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EDITOR'S BLOG

GUARDIANS OF THE ESTUARY
Hilbre’s past, present, and future
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

I recently visited Hilbre Island Local Nature Reserve, exploring its rich history, ecological significance, and the dedicated efforts of local groups working to preserve its unique landscape and heritage.

Recently, I had the opportunity to judge an unusual Green Flag Site in the Wirral area: the Hilbre Islands Local Nature Reserve, nestled within the Dee Estuary on the northwest coast of England.

The Dee Estuary is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area, a Ramsar Site (a Wetland of International Importance), and a candidate EU Special Area of Conservation. The three tidal islands - Little Eye, Middle Eye, and Hilbre Island - along with the surrounding foreshores, are managed by the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral, supported by the Friends of Hilbre.

I was joined by fellow judge Harvey. We were met by Matthew Thomas, the council’s nature warden, and David Gregson, chair of the Friends of Hilbre. Normally, access to the island is on foot at low tide. We met at 11 a.m. with a five-hour window to walk the two-mile route there and back. It typically takes about an hour to reach Hilbre from the mainland, but we were fortunate to get a lift in Matt’s four-by-four. The weather was glorious - sunny with just a light breeze.

Hilbre Island has a rich history. In the 12th century, it was gifted to the Benedictine monks of St. Werburgh’s Abbey in Chester. They built a chapel on the island, the ruins of which, along with traces of medieval fish ponds, still remain.

In the 19th century, Hilbre became a refuge for shipwrecked sailors with the establishment of a lifeboat station. During both World Wars, it played a defensive role, with gun emplacements and observation posts guarding the coast. Today, remnants of these structures bear silent witness to its wartime past.

Now designated a Local Nature Reserve, the island is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including seals and numerous bird species. The surrounding mudflats are essential feeding grounds for migratory birds, making Hilbre a vital ecological site.

Matt and David were enthusiastic guides. Matt has worked as a countryside ranger with Wirral Council for over 24 years, serving as Hilbre’s main warden for the last 15. Dave has been involved with the Friends of Hilbre since 2014 and has chaired the group since 2021. The charity has around 250 members and is helping to form The Hilbre Island Community Trust Ltd., which now holds a lease to improve the island’s historic buildings.

Hilbre is one of only a few tidal islands in the UK accessible on foot at low tide, alongside the likes of Lindisfarne and St Michael’s Mount. The islands were formerly owned by the Mersey Docks & Harbour Company and were transferred to local authority ownership in 1945. They are now maintained as a nature reserve and popular visitor destination.

Several volunteer groups, including the Friends of Hilbre and the Hilbre Island Bird Observatory (HiBO), work with Matt and his team to protect the island’s landscape and wildlife. Matt’s main role is to manage the site and ensure visitors enjoy it responsibly without harming the environment.

Recently, the council secured a three-year lease with the newly formed Hilbre Island Community Land Trust, created by the British Art & Design Association (BADA), HiBO, and the Friends of Hilbre. Their shared aim is to secure a sustainable future for the island’s heritage buildings and sensitive landscape.

Four of the buildings - each listed as Grade II - will be restored to create a centre for the study of art, science, and sustainability. The aim is to expand bird monitoring efforts and create stronger ties with the community through educational activities. A restoration strategy, in collaboration with the council, ensures that the ecological value of the area is preserved while providing new facilities for researchers, artists, and scientists.

Within the project area, three buildings (the Bouymaster’s House, Store, and Workshop) will be adapted by BADA into artists’ studios, a shared research space, and a communal area. Telegraph House will be used by HiBO to support its work in ringing and tracking migratory birds. HiBO, part of an international network of bird observatories, has been active on Hilbre since 1957.

BADA ART is working with Liverpool John Moores University to identify current users of the island for research and creative study and to design facilities that meet their needs.

The goal of the three-year lease is to demonstrate the Trust’s ability to deliver on its vision, ultimately securing a 30-year lease. This would open up access to significant funding from external organisations and secure the long-term future of this heritage and ecological site.

During our visit, we toured the buildings set to be refurbished as art studios and met with members of the Trust. We also spent time with a member of HiBO who showed us a baby whitethroat he had just ringed before releasing it back into the wild. We even spotted a large group of seals basking in the sunshine on the sand flats.

All in all, it was a fascinating day exploring a truly unique Local Nature Reserve and witnessing the passion and dedication of those working to protect and enhance Hilbre Island.

NEWS

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In our first WEB ONLY story a new initiative has launched that says it intends too celebrate the brightest young professionals and volunteers in the grounds management industry.

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GOLF CLUB RECOVERS AFTER FIRE
New fleet installed

Club say they have overcome a catastrophic fire, which destroyed much of their greenkeeping buildings and equipment.

Royal Jersey Golf Club say they have overcome a catastrophic fire, which destroyed much of the club’s greenkeeping buildings and equipment, with support from Reesink Turfcare, Toro, and local supplier JFTU. Now, with a fresh fleet of Toro machinery and new and improved facilities, they believe their future looks brighter than ever.

L-R; Darren Attwood, general manager at Royal Jersey; Allan Black, course manager at Royal Jersey; John Renouf, general manager at JFTU; and Jon Cole, divisional business manager at Reesink Turfcare

The fire, which broke out in the early hours of May 20th 2023, wiped out the club’s welfare building, workshop, and 15 Toro machines. As course manager, Allan Black, remembers: “I arrived at four in the morning to a disaster. It looked like a scene from a war film. Equipment wise, we'd lost everything required for cutting greens and approaches, plus six electric trucks and most of our tools.”

Fortunately, some equipment was spared, which allowed Allan and his greenkeeping team to continue hand cutting greens and tees on foot while adjusting the height of the cut as needed, while they worked on a recovery plan. But being the start of the season, they had to act fast.

“I contacted Andy Brown at Toro, who put me in touch with Jon Cole, Reesink’s divisional business manager,” Allan explains. “With the help of John Renouf, general manager at JFTU, they put together a plan for renewing the fleet.

“Jon reassured me Reesink could quickly source two Workman utility vehicles and a Toro Greensmaster 3400. It was a huge relief because now we could get around the course and maintain our greens.”

By August 2023, the club had received six Toro Workman GTX vehicles. Over the next 12 months, Reesink delivered a Greensmaster 3250, five Greensmaster Flex 1021 walk-behind greens mowers, and three Toro Greensmaster TriFlex 3420 hybrid greensmowers, enabling the club to rebuild its course maintenance capabilities.

“Reesink did all this while supporting Royal Liverpool in the build up to The Open and against a machinery backlog and long lead times,” Allan continues.

“Without their support, the club would have struggled and we might have had to shut the course. We couldn’t be more grateful for Reesink, Toro, and JFTU.”

BIGGA ANNOUNCE 3-YEAR PARTNERSHIP
Designed to enhance BTME

The Association says the team-up will streamline exhibitor management and enhance the experience for stakeholders.

BIGGA has confirmed a three-year partnership with exhibitor and sponsorship management platform FFAIR to, they say, "streamline exhibitor management and enhance the experience for stakeholders" at BTME.

Following a what the Association describe as a "successful collaboration" for its 2025 event, they have chosen to extend its partnership with FFAIR to support exhibitor and sponsorship management for BTME until 2028.

Gavin Rees, BIGGA commercial manager, said, “We were thoroughly impressed with the ongoing support provided by FFAIR in the lead-up to BTME 2025. Their responsiveness and proactive approach ensured a seamless experience for exhibitors and our events team. By continuing this partnership, we are confident that FFAIR will help us deliver the very best service, making it easier than ever for exhibitors to engage with BTME.”

Adam Jones, CEO of FFAIR, added, “We are delighted to solidify our partnership with BIGGA and continue supporting BTME over the next three years. Our mission is to make exhibitor management as efficient and stress-free as possible and we look forward to working closely with the BIGGA team to enhance the experience for exhibitors and sponsors alike.”

BTME 2026 will take place from 20 to 22 January at the Harrogate Convention Centre.

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Electric signings

After successful loan periods, a purchase of seven electric stand-on mowers has been made from the local dealer.

After successful loan periods, Norwich City Services have announced that they have purchased seven electric Mean Green Fury-32 stand-on mowers from their local dealer Ernest Doe.

L-R: Eddie Jack, Ernest Doe; Matt Blowers, Norwich City Services; Stuart Rose, Overton UK

A spokesperson said, "These mowers will help with cost savings over petrol mowers due to reduced maintenance and running costs while improving operator comfort.

"This also helps Norwich to make a big step towards greener, quieter, safer and more efficient grounds maintenance.”

PRO DEALER INCREASES FOOTPRINT
Following acquisition

Dealership says acquisition marks a significant step in their growth and will bring the full range of Yamaha products, along with their customer service, to a wider customer base.

Following the recent news that J&S Montgomery have expanded their Kverneland trading area following their acquisition of DKR Agricultural Services, the dealership has now confirmed that its footprint for Yamaha has expanded into the Lanarkshire region.

The purchase of DKR based at Coulter, near Biggar, say J&S Montgomery, marks a significant step in their growth and will bring the full range of Yamaha products, along with their customer service, to a wider customer base.

DKR Agricultural Services built a strong reputation within the Lanarkshire farming community, and J&S Montgomery say they are committed to building upon this foundation. The acquisition will see the Coulter premises become a key location for J&S Montgomery, offering sales, service, and parts for Yamaha products.

Alister Shanks, group sales manager for J&S Montgomery, said, “This is an exciting time for J&S Montgomery. Expanding our trading area into Lanarkshire provides us with an excellent platform to serve the local farming community. We recognise the strong relationships DKR has built, and we are committed to providing the same high level of service and support that J&S Montgomery is known for.

"With the added strength of the Yamaha brand, we look forward to welcoming new and existing customers at our expanded locations and continuing to support the agricultural sector in Scotland with premium Yamaha products and exceptional service."

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