Having returned from a busy BTME and evaluated the leads I made at the show, I have now several visits planned for the upcoming months.

I caught up with Ian Forshaw HG at Wigan FC; Gary Barwell at Edgbaston CCC; David Laurence, Edgebaston Priory Tennis centre; Kim Blake, HG at Fulford Heath GC; Iain Courage, Fleet Linemakers and Matt Lewis, Charlies Ground Care, Welshpool.  I am also planning to visit Simon Hutton at Fine Turf along with catching up with Chris Roberts at Sutton Coldfied GC. 

So, some interesting times ahead. As for other relevant information gleaned from the show, I picked up a copy of this year’s Turfgrass Seed Booklet 2026 - an invaluable guide to the performance of grass seed varieties. 

The development of grass varieties for amenity uses is a long-term, costly and sophisticated business. Plant breeding (crossing, selecting and conducting trials) typically takes a decade or more, before varieties are ready for release into Governmental registration and industry performance trials. 

The purpose of Turfgrass Seed is to report comprehensive results of available varieties in trials designed to test suitability for:

• Use in winter sports pitches, such as football and rugby fields, and municipal recreation areas (Sports Uses Trials).
• Use in lawns, summer sports pitches, tennis courts, turf and general landscaping (Lawns Landscaping, Summer Sports and Turf Trials).
• Use in the intensive management seen on golf and bowling greens (Greens, Close Mown Trials).

Turfgrass Seed presents the best available interpretation of correctly designed, accurately analysed and independently supervised trials to professional users of high-quality amenity grass cultivars.

With spring renovations soon upon us, the use of this booklet along with the use of DLF’s The Grass Booklet (A guide to Amenity Species, diseases and pests) will be a valuable resource for turf professionals. A copy of the booklet can be sourced by contacting DLF Turf Grasses For Sports And Landscapes.

Regarding spring renovations, February is a good time to start, plan and prepare to get your materials and products ordered in time. The widow of opportunity is often very short, in respect to the ideal weather conditions and ambient soil and air temperatures. 

We have experienced plenty of rain during this winter, with many lawns and sports fields becoming saturated and waterlogged. This spell of wet weather may also curtail the start of essential pitch preparations for many cricket clubs. 

It is now a case of being patient and waiting for the wet ground conditions to dry up. We usually do get some easterly drying winds in March, coupled with sunny spring days. 

The combination of the two will certainly help to enable turf professionals to get on with their spring renovations.  

 
 
The following activities are generally implemented during a spring renovation programme and are usually carried out in the following order:

1. Mowing the sward, preparing surfaces for renovation.
2. Weed & moss treatment
3. Scarification; removal of unwanted debris.
4. Aeration; decompaction of soil, improving air and gas exchange in soil.
5. Top dressing; restores levels and improves surface drainage.
6. Overseeding; restores grass populations.
7. Fertilising; provides nutrients for grass growth.
8. Brushing to incorporate dressings and to help the grass stand back up.
9. Watering / irrigation.
10. Weed control may be dealt with prior to the renovation. Any accumulated moss growth should be dealt with by applying an approved moss killing chemical, or lawn sand. Wait for it to die, then remove by scarification.

We now have a plethora of renovation machinery at our disposal, in the form of tractors, aerators, scarifiers and top dressers, all of which improve the efficiency of carrying out this work. 

Lawn and sports turf renovations are often a time consuming and expensive exercise. Successful renovation requires detailed planning and programming, to ensure the right materials and equipment are available and working throughout the renovation process.

Finally, I am also a judge for Green Flag and as such I would just like to mention that The Green Flag Award judging process is now open for parks and green spaces.

Nominations for the Green Flag Award's International Best of the Best awards are currently open, and the judging process takes place throughout the spring and early summer. Sites are evaluated based on eight key criteria, and the winners are announced in July. If you are interested in applying, you can find more information on the Green Flag Award website. The Green Flag Award - Green Flag Award

Baroness UK celebrated 2025’s achievements at January’s BTME with the return of their annual Dealer Awards.

This year saw both Lister Wilder and Hamilton Brothers recognised for their exceptional performance and commitment to the Baroness brand.

Lister Wilder received the award for the ‘Highest Overall Baroness Machinery Sales’ – retaining the title from 2025. Alongside an outstanding team performance, there was individual recognition for Lister’s Stuart Venn-Dunn, who was presented with the ‘Salesperson of the Year’ award.

“Receiving the award for ‘Highest Overall Machinery Sales’ is fantastic as it recognises the entire teams’ efforts throughout the year” commented Phill Hughes, sales director for Lister Wilder. “I am especially pleased for Stuart Venn-Dunn who has been working closely with his golf customers over the last twelve months, as this recognition goes some way to reward him for all the hard work he’s put in. Of course, we couldn’t achieve what we have without the support of Team Baroness and our aftersales departments, so we’d like to thank them all as we look ahead to another positive year in 2026.”

Also honoured were Hamilton Brothers, part of Hamilton Ross Group, securing the accolade of ‘Highest Growth in Baroness Machinery Sales’. Andy Gillies, groundcare sales manager said, “This achievement reflects the dedication of our sales team, together with the wider group whose ongoing commitment and support underpin our performance. By educating our customers and clearly demonstrating the long-term cost efficiencies associated with ownership, including reduced running and maintenance costs, we are helping to support informed purchasing decisions and deliver lasting value.”

Adam Butler, UK sales director at baroness, added, “All of our dealers once again delivered an outstanding effort throughout 2025, equalling our strongest year to date is an achievement that would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of our entire network. The entire Baroness UK team congratulates the Lister Wilder and Hamilton’s teams and thanks all of our dealers and customers for their continued loyalty and support.”

Etesia UK has announced three new appointments as they continue to invest in their people, dealer network and customer support. 

Steven Massey has joined as business development manager, Jim Maynard has taken on the role of technical and after sales support, and Lisa Brown steps into the position of office manager. 

Steven Massey joins Etesia UK following a long and respected career within the grounds care industry. Having left school in 1988, Steven spent 10 years as a mechanic at GGM (Gibson’s Garden Machinery) before moving into sales in 1998 - a role he has held ever since, working exclusively within the sector

Steven’s relationship with the Etesia brand spans more than a decade, having worked with the machines during his time at Burrows Grass Machinery and later Sharrocks, both Etesia dealers. That familiarity made the transition into his new role a natural one.

As business development manager, Steven says his focus is firmly on growing the brand while maintaining strong relationships with existing customers and dealers. “It’s about keeping existing business but also looking for new business,” he said.

Joining Steven is Jim Maynard, who brings extensive technical and aftersales expertise to his role as technical and after sales support. Jim began his career as a greenkeeper before moving into contracting and then training as a technician. He spent 21 years with John Deere before taking on senior technical support and training roles at Reesink, where he helped establish and support nationwide dealer networks.

At Etesia UK, Jim will be responsible for dealer technical support, training, warranty administration and registrations.

“Excellent aftersales support is about trust,” Jim explained. “If you can gain that trust, you’re halfway there. It’s about being there for people, picking up the phone, helping them when they need it - that support makes all the difference.”

Completing the trio is Lisa Brown, who takes on the role of office manager. With experience across sales operations and administration, Lisa will become a key point of contact, providing vital support to the wider team, dealers and customers alike. Her role is central to the smooth day-to-day running of the business.

The UK and Ireland branch of John Deere has announced that The Farming Community Network (FCN) will be its official charity partner for 2026.

FCN's Georgina Lamb with John Deere's Joedy Ibbotson

The commitment will see John Deere staff receive specialist wellbeing support training from FCN, as well as opening the door to a range of volunteering opportunities.

The company also says that thousands of pounds will be raised through fundraising initiatives to help FCN further its reach and impact across the rural community.

“We all have a responsibility to safeguard the health and wellbeing of those living and working in rural areas,” says Joedy Ibbotson, division business manager at John Deere. 

“FCN is a charity that does incredible work in this area. Its outreach touches our staff, our network, our customers, and throughout the communities we operate in. It is a great fit for us and the partnership is something that really resonates with our team.”

The FCN partnership was announced at an all-employee meeting at John Deere’s Langar headquarters in Nottinghamshire.

Georgina Lamb, head of partnerships with FCN, said, “We are delighted to partner with such a well-respected company as John Deere, which as well as providing vital funds for the charity has given us the platform to promote our work to the wider agricultural community. We look forward to working with the team in the coming months.”

As part of the event, staff were trained by FCN with a bespoke course in wellbeing support for the agricultural community.

Joedy added that the organisation was particularly keen to add its reach to the charity’s Nip it in the Bud campaign, which is part of the UK-wide Rural Communities Cancer Project between FCN and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The focus of the campaign is on early detection of cancer and making time to see the GP if someone notices a change in their health.

TRENCHERS TO TECH - 26th Jan 2026

FROM SNOW TO SHOW: 19th Jan 2026

TECH, TENACITY & TURF: 12th Jan 2026

PARKS ARE FACING A TOUGH YEAR AHEAD: 5th Jan 2026

View all of 2025's blogs here

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View all of 2022's blogs here

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View all of 2020's blogs here

View all of 2019's blogs here

View all of 2018's blogs here

GREATER RECOGNITION OF THE INDUSTRY'S IMPORTANCE IS REQUIRED
Says chairman of The Amenity Forum

THE MOST CHALLENGING ISSUE IS RECRUITMENT
Jim Buttar offers his thoughts

A UNIFIED GROUP WOULD BE INCREDIBLY POWERFUL
Gary Barwell of Edgbaston offers his thoughts

REFLECTING ON THE SAD DECLINE OF SPORTS IN SCHOOLS

The root cause

A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT

Incredible Equip show last week

ONE OF THE GREATS

Sad passing of Stephen Bernhard

NEW STRATEGY

BASIS commits to amenity sector

RECRUITMENT & CAREER PROGRESSION IN GROUNDS MANAGEMENT
How the GMA is tackling the key issues

ON TEST
Segway Navimow

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE IN THE SUPPLY OF FERTILISERS

To the amenity sector

50 YEARS OF GOLF STEWARDSHIP
Part four

REFLECTIONS ON A CAREER
A lifetime of dedication

CREATING AN INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PLAN
Key steps

50 YEARS OF GOLF STEWARDSHIP
Part three

50 YEARS OF GOLF STEWARDSHIP
Part two

50 YEARS OF GOLF STEWARDSHIP
Part one

DEMONSTRATING AND APPLYING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
Reviewing the tools available

CRICKET MANAGEMENT THROUGH THE DECADES
Part two

CRICKET MANAGEMENT THROUGH THE DECADES
Part one

A LOOK AT THE OPTIONS
When implementing an integrated approach

50 YEARS OF FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT
Part two

50 YEARS OF FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT
Part one

57 YEARS & COUNTING!
My life in the industry

DEMONSTRATING AND APPLYING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
New series of articles for 2025

IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE
Examples from across the year

VINTAGE PUSH MOWER USE
Enthusiast maintains lawn the old fashioned way

SUSTAINABLE AMENITY MANAGEMENT
Principles and practises

PLACING URBAN GREEN SPACES AT THE HEART OF INFRASTRUCTURE
Midlands Parks Forum's annual conference

RAISING THE VOICE
At the Amenity Forum's annual conference

SUSTAINABLE PARKS
Parks For London case study

WHY GRASSROOTS RUGBY IS IN DECLINE
A steady drop off in participation.

SEEDS OF SUSTAINABILITY
Focus on a major supplier of grass seed and related products to the amenity sector

ON TEST
STIHL BGA 300 cordless leaf backpack blower

ON TEST
EGO Multi-tool

PUT THEM ON THE TOOLS!
Time for an attitude change

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE TRAINING SECTOR
Grasping the challenge of encouraging more sustainable practice

SUSTAINABILITY IN LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Lessons learnt and experiences

SKILL SETS NEED RECOGNITION
Turf professionals are underappreciated

GREATER RESPECT FOR GROUNDS STAFF MIGHT MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
To the recruitment crisis

A COMPETITIVE SALARY
Why employers should advertise the salary when recruiting new staff

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?

To kick off 2026, TurfPro has asked a series of prominent figures to offer their thoughts on the industry's current State Of Play.

Ian Smith is a seasoned turf and grounds management professional based in St Albans, England, with extensive experience in sports turfcare and pitch preparation. He serves as the amenity & sports turf consultant / head groundsman at St Albans School’s Woollam Trust Playing Fields, where he oversees the presentation, performance, and maintenance of a broad range of playing surfaces used for cricket, rugby, football, and hockey.

Ian began his career in turfcare after working at Watford FC, gaining practical experience with high-standards pitch maintenance in a professional football environment. He later returned to his hometown area and took a role with St Albans School, applying his expertise to school and community sports facilities.

At St Albans School, Ian is responsible for leading a professional groundstaff operation that maintains some of the UK’s most respected playing surfaces at the Woollam Trust Playing Fields. The complex includes 22 winter pitches for rugby and football, an all-weather hockey pitch, and multiple cricket squares. His work supports both competitive school sport and external club use, ensuring surfaces meet high standards of safety, playability, and visual presentation year-round.

Q1. What has been the product, machine or innovation that has helped you most in your career?

The understanding of sand particle size and shape of particles has transformed football pitches and outfields. Looking back pitches were bare through the middle. The sand used was soft sand in goal mouths and sharp sand over the rest of the pitch, bought from the builders merchant. The soft sand would lock together and stop water from getting through, whilst the sharp sand would take your skin off if you did a sliding tackle. Now sand is blended for optimum water control. 

At the same time as this, modern rye grasses started to develop which were so much stronger and more resilient to wear with a finer leaf and stronger root system than before - hence you very rarely see a bare pitch these days.

Q2. What are the most challenging issues facing the industry?

The most challenging issue we are going to have to deal with is the extremes in weather. Without automatic irrigation many areas now drought off, meaning a lot of renovation work is lost. Winters are milder and wetter leading to surface ponding and cancellations - also disease issues at a time when chemical use is being reduced. Even with these wetter winters, drought restrictions will be become more common  

Q3. What are your thoughts on our current trade show scene?

Trade shows now are good but people are now starting to pick and choose which one to go to. I think that suppliers will also pick one or two that they will attend rather than all three meaning we may well loose one show over the next few years.

Personally, I like the combination of the indoor trade stands and seminars and outdoors trade stands and demo areas at GroundsFest. Plus accommodation is much cheaper in the Stoneleigh area compared to if you are staying over at the NEC or Harrogate.

Q4. What would you like to see in terms of collaboration across industry organisations?

I like the GMA working with the Sport England, ECB, FA, RFU, RFL and horse racing with their pitch improvement schemes. I think BIGGA are in a strong place to oversee the requirements for golf. Therefore I don't think that they will gain much by working with the GMA. Yes, there is some crossover as we all grow grass and use similar equipment and chemicals, but I think sport specific bodies are better.

Q5. What changes would you like to see made to improve the industry?

I would Like to see newer, younger staff joining our profession with so many of us old un's coming up to retirement age. I think that groundstaff sizes will shrink dramatically in the next few years, similar to how farming staff have. Nowadays farms of thousands of acres are run by two or three rather than tens of farm labourers. A lot of the tasks we do will be done by robots. We have already seen this in the last few years with cutting, marking and spraying. As technologies improve this will only keep expanding.