It's good to be back with you today, following last week's break for easter.

I always feel that April is one of the greatest months of the year - not only because it’s my birthday month! - but  because it often sees a dramatic change in the weather.

 
April is a transitional month between winter and spring and the weather can be quite changeable. On average, temperatures can range from 7°C to 12°C (45°F to 54°F) in the daytime, but they can sometimes drop to below freezing at night. It's also common to experience cool and rainy weather in April, with an average of 14 rainy days throughout the month.

However, there are also periods of sunny and mild weather, especially towards the end of the month. In general, the weather can be quite unpredictable in the UK, and it's not uncommon to experience sudden changes throughout a single day. 

It also a time when we see a dramatic spurt of growth in our gardens and grounds, especially seeing a burst of colours in many of our spring flowering bulbs, shrubs and trees. We also start to see some much-needed grass growth of our natural turf playing surfaces, which in turn leads to April being one of the busiest months of the year for turf professionals and club volunteers.

For cricket, preseason rolling should be coming to a close and the clubs will be turning their attentions to preparing their wickets. Usually a ten day preparation process typically includes the following work:

Scarifying: This process involves using a special machine to remove any dead grass or debris from the pitch, ensuring that it is clean and ready for the next stage.

Rolling: Rolling is an essential part of pitch preparation. It helps to compact the soil and create a smooth, even surface for the ball to bounce predictably. Rolling is typically done daily during the ten-day period, with heavier rollers being used towards the end to ensure that the pitch is properly compacted.
Grass Cutting: Grass cutting is another crucial step in wicket preparation. The grass needs to be trimmed to a specific length to ensure a consistent bounce and to prevent the ball from deviating unexpectedly. The grass is typically cut to a length of around 6-8mm, and the process is repeated every other day.

Watering: Watering is important to keep the pitch moist and prevent it from becoming too hard and dry. The pitch is typically watered every day, with the amount of water being adjusted depending on the weather conditions.

Fertilising: Fertilising helps to promote healthy grass growth, ensuring that the pitch remains in good condition throughout the match. Fertilizers are typically applied every three days.

Pitch Covering: Pitch covering is done to protect the pitch from the elements. Covers are typically used during rain or overnight to prevent the pitch from becoming too wet or too dry.

Testing: Testing is done regularly during the ten-day period to ensure that the pitch is of the required quality. Tests include measuring the hardness of the pitch, checking the evenness of the bounce, and assessing the grass coverage.

These are some of the tasks that may be performed during a ten-day wicket preparation period for cricket. However, it's important to note that the specific tasks and timeline may vary depending on factors such as the location, weather conditions, and the level of the match being played.

As for rugby and football clubs, their playing seasons are now coming to an end and the focus will be for the clubs to organise and plan the relevant end of season renovations. The level and extent of the renovations will be dependent on several factors including the condition of the playing surface, the expectations of the club and what budgets they have available.

More help and advice, including on the potential funds available to improve pitches, is available from the The Grounds Management Association and their recently launched the Grounds Management Framework.

As for bowls, April sees the start of both the flat and crown green bowling seasons. Clubs will be busy preparing the greens for matches.

The work carried out on natural turf bowling greens in April will depend on the specific conditions of the green and the climate of the region. However, here are some general maintenance tasks that can be done on natural turf bowling greens in April.

Regular verticutting either monthly or fortnightly helps remove any dead or decaying grass, moss, or thatch on the surface of the green. This allows more air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots of the grass.  Also some aeration will help relieve soil compaction and allows better movement of air, water, and nutrients through the soil. It can be done using a hollow tine or solid tine aerator.

An application of fertiliser will help promote healthy growth of the grass and help it recover from any winter damage. Choose a fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates.

Regular mowing usually every other day, or in some instances daily, will encourage the grass to thicken and will help prevent weeds from taking hold. Adjust the height of the mower according to the time of year and the weather conditions. If the weather is dry, water the green regularly to keep the grass healthy and hydrated. Water deeply but infrequently, to encourage deeper root growth.

If weeds are present, remove them manually or use a selective herbicide to control them. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and local regulations when using herbicides.

By following these maintenance tasks, you can keep your natural turf bowling green healthy and looking its best in April.

John Quinn, course manager of The Mere Golf Resort & Spa in Knutsford, Cheshire, has praised the club's recent purchase of a Ventrac all-terrain compact tractor and selection of attachments. Supplied by local dealer, Cheshire Turf Machinery, the attachments include a contour deck, a stump grinder and turbine blower.

The 18-hole, 6,882 -yard, par-71 course at The Mere was designed by James Braid, and created out of 150 acres of Cheshire parkland in 1934. Today, the Championship course holds the reputation as one of the best maintained and highest quality golf courses in the North of England.

John Quinn has been the course manager for the past 4 years, after joining the resort’s greenkeeping team seven years ago. He leads a team of 10 comprising of 8 greenkeepers and two full-time gardeners. 

John said, “We are a destination resort and we pride ourselves with the visual appearance of the property and the immaculate presentation of the golf course. This Ventrac is probably the best innovation in course maintenance in the past 20 years. It will go almost anywhere and its versatility is unparalleled. It’s great in wet areas and ticks all the boxes from a health and safety point of view.

“What other machine allows you to switch out a mowing deck and attach a stump grinder, then switch again to blowing leaves? It’s an adaptable piece of equipment with an ingenious coupling system that lets you change implements in just about a minute. The eight wheels gives it a low centre of gravity, which makes it very safe on slopes, especially around tee banks and bunker surrounds."

After 27 years of representing Merlo, Murton-based Yorkshire Handlers announced earlier this year their intention to relinquish the franchise and retire.

L-R: Matt Gledhill, product support specialist, Merlo; Josh Hardwick, partner, Hardwick; Eric Hardwick, md, Hardwick; Jim Chapman, regional sales manager, Merlo

Shaun Groom, general manager of Merlo UK explained, “Yorkshire is a key agricultural county, where Merlo handlers have found favour across a wide range of farming operations. As such, we wanted to be sure to appoint a new dealer that could support those existing Merlo customers effectively, whilst further developing the sales of new Merlo products.

“We are pleased to be able to announce the appointment of Brompton by Sawdon based Hardwick Agricultural Engineers, as the newest member of the Merlo agricultural dealer network.

Joining the Hardwick team from Yorkshire Handlers is experienced technician Dane Robson. Dane will be a familiar face to many customers in area having worked with the products throughout his career.

Managing director of Hardwick Agricultural Engineers, Eric Hardwick, added, “We believe that the Merlo product range perfectly reflects our business ethos of supplying and servicing the highest quality machinery within the Yorkshire area.”

New Holland and Bennamann’s “Energy Independent Net Zero Farming Circular Solution” has won the Net Zero Circular Solution Award in the 2023 AD and Biogas Industry Awards at the World Biogas Expo in Birmingham, UK. 

The awards, organised by ADBA (Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association) and WBA (World Biogas Association), were created to celebrate and honour the contribution to excellence and innovation in the biogas industry and is hosted alongside the World Biogas Summit and Expo 2023, on the first night of the event. 

The core technology suite receiving the award has been developed by Bennamann and enables farms to fully capture, process and use the fugitive emissions from their livestock manure slurry, turning an agricultural waste into biomethane as well as a range of off-take by-products, including biofertiliser and bio-CO2. By using these technologies on a farm, the resulting outputs can significantly reduce the site’s carbon footprint and, additionally, be distributed locally to help establish net zero outcomes more broadly. 

New Holland’s contribution comes with the T6.180 Methane Power Tractor, running on 100% Methane Electro Command Transmission – which is still the only methane fuelled tractor in the market. 

The manufacturer says the tractor's behaviour and performance are at same level as diesel, with overall emission levels of 80% less than a diesel tractor when running on fossil gas. 

Thanks to the Bennamann and New Holland solution the “energy independent farm” is a reality: utilising waste and biomass to produce fuel not only for electrical power generation and heat provision, but also fuelling vehicles, is now the basis of a future in which farmers can maximise productivity while reducing their carbon footprint and establishing energy independence. 

Fugitive methane is very damaging as a greenhouse gas and contributes significantly to climate change. In fact, it is far more damaging than carbon dioxide (CO2), having over 80 times the impact in the first 20 years of its lifetime in the atmosphere. 

With the help of a Bennamann’s system, farmers can turn their agricultural waste into fuel and a possible additional revenue stream, by selling it to customers off-site or supplying surplus electrical power to the grid. 

In addition, by using biomethane to fuel the tractor, farmers are able to achieve a negative carbon footprint, which is one of the biggest challenges for farms today.

STIHL has added a new cordless hedge trimmer to its popular AP System range, offering landscaping professionals excellent cutting performance, a rotating handle and improved user comfort. 

Replacing both the HSA 66 and HSA 86 models, the new HSA 100 boasts 60cm double-sided, double-edged cutting blades with a widened 34mm tooth spacing, making the tool ideal for landscapers working on long, tall hedges with thicker branches.

Alongside the impressive performance, the HSA 100 also offers high levels of operator comfort. The new hedge trimmer is comfortable to hold, balanced in operation and features a rotating rear handle that locks into three positions across a 1800 range, helping to reduce wrist strain when working for long periods of time. Furthermore, the trigger is located on the inside of the front loop handle for increased comfort in all positions. 

Additional operator comfort features include quiet operation, meaning the hedge trimmer can be used without ear defenders, as well as an improved anti-vibration system that offers significantly lower vibration compared to the HSA 86. 

To combat potential jamming of the blades, especially when working on thick material, the HSA 100 features an innovative anti-blocking system that reverses the motors rotational direction to unblock the blades, minimising product downtime and enhancing the efficiency of the tool.  

The HSA 100 is powered by STIHL’s AP battery system, offering up to 150 minutes run time on a single charge when used with the recommended AP 200 battery.

For more information on STIHL’s new HSA 100, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.  

SPRING IS UPON US

HEDGE YOUR BETS

PEOPLE'S PARKS, PUBLIC PARKS - IN PERIL?

by guest editor, Paul Rabbits

TESTING TIMES AHEAD

ROBOTIC POTENTIAL

CHANGEOVER TIME

WE MUST DEVELOP OUR OWN STAFF

by guest editor, Karl McDermott

DOUBLE CENTURY CELEBRATED

OUR PARKS IN CRISIS

AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS

OPTIMISM RETURNING
By Guest Editor, Roy Rigby

WATERLOGGING ISSUES

NEW YEAR, NEW FEATURES

View all of 2022's blogs here

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

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?

In the first of this series of articles, we sought to get a clearer definition of what sustainability is and what it means to an organisation, especially in the amenity horticulture sector. Sustainability comprises three pillars or components namely economic viability, environmental protection and social equity. The definition of these is important when any organisation seeks to become more sustainable, or indeed seeks to deliver more sustainable products and services to its customers. The remaining articles on this subject will now look more closely at various sub sectors of, and activities in amenity, and those providing services to them which hopefully will help all readers in their own search for sustainability. Previously we considered Sustainability In Practice, followed by Sustainability At The Sharp End.

This month we give a particular focus on those who supply essential inputs to our sector such as fertiliser and plant protection products.

The amenity sector is a diverse but essential one. Never was the work of all who operate in amenity, in all its facets, highlighted more than during COVID restrictions, keeping transport networks running, ensuring safe and healthy areas for people in parks and communal areas and more. A vital element in the delivery of amenity services is the supply sector; those we rely upon for essential inputs such as seeds, fertilisers, and indeed much more. This article explores how those who provide some of these essential elements for establishing and maintaining sports and amenity surfaces are responding to the sustainable agenda, both within their own organisations and for their customers.

 
Speaking to a number of key individuals in the supply sector emphasises that they certainly are taking actions and sustainable practice is becoming embedded within all their strategies and plans. As one put it ‘we do not see sustainability as a buzz word but vital in our operations. Being sustainable is best practice, at the heart of all we do’. All the major organisations seek to align themselves with UN sustainability goals with time set targets, including those for reducing greenhouse emissions and increasing the use of sustainable energy sources. They have implemented, across all their activities, carbon plans and seek to innovate and communicate to help their customers continue to deliver products and services fit for purpose but in as sustainable a way as possible. 

So how is this being done? In the following sections I refer to a number of the key areas arising from discussions with such suppliers, identified as being of real benefit to both organisation and customer.

Plastic reduction: All spoken to are incredibly aware of the need to reduce plastic use and particularly single-use plastic. The aim is to keep plastic use to a minimum and to introduce recyclable options wherever possible

Waste management: This covers a wide area, from the re-cycling of packaging materials to working with customers to ensure optimal use of product supplied and minimising waste. Major strides are being taken to increase fertiliser efficiency and there is much interest in the new innovations such as the production of green ammonia, produced in the most sustainable manner. Whilst innovations such as this may often be at an early stage, they offer real opportunity. Also in terms of fertilisers, work is advancing in the production of more biodegradable product with slow release, to improve efficiency and effectiveness in its use. Waste management also includes optimising energy use in terms of heating and light across organisations’ premises in all the various ways available.

Transport: Optimising delivery options is very clearly a key factor. It makes economic sense; key to an organisation’s sustainability, as well as having environmental and carbon benefits. One major supplier to both amenity and agriculture, report that at least 30% of their car fleet is now non fossil driven and 80% of their truck fleet use fuel based upon vegetable oils. 

 
Water use & conservation: Whilst the subject of food supply is often mentioned, water supply can often be less prominent. Yet, as emphasised in a recent UN report, globally, and certainly in the UK, it is a major challenge as populations and demands continue to grow substantially. Discussions with a leading nursery supplying plants and goods to amenity emphasise just how important they see this. In recent times, they have constructed new reservoirs to serve their needs and irrigation is carefully managed by trained staff and modern technology. It is linked to increasingly accurate weather forecasting services and systems to make more timely and informed irrigation applications. Grass seed suppliers, through intensive breeding programmes, are able to supply more drought and also flood resistant varieties. Choice of grass seed to meet requirements of use is vital; current breeding programmes are focussed on this but equally also providing more sustainable solutions and options for customers.

Carbon Footprint: As already mentioned, all major suppliers are committed to reducing the carbon footprint of how they operate and supply. How this is being done relates to many of the areas listed, whether it be in the way transport is used and run, the lay-out of sites for both  increased efficiency and to maintain green spaces where possible with their carbon sequestering abilities, re-cycling, use of green energy and more. Also emerging as key to achieving this objective is engagement with all employees working across the business. This applies to sustainability in its widest sense. As one person put it ‘We aim not to just talk about sustainability but to embed it in both our culture and ethos in every area as best practice.’

Weed, pest and disease management: Sustainable practice in this area will be covered in more depth in next month’s article article but, undoubtedly, taking an integrated approach is a key factor, making use of the range of synthetic and biological plant protection products combined with the best cultural and maintenance practices. This requires a holistic approach taking account of all factors involved. It is not about choosing alternatives but defining the right mix of all inputs and methods available to meet individual circumstances and objectives.

Eco systems and wildlife: The importance of eco systems and helping address issues, such as the decline of certain species, is clearly key to sustainable practice and, as such, very much part of the sustainability plans of key amenity suppliers. The importance of conserving the environment is recognised not just in terms of how they themselves behave but in the advice and help offered to customers. However, when related to customers it must be part of the whole sustainable approach, not considered in isolation. For example, the Royal and Ancient 2030 project seeks to provide guidance on how golf courses can continue to be run economically and provide high quality surfaces, but within a sustainable agenda. Suppliers of essential products are key to helping achieve this.

Supply chains: There is much emphasis on supply chains and shortening and simplifying them, wherever possible. What recent global events, such as the war in Ukraine and extreme weather conditions in Europe, have highlighted, is the length and complexity of supply chains. Whilst for many reasons, not least economic, this will not change quickly, an important element of achieving sustainable practice and targets will derive from stronger focus on such supply chains.

These are only just some of the key areas identified where the supply sector are seeking to respond to the issue of sustainable practice and helping to deliver both to the benefit of society as a whole and to help meet government targets. The great danger in all efforts to drive sustainable practice is to seek to achieve it instantly. This is neither possible nor indeed desirable. A recent national survey identified sustainability amongst the populations as a key factor to over 80% of respondents. As always the question is how many actually understood the term in its true and widest sense and, when it came to principal customers for products such as plant protection, very often the emphasis quite understandably was far more on cost. However what surveys, such as this, do identify is that sustainable practice is a key driver and one certainly that cannot be ignored for the amenity supply sector. Supply organisations have a duty to their customers as well as a wider social role and being in a key position to help address carbon reduction targets. There is clear evidence that they are doing just that.

 
The amenity sector in all its forms is vital to the country’s environmental, health and social well-being and plays a significant role in our culture and heritage. These are not my words but taken from a recent report from an All Party Parliamentary Horticulture Group. All of us operating in the sector have a part to play in delivering sustainability in all its areas, as well as continuing to produce safe, healthy and fit for purpose amenity and sports surfaces. As referred to in previous articles, a key factor here is not to over complicate; small steps can make a real difference. To use a well-known quote ‘‘ We don’t need a handful of people doing things perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”

The next article in this series will look more closely at sustainable weed management and identify some key policy drivers in this area which impact upon all involved in the sector whatever their activity.  It will also seek to identify some key actions for practitioners.