Having enjoyed the recent televised autumn rugby internationals, with England beating France by the slimmest of margins 22-19 after extra time at Twickenham and recent football international matches, I wonder what it has been like for the players having to play in empty stadiums? It must be a very eerie experience, especially when you are awarded your first international cap. Not having any family or relatives witnessing your first cap must be disappointing for those concerned. 

With the recent England lockdown now finished, it is pleasing to see restrictions being lifted with a few professional sports facilities now being able to open their doors and cater for a limited number of spectators. Shrewsbury Town FC were allowed 2000 supporters at a home fixture played on 2nd December, with many welcoming the opportunity to see live sport again.

As far as rugby goes, the RFU are looking at bringing competitive rugby back at grassroots levels in January - although with some changes to the game to help reduce contact between players. Talk is centred on not having scrums or mauls.

Clubs have been able to begin adapted training from last Wednesday (2 December) in preparation for local friendly fixtures recommencing from Friday 18 December, when the following law variations will come into effect:

• Instead of a scrum, the game will begin with a free kick. This free kick cannot be taken quickly.
• A minimum of five and a maximum of seven players from each team are required to form a lineout.
• A team awarded a penalty or free kick will no longer be able to choose a scrum option.
• A team awarded a penalty or free kick at a lineout can instead choose another lineout at the same mark.

Further details on the variations (Law 5 - Time, Law 16 - Maul, Law 18 - Lineout, Law 19 -Scrum, Law 20 - Penalty and Free Kick) can be found here. These law variations will be reviewed as the season progresses and as restrictions change.

Let us hope with the vaccination commencing rollout this week, we can finally see some light at the end of the tunnel.

The importance of green spaces

I read with interest that Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, has said exercise and physical activity should play a key role in the UK's recovery from the pandemic – as well as the way the nation shapes its future health care plans.

Speaking at ukactive’s recent National Summit, Whitty outlined the lead role operators of gyms, leisure centres and sports facilities will be called on to play in supporting the nation as it emerges from COVID-19.

“As we come out of the COVID-19 crisis, it’s very important we try to get people who’ve got out of the habit of regular exercise back into a situation where they’re doing so, and encourage others who’ve taken up exercise in a way they previously hadn’t done,” Whitty said.

As a ex player and sports coach, having spent most of my life keeping fit, I totally agree with his statement. We need to look after ourselves better and undertake more regular exercise as a nation to help us become more resistant to illnesses in general. 

I also passionately believe this pandemic has made us more aware of our vulnerability to disease and viruses and, more importantly, value our lives and relationships with family and friends. 

There is no doubt in my mind that this virus has changed people’s mindsets and attitudes to life and we should look upon this in a positive light. I am hoping that the government will now value the importance of managing public open spaces and begin investing more money into sport and leisure activities. Every park and public open space has been a valuable sanctuary during this pandemic, allowing people to exercise and meet family and friends. 

It is also pleasing to see that major spectator sports in England will receive a combined £300 million cash injection to protect their immediate futures over the winter period.

The Sports Winter Survival Package will support sports - from national governing bodies through to clubs - impacted by coronavirus restrictions.
The funding, which will be largely composed of loans, is described by the government as the most generous of any government for its domestic sport sector in the world and will focus on sports severely impacted over the winter.

Support will be provided to rugby union, horse racing, women’s football and the lower tiers of the National League. Rugby League, motorsport, tennis, netball, basketball, ice hockey, badminton and greyhound racing are also in line to benefit.Major spectator sports in England will receive a combined £300m emergency cash injection to protect their immediate futures over the winter period.

Vital role of parks

And while on the subject of parks and public open spaces, I learned at a recent Midlands Parks Forum meeting that Saltwells Nature Reserve had gained national recognition in becoming a National Nature Reserve (NNR) - one of 224  in the UK.  A fantastic achievement by all those concerned. 

Three of the people concerned Alan Preece (warden) Graham Worton (geologist) and Jonathan Larwood of the NNR gave a great presentation about the importance of the site and how it is appreciated by the local community and visitors from far and wide.  You can read more about it in a recent TurfPro blog I wrote back in October.

I was lucky to go and visit this site earlier in the year to judge it as part of the National Green Flag Awards and found it to be a very interesting site with plenty of things to see and admire.

Also, during the meeting, we had a talk from Rhodri Edwards from Fields in Trust who gave us an update on the work they are doing to protect green open spaces. As more and more green space is being lost to developers, it is important we try and reduce the impact of this by protecting important tracts of community green space. 

It also good news to report that the new Parks Management Forum is gaining momentum. Since its establishment at the beginning of 2020, with the aim of representing parks professionals, they have achieved a great deal. In that time they have accrued over 2,200 following on LinkedIn, a database of nearly 1,400 parks contacts, as well as nearly 700 followers on Twitter.  They have also had several positive meetings with Keep Britain Tidy (Green Flag), Fields in Trust, Future Parks Accelerator, APSE, Nesta, The Landscape Institute, the Grounds Management Association, Green Space Wales and a number of the Regional Parks Forums.

This can only be a step in the right direction to ensure the future and prosperity of these wonderful public open spaces. 
 

Kubota (UK) Ltd has announced that Lister Wilder is to further expand its operation with the addition of OEM engine supply from its Ashford, Guildford and Reading branches, for customers operating Kubota powered machinery. 

L-R: Kubota UK md David Hart and Lister Wilder company director and co-owner Charlie King

This latest addition makes Lister Wilder the first full-line Kubota dealer in Europe, and follows the recent announcement that the family-run dealership is to refocus entirely on the Kubota brand having already secured business with agriculture, groundcare and construction divisions.

“This expansion further strengthens Kubota’s commitment to its customers and the markets in which we operate,” explains David Hart, managing director of Kubota (UK). “As a full-line dealer, Lister Wilder will be in a very strong position to make the future investments required in facilities, technology and staff, to actively support our customers throughout these important industry sectors.”

This move represents Lister Wilder's next phase of expansion. A multi-million pound investment plan will see the first of its new Kubota centres designed and built during 2021, along with the planned redevelopment of existing depots, starting with its Reading premises. 

Kubota says that it is expected that the business expansion plans will also create new jobs within sales, after-sales and service, plus parts and warranty departments.

“Lister Wilder is delighted to have received the entire Kubota franchise, to operate across its branches, which extend across the southern part of the country,” says company director and co-owner Charlie King. “This strategic move allows us to focus our efforts on delivering expert service and aftersales support across all divisions. Our ambitions are now completely in line with that of Kubota and that makes for a very strong partnership and an exciting future.

“Around 50% of our business was already Kubota related with groundcare and construction products, and the addition of Kubota’s agricultural and engine divisions gives us huge potential to grow the Kubota brand across our region,” he added.

Lister Wilder is a wholly-owned family business that was established in 1947. Now in its third generation, the company has evolved to become a well-known and well-respected name throughout the industry, recently winning Service Dealer’s agricultural and groundcare Dealer of the Year awards.

Its Kubota groundcare business dates back to 1995, and was followed by expansion with Kubota construction equipment in 2001. Its first Kubota centre was created three years ago in Ashford, Kent, and forms the blueprint for future development.

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) has announced a new three-year official marketing partnership with John Deere.

John Deere equipment at work on The PGA Centenary Course during the 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles in Scotland

With the agreement, John Deere becomes the LPGA Tour’s official golf course equipment supplier and will support the LPGA Foundation’s efforts to introduce more girls to the game of golf.

Additionally, the Ladies European Tour (LET) announced a three-year extension to its longstanding partnership with John Deere, which began in 2007.

Kelly Hyne, chief sales officer for the LPGA said, “We look forward to building upon John Deere’s strong history with the LET and Solheim Cup, bringing experience across both Tours and growing participation in the game of golf.”

Emma Allerton, LET commercial director, added, “We too are delighted to be extending our successful partnership with John Deere, continuing to work together towards shared goals and enhancing opportunities across women’s golf.”

John Deere has also signed on as the official golf course equipment supplier of the 2021 Solheim Cup at Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio. John Deere will work closely with agronomists for both Tours, with the goal of producing exceptional playing conditions across multiple continents.

Manny Gan, director global golf sales & ,arketing for John Deere said, “Through this agreement with the LPGA and the extended agreement with the LET, John Deere equipment will play a key role in providing a great playing experience at top courses around the world, and at the 2021 Solheim Cup.”

Finally, John Deere will support the LPGA Foundation’s Renee Powell Grant, which was established in 2020 to provide need-based grants to LPGA USGA Girls Golf programs that are inclusive of black communities as part of their initiatives. Earlier this year, five Girls Golf sites in the greater Toledo/Cleveland area were selected as the inaugural grant recipients. In 2021, participants from these five sites will participate in the Solheim Cup Experience presented by John Deere, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a special part of the week’s celebration and competition.

Iseki UK & Ireland have announced some new additions to their specialist dealer network.

Recent appointments include Gammies operating out of their Forfar depot in Angus Scotland, and Chandlers covering Befordshire up to North Lincolnshire. Alongside these businesses Glyn Lloyd & Sons in Wales, Youngs Machinery also in Scotland at Kilmarnock and FISCO Farm & Garden Machinery based in Wakefield, also joined the Iseki dealer family. 

David Withers

Commenting on the announcement David Withers managing director of Iseki UK and Ireland said, "We are really excited to have all these new dealers on board with us to help continue to grow our market share. All dealerships have a great following in their areas and we expect to see significant growth from our partnerships together”. 

Les Gammie of Gammies said of their appointment, "We have been selling similar products for many years with a wide range of customers so we are really looking forward to working with Iseki to build on this further."

Gavin Pell, managing director of Chandlers Farm Equipment who operate from seven depots, added, “Chandlers are very pleased to have been appointed Iseki dealers. This excellent quality range of compact tractors, and diesel powered ride-on mowers will complement our professional groundscare range, and be supplied by our team of groundscare specialists from Belton, Horncastle, Spilsby, Holbeach, Barnack, Lutterworth, Shefford & Southam."

Royal Dornoch, Toro and Reesink have worked together for 25 years - and now the club has signed an exclusive supplier agreement for another ten years.

L-R: Royal Dornoch course manager Eoin Riddle, Reesink Turfcare’s Richard Green and Royal Dornoch general manager Neil Hampton

General manager at Royal Dornoch in Scotland, Neil Hampton said, “Regardless of what is going on in the world, one thing that has remained the same for 400 years is our dedication to providing our members and players with golfing excellence. 

“Toro is tried and tested on the remote links landscape here and we see no reason to change that especially when Toro’s dedication to innovation and technology stills leads the way.”

Refering to the four Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 electric greens mowers included in the club’s latest order, Neil said, “As a club it’s very important for us to be as green as we can as often as we can. The team tried the electric greens mowers in a demo and were unanimously impressed. There were absolutely no negatives in choosing these electric machines to take over the important frontline mowing on our greens.”
 
Continuing the green theme in the rest of the order are four of the hybrid Reelmaster 5010-H fairway mowers and eight electric utility vehicles, the Workman GTXe with lithium-ion battery. Neil says: “Our greens and fairway mowers are used a lot and it is of the utmost importance that they perform to their best at all times. We’ve never noticed a difference between the environmentally-friendly machine option or diesel, apart from the obvious noise and fuel mess. 

“We have a fantastic relationship with Reesink in that they understand how we work, what works best for us and what we want out of a deal. For example, we have a great system for the replacement and buy-back of our used machinery. Our used machines have a lot of life left in them and it’s only right that they go on doing a great job somewhere else.”

Heading into 2021 what does Neil see on the horizon? “Looking at the positives from 2020, the year Royal Dornoch got voted as Scotland’s Best Golf Course by the World Golf Awards, the break from play during growing season has given the course an unexpected rest, there’s been little to no wear and tear and it’s looking and playing wonderfully. The team had the chance to undertake jobs such as overseeding that you wouldn’t normally do in the peak season and it means we go into 2021 with the course in the ultimate shape.

“With international travel hopefully opening up earlier than expected perhaps in the spring, it means our 700 overseas members can resume their play here which will be fantastic. In the meantime, we’ve always been proud to be a course accessible for all. For 400 years our doors have been open to everyone and in 2021 that will be hugely important; we all know the huge benefits a round of golf can bring.”

Designed for the professionals, Cramer have an extensive range including blowers (handheld and backpack) and chainsaws, all of which work in all weather conditions thanks to their IPX4 classification, ensuring maximum productivity especially for the Autumn / Winter months.

Cramers 82V cordless Chainsaw range is perfect for users who want a reliable and powerful saw ready at any time. In conventional tree care, workers not only have to contend with harsh weather – but often harmful fumes, high noise levels and vibrations. Our top-of-the-range 82CS25 model generates great performance without any petrol, and is among the market leaders in power, torque and cutting performance. It is safe to handle due to the on/off switch and will be your durable partner thanks to its magnesium construction.

The 82V cordless Leaf Blowers from Cramer are equipped with extremely high air volume and blower capacity, quickly and effortlessly remove leaves, grass cuttings, sand, dirt and rubbish from pavements and surfaces. The 82B900 is perfect for shorter jobs and smaller areas, e.g. for cleaning of cuttings when trimming lawns or hedges. The 82B1000 is perfect for longer jobs and bigger areas such as parking lots, sports grounds and urban areas. It quickly and effortlessly removes leaves, grass cuttings, sand, dirt and rubbish from pavements and surfaces.

Ergonomically designed, all models can be used left or right-handed, with light weight, yet robust construction incorporating many magnesium components for long working hours with less fatigue.

We have chosen to use 82V batteries for very good reasons. Whilst others use lower voltage to power their tools, they can only come near our performance by increasing the current in their circuits. This creates heat that they try to overcome. Something that batteries do not like and can have a detrimental effect on battery life. Using a higher voltage, Cramer batteries provide the effortless power for the toughest jobs whilst ensuring you get the maximum life out of them. And by the way, you won’t notice the difference in your pocket.

But don’t just take our word for it. Put one to the test yourself.

Call Alan on 07850 947274 for your FREE demonstration

www.cramertools.com

A VITAL RETURN FOR THE GRASSROOTS
Following the end of lockdown

BUYING INTO BIODIVERSITY
The importance of hedges and trees

POPPIES & POLICIES
An unusual November

TIME FOR REAL CHANGE
In how we work

WINTER IS COMING
Advice for saturated pitches

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

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?

I attended a very interesting presentation last week, looking at the potential future for our urban green spaces and how they could be maintained - and because it's 2020 I didn't even leave my desk to participate.

The event was the latest in Husqvarna's Living City series of conferences. In years gone by, in my capacity as the editor of TurfPro's sister magazine for the dealer trade, Service Dealer, I've traveled to places including Edinburgh, Stockholm and Hamburg to attend these presentations. But with the events of this year, it all took place online. Usually the days are attended by a mixture of turfcare professionals from many countries, representing various specialisms, plus members of the trade press from around the world. By not encouraging these people to travel this year, I suppose they were at least adding to the green credentials that the event is promoting.

The big reveal on Tuesday was a new robotic mowing development from the manufacturer for the commercial turf sector, that the company is hyping as "game changing".

Sustainable urban green maintenance

Before they got to their big announcement though, attendees watched a series of presentations, discussing ideas which could impact on the future of sustainable urban landscaping.

First up was architect, Winy Maas of MVRD who was talking about the concept of 'Green Dip' in cities. This vision was pretty much as it sounds - dipping our urban centres in as much green as possible. We were shown concept drawings of urban sprawls, bursting with buildings covered in plants and greenery flowing from their roofs and walls. It was all about a future vision of filling our streets and skylines with as much bio-diversity as possible. He also talked about real world examples in places like Seoul and Rotterdam where these concepts are starting to come to fruition.

Winy Maas

If these visions of cities full of greenery contributing to the world's environmental betterment come to pass, it would follow that the kit which is used to maintain them would need to meet stringent environmentally-friendly criteria.

Also invited by Husqvarna to speak was Dan Mabe, CEO and founder of the American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA). This group's mission is to transition the grounds maintenance industry to a greener, more sustainable way of working. He spoke with a passion about the amount of solid and toxic waste streams that could be generated by turf professionals using petrol powered equipment. His organisation were working with companies and local authorities in the States to designate green zones in towns, where only battery or robotic groundscare solutions could be operated. They also saw it as their duty to inform private homeowners of tools they could use to maintain their green areas which created less noise, emissions and vibrations.

Dan Mabe

Dan's central thesis was that as turfed areas will play an ever more central role in our future towns and cities, it's important for everybody that the carbon footprint related to the maintenance of these areas, is brought down.

Increased sustainability

Husqvarna also had a couple of their own people speaking before the sneak peak at the new robotic system. Erik Swan, their digital ecosystem strategist, talked about the company's HUGSI project - which is a computer system for measuring, analysing and quantifying the greenness of cities around the globe.

Erik Swan

You can check out the website for the project here which ranks cities in terms of the size of their greened areas and follows the yearly developments of individual cities.

Jonas Willaredt, the manufacturer's head of environment & sustainability also gave a presentation on the carbon footprint in lawncare. He talked about how Husqvarna as a company have policies in place to reduce their own carbon footprint in line with the Paris agreement. They would be making strides towards this he said, through increased electrification and digitalisation across all that they do.

Jonas Willaredt

A commitment was stated to cut carbon emission from both equipment production processes and from the professional usage of their machines. This would be supported, Jonas said, by production innovation.

Robotic "game changer"

Which brought us on to the big sneak peak of the day. Never one to undersell a product launch, Husqvarna unveiled this week what they described as a "pivotal moment" in the history of professional turfcare.

Their latest development in robotic mowing solutions was revealed for the first time. Known as the Ceora, this autonomous mower, we were told, can mow huge areas, up to 50,000 m2, within virtual boundaries.

Intended for public and commercial landowners, sports field managers and golf course owners, Husqvarna said the new machine can automate professional lawnmowing as never before, allowing staff to be redeployed to focus on more value adding tasks. “This is an industry game changer marking the start of a new era in commercial turf care management”, enthused Valentin Dahlhaus, vice president at Husqvarna.

Valentin Dahlhaus

The size of the area which the robot can cover, combined with the lack of requirement of an installed boundary wire to control its cutting area, are the fundamental differences of this development over established Automowers. The company said it utilises EPOS technology with a high-precision satellite navigation system, to deliver an accuracy of 2-3 centimetres.

By allowing operation without physical wires, quick digital redefinitions of the work area can take place. Husqvarna believe that this will offer professional users lower costs, a safer working environment and more sustainable working practices.

Interestingly, the company stressed how the system is a future-proof, scalable platform. In the future, they said, it can be further tailored to specific needs. By adding accessories like, for example, a lawn striper, fairway deck or a line painter, it can be used to undertake other tasks required by the turf professional. It can also be paired with other robotic mowers allowing the operator instant and continuous digital monitoring and control of multiple units.

For a sense of the scale which these Ceora robots could cover, Valentin Dahlhaus claimed the entire 55-acre Great Lawn in Central Park, NYC, can be managed by five of the units, working 24/7. "Everything is digitally monitored and controlled at your fingertips," he said.

The company promised that more details about the machines will be presented during summer 2021 and mowers will start shipping to customers from early 2022.

It was certainly a very interesting presentation by Husqvarna this week. Massively scaling up the area which a robotic mower can cover and, crucially, removing the need for a guide wire, are the barriers which needed to be broken I'm sure, to get more commercial users to consider their usage.

Also they seem to tick the boxes for contractors who can drop the machines off at a commercial site, let them do their work, and then come back and take them on to the next site. We are told that the sharing economy will grow exponentially - innovations such as this could very much play into that.

With increased automation of roles traditionally carried out by turf professionals, there will of course be the worry for some that their jobs may be threatened by this advancement. The manufacturer counters this argument, saying that the robots actually free up time for skilled individuals to concentrate on more elaborate tasks than cutting the grass. Time will tell.

It'll be interesting to see and hear more in 2021. Perhaps in person next time?

It has without a doubt, been an unprecedented year.

I, like many, have admired the dedication of the people involved in seeing us through this pandemic. I cannot imagine the size and scale of the task in hand to finally bring back some form of normality to our lives.

I also believe it has made us consider our role in life and what the values are that we choose to live by. More than anything, it has been a wake-up call to signal how precious life is for our family and friends.  

I passionately believe that my extended family of professional turfcare friends and colleagues have also contributed to my welfare over the years. I consider my role latterly on the trade press side of the industry, as being one of the most satisfying jobs I have ever had. Being an editor has enabled me to engage and initiate many opportunities to promote and advance our sector.

Visiting Croke Park

A long and varied career

Having now been in the industry for over forty-eight years, I can honestly say I have enjoyed every minute - apart from a couple of poor decisions where I found myself working in two, let’s say wrong environments. Other than that, all my other working experiences have been fantastic.

Unless you have worked in this industry it can be very hard to understand what a complex and exciting environment it can be. With opportunities worldwide, the comradeship you get and the opportunities you have available to you while working in this diverse industry are remarkable.

Holding the Ryder Cup 

I have been very lucky and have enjoyed one of the most varied working careers one could possibly have.

I started my career working for Birmingham City Council as parks apprentice in 1972. I worked in various parks and had the opportunity to work at several Chelsea Flower Shows during my role as a plant propagator at Cannon Hill Park.

I spent 11 years working for the council which saw me experiencing many aspects of the turfcare industry, before finally settling down into greenkeeping at Cocks Moors Woods GC.

During my time with the council, I was taught by many peers and work stalwarts. I remember Reg Lewis, Bud Davis and John Greenhouse who taught me a lot about plants and floral decoration, whilst the likes of Andy Harris taught me the skills of greenkeeping.

Kings Heath Park 

In 1983 I found myself moving to Portsmouth, taking up the post of head groundsman at Portsmouth FC. A most enjoyable experience working alongside Brian Regan and meeting up with some notable professional players such as David Thomas, Alan Ball, Mark Hateley Neil Webb and Kevin Ball. 
 

Working with Alan Ball (Portsmouth FC)

I then moved back into greenkeeping, working at Waterloovolle GC for a year before finding a job with the MOD as grounds maintenance officer. Looking after the grounds of military establishments was a wonderful job that allowed me to continue with my sporting prowess, playing rugby for both HMS Dryad and HMS Mercury rugby teams. At the same time I was also playing for Portsmouth RFC.

In 1990 I moved back to the ,Midlands having landed a job of parks officer with Telford & Wrekin council. This led to many opportunities before leaving in 2002 to do my master’s degree at Cranfield University. On completion of this I found myself moving into a completely different role, becoming editor of Pitchcare magazine.
 

Cricket Groundsman of the Year Awards at Lord's 

It was in this role I had some of the best industry experiences, meeting so many dedicated, driven turf professionals who between them in the last 20 years have changed the face of groundsmanship - taking the management of playing surfaces to a new levels.

I would like to take this opportunity to mention some of the people who have inspired me over the years. Firstly I’d like to thank John Richards and Dave Saltman for giving me the opportunity of being Pitchcare’s editor.

Meeting Walter Woods 

Meting the Likes of Eddie Seward, Walter Woods, Gordon Moir, Pete Marron, Steve Rouse, Steve Braddock, Richard Norton, Keith Kent, John Moverley, Alex Vicker, and James Mead to name but a few was fantastic.

We soon started to see the new breed of turf professionals come through the education systems such as Jason Booth (Leeds Rhinos), Lee Jackson (Man City), Darren Baldwin (Tottenham), Dave Roberts (Liverpool), Jon Ledgwidge (Leicester FC),  Steve Birks ( Trent Bridge), Karl McDermmott (Lord’s), Gary Barwell (Edgebaston), Neil Stubley (Wimbledon), Andy Woods (Enville GC), Phil Sharples (Turf Consultant) who all have taken their facilities to new heights in terms of playability and surface presentation. 
 

Richard Campey demo day 

I also must not forget all the suppliers, contractors and manufacturers who have help enormously in bringing to the table new technologies, machinery and equipment to enable the turf professionals to do their job more efficiently and to better standards. These include the likes of John Mallison, Karl Pass, Simon Hutton, Richard Campey, David Withers, Keith Exton, Ian Howard, David Hart, John Coleman, Colin Mumford, Steve Nixon, Sharon Morris , Kate Entwistle, Simon Grumbrill, Richard Brown, Matt Gresty, Iain Courage and Dan Duffy.

I must also mention my fellow parks professionals, Paul Todd (Green Flag), Chris Worman MBE (Rugby Borough Council), Bernard Sheridan (Parks Consultant), Robert Standen (ex Parks manager and educationist , Paul Rabbitts (Watford Parks ). 

 
And finally, I must thank the comradeship and support from many of my editorial colleagues. All our magazines do a wonderful job of promoting this immense and diverse industry. Steve Gibbs (Service Dealer), Scott Mccallam (Turf Matters), Geoff Russell (Golf Business News), Steve Eves (Greenkeeper), Martyn Smart (Turf Business), Kerry Heywood (Pitchcare), Steve Mitchell (ASM PR) and Sally Dury (Hort Week).

Inspiring the next generation

The opportunity to meet all these people has been very rewarding. However, one of the biggest challenges in the coming years will be inspiring the next generation of turf professionals to come and work in this industry.

Talking to many existing professionals there seems to be a lack of interest amongst people wanting to take up a career in our industry. Couple this with the fact  that there is going to be a large exodus of qualified, experienced turf professionals in the coming years, we really need to start looking at ways to encourage more people to come and work in this very diverse and international industry.

To help start this process, I have asked a number of our current professionals to write a piece about how they came to work in this industry and the opportunities it has given them. Over forthcoming issues we will be featuring a number of these cases to help promote the diversity of this amazing industry.