July sees the start of The Championships at Wimbledon, another one of our major sporting events of the year.

The tournament runs from July 3rd – 16th, is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, and is regarded by many as the most prestigious. It has been held at the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) in Wimbledon, London, since 1877 and played on outdoor natural grass courts.

Neil Stubley, the head groundsman at Wimbledon has been working for the All England Lawn Tennis Club for more than 20 years after first joining as a groundsman in 1995.

Now the head of courts and horticulture, it is Mr Stubley’s job to ensure Wimbledon’s world-famous grass courts are kept in perfect condition.  

Mowing the courts at Wimbledon, courtesy of Neil Stubley 

And while the Championships may only last two weeks, the courts need to be back open for members just two days after the tournament has finished.
The prestigious playing surfaces - that comprise 40-plus grass courts - take a full year to recover from the rigours of the summer’s tournament and club matches. The renovation of the courts begins in earnest come August and September, when courts will start to be taken out of play and renovated.
This usually see the courts fraise mowed, sterilised and overseeded. From the start of April the grass is then taken down a millimetre a week from its winter height of 13mm to its playing height of 8mm, ready for when the courts open to members in mid-May.

During the Championships Neil will enlist some additional staff to help maintain the courts during the busy fortnight. I’d like to congratulate him and wish that Neil and all his staff have a memorable tournament and the weather is kind and in their favour. 

1st day of the Test at Lord's. Photo provided by Karl McDermott

As for the cricket, Karl McDermott and his staff were kept busy hosting the Second Ashes Test with some large scores being attained at the hallowed ground. Unfortunately, the batting conditions seemed to favour the Australians and allowed them to go two up in the series.

Now all eyes were on the third test at Headingley under the stewardship of the new head groundsman, Richard Robinson, who has been helped with the preparation of the wicket by former HG Andy Fogarty. 

Wih the game wrapping up yesterday, it seems fair to say that all pundits agreed that they succeeded in producing an absolute belter of a surface, creating a fast-paced game, that saw England come out on top keeping the Ashes alive. Huge congratulations Richard!
 

Headingley's third Ashes Test Pitch 

There is an interesting article on the appointment of Richard on Headingley’s website that is well worth a read.

Organisers of next week's SAGE show are asking visitors to take a look at their newly-released agenda - and register for places at their expert-led panel discussions and hands-on workshops.

The event will be held at Three Counties Showground, Malvern on the 19th and 20th of July 2023 and will include live outdoor demos of machinery, industry exhibitors, expert-led summits, live music, entertainment, food vendors, and sponsored bar. Also the UK Loggers National Championship will be taking place over the two days of the expo

This year, the organisers say the show is bringing sustainability to the forefront. In line with green practices outlined by official green partner GRASS, SAGE is making several sustainable changes to the expo. Throughout the event, they say visitors will notice an emphasis on how the event is trying to run sustainably. All packaging used by on-site caterers will be fully compostable. At the sponsored bar, beer barrels will be replacing beer bottles, and hired glasses will be used at the networking event to reduce single-use plastic.

In partnership with its partners Bio-Circle & GRASS, the show also says it has built a packed agenda to challenge how sustainable solutions are accessed in the industry. The agenda for The Green Business Expo is now available, which runs alongside SAGE, meaning visitors have exclusive free entry into panel discussions such as, Is going green is viable for my business? Delving into the details of equipping a business with strategy and practical knowhow on moving forwards.

An expert-led panel at 11am will be talking about creating a successful tender bid, after which Fusion for Business will be discussing managing rising energy costs.

Also at the Green Business Expo, at 2pm, meet a panel of innovators who will be talking about how pioneering methods can challenge the norm by tackling market leaders and traditional methods.

In the final wave of their 2023 dealer realignment, GreenMech have announced the appointment of 1st Base Plant and Machinery as a full sales, service and parts partner for Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

In addition, Cutting Edge Machinery have joined the network to provide service support to customers in Worcestershire and the West Midlands, while Hunts Engineering will be extending their service dealer coverage to customers across Oxfordshire and Warwickshire.  

Specialising in new and used plant machinery, GreenMech say 1st Base of Warrington have built a reputation for providing quality product and the right advice and support to their varied customer-base. As approved dealers of Avant Wheeled Loaders and Messersi Construction equipment, the dealership says they are are well placed to reach customers across the groundworks and industrial sectors with access to the full GreenMech pedestrian, road-tow and tracked woodchipper range. 

Cutting Edge Machinery’s team of engineers meanwhile, will now offer servicing, repairs, parts and fault-finding in Worcestershire and the West Midlands. From their workshop near Redditch, the team say they have built up more than 25 years of experience working with domestic and commercial garden, arb and groundcare brands.

Finally, and extending their current service dealer territory, is Hunts Engineering who will be serving customers across Warwickshire in addition to those in Oxfordshire. A well-known name with over nine decades of combined experience within the team of trained technicians, Hunts say they also offer a fleet of dedicated service vehicles.

Kubota UK say they are delighted to have entered into a sponsorship agreement with equestrian sporting venue, the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead, with an agreement which sees the supply of additional machinery support for their busy 2023 events season.

With sponsorship of a further eight machines, Hickstead are operating a fleet of 15 Kubota units including compact tractors, RTV’s and ride-on mowers which they say will be pivotal to preparations, including for the Longines Royal International Horse Show on the 26th - 30th July. 

“Our facilities include grass and all-weather arenas, and an outdoor showground which is mainly grassland and typical Sussex countryside,” explained showground & estate manager William Bunn. 

Spread across hundreds of acres, the grounds team of 14 have a vast and varied workload. “We have multiple operators, with differing levels of experience, who have all commented how intuitive and well thought out the Kubota machinery is to operate," said William. "The ease of access for daily checks and maintenance proves that the range is designed with the operator as a priority.” 

Kubota’s sponsorship and additional event support sees Hickstead running 15 machines in total, including M Series tractors, LX Series compact tractors, RTV side by side machines and ride on mowers, in use across the estate as the team ramp up preparations for a packed calendar of events. 

William continued, “From a management point of view, the machines have proven to be extremely reliable - our down time has reduced and when we have needed advice, the support from our local dealership, Rod Gaskin Ltd, has been faultless.  

Phil Catley, Kubota Groundcare product and key account manager added, “Supporting these events at Hickstead with the help of Rod Gaskin Ltd is a great way for us all to increase brand awareness and build new and existing relationships with some of the very best in the equine sector.”

Major, course-wide investment and redevelopment plans at Essex’s Crondon Park Golf Club have taken a big step forward due to the recent installation of a brand-new machinery fleet package from George Browns Limited.

Everything from tractors, mowers, implements and accessories have been replaced with solutions from brands including Kubota and Baroness, to further raise course standards and achieve ambitions of a top-ranking status in the county. 

Set within the 220-acre Crondon Park Estate, managing director Marlon Fox is the second generation of the Fox family now taking charge of the 18-hole championship course, originally built by his father 35 years ago. “Since COVID, good machinery appears hard to come by with a lot of manufacturers not holding much in the way of stock” he explains. “In our search, we spoke to Luke Farrow at George Browns Great Dunmow branch who, right from the start, understood our requirements and what we’re looking to achieve here, building us a package of machinery to reach that.” 

Within that package were two RTV X1110 utility vehicles, a L2622 and L1552 compact tractor from Kubota, together with two Baroness LM315 greens mowers and a LM551 fairway mower.

“We had the demonstration units arrive and the greens team were very happy with everything, the quality of cut and finish we were seeing, we were very impressed with. Coming away from our previous brand naturally brought with it an element of trepidation but George Browns, Luke and Tim Mason in particular, have looked after us very well at every stage of the process.” 

Promised in May 2023, and delivered on time, the Crondon Park greens department then underwent full and comprehensive training on the new equipment. 

Marlon concludes, “We have a massive five-year plan, so having new machinery that is going to give us quality results, reliability and no age-related issues is setting us off on the right path to achieve our goals and deliver an unforgettable golfing experience.” 

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

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?

In the first of this series of articles, we sought to get a clearer definition of what sustainability is and what it means to an organisation, especially in the amenity horticulture sector. Sustainability comprises three pillars or components namely economic viability, environmental protection and social equity. The definition of these is important when any organisation seeks to become more sustainable, or indeed seeks to deliver more sustainable products and services to its customers. The remaining articles on this subject will now look more closely at various sub sectors of, and activities in amenity, and those providing services to them which hopefully will help all readers in their own search for sustainability. Previously we considered Sustainability In Practice, Sustainability At The Sharp End, Sustainability In Supply, Managing Weeds Sustainably and Innovation & Sustainability.

This month we focus particularly on the area of carbon foot printing and how life cycle analysis allows us to more carefully assess sustainable practices.

The term life cycle analysis (LCA) might seem at first sight somewhat academic but it is highly relevant, in a practical sense, in the drive towards sustainable practice, as this brief article will endeavour to demonstrate. When looking at processes, such as for example the supply of the food we eat, it is very important, in sustainability terms that we consider every stage of its journey. For food supply, this involves evaluation of the way we produce it, process it, supply it to our tables and dispose of the waste.

As another example, more recently in the news, there has been controversy about the opening of a mine in Cumbria to produce stoking coal for the steel industry. If purely looked at in a one dimensional way, new coal production spells carbon emissions and is not in line with government zero carbon policy. However, the alternative is importing which has its own carbon footprint in extraction and transporting. It is not my role to make a view on this one way or another. Indeed I would rather stay out of that, but it does perhaps illustrate the need for a full life cycle consideration when considering complex decisions, and certainly ones with extended supply chains and processing involved.
 
Before looking at how this might relate to amenity operations, we need to perhaps expand a little more on the process of life cycle analysis (LCA). It is the act of measuring the environmental impact of a product or service, from the raw material stage of putting the product or service together, through the use phase where the service, material or product serves its’ purpose, to the “end-of-life” stage where the product is broken down in whatever fashion occurs. . An LCA measures the environmental impacts of each distinct part involved in creating and using such products and services, such as energy used in production, fuel used in transport, and end-of-life ecological costs. This helps us compare between products, materials, and methods used, providing useful information by which to make decisions that could help the environment. 

Specialists use more than one standardised method to undertake LCA but all do the same thing. They seek to provide the best understanding of the environmental consequences of a product or service, as researchers can currently get, throughout its life cycle. Ultimately, an LCA is interested in what we have to take from the environment, in terms of raw materials and energy, and what impact the product then has on the environment during its use (or the service, or the material). It’s called “life cycle” because it takes the entire existence of the product into account.

So what is the relevance of all this to operators in amenity, seeking to be more sustainable? Well perhaps we can look at the area of weed management as an example. In choosing the correct approach to managing weeds, Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) can give us insight and allow some quantification of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) and other environmental burdens (e.g. water consumption) associated with each control method. One application of such an approach is perhaps best illustrated by a recent independently run and comprehensive study of different approaches to weed control on hard surfaces in the City of Cardiff. 

The Cardiff Trial looked at all aspects of cost, total product use and water and fuel use, and applied LCA to the different approaches employed. LCA measured environmental impacts against a large number of impact categories such as global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion and ionizing radiation, through all the life stages of any product used from manufacture right through to end-use. However, Cardiff Council was also interested not only in the costs and environmental impacts of the pavement weed control treatments tested, but also customer satisfaction and quality from a public perspective. The work was undertaken by independent consultants, Advanced Invasives, and the results have now been published by Cardiff Council.

A simplified summary of the outcome from this evaluation is given below:

• Cost - per kilometre to treat the weeds
• Environmental - i.e. carbon footprint of the work undertaken
• Customer satisfaction - measured using complaints received
• Quality - measured by sampled assessments on 4 occasions

The overall LCA conclusion might seem initially surprising to some in that pesticide use, in this case glyphosate, was shown to have less overall environmental impact than the other non-chemical control methods tested in this study. In many ways the results were comparable to those found in a similar UK study of weed treatments for controlling weeds on hard surfaces known as the Thanet Trial led by East Malling Research (EMR); however, the Thanet Trial did not test the different pavement weed control treatments separately, meaning that it was difficult to tell which treatments had the greatest impacts. In the Cardiff Trial, freshwater impacts were the only ones where glyphosate-based control methods had higher environmental impact than non-herbicide based approaches. In the Netherlands, an LCA investigating pavement weed control methods also found that freshwater impacts contributed toward elevated glyphosate-based control method results, but noted that physical control methods produced less favourable results and greater CO2 emissions than herbicide application.

 
It is important to note that all trials conducted are not meant to be a critique of any particular method. Importantly, at a practical level, amenity weed control can be complex and involve many factors – what works and a client needs in one location may not in another. However what the UK and Dutch trials point towards is that when considering weed control, the correct way is to take account of the evidence and integrate fully, making use of all tools available where appropriate, and matching these to specific situational needs. The right combination, fully co-ordinated, can drive a much more sustainable approach with less wastage, more targeted use of herbicide as required and minimising environmental impact in all its forms. 

Building slightly further on this LCA approach to weed management on hard surfaces, a presentation by Peter Corbett from the Amenity Forum, at a conference a couple of years ago is also relevant. He took a more empirical approach to matters, building upon previous work at that time. This sought to compare different methods of weed control based upon a sustainability score, taking into account economic and environmental impacts including carbon foot printing. Again, this looked at the life cycle of different options for weed management and producing a sustainability score based upon the impacts on the economy, society and environment. The sustainability score was calculated based upon the three pillars of sustainability - economic, society and environment. Each pillar had four measures identified, ranked out of 6, 1 for most sustainable, 6 for least sustainable.

Whilst the presenter emphasised that some of the calculations were inevitably somewhat subjective, as presented, the following are cumulative rankings to produce a sustainability score for selected methods:

• Physical (hoe, hand weeding etc - 26
• Physical using mechanical means - 49
• Glyphosate - 24
• Alternatives such as acetic acid - 37
• Thermal (flame) - 51
• Thermal (hot water/ foam) - 50

Again it is important to emphasise that this does not seek to say any particular method is wrong, all have their merits – an integrated approach making use of all tools available is by far the best way towards sustainable practice, but, nevertheless, the outcomes are interesting and thought provoking and illustrate the need to take a balanced approach in implementing sustainable practice.

 
I recognise that this article might have been slightly more academic in its presentation than previous ones but its purpose is to illustrate that, in any decision making, especially linked to sustainable practice, it is important to consider all stages of the processes and procedures involved in operations. Linking back to weed control that is why I argue against people talking about seeking alternatives. For any specific situation it is about utilising all techniques and options available in the right combination to achieve required weed control levels in a sustainable fashion. 

 
This article has sought to demonstrate that adopting sustainable practice cannot be one dimensional but involves careful thought. Again the term that sustainable practice means good practice comes to mind and certainly the road to sustainable practice involves small steps focussed on the three key components described at the outset of these articles, and above all achieving required results. There is no right or wrong way but keeping sustainability in mind and the consequences of any actions is a good start.

‘’In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next is the wrong thing and the worst thing you can do is nothing’’ - Theodore Roosevelt.

The next article in this series will look more closely at the subject of skills, education and training and its importance in helping all involved in their search for more sustainable practices.  

There has been a lot of coverage both in the press and on the radio recently about the evasive weed Giant Hogweed.

See for example this story from the Yorkshire Press entitled Giant hogweed Leeds: Investigation launched on Cookridge estate after resident raises 'danger' concerns about plants.

Although an impressive sight when fully grown, Giant Hogweed is invasive and potentially harmful. Chemicals in the sap can cause photodermatitis or photosensitivity, where the skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight and may suffer blistering, pigmentation and long-lasting scars.
 

Giant Hogweed 

I myself have come across this plant on a number of occasions and I am generally very cautions when working by it. I first came across this plant back in the 1970s whilst working for Birmingham City Council, where it was found growing in one of the city’s parks that I was working in. 

Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a close relative of cow parsley originally from Southern Russia and Georgia. It can reach over 3m (10ft) in height. Although this striking plant can be attractive in certain situations, most gardeners will want to eradicate it, as it is potentially invasive and the sap can cause severe skin burns. It is widely distributed in the wild and poses a serious risk to people who are unaware of its potential for harm. 

Giant Hogweed is one of many evasive weeds that come under legislation. There are a number of different regulations at both national and European level in place to help protect our environment from invasive non-native plants.

In Scotland the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Scotland) 2011 is now in force making it illegal to plant any non-native plant in the wild in Scotland.
Elsewhere in the UK it is an offence to plant or cause to grow in the wild plants listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). In April 2014 a ban on sale of five of the worst invasive water plants in the UK came into force - see list here.

EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species lists 36 plants. This legislation still applies in the UK. These plants should not be planted or caused to grow in the wild but in addition are banned from sale and gardeners possessing them should undertake measures to control them There is always a risk when disposing of invasive weeds that you may inadvertently spread them further. 

Himalayan balsam, Giant Hogweed, and Japanese knotweed: control with weedkiller or dig up and burn on site. These weeds are regarded as 'controlled waste' under the Environmental Protection Act (Duty of Care) Regulations so if taken off site can only be disposed of in registered landfill sites. Check with your local council for your nearest suitable site. Do not put in your normal green waste or household waste.

Other invasive plants on the EU list: control with weedkiller or dig up and burn on site. Alternatively, DEFRA advise they can be disposed of as normal green waste through local recycling.

Note that the movement of invasive non-native plants is only permitted as part of responsible disposal. Never dump invasive plants or any garden plant in the wild or at the side of the road.

As for treatment if you have come into contact and suffered skin blistering from touching the Giant Hogweed, it is best to get medical advice and go and see a doctor as soon as possible.