It has been a busy time for myself recently, as I have been undertaking some Green Flag Awards judging alongside my fellow judges - as mentioned in a previous blog.   

Parks and public open spaces are under severe scrutiny at the moment, with many councils trying to make savings from their current service delivery budgets. However, a recent visit to Congleton Park  enabled me to see one local authority (Cheshire East Borough Council) bucking the trend and delivering a well-managed and maintained park.

Congleton Park 

The park proudly boasts staff that are passionate about their work and over a number of years they have built up a strong network of working partners who have galvanised a strong friends of the park group, headed by their chairman Glen Williams. 

Cheshire East Borough Council is the owner of the site, which is managed by ANSA parks officers, supported by the council’s client officer. ANSA act as agents on behalf of Cheshire East Council and are the first point of public contact for all enquiries and use. 

Tulips in spring 

Congleton Town Council are responsible for the park’s maintenance and work in partnership with CEC/ANSA regarding aspects concerning the implementation of the management plan, with input from community groups such as The Friends of Congleton Park - a community group formally established in 2003.

Congleton's Spring bedding schemes 

Volunteers meet monthly and undertake a variety of tasks to support the enhancement and appearance of the park. They also carry out marshal duties at events such as the Party in the Park and the play days for children organised by the community. 

Glen Williams has been one of the driving forces for many of the initiatives that have come to fruition in the park, particularly getting sponsorship and monies to continue with the spring and summer bedding schemes that are a main feature.  Many local authorities have in recent years either downgraded these bedding schemes or stopped having them due to costs. 

I personally think there a place for both ornamental bedding schemes and naturalised planting schemes. We need to retain many of the gardening skills we once had in these parks. By dumbing down these traditional park skills, we will be the creators of our own downfall. 

Congleton bowling green 

It is therefore imperative that we retain the skilled operations that once took place in these bastions of parks excellence. It was pleasing to see that that the bowling green, for example, was still operational and being used. It is quite an unusual one, in that it is circular and is being maintained at a good standard - again retaining valuable skills.

Congleton Park community garden

The Park also had its own nursery area where school groups and other community groups can propagate plant material that can be used in the park. 

My second recent park that I visited was also just as impressive. Hednesford Park near Cannock Town is another valuable community asset and again has set many quality benchmarks, retaining its reputation as being a significant hub for the local community. 

Hednesford Park 

The park is managed by a dedicated group of people, with Tom Walsh, parks and open spaces manager and Lynn Evans, Hednesford Park community and education officer being key to the running of the park. 

Hednesford Park refurbished tennis courts 

My third site was Stile Cop Cemetery near Rugeley, Staffordshire another Cannock Chase Council run public open space. As an ex cemetery officer myself, I know only too well the challenges councils face in maintaining and managing burial grounds.  

Stile Cop Cemetery 

For me the annual Green Flag Awards scheme is an essential opportunity for councils to monitor their performance and be audited by professional experienced judges who, in most cases, have over 20 plus years working experience in the industry and are keen to share their knowledge.  

However, I would like to see more councils take up the opportunity to enter the awards. We have, on average, around 2000 parks per year being judged. With over 400 local authorities in the UK we really should be seeing in excess of 5000 parks attaining Green Flag status. Attainment has many benefits and also encourages more people to use these wonderful facilities. 

Current trialing

My busy week finished with the task of renovating a couple of lawns, with the aim of testing out a Makita lawn scarifier. 

Having recently attended a grounds demo day organised by the manufacturer, I took the opportunity to ask if I could loan some machinery examples to test. The scarifier arrived a couple of weeks ago, and I am in the midst of testing it out on a number of customers’ lawns.

 A full report on the performance of this scarifier will be published in a future issue of TurfPro.

The organisers of the Scots Turf show say a donation of football equipment may seem like a simple gesture, but Motherwell Football Club chief executive Dawn Middleton is certain it will change the lives of the local community.

L-R: Richard Heywood, Campey Turf Care (Scots Turf); Andy Thomson, head of community football; Alan Thomson, SIS Pitches (Scots Turf)

In partnership with New World Sport, Scots Turf donated footballs, bibs, markers, coaches' notebooks and more following their second show recently. Organisers Richard Heywood and Alan Thomson say it has always been their aim to give back to sport-focused charities in Scotland, and the Motherwell FC Community Trust is the first.

As the official charity of Motherwell FC, the Trust says they leverage the club's brand and the unifying power of football to drive positive change in the local community. In 2021, a UEFA Social Return and Investment report revealed that the charity's initiatives resulted in £13.64 million worth of health benefits, saving the NHS money on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, mental health and more.

With no core income, the charity relies on fundraising and donations to operate. While you might think money is what's needed, Dawn explains that football equipment is much more important than that.

"Firstly, I'd like to express our gratitude for the donation, which really makes a difference and does change lives," Dawn said. "Sometimes people will say, 'Oh, it would be great if you got money,' but it's not about money. This donation was far more valuable to us than money.

"It’s absolutely fantastic for us because equipment is expensive, and you can never have enough. Andy, our head of Community Football does an excellent job, and coaches always ask him to spend money on equipment. It was great for us to be able to go back and supply it.

“The Trust supports a diverse range of 29 community teams, spanning from children born in 2019 to walking footballers in their 80s, women's recreational football, and disability football. Each of these groups requires their own footballs, bibs, and markers, which often get lost or damaged. The donation from Scots Turf has significantly reduced the financial , burden on the Trust, ensuring the affordability of participation for all.”

The Motherwell FC Community Trust operates in one of Scotland's most deprived areas. Due to increasing mortgage rates, food prices, and fuel costs, the community team experiences a lot of in-work poverty. Through donations, however, they have been able to limit the rise in community team monthly subscription costs to just 5p over seven years, which is invaluable for those participating.

STIHL GB held the grand opening of its new, purpose-built head office and state-of-the-art distribution centre named Contra House on April 25th 2024, saying it ushers in "a new chapter of innovation and service excellence for the business". 

Dr. Nikolas Stihl, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the STIHL Group, presided over the opening ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the company's long history. Named Contra House in homage to the iconic Contra chainsaw invented by founder Andreas Stihl, the company says this 11,500m2 facility reflects their dedication to providing unparalleled support to its dealers and end users. 

L-R: Kay Green, managing director of STIHL GB; Dr. Nikolas Stihl, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the STIHL Group; Sarah Gewert, executive board member for marketing and sales; Councillor Pat Tedder, Mayor of Surrey Heath

Home to more than 100 staff, the company says Contra House is designed to enhance operational efficiency, customer service, and employee well-being. The new site features dealer training facilities and a studio, collaborative workspaces, an on-site restaurant, and a fully-fitted technical workshop, ensuring support for the company's 700-strong Approved Dealer network. 

At the heart of the operation lies the 9,000m2 distribution centre, which boasts next-generation picking and storage systems. STIHL say this consolidation of logistics onto one site enables them to streamline operations, resulting in a speedier and more efficient delivery service.

Guests at the opening ceremony

Kay Green, managing director of STIHL GB, said, "The unveiling of Contra House symbolises a significant step forward in our commitment to product innovation and providing exceptional service to our customers and dealer network. We are thrilled to unveil the new facility, which not only embodies our rich heritage but also stands as a testament to our vision for the future.”

The company boast that Contra House also has a "dedication to sustainability". The facility has achieved BREEAM Certification, with features such as photovoltaic solar panels covering two-thirds of its roof area and 21 electric vehicle charging points.

The official opening event, attended by more than 150 guests, also outlined the company's partnership with Perennial, the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping people in horticulture. The STIHL team will volunteer in a wide range of fundraising activities to help the charity provide free and confidential advice, information and support to people working in, or retired from, horticulture and their families.

Redexim has announced the appointment of Curtis Allen as its new global commercial director.

Curtis Allen, centre, with Herman de Bree and Justine de Bree

In his new role, the company says Curtis will oversee worldwide sales and commercial activities, heading efforts to enhance sales operations, expand partner networks, and drive global revenue growth and customer satisfaction.

With a rich background spanning over two decades in the industry, Curtis brings a track record of success and a profound understanding of the market to his new role. His journey with Redexim began in 2005 at Charterhouse in the UK, where he initially served as a demonstrator on the Verti-Art line before assuming the role of artificial turf machinery specialist. He initially started at Redexim HQ, responsible for sales in several countries, and built strong relationships over the years with our partners worldwide, demonstrating his commitment to excellence.

Herman de Bree, COO at Redexim, said, “Curtis is an immensely driven individual, exceptionally organised, and adept at tailoring his approach to meet the diverse needs of Redexim’s global clients and partners. His extensive tenure at Redexim, combined with his comprehensive knowledge of the organisation and the market, make him an invaluable part of our company.”

Justine de Bree, CEO said, “During all his years with the company, Curtis has proven to be a highly skilled professional in all sorts of ways. His extensive commercial and global market knowledge in combination with his people management skills, make him the right man for this important position."

Curtis added, "I am honoured to have been offered this position and very much look forward to working in the field with our external global team, partners, and customers as well as our valuable internal team at the Dutch HQ  to continue to develop the Redexim business through innovation, customer service and, strong relationships”. 

Groundscare specialist GGM Group has reported growth and expansion as the business enters its busiest season, with the introduction of a series of new initiatives designed to benefit customers.

GGM's Haydock showroom

The organisation, with sites in Colne and Haydock, say they have expanded their team with the appointment of new members of staff throughout the business including in parts, workshop and accounts departments in a bid to support business growth and offer job opportunities in the local area.

The new roles come after what they describe as a busy first quarter for the business which has seen the unveiling of a refurbished showroom in Haydock.

GGM say recent months have seen the launch of three new franchises for themselves. Last year, they announced their appointment as a Honda authorised dealer for the lawn and garden range. They have also taken on the new expanded range of TP Chippers as well as the FSI range of stump cutters.

The business also says they have experienced a "huge uptake" in the recently launched LANTRA accredited training academy, which provides delegates with the skills and knowledge required to safely operate and maintain machinery. All training can be carried out on customers premises, using the equipment that team members will be using on a day-to-day basis or at the dedicated GGM training centre.

Also the business has launched a brand-new website, designed to further enhance the customer experience. GGM say th navigation makes it easier for customers to find products and access services. 

Managing director Chris Gibson said, “While many businesses have struggled over the past 12 months, we are delighted that GGM has continued to thrive. We have done this thanks to our fantastic team and our focus on innovation, always keeping us one step ahead of the game. In addition, we decided to recruit for these roles to help the local job market, as well as to facilitate business growth and our future plans”.

After more than 40 years with the company, Amazone Ltd have announced the retirement of their managing director, Simon Brown.

L-R; The retiring Simon Brown with incoming managing director, Matt Smith

Christian Dreyer, Chairman of the Board and owner of Amazonen-Werke, said, "It will be odd not having Simon around supporting the business after so many years. We are though extremely happy that Simon has used his foresight to build up a professional team around him which will secure an efficient handover to the following management."

Matt Smith, currently national sales manager, will take over the role as managing director following Simon’s retirement. Matt said, "I am delighted to be taking on the role from Simon and in the past few months the business has been evolving to function without him which means that we are well placed to continue supporting both customer and dealer."

Other staffing changes include Jane Braun taking over in the new role of operations manager, looking after parts and whole goods distribution and Becky Drobnica joins as admin & HR manager. Additionally, two new Harper Adams graduates have joined the team with David Thomson coming in as marketing specialist and James Rogers as business support specialist.

The retiring Simon Brown added, "We have such a great, long-serving team here at Amazone who have a vast depth of knowledge and experience and the beauty of Matt taking on the mantle is that it ensures the continuity of the business for next generation and I wish him all the best for the future. Of course, I will still be keeping an eye on things from the outside making sure they are doing it all properly."

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

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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?