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EDITOR'S BLOG

CONSERVATION TO INNOVATION
Lessons from a week on the road
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

I have been out and about this past couple of weeks Green Flag judging, making industry supplier visits and witnessing robotic mower trials at some rugby clubs.

I hope everybody had an enjoyable Easter break, including all those turf professionals and volunteers who no doubt were kept busy prepping their grounds for fixtures.

As for me, April is always a hectic time, catching up with relevant industry personnel and companies - alongside my role as a Green Flag judge,

Currently, my fellow judges and I are out and about assessing parks and public open spaces - including heritage sites and waterways.

Last week I met up with fellow judge Rebbeca to meet up with Mark Arnold, the Countryside Ranger for Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve nr Congleton, Cheshire.

Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve occupies 35.5 ha of a former silica sand quarry. Brereton Heath Country Park, as it was previously known, was opened in 1982 by the former Congleton Borough Council. Local Nature Reserve status was granted in 2005.

The nature reserve includes 19.3 ha of silver birch dominated woodland, categorised as a W16 woodland under the National Vegetation Classification. The woodland is succeeding to an oak / rowan mix. Also included are wetland and pond areas, a wet (alder) woodland, and a remnant pine plantation. The latter is all that remains of a former pine plantation, which was clear felled in 1916.

In addition to the woodland areas, the site also has 1.5 ha of remnant lowland heath. Although typical of many parts of Cheshire until the post war period, this is now a rare habitat locally and is a county Biodiversity Action Plan target. Although mainly comprising dry heath of caluna vulgaris, there are wetter areas which support erica tetyralix, and mosses. The heathland is attractive to invertebrates, including solitary bees, green tiger beetles, and several butterfly species. Small copper butterflies are found, and for the first time in 2019, dingy skippers. Green woodpeckers occasionally visit the heathland.

A 15 acre lake, remnant of former quarrying operations now forms a focal point for visitors. Although supporting a moderate population of waterfowl and transitory winter visitors such as goosander and tufted duck, the steep edge gradients limit marginal vegetation and nesting habitat.

Brereton Heath LNR attracts an estimated 200,000 visits per year. It has an important role to play in providing health and wellbeing opportunities. The facility caters for visitors with mobility problems and a safe, managed environment for families. It provides an opportunity to access the countryside, both as a destination in its own right, as well as a starting point to the wider countryside.

Mark has been in overall charge of the site for well over 25 years and soon will be retiring from his post. It was certainly an eyeopener for me to visit this valuable community asset. Being Easter and half-term there were plenty of locals enjoying a walk around this impressive Local Nature Reserve.

Further visits

While in the area I took the opportunity to call in on Campey Turf Care who were only ten minutes away - and who like most machinery dealers / suppliers were busy carrying out PDI inspections and getting machinery ready for their customers. On hand to meet me were Julie Campey and Lee Morgado.

I enjoyed a brief tour of the site, which since my last visit has seen some major changes to its layout that enables a more efficient use of the buildings and creates a better flow for machinery that’s been imported and in need of servicing and repairs. Also, Julia very kindly reminded me of the company’s 40th anniversary event that is being held on the 9th July - and if past Campey days are anything to go by it going to be a great day of celebration. If you are interested in attending this event log onto their website and register your interest.

As for other visits I have undertaken, I recently took the opportunity call in at two of my local rugby clubs, Telford and Stafford RFCs, who both have recently received robotic mowers to help the clubs improve their pitches. These have been provided via a new RFU initiative with partnership sponsor, STIGA.

STIGA robots at Telford RFC

I was keen to find out how both clubs where coping with their new autonomous mowers.

Calling in first at Telford, I met up with the club’s Chairman, Neil Thomas, who I have known for many years. He was keen to explain that they had acquired three of these STIGA robots - two A5000 models and a A750. He told me they had managed to get two out of the three working. It would seem from talking to Neil that it was a software issue, and they had been in communication with both the RFU and STIGA representatives and were awaiting further support.

Whilst at Telford I managed to see both mowers working - one on the first team pitch and the other on the training area. I am sure once they are up and running fully, these robotic mowers will be a great help for any rugby club. The deal is for three years with the clubs having the opportunity to buy the robotic mowers at the end of the trial.

Similarly, at Stafford RFC Trevor Roberts the club’s groundsman had also received three STIGA robot mowers - one for each of their three natural grass rugby pitches. Again, he like Neil was having some teething problems with the software and trying to get the robots set up.

Trevor and Neil are both volunteer servants to their clubs and play an integral part in looking after the pitches. Both clubs are aware of the necessity to maintain and invest in their surfaces.

Both have enlisted onto the Pitchpower app and are working closely with the GMA’s pitch advisors to secure help and advice and further funding for ongoing pitch improvements.

They are both excited about the STIGA support and having the opportunity of investing in new technologies and can see that these robots will become a time saving grace to allow them to spend more time doing other work to help improve their grounds.

NEWS

PRO DEALER GAINS EXCLUSIVITY WITH COUNTY FA
New grounds maintenance machinery and equipment partner

In our first WEB ONLY story FA says the dealership has brought vital specialist support and expertise to their network who work tirelessly to maintain playing surfaces across the county.

PLANNING A WATER STRATEGY
For a dramatically changing climate.

In our next WEB ONLY story in the run up to Earth Day, a golf club has hosted a Water & Sustainability Summit, bringing together leaders from across the UK golf industry.

EVERY VAN IN THE FLEET
Running on Kress tools

Owner of contracting company explains why they have ended up going all in with the manufacturer.

Mike Day, owner of Mike Day Garden Maintenance, who runs a thriving business across Hertfordshire and North London, has explained why every van in his fleet now runs exclusively on Kress commercial tools.

“We’ve got the whole range,” Mike says. “Strimmers, hedge trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, everything that Kress make, we use day in and day out. We’ve even got their 20V small hand saws and secateurs, which we use pretty much every day.”

It’s a setup that has evolved over time, but one that Mike says now gives him and his team complete confidence across every job, from routine maintenance to full garden renovations.

“We’ve tried a lot of different brands in the past,” he explains. “But we’ve ended up going all in with Kress. Every other battery product we had used in the past, we’ve sold. We’re one brand now and that’s something we wouldn’t have been able to do before.”

A key part of that confidence comes down to performance. “We’ve genuinely tried to find their limit, and we’ve never been able to find it,” Mike says.

“There’s just an abundance of power. Even when we’re doing full garden renovations and putting the tools through really demanding loads, they always outperform your expectations.”

While performance and comfort are key, it’s the battery system that Mike is particularly impressed by.

“It always comes back to the batteries and the infrastructure,” Mike says. “They charge quicker than you can deplete them. You’re never waiting around.”

Even in extreme conditions, the system has proven its reliability.

“We’ve used them in minus eight degrees and up to nearly 40 degrees last summer, and they’ve never missed a beat,” he says. “The batteries just keep going.”

Beyond the tools themselves, Mike also values the support behind the brand.

“There’s always someone at Kress you can speak to,” he says. “Very helpful support - they’ve all got time for you. It’s a close-knit setup, and that makes a difference when you commit to switching over to battery powered equipment.”

Mike concluded, “At first, I didn’t know how the team would feel about going all in with one brand,” he says. “But it didn’t take long before they were asking for everything to be Kress and none of us have looked back since.”

UNDERSTANDING PROFILES EDUCATIONAL EVENT TAKES PLACE
Practical, end-to-end learning experience

The event brought together professionals from across the industry to deepen their understanding of the materials that form the foundation of natural turf sports surfaces.

GroundsFest Academy recently delivered an educational event with its Understanding Profiles: Sands, Soils, Rootzones and Gravels day, in partnership with Mansfield Sand.

The organisers say the event was designed as a practical, end-to-end learning experience. The CPD accredited day brought together professionals from across the industry to deepen their understanding of the materials that form the foundation of natural turf sports surfaces.

From the outset, the day focused on building knowledge from the ground up. Attendees explored where sand comes from, how particle shape and grading influence performance, and why not all sands are suitable for sport. Sessions then moved into more applied topics, including sand specification, interpreting lab reports, and understanding the balance between drainage and stability across different sports such as football, rugby, golf and cricket.

A key theme throughout the day was confidence. By breaking down complex topics such as soil texture, organic matter content, and the differences between natural topsoil and manufactured rootzones, the event aimed to give attendees the knowledge they need to make better decisions in their own roles. Discussions around fibre sands and reinforced rootzones also challenged common misconceptions, offering practical insights into stability, divoting and recovery.

Importantly, the day wasn’t just about theory. Attendees were encouraged to think about how they could apply what they had learned.

Organisers say the diversity of attendees played a big role in the day’s success. Grounds professionals from football clubs, racecourses, cricket clubs, colleges and contractors all came together, creating a valuable environment for shared learning and networking.

As the day concluded with a Q&A and key takeaways session, one message was clear: understanding what lies beneath the surface is essential for success in turf management.

KEYS BROTHERS APPOINTED
Supporting customers across NI

Director, Andy Keys says the new partnership is a perfect fit for them because it sits really well alongside the rest of their product range.

Redexim UK has strengthened its presence in Northern Ireland with the appointment of Keys Brothers as its official partner for the region.

L-R: Allen Whellans from Redexim UK and Andy Keys of Keys Brothers

Based in Hillsborough, Keys Brothers is a well-established family business with more than 25 years’ experience in the industry. With a strong reputation for customer service and technical expertise, the company supports customers across Northern Ireland with dedicated sales specialists, product demonstrators and a highly mobile team of field service technicians.

Commenting on the partnership, Andy Keys, director of Keys Brothers, said, “It’s a perfect fit for us because it sits really well alongside the rest of our product range.

“We know the Redexim range is going to strike a chord with our customers. They’re looking for quality, dependable machinery that does exactly what it’s designed to do, and that’s what this brand is known for. We’re really pleased to be bringing it on board and confident it’ll be a great addition for us and for our customers.”

MERLO NAME TWO NEW SERVICE PARTNERS
Strengthening aftersales support

Manufacturer says this development complements the appointment of Ernest Doe & Sons as an official dealer at the beginning of February.

Merlo UK has announced the appointment of two new Service Partners in East Anglia.

As part of this new aftersales initiative, Cranworth Farm Services of Norfolk and MARST Agri of Suffolk, both formally authorised Merlo dealers, will remain with the network transitioning to the status of authorised Merlo Service Partner effective from 20th March 2026.

The company says this development complements the appointment of Ernest Doe & Sons as the official Merlo dealer for East Anglia at the beginning of February.

As authorised Service Partners, Cranworth Farm Services and MARST Agri will have full access to the manufacturer's genuine parts, technical information and technical training.

Robin Cooch, national aftersales manager for Merlo UK, said of the appointments, "Both have been excellent dealers within the Merlo network, and we are pleased that customers will continue to benefit from their experience, expertise, and commitment to high-quality service.”

SPONSORED CONTENT

TRIMAX STRIKER
Built for Compact Tractors. Engineered for Long-Term Value.

The Trimax Striker has been purpose-built to deliver premium results while keeping long-term ownership costs firmly under control.

For grassroots sports clubs, every investment matters - and choosing the right mower is about far more than just the upfront price. The Trimax Striker has been purpose-built to deliver premium results while keeping long-term ownership costs firmly under control.

Designed as Trimax’s robust entry-level rotary mower, the Striker combines simplicity with proven engineering. Its clean, even cut and striped finish helps maintain high-quality playing surfaces across football, rugby, and multi-use sites, while its durable construction ensures it stands up to the demands of regular use throughout the season.

WATCH VIDEO HERE

Where the Striker truly sets itself apart is in its long-term value. While lower-cost alternatives may seem attractive initially, they often come with compromises in build quality, cut consistency, and ongoing maintenance. The Striker is engineered to minimise downtime and reduce lifetime servicing costs, helping clubs avoid the hidden expenses that can quickly add up over time.

Efficiency is at the core of its design. With low power requirements and straightforward operation, the Striker is easy to run and maintain - ideal for clubs that rely on volunteers or small grounds teams. Its reliability means you can focus on preparing your pitches, not maintaining your equipment.

Backing this up is Trimax’s industry-leading 3-year warranty, giving clubs confidence in the durability and performance of their investment from day one. For added peace of mind, an optional 5-year warranty is also available, alongside Trimax’s renowned after-sales support. From expert advice to readily available parts and servicing, you can be confident that your mower is protected for the long haul.

The Striker isn’t just a mower - it’s a smart, dependable solution for clubs that want to balance performance, durability, and cost. When you look beyond the purchase price and consider total cost of ownership, it’s clear why so many organisations trust Trimax to keep their grounds in top condition.

For more information or to book a demo, visit the Trimax website.

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