Those of us in England are now into our second lockdown. What effect it will have on our industry is anybody’s guess – however the attitude of most of us in the industry will be the show must go on! Managing nature is a daily battle to deliver the expectations of such a diverse landscape industry and as I have said many times before, the grass doesn’t stop growing just because there’s a lockdown!

I am hoping that this enforced break will be more effective than the last one. We should now have a better understanding of the virus, with resources and measures in place to monitor, track and trace this deadly virus. We all need to be more vigilant and respectful to one another and all play our part in beating this pandemic.

Until we get a vaccine we are going to have to learn to live with it and try and get on with our daily lives as best has we can. However, the long term damage of this pandemic is yet to be evaluated.

I personally think that there will many casualties along the way for our sector, with community sports clubs, golf facilities and small businesses taking the brunt in the coming 18 months.

The full extent of the closure of grassroots sports over the next month has been confirmed after Boris Johnson refused to allow exemptions for golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools and junior sports. 

Further information regarding sports clubs can be read here.

I also read in The Times that Lisa Wainwright, Chief Executive of the Sports & Recreation Alliance which represents British national sports organisations, said that these new restrictions will critically affect over 150,000 plus local sports clubs in every community across England and place them in a perilous scenario, not knowing if they will ever open again.

Many have done well to last this long, but how much longer they can last is another question?

The introduction of vaccines will not readily happen until next year, if we are lucky. We will then need time to see how effective they prove. In the meantime we are in the hands of the government who will have to decide to manage the situation.

We have a responsibility to look after ourselves first and foremost and be respectful of others and heed the advice and recommendations of government. I firmly believe our sector has acted very responsibly in regards to the pandemic and over the last 10 months has done a great job in coping and coming to terms with these new ways of working.

We are, and have always been, an adaptive, innovative and resilient industry. I am more than confident we will continue to work hard in doing what we do best and over time will overcome this terrible situation.

I think that we should use this next six months to take stock and perhaps take the opportunity for senior industry figures to come together to discuss how we could move forward as one for the future betterment of our sector.

As we all know, we have many organisations, establishments and sporting governing bodies who play significant roles in delivering a wide range of activities and sports across the board.

I would like to suggest a few that I think could come together and kick off a series of meetings to discuss the future of our industry.

Off the top of my head I can think of GMA, BIGGA, R&A, APSE, National Trust, Parks Management Forum, Historic England, Fields in Trust, BALI, RHS, BAGMA, representation from University and Colleges, JD, Ransomes, Toro, Iseki, Kubota, Stihl, Dennis, Campey Turfcare, Sports governing bodies (RFU, RFL, FA, Bowls England, LTA, Hockey, British Horse racing authority ) Amenity Forum, Basis Langtra, Service Dealer - and I’m sure there would be other interested parties who would be interested in taking part.

Across the industry we have plenty of dedicated professionals who all want to see a way forward in ensuring our industry continues to prosper and ensures the future management of our valuable environmental assets.

I do not see why we cannot bring these dedicated people together under one roof to discuss the way forward. I remember Martin Jones organising what was then a National Turf Conference, that attracted a lot of senior practitioners and managers worldwide. Maybe this format could act as a catalyst for a new initiative to bring our industry together?

I am sure we can achieve something along these lines. Yes, we all have our own agendas, however, now is the time for us all to come together and really set out our stall for the future.

We have so much to talk about:

• Industry shows
• Education & Training
• Recruiting new staff
• Pay and conditions
• Funding opportunities
• Local authority services
• Community sports participation
• Grants and aides
• Professional sports requirements
• Environmental needs
• Raising the profile of our industry
• Pesticides and their use
• Safeguarding resources, particularly water

We have been a fragmented industry for too many years. It is time to have some clearer objectives and goals to help us get past this pandemic and look to ensuring we can continue to maintain this unique mosaic landscape and environment for future generations.

In a significant move Chandlers (Farm Equipment) Ltd are to purchase Lister Wilder's AGCO Agricultural business.

At the same time Lister Wilder will significantly expand their full line Kubota range of Groundcare, Agricultural and Construction machinery across the South.

The deal, which both parties stress is mutually beneficial, will see them both become two of the biggest dealerships in the UK for their respective partners.

Regarding the future of the current Lister Wilder branches, from the 4th January 2021, Chandlers will operate from the premises at Southam (Warwickshire), Wallingford (Oxfordshire), Devizes (Wiltshire) Cirencester (Gloucestershire) and Bristol.

Lister Wilder will continue to operate from Ashford (Kent), Guildford (Surrey), Reading (Berkshire) and cohabit Southam, Cirencester and Bristol while they build new Kubota Centres in the West.

Jason Scott, company chairman at Lister Wilder, said, "We’ll spend the next couple of months integrating systems to ensure the transition is seamless. The entire AGCO team are moving across and so it’s very much business as usual." He went on to say that customers will "..continue to ring the same numbers, visit the same branches, be supported by the same great engineers, looked after by the same passionate sales team and served by the same attentive parts team - just with a different name on the invoices."

Dealer led

Speaking to TurfPro founder Chris Biddle on his Inside AgriTurf podcast, Kubota UK md David Hart, described the deal as "complex" and confirmed that that move was not instigated by the manufacturers, rather than by the dealers themselves. David told Chirs, "AGCO have never made it a secret that their ‘Route 66’ strategy is to separate their brands slightly and I think Lister Wilder realised that was something they had to do.

"What happened then is Listers had a meeting with Chandlers to see what the opportunities were - which got into a bigger conversation of ‘why don’t we let the AGCO businesses go?'. That then allows Listers to focus wholly on the Kubota side."

David went on to confirm, "The move is good for Kubota because we’ve got a dealer now who is focussed solely around just their Kubota business. It’s worked out for both of us really."

Both Chandlers and Lister Wilder Ltd have steadily expanded over the past half century, growing around the Massey Ferguson, Fendt and Valtra franchises. Chandlers currently operate from 7 depots covering primarily Lincolnshire and the East Midlands, whilst Lister Wilder currently operate from 8 depots covering Oxfordshire and the South-Central region.

Both dealers also partnered with Kubota for their commercial groundcare range of products, with Lister Wilder broadening its base further by encompassing Kubota construction across the South East of England.

With the Kubota business playing such an important part of Lister Wilder's £100m turnover and Chandlers very keen to expand their fully focused AGCO operation in line with AGCO’s brand exclusivity strategy, the companies issued a joint statement which said they were delighted that an agreement had been reached that allows for both businesses "to develop in line with the strategic goals of their primary franchises – giving both companies a clear and bright future."

The joint statement went on to say, "Both companies believe that this arrangement is a mutually beneficial agreement, allowing each enterprise to continue to invest in the very best of facilities, and in their respective teams going forward, to provide the highest level of customer service for their respective Brands.

"Chandlers and Lister Wilder look forward with excitement for the future and remain committed to being of service to their many customers for many years to come."

Reesink Turfcare has created an online nationwide network providing access to used Toro machinery.

Ree.Own, the newly launched service accessible online at reeown.co.uk gives customers the chance to browse, compare prices and match budgets on a range of machines that are guaranteed to have less than 3000 hours use on the clock, have been used for less than seven years and been through a multipoint check by trained technicians.

Alastair Rowell, UK sales manager, turfcare equipment at Reesink, says the team has been working towards a single point of call for all the best used machinery for some time and this is the culmination of that work: “For some time we’ve wanted to be able to provide customers with a single source for all used machinery within our dealer network and now we can.

“Now more than ever, there are so many reasons to buy used machinery and this type of machinery access in this sector has been all but unobtainable. We have hundreds of used machines a year that qualify, to sell, coming in, through dealers and off lease programmes. We have a team dedicated to the servicing and preparation of these machines to ensure they are customer-ready and the distribution network to do that now.”

Reesink say every machine receives a rigorous multipoint inspection by a team of trained technicians.

Alastair continues, “By the time we have finished, the machines are mechanically sound and ready to perform. Our branch locations and authorised dealers have years of training and experience working specifically with Toro machines and this gives customers peace of mind, especially when they know back-up is there should it be required.”

All machines are provided with a minimum 90 day warranty and replacement parts are easily sourced.

Alastair concluded, “We wanted to create a place where customers could buy used Toro machines with the utmost confidence, and there’s no better place for that than with Ree.Own, through UK and Ireland’s exclusive Toro distribution network.”

Former Sisis sales director Arthur Harrison sadly passed away earlier this month, aged 88.

Arthur Harrison

His career at Sisis spanned over 30 years, beginning in 1960 initially as assistant sales office manager when the company was based at Cheadle, Stockport, before being appointed sales director in 1979 until his retirement in 1996.

Arthur was renowned as being one of the turfcare industry’s true gentlemen and largely responsible for building a strong dealer network throughout Western Europe in the 1970’s and expanding export into Asia, Canada, South Africa and Australia.

Arthur had since enjoyed the 24 years since his retirement caravanning, cruising and spending time with family and friends before passing away peacefully on 2nd November 2020.

Sisis extend their condolences to his family at this sad time.

GreenMech Ltd have announced a rationalisation of their dealer network in the South and South East of England, which will see an expansion in coverage area for existing dealer GA Groundcare Ltd, with effect from 1st January 2021.

The changes mean that Hunt Forest Group and Burden Bros Agri will no longer represent the franchise.

GA Groundcare Ltd director, Ashley Stevens

Operating from their depot in Poulshot, Wiltshire, GA Groundcare Ltd will become exclusive to the GreenMech franchise, offering supply and support across the full pedestrian, road-tow and tracked chipper portfolio - together with stocking a full range of GreenMech replacement parts. Having originally been appointed in 2017 for the counties of Berkshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, the move sees their territory extended to cover Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

Commenting on the expanded area, GA Groundcare Ltd director, Ashley Stevens, said, “With over nine years of experience working with the GreenMech product line, I am delighted to be offered the opportunity to develop this further across a broader territory. We will be increasing our sales and aftermarket resources to ensure we can deliver advice and support to customers, both existing and new.”

GreenMech sales director, Martin Lucas, added, “Having seen how well GA Groundcare Ltd have performed with our range, we are confident that they will make a success of raising the level of both sales and aftermarket support in this key territory.”

The manufacturer has said all existing warranties relating to their chippers, sold by Hunt Forest Group and Burden Bros Agri, will continue to be supported by GA Groundcare Ltd.

The Makita Corporation announced on October 30 2020 their intention to cease production of petrol powered, engine products from March 31 2022.

In an official statement the company said, "In the field of outdoor power equipment, Makita is dedicated to supplying a broad range of engine products such as brushcutters and chainsaws. However, in response to the heightened awareness of global environmental issues and increasing needs for highly convenient, cordless products, Makita has recently been enhancing development, production, and sales of cordless products that are environment-friendly and will gain popularity.

"Makita now plans to focus management resources on development, production, and sales of cordless products while leveraging its motor, and battery charging/discharging technologies, and accelerate the departure from engine products and the application of cordless solutions to power tools and outdoor power equipment.

"Accordingly, Makita will discontinue the production of engine products at the entire group level."

David Evans Agricultural Limited, trading as 'Deal Wales', have announced that in partnership with UK importer Spectrum Plant, they will be significantly expanding their territory into southern England, for two of their key arb and forestry franchises.

For the FSI and CAST machinery brands, Deal who are based near Cardiff airport, will see their area of operation now cover areas historically untouched by themselves, heading towards the Home Counties boundary. Their new area for FSI comprises South Glamorgan, Mid Glamorgan, West Glamorgan, Gwent, Dyfed, Powys, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Whilst for CAST they will cover all these areas plus also Somerset and Dorset.

In light of this, Deal say they have committed to a large stocking plan to support sales in the expanded area. For example the firm say they are the first UK dealer to take on the FSI B38 remote control tracked machine.

Deal also say they will also be the first dealer in the UK to stock the entire portfolio of FSI pedestrian and tracked machinery as well as all models of the CAST Worky Quad.

Joe Flanagan, area sales manager for Deal, said, "We have worked hard to get the message across to our customers how affordable this sort of machinery can be."

From the initial launch of Rigby Taylor’s first robotic line marker, the company leads the industry in this exciting robotic revolution with two technically advanced line marking robots, the Tiny LineMarker (TLM) SPORT and its big brother the PRO.

TinyLineMarker PRO

TinyLineMarker SPORT

Both markers have the latest robotic technology and GPS/RTK connectivity, combined with innovative and intelligent technologies to deliver highly accurate, initial and over-marking of lines for a wide range of sports surfaces.

The TLM PRO is the smart investment for clubs with training grounds, contractors, large educational establishments, metropolitan local authorities and contractors that regularly mark multiple 10+ pitch/athletic track venues. With pneumatic tyres for excellent grip and traction on uneven, wet surfaces, changeable line widths and with great manoeuvrability, it can work on pitches with tight perimeter constraints.

The most recent introduction using the next generation, state of the art, robotic technology and built-in GPS-RTK receiver and antenna is the TLM SPORT. Recommended for single-site facilities and/or fewer numbers of pitches per site, it’s is the perfect choice for smaller clubs, schools, academies with up to 10 pitches.

Both the PRO and SPORT have over 50 sports templates that can be made available and accessed from the supplied tablet. In the case of initial marking, once the surfaces scheduled to be marked has been completed, the location and markings are stored and can be retrieved and replicated at any time.

Power to Paint

Operation of the TLM Robots is so easy. Using the supplied tablet and selected sports template the robot is positioned on the pitch to be marked, the paint flow tube is inserted into the 5 litre Impact paint container and the robot does the rest.

Operator can access through the tablet over 50 sports pitch App templates

In the case of a standard sized football pitch, the TLM Robots will mark all the perimeter lines, corner arcs, centre circle, the ‘D’, goal mouth box and even the penalty spot, using just 3 litres of Impact paint to mark the complete pitch…….from just 20 minutes. For the full marking of an eight lane athletics running track the rime taken is just 90 minutes!

The cost-efficient solution

The marking out of lines on natural grass sports pitches and athletic surfaces, is time-consuming as well as labour and equipment intensive. Whilst the TLM Robots are marking the pitches or athletic fields, the operator can carry out simultaneously, additional tasks such as aeration, mowing, spraying, spreading etc. therefore making the most of valuable resources particularly when seasonal workload is at its’ peak

Other tasks can be undertaken simultaneously whilst the pitches are being marked

The TLM Sport has front and side bumper strips and integral ultra sonic, intelligent sensors to protect from damage and detect any obstacle, pedestrian or an animal in its path. When activated the robot slows down and if the object does not move, will gently bump against it, stop and immediately notify the operator via the tablet.

Eco-friendly

With batter powered, low energy consumption, no fuel or CO2 emissions and, with the use of the award winning Impact ready to use paint, no added water, no measuring, no mixing and no waste, TLM line marking robots are the eco-smart choice for initial and over-marking pitches time after time.

Ready to use Impact paint straight from the drum, No mixing, not measuring and no mess

Perfect Partners

TLM line marking robots, with Impact paint delivers fast spray application and can be relied upon to do the job effortlessly and economically, producing bright white, long lasting lines to millimetre accuracy.

Rigby Taylor is also the industry leader in conventional spray applied line marking and both their marking machine iGO Advance and Impact XP paint were selected for marking the pitches for the semi final and final of the 2020 UEFA Champions League.

For full information on the TinyLineMarker Robots and the complete range of Rigby Taylor line marking equipment and paints, contact your usual RT area manager or contact by phone on Freephone 0800 424 919; e.mail: sales@rigbytaylor.com or visit www.rigbytaylor.com

American specialist tyre brand Carlisle, is one of the most popular and respected brands in the Outdoor Power Equipment market. With O.E. fitments on famous names such as John Deere, Ariens, Ferris, Logic and many others, it is clear to see why so many users continue to fit Carlisle tyres for their replacement and aftermarket needs.

Chosen by multiple O.E.M’s around the world as the go-to fitment option’s, Carlisle’s Groundscare tyre range encompasses sizes, fitments and specifications to suit almost every make, model and application of Groundscare machine on the market. From pedestrian mowers and hand powered equipment, to golf fairway & greens mowers, bank and threshing mowers, zero turn mowers, stadium maintenance equipment & compact tractors, Carlisle have fitments and patterns for all scenarios.

The ever-expanding product range, with sizes starting at just 4” rim size, Carlisle’s Groundscare range of tyres boasts well known pattern names including Turf Mate, Links, Turf Trac R/S, Turf CTR, Turf Smart, AT101, Super Lug, Ultra Trac and Fast Trax to name but a few, but their most popular patterns by far are the often copied, but never bettered Turf Saver and Multi Trac / Turf Master patterns.

With its modern, deep tread and square shoulder design, the Carlisle Multi Trac / Turf Master range of tyres are the perfect choice for machinery being used for both residential and commercial users requiring the highest performance and dependability from their equipment. Made from durable rubber compound, the Multi Trac / Turf Master range offers exceptional wear and puncture resistance whilst the deep tread and optimized profile give enhanced stability and traction, making them the ideal O.E. & Aftermarket replacement tyre.

Many sizes now also incorporate Metric sizing and “E” marking, meaning that they are fully Road Legal for UK Road Homologated vehicles. Popular sizes include 15x6.00-6 (150/75-6), 16x6.50-8 (160/60-8), 18x8.50-10 (215/50-10), 25x9.00-12 (230/70-12), 25x11.00-12 (280/60-12) & 26x14.00-12.

The classic tread design of the Carlisle Turf Saver has made it one of the world’s most popular O.E. Groundscare fitment tyres. With its flat profile and chevron patterned, shallow tread design, the Turf Saver range of tyres provide excellent traction and dependability whilst being kind to the turf.
Like the Multi Trac / Turf Master, many sizes now also incorporate Metric sizing and “E” marking, meaning that they are fully Road Legal for UK Road Homologated vehicles. Popular sizes include 13x5.00-6 (130/70-6), 20x8.00-8 (210/70-8) 20x10.00-8 (255/60-8), 22x9.50-12 (230/50-12), 23x10.50-12 (265/50-12) & 24x12.00-12 (305/45-12).

The full range of Turf Saver & Multi Trac / Turf Mater tyres, along with the complete Carlisle range of tyres, wheels and accessories are available from the UK Official Carlisle Distributor Tyre-Line. Contact the Tyre-Line Aftermarket team today for more info or to see how they can help you with your ATV/UTV tyre requirements and how to apply for their B2B ordering system – 01458 250350 aftermarket@tyreline.com

CHANGING TIMES AHEAD
Highlighted by the Amenity Forum Conference

MAINTAINING STANDARDS
Vital for our parks and open green spaces

A CHANGE IN THE WEATHER
A new set of risks

A CHANGING INDUSTRY
Many influences

A BUSY SEPTEMBER
Plenty for the turf professional to consider

ROADMAP FOR RUGBY
Plan for grassroots

GEARING UP FOR WINTER WORKS
Planning should be in hand

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

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?