When is the first day of spring? In 2021, the March equinox happens on Saturday March 20, so that date signifies the official start of the season. The first day of spring is determined by the vernal equinox, which is when the sun crosses over plane of the earth's equator, making night and day approximately equal lengths all over the world. Once the day of the equinox passes, both of Earth's hemispheres get an equal amount of sunlight.

We also associate spring with the period when we start seeing the first splash of colour and growth in our parks and gardens. Usually seen with swathes of snowdrops, crocus, daffodils, and spring flowering shrubs such as Viburnum Tinus, Mahonia and Forsythia. 

However, the extent of this spring floral display is often determined and influenced by the preceding weather fronts during January and February.  We are already being hit with a lot of wet and cold weather as mentioned in Mark Hunt’s Weather Blog and there are some further worries of flooding resulting from last week’s Storm Christoff.

The combination of recent snow and rain in many parts of the country will have further saturated ground conditions and will no doubt have found its way into the river system resulting in likely flooding in different parts of the country. 

Many sports clubs may be affected by these floods. The damage to cricket clubs is often more disruptive than winter sports pitches so much so the ECB have provided advice on what to do if your grounds gets flooded. As floodwater recedes any deposited sediment may damage your turf and reduce playability. It may also be a health & safety risk to your staff, members and the wider public. 

However, if soil and air temperatures can soon begin to rise into double figures, we will no doubt be blessed with a colourful start to what we perceive as our growing season.

Busy works calendar

From now to mid-March, the groundsman’s works calendar is only going to get busier, completing the winter sports campaigns and getting ready for the up and coming summer sports.

It will certainly be an interesting time for our cricket groundsmen who should be starting to plan and execute their pre-season rolling and pitch preparations. However, times will be difficult with the nation still in the grip of Covid-19 meaning many groundsmen may still be furloughed to the end of March. 

Plus, we are still not sure if and when domestic cricket will start? If indeed it does and if a date is set for April, then this may well pose a few agonising conundrums for the clubs to decide on what if any pre-season activities can be completed in time for the new playing season?

Generally, the process involves several tasks centred on both the square and outfield which are in the main cutting, rolling, spiking rushing, feeding and squaring up the pitches and repairing equipment and machinery for the start of the season. This pre-season work takes place over an eight-week period, with timing of the operations often being dictated by the weather. Regardless if the season starts in April or is delayed till later, there will be a need to carry out this pre-season work.

I personally do not think there are any corners to cut in regard to preparing a pitch - the end product is a result of a combination of the above works and the skills and knowledge of the groundsman, equating to many dedicated hours of work. So, it will be interesting to see how this year’s pre- season programme unfolds.

On the golf greenkeeping front many clubs will be completing their winter works and planning to start their spring renovation works.

Looking ahead
   
As for other news, it seems that two new industry shows, BIGGA's Festival of Turf a two-day event that will take place in the predominantly outdoor setting of the Warwickshire Event Centre on 8 & 9 June 2021 and the Sports and Grounds EXPO (SAGE 2021) 27th-28th July 2021 at the Three Counties, Malvern showground are still planned to take place this summer. 

No doubt both shows will attract some attention and interest, however, I personally am not sure whether the pandemic will allow them to take place as planned - we will just have to wait and see.

And finally, I just want to mention Chris Biddle’s interesting series of podcasts. Last week he featured an interview with Austin Jarrett, MD of Allett Ltd who in 2011 purchased the intellectual drawings, plant, equipment and tooling for ATCO mowers when the Stowmarket factory closed. The poddast helped celebrate the centenary of ATCO, who in 1921 made the first mass produced cylinder mower, the ATCO Standard. Listen to Inside Agri-Turf here.

From February sprayer operators will be able to gain their PA6 (AW) certificate remotely via a web-based training initiative from Progreen Weed Control Solutions.

Richard Wheatcroft of ProGreen explaining the workings of a Cooper Pegler knapsack
 
Launched in response to the impact of coronavirus restrictions, the qualification gives operators the competency to spray in settings that include water bodies such as lakes or ponds, and watercourses.
 
Distributor Progreen delivers both conventional classroom-based training on safe use of pesticides and e-learning courses across many of the sectors it serves.

“The impact of Covid has prompted us to adapt our approach to training,” says trainer and assessor Richard Wheatcroft, head of Progreen’s technical, training and sales team, who will be delivering the PA6(AW) e-learning package.

“It always makes more sense for operators to complete PA6 (AW) as it completely future proofs you for all knapsack spray applications,” he continues.

Lockdowns and tiered restrictions have helped providers such as Progreen push the land-based industry forward immensely, he adds, “and by working with manufacturers and examining boards we have been able to place remote training and education on a fresh footing”.

The PA1 qualification went online last year and Progreen is said to be the first commercial business to offer the Lantra remote training and assessment for PA1 Safe Use of Pesticides – the obligatory entry level for sprayer operators.

Running online courses allows the company to support trainees if they need it, Richard stresses. “The training is run primarily for a qualification officially designated as a `Certificate of Competence` in pesticide training – PA6 (knapsack) being the most popular.”

The web-based classroom courses are supported with real-time instruction and demonstrations using equipment such as cutouts of Cooper Pegler sprayers. Video clips of operating tips from equipment and Powerpoint presentations further aid training delivery. 

“Assessment will still need to be conducted one on one,” Richard explains, “and can be organised at our head office or the candidate can organise themselves at a suitable place for them.”

The company is seeking to further enhance the appeal and versatility of its web-based classroom learning by offering PA6 (knapsack) and PA2 (tractor boom spraying) by remote training via multiple online platforms.

“We will enhance this remote learning method by equipping candidates with a detailed workbook in advance,” Richard says, “providing full instructions about necessary equipment and methods for practising the hands-on elements, in their own time, ahead of the online training.

“The trainer will then be on hand to run through the training workbook, utilise inset videos and photos during the training, ask questions and provide the personal touch by answering any candidate questions raised during practice."

The company also runs knapsack maintenance sessions for corporates in the same way as PA6 and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for those who want to update their staff and ensure safety, while nematode e-learning is delivered in association with Lantra.

BASIS-qualified technical advisors are on hand to discuss pesticide choices and to run through knapsack spraying equipment questions after training finishes. 

“We can also co-ordinate an assessor to attend candidates and to guide them in the assessment process,” Richard confirms.

The Made in Britain label or Union Jack on a product is still a powerful and effective selling point, both at home and overseas, according to Austin Jarrett, the managing director of Allett Ltd.

“Certainly that is true of markets such as the USA and Australasia, but equally so in France, Germany and other European markets - and is particularly true of the cylinder mower market where there is worldwide recognition of our heritage for fine lawns, stripes and immaculately curated stadiums.”

Austin was talking to Chris Biddle, the host of the Inside Agri-Turf podcast and said that there is not enough recognition of the UK manufacturing sector, given that 45% of our exports are manufactured products.

This year also marks the centenary of the first mass produced petrol lawnmower, the ATCO Standard in 1921 costing 19 guineas. The Stowmarket-based company was reported to be manufacturing well over 10,000 mowers a week during the 1960s.

  
Having purchased the Allett brand of cylinder mowers in 2007, Austin subsequently acquired the intellectual drawings, plant, equipment and tooling for the Atco range from the then owner Bosch when they closed the Stowmarket factory in 2011. He was unable to purchase the ATCO brand name which was picked up by Stiga Ltd to badge a range of their machines.

 
Austin says that 2020 was a highly successful year for the company. “I think people had more time to appreciate their garden and were prepared to spend money on it rather than on holidays etc.

“There is little doubt that the UK remains the benchmark for finely manicured lawns and grass areas,” he says, “which are best prepared using a cylinder mower and we are seeing a significant increase in interest in that sector.

“It is also producing a community of lawn-obsessives, who are competitive, and who share and compare their grass masterpieces with fellow enthusiasts via social media.

“I think you could sum up our objective as making machines for people who want to mow the lawn rather than simply cut the grass”.

LISTEN TO EPISODE

“Two more significant pieces in the Corvus UK 4x4 utility dealer network jigsaw are complete," says Phil Everett, MD of Boss ORV, the UK distributor of the Corvus Terrain range.

Colin Catley and his team at Catley Engineering in Leicestershire, and RHS in the North East of Scotland will both now be selling, supporting and servicing the Corvus Terrain range of utility Side by Side vehicles.

Colin Catley at Catley Engineering

Based in the Leicestershire village of Peckleton, Catley Engineering has been supporting the local agricultural industry for almost a decade, offering a range of services in the sale, repair and servicing of tractors and agricultural machinery. “Our passion is providing the highest quality engineering and machinery sales at great value for money," says Colin Catley. 

 “It’s great to have such a professional and customer service orientated company join the future of UTVs," said Phil.

North of the border, RHS is a family run company established in 1995 with a depot and 24- hour on-site service specialising in hoses and hydraulic systems together with a specialist ATV centre.

Fraser Reid at RHS

“I am absolutely delighted to announce that RHS Ltd is the latest member of the Corvus family," said Phil. “I have known and worked (on and off) with Neil, Heather and Iain for over 25 years so I fully understand the exceptional levels of customer support and service levels they will bring to our dealer network. If ever the old adage of ‘you could eat your dinner off the workshop floor’ applies to anywhere it is here. It’s great that they are now embracing the future with Corvus UTVs and also by bringing in Fraser Reid (in photo) to fully secure the future of RHS.”

Kubota (UK) Ltd has appointed Henry Myatt to join its marketing department, as product manager for the M-series tractor portfolio.

Henry Myatt

With responsibility for the entire M-series line-up and the R0 compact loader models, Henry joins Kubota from a well-respected agricultural machinery dealership, where he spent the last four years as a precision farming specialist involved with sales and support.

“Having worked with a dealership and gained great experience with supporting customers, my ambition was to join a world-wide tractor manufacturing business and apply that knowledge to a greater range of equipment,” explains Henry. “And with an up-and-coming brand like Kubota, there’s a lot of opportunity ahead in the agricultural sector.”

Coming from a family with strong ties to the industry, Henry says agriculture is in his blood. Since graduating at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, with a degree in business management, Henry spent time as an intern in a sales and marketing role with a tractor business. From here, he joined the marketing department at the Royal Agricultural University as an international recruitment officer, before making the move to a dealership.

Commenting on the appointment, marketing manager Rob Edwards said, “Henry Myatt’s passion and enthusiasm will continue to strengthen our marketing team, giving us the ability to further support dealers and customers as we continue to develop our agricultural business.”

ICL has announced Irwin’s Sportsturf as a new distributor for their plant protection range in Northern Ireland.

Irwin’s Sportsturf, based in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, was formed in 2018 by former greenkeeper Kyle Irwin.
 
Kyle believes that their appointment is another step in the right direction for his company.

“Since we started the business, Irwin’s Sportsturf has strived to offer the best products and service to our customers. As our reputation grows, we are delighted to be appointed as an official ICL distributor for Northern Ireland and look forward to working closely with ICL and Syngenta in the future.”

The appointment sees Irwin’s Sportsturf join Lindsay Turfcare as an official ICL distributor in Northern Ireland. Lindsay Turfcare, based in Co.Armagh, also provide the manufacturer's plant protection products and the range of ICL fertilizers. 

For over 30 years, Tyre-Line have been one of the UK’s leading suppliers of High Speed Trailer & Touring Caravan tyres, wheels and accessories to both the Original Equipment and Aftermarket sectors, partnering with trusted manufacturers such as Ifor Williams, Brian James, Nugent, Swift, Elddis, Logic and many others.

Supplying both Tyres, Wheels and pre-assembled Tyre & Wheel units, Tyre-Line offer a comprehensive range of fitments for most High Speed Trailer & Touring Caravan fitments, from 8” to 16” and with fixings for both UK and European trailers with Radial & Crossply tyre constructions available. They offer tyres from popular brands that include Compass, Wanda, Nankang, GT, Ovation and more, with wheels available from Vlukon, Mefro, Lemmerz etc. They also offer a range of complimentary Accessory products including Un-braked Stub Axles & Hubs, Couplings, Clamps, Jockey Wheels & Mud Guards.

Tyre-Line also supply Tyres, Wheels & assemblies for ATV & slow speed trailer applications, with patterns including Knobbly, Utility, Zig-Zag, Stud / Diamond and Multi Rib.  For ATV trailer applications, both standard and high load tyre options are available with “E” marked, road homologation available in select sizes. New to the UK is the 22x11.00-8 Wanda P334 Utility ATV tyre which boasts high load capacity, directional tread, square shoulder design for enhanced stability and a low rolling resistance rubber compound for exceptional milage and fuel efficiency. 

Tyre-Line’s extensive experience allows them to work together with customers to supply wheels and tyres to meet specific requirements. Extensive stock inventory allows fast deliveries as well as supply to a 'just in time' manufacturing schedule, all from their centrally located warehouse and distribution centre in the centre of England. 

For more information, contact their specialist high speed wheel division on 01327 701020, visit their website at www.tyreline.com or email them at aftermarket@tyreline.com

SELLING OUR SECTOR

SPRING WITHIN OUR SIGHTS

LOOKING AHEAD INTO 2021

A FLOOD OF WATERLOGGING ADVICE

View all of 2020's blogs here

View all of 2019's blogs here

View all of 2018's blogs here

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?

TurfPro editor, Laurence Gale writes:

One of the biggest challenges our industry faces in the coming years will be inspiring the next generation of turf professionals to join our sector. We desperately need to start finding ways to encourage more people to come and work in this diverse, international industry.

To help start this process, I have asked a number of our leading professionals to write a piece about how they came to work in this industry and the opportunities it has given them.

Andy Spetch, national Topsoil manager at British Sugar, volunteer groundsman and GMA board member

Tell us about yourself?

I studied agricultural management and cerchanting at the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Colleges of Agriculture before working on large arable farms as a tractor driver.

I joined British Sugar in 1987, initially joining as an Agricultural trainee. I then worked as an agronomist for the company in England and Poland. I hold the BASIS, FACTS and NEBOSH qualifications and have a Diploma in sales management with the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
In 1997 I took over the management of British Sugar’s Topsoil business. This role involves managing the production, marketing and sales of the topsoil received with the beets.

Having played and coached at Bury St Edmunds RFC I took on the role of Volunteer Groundsman in 2000. Working with a great team of volunteers and a supportive committee we transformed what were below average pitches to the envy of the area.

I was honoured to win the IOG Volunteer Groundsman of the Year Award in 2012 and in 2019 I was asked to join the GMA as a Board Member. I am very honoured to do this role as it enables me to put back into an industry that gives so much.

I am Volunteer Pitch Advisor for the RFU in East Anglia and sit on the Eastern Counties RFU Funding and Facilities committee.

 
Who or what inspired you to take up your career?

My earliest memories are helping my Dad mark out the line at Drax United, North Yorkshire. Dad didn’t have a white liner so used the saw dust he generated as a joiner. My Dad put a lot of work into his local club which I guess rubbed off on me.

Which individuals have inspired you or helped you develop professionally?

• Alex Vickers, Turf Consultant: His enthusiasm for soil and pitch improvements is infectious. I was lucky enough to meet Alex very early in my Groundsman career. His encouragement and advice really helped me in my work at Bury St Edmunds.

• Keith Kent, RFU Twickenham: Meeting the head Groundsman of Twickenham was something I never thought I would get to do. In many ways I was in awe of Keith. But once met you couldn’t get a more down to earth person who just wants to help. The time and effort he put into visiting clubs at all levels is to be applauded.
• Tim Parker, Parkers Pitches: Tim lives local to Bury St Edmunds and has been a cricket groundsman for many years and now runs a Sports Pitch Contracting Business with his son Will. Tim was always happy to help me problems at the club and share his knowledge.

What machinery or innovations have in your opinion helped drive our industry forward or helped make your job easier?

Choice of aeration equipment: Regular decompaction has got to be the most important activity on a pitch, High quality Amenity Grass seed: Much improved rates of germination and establishment.

SALTEX: This is the must go to industry event. There is everything a groundsman needs under one roof and some great educational seminars.

What concerns do you have for the future of our industry?

Lack of money. With many clubs having little or now revenue due to Covid I fear that pitch maintenance budgets will be cut.

Also I'm concerned about how we attract the next generation to take up groundsmanship.

How do you think we can entice the next generation of industry professionals to come and work in this industry?

Get behind the GMA in its promotion of the profession as a real career with good rewards and great job satisfaction. Groundsmanship is much more than working outside cutting grass - you need IT, budget setting, negotiating and people management skills. You can also get to work at iconic stadiums.

All of us involved in the industry need to mentor and encourage the next generation. Employers need to show the correct reward and progression for their employees.