Before I get into this week's blog proper, I just want to say I was saddened to hear of the passing of Steve Braddock, Arsenal’s past head groundsman.

During his time at the club he revolutionised the way Premier League pitches are maintained. Utilising the latest technologies and best machinery, he transformed the way Arsenal’s stadium and training pitches were looked after.

Steve Braddock 

He was looked upon as a pioneer, introducing many new techniques that he was prepared to share with other grounds professionals. He was in many people’s eyes a legend of our industry. I offer my sincere condolences to Steve’s family and friends.

I'd also like to take a moment to mention that James Mead, head of grounds at Rugby School, has retired with his deputy James Cavanagh taking over the reins. As mentioned in last week’s TurfPro blog, James and I started our careers together as parks apprentices 50 years ago this month with Birmingham City Council.

L-R James Mead and Mark Allen with the Webb Ellis Trophy at the Close Rugby School 

James spent several years working for the council before he moved into a new job working for Kings Edward schools in 1983. He spent 15 years there, working his way up to the post of chief head of grounds, until 1997 when he moved into a new role as HG at Millfield School. He stayed there for eight years before finally taking his final job of head of grounds at Rugby School.  He, like many leading lights of our industry, have brought many new ideas, innovations, and standards to the grounds sector.

During his time at the school, he has built up a formidable grounds team who between them have raised the standards of the schools’ facilities and without doubt now have some of the best school pitches in the country. 2023 sees the 200th year celebration of when William Webb Ellis started the game of rugby at Rugby School. One of James’ last projects was to oversee the redevelopment of this famous ruby pitch in the Close.  Transforming it into a modern-day playing surface, fully drained, sand ameliorated and having a fully automated watering system, it’s a job that has just been completed by specialised contractors Agripower. 

Current ground conditions

It’s the start of the rugby season, with clubs up and down the country venturing out onto the field of play once again.

However, I’m not sure I'd want to be playing rugby on any bone-hard rugby pitch across the land, with little or no grass cover. This summer’s extreme heat has burnt off and reduced grass growth to a minimum for most parts of the country, particularly in the southern areas of the UK.

Rugby match at Rugby School 

Hopefully some of the recent rain showers may have helped with some recovery. Let’s also hope we can get some more rain in the coming weeks to initiate some proper regrowth while temperatures remain in double figures. 

As a RFU Honda Rugby Grounds Connected voluntary pitch advisor, I would say it’s a good idea to get your pitches inspected - see here for information. There’s great advice and guidance to be had, plus a full report carried out and a 12 month return visit to check in. It really is a great free resource for rugby clubs.

End of season renovations

Top dressing with cricket loam 

With the month of September fast approaching it’s also time cricket groundsmen started preparing and ordering their materials for their end of season renovations. Loam and seed will be much sort after, along with relevant contractors who carry out the work. 

These end of season renovations are an essential requirement in getting your pitches into a good condition ready for next season. The aim of the renovations is to clear out all old surface debris, top dress with loam to relevel and provide a seed bed for germinating some new grass material that will help provide a safe and consistent playing surface for next season.

Key guide to successful renovations 

All clubs have their own methods of working and renovating their squares. In most cases the level of work will be dictated by what budgets and resources they have available at the time, and what they are trying to achieve. Invest wisely and do not skimp on these renovations, it is important to remove all debris by scarifying in several directions and ensure you buy decent loan and seed. 

Maintaining winter height of cut 

Scarification is important to remove unwanted vegetation, but also to produce a key for the new loam material to sit in. The level of scarification required will be dependent on how much of a thatch layer you have generated throughout the season. 

The square can then be over sown between 35-50 grammes per square metre. In essence, you are aiming to establish using a suitable grass seed mixture; do not be frightened to try out new cultivars. 

It's important not to overdress the square, as you will not only be wasting the precious loam material, but you may also be smothering your sward. The last thing you want to be doing is to bury any vegetation, which will lead to future problems. The object of the renovations is to revitalise the top growing zone, restore levels and to integrate new material into the soil profile. This will help build up the clay content in your square.

Irrigation should follow as soon as possible to assist in the germination of new seed. By keeping the soil moist, the seed should germinate between 7-10 days weather permitting, a germination sheet will aid this process.

As for aerating the square this often happens later in the year when there is enough moisture content in the ground to allow the tines to penetrate to depth. Aeration relieves compaction and improves water percolation through the soil profile, but also helps to create the general environment essential for healthy grass growth. Autumn and winter aeration treatments are beneficial to promoting drier surfaces for further maintenance practices to take place.

Once the grass has germinated out on the square, you should look to maintain a cutting height between 15-25mm and continue to brush off the dew in the mornings to keep the sward in a dry and disease-free condition.

Richard Campey and everyone at Campey Turf Care Systems have released a statement saying are deeply saddened by the news that Arsenal FC head groundsman Steve Braddock has passed away.

Richard said, “I have known Steve a very long time, after we met at London Colney. He became a close friend, and we shared the same drive and interest in maintaining natural surfaces for sport.

"Steve was always willing to try out new methods and machinery ahead of their time. You always knew where you stood with him. He was a true gentleman and never wavered in the pursuit of perfection for his sports pitches and was an advocate for the highest standards for the industry as a whole. He will be greatly missed.

"We send our sincere condolences to Steve’s wife Shuk, their daughters Jasmine and Lily, and all Steve’s family and friends."

Lantra say they are set to kick-off a major national showcase event for land-based industries by championing the future of training and qualifications in the sector.

Representatives from the training and qualifications awarding organisation will be attending the forthcoming Arb Show 2022 which will feature at the APF Exhibition 2022 - that takes place at Ragley Estate in Warwickshire, from September 22 until September 24.

Stephen Roberts, head of instructor network at Lantra, is scheduled to be the first speaker at the event at 10am on September 22, and during his speech he says he is planning to highlight the work of Lantra the awarding organisation offering training courses and qualifications in forestry and arboriculture.

Mandy Maynard, Lantra's national development manager, and Sean Duffy - head of industry partnerships (Forestry & Arb), will also be attending the event which is set to attract around 22,000 visitors and more than 300 exhibitors.

Lantra will have its own stand at the event and will deliver demonstrations of two-rope working in light of recent legislation changes in that field.

In the demonstrations’ area, Lantra will have two of their Verifiers available to demonstrate and advise on safe working practices which are compliant with HSE and are now used in the revised Lantra tree climbing training courses.

Lantra say they worked with the Arboricultural Association and HSE to ensure all its training and qualifications were updated to reflect these changes and that they were clearly explained within the materials.

For those who are still unsure about the revised two-rope requirements, Lantra has a range of Aerial refresher courses available, and these have had ‘TG1 2020’ added to the course title to ensure climbers and employers are up-to-date with additional requirements.

The courses available are:

• Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue (TG1 Update 2020) Refresher;
• Tree Climbing, Aerial Rescue and Use of a Chainsaw from a Rope & Harness (TG1   Update 2020) Refresher;
• Use of a Chainsaw from a Rope & Harness (TG1 Update 2020) Refresher;
• Tree Pruning (TG1 Update 2020) Refresher;
• Aerial Tree Rigging (TG1 Update 2020) Refresher.

To find out more about these courses and where they are delivered, click here. 

Commenting ahead of the event, Stephen Roberts, said, “I am delighted to be speaking at this prestigious event and spotlighting training opportunities in forestry and arboriculture. So, if you want to learn more about training courses, or how to become a Lantra Instructor or Assessor, then I urge people to come to this event which is a major highlight in the forestry and arboriculture calendar.

“People are leaving the industry, maybe through retirement or pursuing other opportunities, so we need to attract more people in to drive forward the future of these sectors.

Sean Duffy, head of industry partnerships in Forestry and Arboriculture, said, “Lantra is incredibly excited to be attending the show after the forced Covid break. It will be the first time we’ve been able to meet some of our industry contacts face to face since the last event back in 2019. We’re really looking forward to meeting our fellow F&A enthusiasts and sharing all that’s new from Lantra.”

A well-known industry name has joined the team at Redexim to support their growth and spearhead the UK’s commercial activities.

Paul Langford

As the new director of commercial operations, Paul Langford will be leading the team of regional sales managers and be in charge of the development of the overall sales and marketing strategies.

Formally the managing director of TigerTurf UK, Redexim say Paul has a track record for building successful B2B and B2C relationships and driving business change, which has resulted in over 20 years of experience in leadership and sustainable growth.

Alongside his position at TigerTurf UK, Paul held the role of manufacturing group chairman at The Sports and Play Contractors Association (SAPCA) for six years - during which he also represented the synthetic turf manufacturing sector on the FIFA Turf Advisory Group (TAG). 

Paul said, “In Redexim, I have found a like-minded company that have a pedigree of high-performance products and ambitions to grow in what is an ever-changing marketplace.

“I’m a big believer that business should be approached with a strong sense of purpose, the right tools and the right plan to deliver excellence - but not forgetting to have some fun along the way!”

It has been announced that long-standing John Deere dealer JW Doubleday is to be sold to Ben Burgess in line with the manufacturer’s Dealer of Tomorrow strategy.  

Doubleday has sold John Deere machinery for more than 40 years - an anniversary marked in June 2022 - but an agreement has been reached with Ben Burgess to transfer all staff and sites, with a completion date expected before the end of October. 

The deal will see Ben Burgess, which has been a John Deere dealer since 1964, expand into Lincolnshire for the first time, adding four more sites to its existing seven. It will take over the sites at Holbeach, Old Leake and Swineshead in Lincolnshire, as well as increasing its footprint in Norfolk with Doubleday’s depot at Kings Lynn. 

It means that, from November, Ben Burgess will serve customers in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Rutland. 

John Deere Limited divisional business manager, Joedy Ibbotson, said, “I would like to express our gratitude to the Doubleday-Collishaw family for what they have done, supporting and growing the John Deere brand since becoming a dealer. 

“The agreement with Ben Burgess - which ensures the continuity of the Doubleday team and dealership outlets within the John Deere network - is great news as it brings together two outstanding dealerships, both with a long history of representing John Deere. 

“The two businesses are closely aligned. Both have a strong culture of customer support, helping customers embed John Deere’s products and cutting-edge technological innovations into their farming operations.” 

Ben Turner, director at Ben Burgess, said, “We are delighted to be able to confirm the agreement that has been reached with the Doubleday group, which has an enviable reputation for being a strong, successful and customer-centric business for 50 years.

“Farmers and contractors in Lincolnshire and Norfolk have been served fantastically by the group’s talented staff, and we are privileged to be taking on the outstanding legacy the Doubleday dealerships have built in the territory. 

“We are both family businesses and share the same values. We will uphold our high standards for sales and service moving into the future. Both groups are committed to business continuity as usual for customers and staff while the deal is completed.”

Ian Doubleday-Collishaw, grandson of the company’s founder, commented, “This decision has not been taken lightly, but the Doubleday-Collishaw family is determined to protect the future of its loyal team and the longevity of a reputable John Deere dealer across our trading area.

“The combination of our joint processes, dedicated teams and the infrastructure already in place at Ben Burgess will deliver the best value to both our team and customers. We are confident the level of service you our customers are accustomed to will continue undisrupted.

“My family and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated team and our loyal customers, many of whom we consider our friends who have supported us throughout our 40 years as a John Deere dealer.”

TIME TO RECRUIT

HOT & BOTHERED

FAKE NEWS

PARKS MUST BE A STATUTORY SERVICE

WORKING PRESSURES INCREASING

CURRENT STATE OF PARKS SERVICES

HOT STUFF

GET CONNECTED

A GROWING NATIONAL REPUTATION

NEW BEGINNINGS

SUMMER SPORTING SEASON STARTS

CALCULATING THE VALUE

IRRIGATION IS VITAL

WEEDS FLOURISHING

TREE PLANTING INNOVATIONS

END OF SEASON RENOVATIONS TIME

PARK AND RIDE

IT'S NOT THE LENGTH THAT MATTERS . . .

NO EXCUSES FOR POOR FACILITY MANAGEMENT

SPRING INTO ACTION

SUN SHINES ON BTME

BRIGHT START

INDUSTRY INITIATIVE LAUNCHED

TESTING TIME

TIME TO PAY UP

DON'T PANIC!

ALL APSE-PECTS DISCUSSED

WINTER WARMING

THE BANE OF BUNKERS

POOR PERFORMANCE? BLAME THE PITCH!

PREPARING FOR 2022's GROWING SEASON

THREE AREAS OF CONTENTION

AREAS OF CONCERN

View all of 2021's blogs here

View all of 2020's blogs here

View all of 2019's blogs here

View all of 2018's blogs here

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?

With SALTEX taking place at the Birmingham NEC on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd of November, we're only two months out now from what is one of the most important industry events of the year for our turf professional readers.

Alongside the manufacturer exhibits, one aspect of the show that keeps visitors returning year on year is the wealth of educational opportunities available. Called Learning Live, there are sessions across the show-floor each day that are well-worth taking some time out of your day to hear what the experts have to say and to enter the discussion with your fellow practitioners. 

Below we've listed the seminars that the show has announced for November - so get thinking now and marking up your schedule for what will be the most beneficial for you.

To perhaps offer a little inspiration, TurfPro editor Laurence Gale is today offering his Pick Of The Day for both Wednesday and Thursday, for a session he thinks can't be missed.

Laurence says, "I will be attending this year’s SALTEX and making most of the two-day show. I personally find it a must-attend event for keeping up with the latest innovations and products that make our jobs of maintaining sports facilities more efficient and effective.

"The sharing of information has always been a distinguishing feature of our profession and in recent years we have seen the introduction of the popular Learning LIVE sessions at the show.

"This year we have eleven presentations to choose from over the two days of the show. You can read below my recommendations if I had to choose just one from each days' lineup to attend."

WEDNESDAY 2nd November

10:00 - 10:30: Theatre 1
Wimbledon in the future

- with Neil Stubley, Head of Courts & Horticulture, All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club
The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club's (AELTC) ambitious tennis court expansion project.

10.00 - 10.30: Theatre 3

Plant Parasitic Nematode Management

- with Deborah Cox, Founder, Langan Valley Scientific
This session will cover the two key types of nematode that can cause problems in cool season turf – looking at trends, how to interpret nematode test results, how to get the most out of a nematicide application, and an introduction to emerging areas of research in the battle against the problems these organisms cause.

10:45 - 11:15: Theatre 1
Strategy for grassroots football

- with Robert Sullivan, CEO, Football Foundation
The Football Foundation's strategic ambitions to improving grass pitch quality at grassroots level.

12:15 - 12:45: Theatre 1
Tottenham Hotspur promotes biodiversity

- with Nick Phillips, Training Centre Manager, Tottenham Hotspur FC; Gary Lee, Head Groundsman, Tottenham Hotspur FC Stadium
Tottenham Hotspur FC's sustainability showcase for biodiversity methods in grounds management.

* Laurence Gale's PICK OF THE DAY*

14.30 - 15.15: Theatre 1

Reducing the impact of future water restrictions on golf and sports turf

- with Tony Hanson, Managing Director, Environmental Solutions International; Robin Price, Director of Quality and Environment, Anglian Water
Temporary use bans and changes to water abstraction will prevent golf courses and sports turf irrigation in 2025 so you need to act now to create water resilience. This session discusses the Water Charter and how to engage with it.

Laurence says, "A very topical subject that this year has impacted on all of us in one way or another. The drought conditions have been a wake up call regarding how we should start to think about water conservation and being more savvy on how we use this valuable commodity.

"There are going to be much tighter controls demanded by water authorities in the coming years. From 2025 for example, there will be a series of water restrictions that we need to be aware of. We will all need to find new ways of conserving, storing and using water more efficiently."

THURSDAY 3rd November

10:00 - 10:30: Theatre 1
Maintaining Synthetic Turf in 2022 - with Colin Corline, Project Manager

- SAPCA; David James, Managing Director, Labosport Ltd; Alastair Cox, Technical Director, European Synthetic Turf Council
Considering the environment with Sports and Play Construction Association's (SAPCA) new guidance.

10:00 - 10:30:  Theatre 3
Hybrid in the community

- with Richard Earl, Principal Consultant, TGMS
Richard reveals data findings from the Sport England hybrid pitch pilot for community use in Regents Park, London.

11:30 - 12:00: Theatre 1
Hybrid Pitches in Schools

- with Daniel Ratling, Grounds & Estates Manager, Whitgift School; Richard Earl, Principal Consultant, TGMS; James Welsh, Technical Director, White Horse Contractors
 Whitgift Schools recent hybrid pitch installation was the first in the independent school sector. This session covers the rationale, the design/planning process, the construction, the project outcomes and the ongoing maintenance and renovation.

12:15 - 12:45: Theatre 2
Recycling synthetic turf in the UK

- with Colin Corline, Project Manager, SAPCA; David James, Managing Director, Labosport Ltd; Alastair Cox, Technical Director, European Synthetic Turf Council
Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) discusses the options, the implications and the cost.

* Laurence Gale's PICK OF THE DAY*

12:15 - 12:45: Theatre 1
Raising cricket pitch standards at elite level

- with Gary Barwell, Head of SportsTurf & Grounds, Edgbaston Cricket; Karl McDermot, Head Groundsman, Lord’s; Steve Birks, Head Groundsman, Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club
How new cricket formats are impacting on the modern-day grounds manager.

Laurence says, "With three of the world’s top cricket groundsman talking about the pressures they face delivering a plethora of cricket formats on their grounds during a demanding summer of cricket fixtures, this will be a most informative presentation that will resonate will every cricket club in the UK.
 
"The constant demand for cricket in recent years has been huge and the skills of producing a cricket wicket often go unrecognised. Planning , maintaining and producing safe and consistent cricket pitches is both time consuming and comes at a cost. I am sure there will be some fascinating and thought provoking points made by these dedicated turf professionals."

14:30 - 15:00: Theatre 1
Raising Premier Rugby pitch standards

- with Catherine Hall, Head of Rugby Operations, Premiership Rugby; David James, Managing Director, Labosport Ltd
An introduction to the Premiership Rugby Ltd programme and how PQS improves a Premiership Rugby pitch - using assessments to incorporate into grounds management.