BE MADE
By all-female grounds crew

In our first WEB ONLY story, an all-female grounds team will prepare the pitch at Emirates Stadium for Arsenal vs Tottenham on Sunday 3 March 2024.

SENIOR APPOINTMENT AT HOWARDSON GROUP
Commercial director

In our next WEB ONLY story, home of groundscare brands including Dennis, SISIS, Lloyds and Hunter Grinders, has announced the appointment of a new commercial director.

DEALER NETWORK UNVEILED
By new machinery player

Following the formation of the company at the end of last year, an inaugural dealer network has now been announced.

Following the formation of FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd at the end of 2023, the stump grinder manufacturer has now released further details about their newly established network of partners.

L-R: Kim Schmidt, FSI managing director and Lee Hatton, sales director FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd

Lee Hatton, sales director for FSI UK, and FSI managing director, Kim Schmidt, say it has been a busy few months for themselves, visiting dealerships across the country. Twelve partners have now been officially signed up, some having worked with the brand previously, and others new to the franchise.

Currently confirmed partners are:

Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and Guernsey, Alderney and Sark in the Channel Islands will be managed directly by FSI UK.

Commenting on the network, Lee said, “The strength we have as a manufacturer-owned UK business is now paired with the support of our partners to the benefit of our customers. I am passionate about providing an industry-leading package based on three pillars - products, parts and service and I am pleased to be hearing reports from happy customers about their own positive experiences of working with FSI and our partners in our new era in the UK.”

GRILLO STRENGTHENS
Addition to sales force

Company says new recruit has many years experience in the groundcare sector.

Grillo UK have announced they have increased their sales force with the addition of Ross Fairgrieve.

Ross Fairgrieve

The company says Ross has many years experience in the groundcare sector and is well respected within the industry.

His role will include the further promotion and expansion of the Grillo range across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Steve Gadsby of Grillo said, "We are very happy to have recruited someone of Ross' calibre and welcome him to the Grillo team."

AMENITY SPECIALISTS APPOINTED
Skilled professionals join team

Company says former practitioners bring a wealth of experience and passion for the industry to their respective roles.

Agrovista Amenity has announced the addition of two skilled professionals to their team, who they say bring a wealth of experience and passion for the industry to their respective roles.

Firstly, Charlie Seager will be based in the areas of Grimsby, Sheffield, Peterborough, Leicester, and Nottingham, and has an extensive background in sports turf management. His journey began as a volunteer groundsman at his local cricket club. Charlie's dedication led him to prestigious roles at Rugby School and Warwick School, which gave him experience in managing a 190-acre parkland area, a 9-hole golf course, cricket pitches, and rugby pitches. Charlie also brings knowledge of complete pitch reconstructions.

Reflecting on his decision to join Agrovista Amenity, Charlie said, "I thought it was a great opportunity to move into a new role but allow me to stay within the industry. Being able to advise and support people in the industry is how I want to succeed."

Also joining the team is Matt Davis, the new amenity specialist for Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridge. Starting his career with an apprenticeship at Brockett Hall Golf Club in Hertfordshire, Matt quickly climbed the ranks to become a course manager at the age of 27. After serving at Arkley and Hazlewood golf courses, he spent 18 years at The Cambridgeshire.

Matt said, "Two years ago, I couldn’t see myself doing anything other than greenkeeping, but then I had a change of thought. It was now or never to try something different, and I wanted to challenge myself.

Agrovista say they look forward to the valuable contributions both professionals will make to their team and the clients they serve.

Sponsored Content

TRIMAX UNVEILS REVOLUTIONARY NEW BLADE
NexaBlades launched

Drawing on the experience and knowledge gained over the last four decades, Trimax has now developed a product that redefines rotary mower blades and is scientifically proven to outperform everything that’s come before it.

Introducing Trimax NexaBlades

The Trimax NexaBlade is a new, elite blade for high-end, fine turf applications such as golf courses, sports fields and turf farms. Every facet of the new blade has been scientifically designed to provide optimal performance come rain or shine.

With perfectly relative angles and tailored geometry, the NexaBlades have proven to outperform the industry leading Trimax LazerBlade.

Testing Results

Having undergone various in-depth tests, the Trimax NexaBlade excelled in six key areas. Below are the results when comparing against the Trimax LazerBlade.

TESTED AND PROVEN TO:

70% improvement in clipping and spreading
51% reduction in clumping
50% increased resistance to erosive wear
15% reduction in aerodynamic noise
14% improvement in cleanliness of cut
5% reduction in PTO power

What Do Customers Think?

Ashley Craggs, owner of Knotty Hill Golf Center, has been using the Nexablades on his Trimax X-WAM mowers to cut 45 fairways three times a week.

“The NexaBlades have been fantastic. I have been using them for a year and have found the cut quality is far superior compared to the LazerBlade.

"The NexaBlade's curved shape helps glade through the grass, reducing debris build-up, which keeps the blades nice and clean. This produces finer grass clippings which evenly spread out the back of the machine, leaving behind a better playing surface. In dewy and damp conditions, the NexaBlades don't clump and leave excess grass debris. This allows us to keep cutting whereas before our machines would be parked up. We have also noticed a fuel saving with the new blades, they're approximately 25% more economical.

"As the NexaBlades have been so successful last season, we will be changing all our Trimax mowers to the new blades as we are so pleased with their results and performance”.

To learn more about NexaBlades, visit the Trimax website or call 01933 652235 to arrange a demonstration.

JOBS

ADVERTISE YOUR JOBS HERE
Amazing success rates!

Advertise your jobs on TurfPro Weekly Briefing

Advertise your recruitment needs on TurfPro Weekly Briefing and reach our targeted audience of recipients every week.

Contact Nikki Harrison for details - 01491 837117