I recently watched a brilliant insight into the work that goes on at a county cricket ground.

Gary Barwell, head grounds manager at Edgbaston, has recorded a fascinating video to educate the public on the work he and his team do at the home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club. You can watch it here.

What I found particularly interesting were Gary’s comments towards the end of the video, where he talks about the negativity our industry sometimes faces, regarding the quality of pitches being prepared by professionals - from people who do not understand the complexities and physical challenges that are required to produce these topflight surfaces.

Negative comments such as these are not helping our industry, especially when we are trying to recruit the next generation of turf professionals. And, more importantly, when we really know that our standard of professional pitch preparation across all sports in the UK, is exceptional.

Poor pay

Also, what is of course hindering our mission to recruit fresh blood, is the simple fact that turf professionals are still relatively poorly paid, compared to other industries. 

In recent years we have admittedly seen some long-overdue headway made in pay and conditions, driven by our industry organisations. Both the GMA and BIGGA have championed the wage structures for our sector – but, alas, I still don’t believe they are where they should be. Not when you consider the skills, experience, qualifications and work ethic required of professional grounds staff. 

We also have seen several high-profile grounds managers working hard to improve working conditions and pay for their staff. John Ledwidge formally of Leicester City FC, and now working for Manchester City FC, has definitely made his mark, along with  others, in trying to raise standards and working conditions. The likes of Gary Barwell and Karl McDermott at Edgbaston and Lord’s have recently publicly commented on the work they have being doing to raise standards. However, for me personally, the current salaries paid to these top turf professionals is still way off the mark and nowhere near what they should be getting paid - especially when you hear the wages Premier League players are on and the value that these top clubs are worth.

Surely we as an industry should be talking and making inroads to getting better pay for all the grounds staff who work in topflight sporting venues? For those employed to deliver high quality facilities, we should be expecting them to be on a decent minimum wage - in the realms of perhaps £35-£40,000 per year. Plus not forgetting to guarantee excellent working conditions, pensions and health benefits. 

When you take into consideration the unsociable hours these professionals must work, the above pay recommendations would be chicken feed to wealthy clubs. I believe it is really time clubs recognised and rewarded these turf professionals for the effort, skills and commitment in delivering a safe and consistent surface for these highly paid players, directors and shareholders.

The same should be said for the top golfing venues of course. There should be a wage structure that reflects the work that greenkeepers do to prepare these championship courses. Generally, the course manager or head greenkeeper may be on a decent wage, but the rest of the staff are no doubt on a lower wage structure.

I am sure if we managed to get top ranking sports facilities, who earn exceptional amounts of money from TV deals and sponsorships, to pay their grounds staff a decent wage, our industry would be in a better place to encourage and entice the next generation to come and work in our diverse and amazing sector.

It really is time that the sporting world valued the work ethic of these dedicated turf professionals. 

Highlighting wage levels

Speaking of wages, I received an interesting article from a former grounds practitioner, Mike Chappell, who now runs a recruitment agency for grounds professionals. His piece, that we’re running today, is about the need for wage salaries to be highlighted on job advertisements. 

Mike is the Owner of Chappell Enterprises UK, a specialist recruitment business working in the golf, sportsturf, grounds maintenance, landscaping, arboriculture and horticulture industries.

He worked on the tools for over 10 years, completing seasons as a greenkeeper at St Andrews, Wentworth and Welschap in The Netherlands. His last notable role was as head of grounds at Wellingborough School where he spent near two years looking after football, rugby, and cricket pitches, as well as a 9 hole golf course.

He says today, “In the competitive landscape of today's job market, employers must adopt strategies that attract top talent and provide transparency. One effective strategy that has gained considerable attention is the practice of advertising the salary in job postings. This approach not only benefits job seekers but also provides significant advantages to employers.”  He gives several compelling reasons why employers should consider this practice. 

You can read his revealing article in full here.

Husqvarna has partnered with the Grounds Management Association (GMA) on a new initiative for grassroots sports - ‘Get Your Pitch Right’.

Last week on 13th June 2024, they launched a new campaign video starring their brand ambassadors Kirsty Gallacher, Peter Crouch and Henry Slade, highlighting their gifting of Automower robotic mowers to selected grassroots clubs and communities.

Watch the video below:

The partnership says the joint venture aims to "enhance grassroots sports clubs and communities nationwide, by providing key products, training and expertise required to achieve the perfect pitch".

Hannah Cooper, UK Professional marketing manager at Husqvarna told TurfPro, "We’re really excited about this initiative and the ability to support grassroots sport and give back to the industry.

"For the clubs that we will be supporting, it will very much be a three-way partnership between ourselves, the GMA and the relevant dealer. Aside from just the selected clubs, the campaign as a whole will also raise the profile of Husqvarna robotics within sport and target a large base of potential customers."

Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association added, “We’re very pleased to be partnering with Husqvarna on this fantastic new initiative. Grassroots sport is at the heart of thousands of communities across the country, with many volunteers dedicating their time to help deliver the best possible playing surfaces for community sport teams. We are delighted to be partnering with Husqvarna to provide the volunteer grounds staff with the equipment, skills and knowledge needed to make sport possible.”

Weedingtech have announced the appointment of Campey Turf Care Systems as a new nationwide distributor for their herbicide-free weed control system Foamstream.

The two companies say this partnership will extend the benefits of the 100% organic solution to more commercial companies and contractors working in green space management. 

Commenting on their appointment, Lee Morgado, sales director for Campey said, "Campey Turf Care focuses on natural solutions to turf maintenance, always looking to promote best practice in a considered, environmentally friendly way. That makes Foamstream a very good fit for us. It offers an innovative, eco-friendly solution to the age-old problem of tackling weeds on paved areas - an issue which affects all sporting venues, including private and public spaces which have carparks and pedestrian walkways for club members and the general public."

Weedingtech’s chief commercial officer, Thomas Hamilton, added, “We are delighted to have Campey Turf Care Systems on board. They are renowned for providing quality turf management solutions and have built long-lasting and trusting relationships with a number of venues, including Chelsea FC, who have already adopted Foamstream along with a number of other topflight teams across Europe. With Campey’s enthusiasm and expert team, we know Foamstream is in safe hands.” 

GGM Group have announced the recent re-appointment of Rob Taylor as area sales manager.

Rob Taylor with Chris Gibson

Rob is described as a well-known face throughout the area and has extensive experience in groundscare, most recently within the golf sector. His role will see him working alongside the rest of the GGM team to develop the sales of the GGM product portfolio including Kubota, Baroness, Amazone, Dennis, SISIS and commercial robotic mowers throughout West Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Rob said, “I know from my time previously that the ‘GGM’ name holds a strong reputation across all groundscare sectors and this gives customers confidence to work with us.

"I’m really looking forward to getting out and about and seeing some old friends and meeting new customers."

Chris Gibson, GGM managing director added, “We’re delighted to welcome Rob back to the GGM Team. He has extensive industry experience including hands-on experience as a greenkeeper and this knowledge of what is really required at ground level is incredibly valuable and his approach to customer service is outstanding and I’m sure he will hit the ground running.”

The Amazone Group has announced that they remained on course with their projected growth, having completed another financial year under what they describe as "challenging market conditions" and having exceeded the sales milestone of 850 million euro in the 2023 financial year.

The annual results of the groundcare and ag machinery manufacturer shows an increase in sales of around 6%, following the 22 % increase in 2022. As a result, total sales for the company have reached a new record high of 852 million euro in the 2023 financial year (previous year 2022: 804 million euro).

In the first half of 2023, the company says a high order intake level produced a tense situation with sub-suppliers, which partially led to bottlenecks and delays in production. The situation generally settled down in the second half of the year.

In an official statement the company confirmed, "In addition, the consequences for trade were, and still are, virtually impossible to assess because of geopolitical conflicts which remain highly relevant. From the business aspect, we are watching the developments in the regions affected with great concern.

"Notwithstanding the challenging economic environment, Amazone recorded exceptionally high global demand for modern agricultural machinery enabling it to increase production capacity and profitability in 2023."

 
The statement continued, "The consistent high export level of around 80%, together with more intensive market evaluation, contributed to the positive development of sales in 2023. It was for this reason that investment in the future continued last year."

In the world of professional battery-powered landscaping and forestry tools, a high-quality battery is essential for efficiency, reliability, and performance. Here,Paul Hicks, Marketing & Product Manager at STIHL GB, highlights the key features of a high-performance battery: 

IPX4 certification

IPX4 certification is a globally recognised water resistance rating. This means that the tools can be used in wet conditions without the risk of damaging the battery. STIHL has achieved IPX4 certification across all AS and AP System batteries, ensuring that professionals can work with confidence in varying weather conditions, knowing their tools will remain functional and safe to use. 

Constant power delivery

A good battery provides constant power throughout its discharge cycle, meaning the tool will not experience decreases in power output as the battery depletes. Constant power output ensures that professional tasks can be completed reliably, without loss of performance, leading to faster results and user satisfaction.

Robustness and durability

Durability is a critical factor in a high-quality battery. It must withstand the rigours of regular use, including potential impacts and rough handling. A robust battery construction ensures longevity and provides a reliable power source for tools over an extended period. Tools that locate the battery within the machine, as opposed to externally, also offer greater protection and balance as a result.

High energy density

The best batteries offer high watt hours at a low weight. For example, the STIHL AP 500 S battery, with its high energy content of 337 Wh while weighing only 2kg, exemplifies this quality. A high energy-to-weight ratio means that users can work longer without the burden of a heavy battery, enhancing comfort and productivity.

Cold temperature performance

A high-performance battery must operate efficiently in cold conditions. The ability of the tool and battery to function at low temperatures is crucial for cold winter mornings, ensuring consistent performance year-round. 

At STIHL, all batteries go through an intensive testing phase to ensure that professional users can rely on their tools to perform consistently and effectively in all conditions. 

Watch the below video to learn more:

For more information, please visit www.stihl.co.uk. 

AN OVERWHELMING RESPONSE

A TOTAL DISREGARD FOR OUR PROFESSION

IN-DEPTH WORK REQUIRED

A SAD DECLINE

WHAT MAKES A PERFECT LAWN?

WE MUST NOT BE THE CREATORS OF OUR OWN DOWNFALL

RENOVATIONS ON TOUR

A WORRYING TIME FOR PARKS

CONSEQUENCES OF THE CONDITIONS

STILL DELIVERING QUALITY GREEN SPACES

WATCH OUT!

THE VALUE OF SPRING RENOVATIONS

FULLY LOADED ARMOURY

THE VALUE OF TREES

WE MUST SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE

COUNCIL SERVICES IN DECLINE

INVESTING IN NATURAL GRASS PITCHES

WORRY OF WEATHER CLOSURES

BUSY & BUZZY BTME

A VERY PARTICULAR SET OF SKILLS

COPING WITH CLIMATE CHANGES

View all of 2023's blogs here

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

ON TEST
Makita XGT UV001G lawn scarifier

AN EXAMPLE OF SUSTAINABILITY IN MACHINERY SUPPLY
Focus on Kubota

MY PERSONAL GREENKEEPING PHILOSOPHY HAS NEVER CHANGED
I don't follow any set program

SUSTAINABILITY IN LANDSCAPING
A substantial element of amenity activity

IS IT TIME TO SAY NO TO 'NO MOW MAY'?
Any real benefits?

SUSTAINABILITY IN OUR PARKS & PUBLIC GREEN SPACES
Meeting the challenge

THE PATH TO WIMBLEDON
For groundstaff member, Conrad Cavil

ON TEST
EGO LBP8000E backpack blower

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE LAWN CARE SECTOR
A key consideration

BEEKEEPING IN COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENTS
The current situation

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE IN THE AMENITY SUPPLY SECTOR
Optimising land use through integrated solutions

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE GOLF SECTOR
Focus on BIGGA

THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE
Bringing together key points

DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR GOLF
R&A are supporting clubs

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF EVERY POUND OF BUDGET
A course manager's view

A NEWFOUND APPRECIATION FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS
Who look after grassroots pitches

SUSTAINABILITY & THE UK ACTION PLAN
For weed, pest and disease management

CONCERN FOR PARKS FOLLOWING COUNCIL BANKRUPTCIES
What does the future hold?

TAKING A GLOBAL LOOK AT SUSTAINABILITY
Is the rest of the world also driving towards sustainable practice?

RENOVATIONS, PLAY AND THANKS
On my mind this week

SUSTAINABILITY – IMPLICATIONS FOR TRAINING & EDUCATION
Set to play a crucial role going forward

TULIP TREE
Liriodendron tulipifera

LYDIA BROOM
Genista lydia

THE LAWN AND ITS VALUE
Changing attitudes

GIANT HOGWEED
Invasive and potentially harmful

LIFE-CYCLE ANALYSIS & SUSTAINABILITY
Considering every stage of the journey

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?