Storm Francis certainly whipped up some strong winds, causing no end of damage up and down the country.

Many cricket clubs’ sight screens and covers took a battering, along with having many games cancelled due to the heavy rainfall. We seem to be getting more regular storm events at this time of the year, giving our groundsmen and greenkeepers a lot more to deal with, during a usual busy autumn schedule.

I Just want to remind you, as I spoke about it in last week’s blog, many cricket and bowls clubs should be getting ready to start their end of season renovations.

Golf courses should also be planning or even starting their winter works programme, which usually see a lot of refurbishment work being undertaken along with some autumn renovations.

There is no end of jobs to complete in terms of winter work on bunkers, tees, greens, drainage, new planting, ground clearing, paths, tree works, pond and ditches.

I personally enjoyed the winter months in terms of learning new skills and the fact that you get the satisfaction of seeing a job being done.

As for football we are just about to start a new Premier League season. We welcome back Leeds, West Bromwich Albion and Fulham. I am quite excited about Leeds getting back into the Premiership as they are a big club and have a tremendous fan base. I am sure Kiel Barrett their head groundsman and his staff are looking forward to the new season. No doubt I’ll be going up to see Kiel in the coming weeks.

As for rugby, we still have had no decision on what format the game will take for the amature level?. If it is indeed a form of touch rugby, I myself may take up the chance to get my boots back on and enjoy the joys of the game!

While on the subject of winter works, we should take the opportunity to plant more trees and hedges. I have taken the liberty of collecting some acorns brought down by the storms and have planted them in pots to see if I can get some of them to germinate next year.

As mentioned in previous articles, trees definitely bring value to our communities. Can you imagine towns and cities without any trees? They would be very depressing places to live. That’s why our parks, open spaces and urban neighbourhoods are so vibrant. We have a lot of visionaries to thank for leaving us with the landscapes we see and enjoy today.

Environmental benefits of urban trees include:

• Trees reduce 'heat island effect' of localised temperature extremes
• Their shade cools streets and buildings in summer
• Help to remove dust and particulates from the air
• Help to reduce wind speeds
• By providing food and shelter for wildlife they help increase biodiversity
• Reduce effects of flooding by slowing the rate at which rainfall reaches the ground
• Help improve polluted ground

Economic benefits of urban trees include:

• Increase property values by seven to 15 per cent
• Larger trees can lift property values in proportion to their size
• Improve environmental performance of buildings by reducing heating and cooling costs
• Mature landscapes with trees can be worth more as development sites
• Can improve the health of local populations
• Provide a long term renewable energy source

A recent article in The Telegraph explains the importance of planting trees.

Between November and March is the best time to start planting trees and hedges, particularly planting bare root stock material which tend to be cheaper than containerised plants and trees. I personally believe we should encourage more planting of hedges.

Some hedgerows are so important that no amount of planting could replace them. The government has brought in legislation to protect hedgerows of key importance (currently in England and Wales only). Hedgerows provide food and shelter for many species. Because they often link small woods, they are essential protective corridors along which wildlife can travel.

Hedges may support up to 80% of our woodland birds, 50% of our mammals and 30% of our butterflies. The ditches and banks associated with hedgerows provide habitat for frogs, toads, newts and reptiles. Hedges are an excellent feature to plant, providing a wealth of benefits, acting as a wind break, barrier or screen.

Next time you are out walking, take the opportunity to admire our wonderful countryside and see for yourself the impact hedges have made over many generations. It now down to us to continue to properly manage these precious heritage landscape features for future generations to enjoy.

Bionema, a UK based BioProtection (Biopesticide) technology developer, has launched digital, classroom and bespoke training courses to educate end-users, distributors and consultants on the effective use of BioProtection products as an alternative to chemical pest control.

The developer says many end users are not fully familiar with the effective use of biocontrol agents – such as nematodes fungi, bacteria, viruses and beneficial insects and need a better understanding of how best to apply them, as the way they are stored, handled, and applied are important considerations and can result in improved efficacy.

Bionema say their courses have been developed to maximise the efficacy of biological products in a learning environment that suits customer needs and ensures product success.

They says their digital training courses are designed to allow self-paced learning in the delegate’s own time. These courses have been written with the needs of commercial distributors and end users in mind.

Delegates can also learn in a classroom format and a bespoke version can be designed to reflect a client’s environment, knowledge and individual needs. Each course is worth 12 BASIS or 4 NRoSO CPD points.

These courses include presentations, practical workshops and demonstrations of different BioProtection products. 

Dr Minshad Ansari, founder and CEO of Bionema said, “These courses have been designed for those who are new to BioProtection or who would like to refresh their knowledge. For example, learners will receive a complete introduction of the use of entomopathogenic nematodes as well as an introduction to pest identification, product formulations and application.

“By having a better understanding on how to use the product correctly, growers we have worked with have already seen a 30-40% uplift in effective pest and disease control, using BioProtection products, which makes the additional knowledge found in these courses invaluable.”

Bionema is inviting training providers who would like to partner in the delivery of digital courses. The current courses include:

• Course 1 – Application of entomopathogenic nematodes for insect pest control
• Course 2 – Application of BioProtection products for pests and diseases control
• Course 3 – Application of beneficial biocontrol agents for insect pest control

More information regarding training can be found here.

Three names from the amenity turf care sector joined forces to show a commitment to supporting women’s golf, by sponsoring the club that hosted this year’s Women’s Amateur Championship.

Agrovista Amenity, ICL and Syngenta provided the greenkeeping team at West Lancashire Golf Club with new Helly Hansen workwear for use during the championship, which took place August 25-29.

The greenkeeping team at West Lancashire Golf Club

Although played behind closed doors this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, the tournament attracted an impressive line-up of talent. 

Head of commercial for Agrovista Amenity, Dan Hughes, said, “Course manager, Stuart Hogg has been a committed user of Syngenta and ICL technologies, building an excellent relationship with ICL’s Phil Collinson and our Amenity specialist, Gary Potter.

“As an organisation, Agrovista is keen to support customers where possible, and in a challenging year it was great to work with three keen partners to support women’s golf and provide the greenkeeping team with first class workwear, something they have appreciated given the week’s weather.”

Stuart attributes a programme which includes Syngenta’s Qualibra and ICL’s H2Pro TriSmart wetting agent for helping to maintain excellent water management of greens, fairways and surrounds.

Prior to the tournament, the club used a combination of Greenmaster Pro-Lite and Sierraform GT granular fertilisers as inputs into the greens to maximise tournament presentation.

“The technical support from Gary Potter and Phil Collinson was extremely helpful with the tournament preparation,” said Stuart.

“I and all the team are very grateful for the gesture of workwear which befits hosting such a high-profile tournament at The West Lancashire Golf Club.”

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has launched two surveys giving everyone working or volunteering in the industry a chance to shape the future of its member offering.

Members and non-members can give their view on what they value and would like to see going forward, by taking part in two surveys - one for individuals working across the sector and one for businesses or suppliers operating in it. The surveys will be open to all respondents until Sunday 13th September.

All respondents of the survey will also have the opportunity to enter a prize draw, with four £50 Amazon vouchers up for grabs. Respondents who wish to remain anonymous can do so.

The GMA previously conducted member research in 2016 and say they look to do so every five years. Through gathering qualitative and quantitative data, thw GMA say the review will analyse the benefits and offering of the membership, looking at what respondents believe are the most valuable, and what aspects of the offering may require improvement. The Association promise necessary feedback will start to be implemented later this year, following an analysis of all data gathered, and continue beyond 2020.

Geoff Webb, CEO at the GMA, explained, “We know it’s been a really difficult year, with Covid-19 causing huge disruption and anxiety for grounds staff, volunteers as well as businesses across the country. It felt like the best time to stop and listen to everyone in the industry, so we can determine as an organisation where we can best support through our products, benefits and services.

“With hard times still ahead, we recognise the need for GMA to continue to remain a relevant and leading voice for its members and the sector. To do so, we need to hear current and up-to-date views and feedback to capture how the industry thinks and feels right now.

“With your help, we can ensure we’re supporting, and communicating with, members in the right way and our offering aligns with what the sector needs the most”.

To take part, follow the below links:

• For the individual survey, click here
• For the corporate survey, click here

AriensCo has announced the appointment of Brad Stiles as director of sales and marketing EMEAA, reporting to vice president Darren Spencer.

“The appointment reflects the strategic importance of growing the EMEAA business," said Darren Spencer. "Brad’s priority will be on building upon the existing footprint and successes.” Massimo Caner, European sales manager, Matt Wilson, UK sales manager and Jef O’Riley, marketing manager EMEAA, will report to Brad.

Brad grew up in the industry, with a father at AriensCo for 25 years. Brad himself has been with the business for 9 years and started in 2011 with Stens, which was owned by AriensCo at the time. He specialised in parts programmes and strategies with dealers to grow their overall parts business.

In 2014 Brad was promoted to a district manager representing a territory in Indiana, where he specialised in creating plans to grow dealer business, regional marketing programs, commercial product sales, and new dealer acquisition and growth. He was subsequently promoted in August 2020.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Brad to our team," added Darren Spencer. “We very much look forward to working together on this new stage in the development of the company. Brad brings a wealth of experience with a fresh view of our marketing future and he will be out to meet customers as soon as possible.”

Brad says he is exceptionally pleased to have this opportunity. His wife, Hannah, is from the UK and they have a 3-year-old daughter, Madeline, both of whom are already in the UK awaiting his arrival.

“While these are challenging times, ahead of us are very exciting developments for AriensCo and the Outdoor Power Equipment industry alike. We have many innovations coming in the next twelve months which will shape the way our business grows, to the ultimate benefit of our relationships with our dealers and customers. My family and I are very appreciative of this opportunity from the Ariens family and look forward to making the United Kingdom our home.”

Brad’s full-time move to the UK is planned for autumn 2020.

John Deere have announced that worldwide net sales and revenues decreased 11%, to $8.925 billion, for the third quarter of 2020 and declined 12%, to $25.809 billion, for nine months.

Net sales of the equipment operations were $7.859 billion for the quarter and $22.612 billion for nine months. This compares with $8.969 billion and $26.182 billion last year.

John C. May, chairman and chief executive officer said, "With outstanding support from our dedicated global workforce and dealer organisation, John Deere delivered a strong performance in the third quarter in the face of a serious global pandemic and uncertain market conditions.

"As we manage through the pandemic, Deere's number-one priority continues to be safeguarding the health and well-being of its employees. Thanks to aggressive measures taken early in the crisis, we have had success keeping our employees safe, our factories and parts centres functioning, and our customers served."

Deere said in an official statement that they are forecasting that net income attributable to Deere & Company this year will be about $2.25 billion for the full year. However, they say many uncertainties remain regarding the effects of the global pandemic that could negatively affect the company's results and financial position in the future.

In addition, the company has announced broad "employee-separation programs" that will be completed during the fourth quarter in support of its strategy to create what they describe as a "leaner, more agile organisation". The programs' total pretax expense included in the forecast is about $175 million with estimated annual savings of $175 million.

"Although unsettled market conditions and related customer uncertainty are expected to have a moderating effect on key markets in the near term, we believe Deere is well-positioned to help make our customers more profitable and sustainable," John C. May said.

"In addition, we are encouraged by the early benefits we are experiencing from the company's recently launched smart-industrial operating model. We're confident it will help accelerate our ability to deliver differentiated solutions to our customers, while contributing to improved efficiencies across the company."

To read a fuller breakdown of Deere's recently announced financial information, click here.

Scamblers have appointed David Evens Agricultural as their latest Grasshopper dealer covering the Vale of Glamorgan and southern Wales.

L-R: Joe Flanagan, David Evens and Tony Scambler

Tony Scambler said, "We are pleased to have David Evens on board as they are looking to expand and push harder into the commercial groundcare market.

"After a comprehensive demonstration of the versatility and quality of the Grasshopper product, they too could see the value of the range to compliment their business.

"Their groundcare department is headed up by Joe Flanagan who has a wealth of knowledge within the commercial sector."

TIME TO PLAN RENOVATIONS
Sward will be in need of some TLC

WHAT CAN WE SAY ABOUT THE WEATHER?!
Grassed areas looking stressed

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE
Opportunities and challenges aplenty

BUSY TIMES FOR TURF PROFESSIONALS
Short turnaround between seasons

BUDGET STATEMENT
The bane of the turf professional's life

NICE TO BE BUSY AGAIN
Getting out and about

CRICKET IS BACK!
Refreshing to see

LITTER LOUTS
What can be done?

INVESTING IN OUR FACILITIES
Vitally important right now

WEATHER STIMULATING PATHOGENS
Prevalence of turf diseases

TIMES ARE CHANGING
True value of parks highlighted

GREEN IS THE COLOUR
Much needed rain

SUMMER HAS ARRIVED
We're entering a new phase

A GRADUAL RECOVERY
Impressive response from our sports turf industry

FIRST STEPS TO NORMALITY
Golf courses reopen

MOVING ON TO THE NEXT PHASE
Of the pandemic

HOW ARE WE COPING?
After six weeks of lockdown

PARKS AND OPEN SPACES TO THE RESCUE
During the Covid-19 crisis

KEEPING OUR RESOLVE
During the lockdown

GETTING ON WITH THE JOB
As best and as safely as we can

TIME TO REFLECT
Our pace of life has changed dramatically

TESTING TIMES AHEAD
Grasping the effects on our industry

UNPRECEDENTED TIMES
Covid-19's impact on our sector

SWITCHED ON TRADE DAY
Makita launch 30 new products

WHO SAID WE ONLY CUT GRASS?!
It takes years to acquire all the turf professional skills

TIME MARCHES ON
New month to hopefully bring much needed sunshine and drying winds

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY
Come again another day!

THE PLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEE
What can we do to help?

SPRING HAS SPRUNG
Essential renovations

CELEBRATING 2020
Amenity Forum making plans

A DIVERSE & ENTERTAINING WEEK
Successful BTME 2020

TIME TO GET FIT
Our industry can help tackle the growing obesity crisis

WINTER WORKS AND SHOWS
Plenty to occupy in January

LOOKING AHEAD
What might 2020 hold in store?

View all of 2019's blogs here

View all of 2018's blogs here

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 . . .

What does the future hold for our industry shows in light of the pandemic?

Since April we have seen cancellations across the board of our turf related industry shows. Both BIGGA and the GMA had to cancel their upcoming annual shows on safety grounds.

The GMA's Saltex show has been rescheduled to go ahead in March 2021, while BIGGA have postponed their January '21 event at Harrogate Conference Centre and are looking to hold an alternative Festival of Turf event sometime during the summer of next year.

I personally think that until a successful vaccine is produced, we will continue to see events cancelled or scaled down in one format or other. It goes without saying everybody has had to adapt and change the way they operate to survive this ongoing pandemic.

I recently caught up with Professor John Moverley, Chair of the Amenity Forum who was also was faced with the decision to cancel this year’s Amenity Forum Annual Conference that was due to be held on the 15th October in Kettering.

However, after much deliberation and the fact he felt there where some very important issues to be discussed he chose to continue with the conference via the use online technology - thus making it a virtual conference experience for their members.

I asked John what his thoughts were on the unprecedented events and issues surrounding Covid-19 and how 2020 had changed our livliehoods?

Professor John Moverley, Chair of the Amenity Forum

2020 is certainly a year not to be forgotten.

It has impacted on us all in so many ways and it is clear that returning to what we thought as of normal will not be easy and may never return. For my part, I have acquired new skills and recognised that much can be achieved through virtual meetings and discussions.

There is though, in my view, still a need for personal contact especially when tricky challenges and issues are being discussed - I have certainly found that in recent months. The sector is facing really important times as the UK and national governments undertake a major review of the National Action Plan relating to weed, pest and disease management. It is at times like these that face to face contact and discussion can be really helpful but, as said, I am learning new skills and new ways.

Building on new skills and new ways, our 2020 conference has a new method of delivery but is set to provide the same high quality of speaker and opportunity to catch up on the many developments in our sector and issues impacting on us. Over the years, the conference has become a must attend event for all involved in or with an interest in amenity management and this is even more important in 2020. Aside from important discussion on the National Action Plan and its implications, our focus will be very much upon innovation and new ways forward given the events of recent months.

Of course I recognise that the opportunity for face to face networking will be lost but the team are working hard to provide the very best experience using professional software and it will be hosted from a central venue. All the speakers are in place and there will be facility for you to ask questions and share views. I see it as a real opportunity and we believe the event may attract even more delegates who may find the need not to travel a real benefit.

Of course it will be a learning curve for us too but the team have received training and the look and feel of the event will be very similar to our traditional event although we will not be able to provide lunch I am afraid! The conference has been divided into chunks of activity interspersed with breaks and we have learnt from experiences of others on this.

I recognise that we could have decided to postpone or indeed cancel in line with a number of other events but we did not want to do that. We felt it very important to hold the event especially when so much needs to be discussed. I have every confidence that it will deliver to the usual high standards and at £50 per delegate, it seems to me to offer excellent value especially given the speakers and content.

For further information, contact Kate at admin@amenityforum.net . The full programme can be accessed here.