Last week I attended the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) in Harrogate - a show that has now been running since 1989.

This year’s show was my 23rd on the bounce. As always a welcoming experience, with a busy schedule for all those who attend. I always find it pleasing to meet up with so many dedicated turf professionals. 

Having spoken to many exhibitors, they all expressed a buoyant mood regarding the show and were pleased with the footfall and interest being shown by the diverse range of visitors. It will again will be interesting to hear the official figures of how many people attended this year’s edition.

Attendance enables me to accost many familiar faces and hopefully meet some new acquaintances. The days are usually busy, prolong late into the night, with many of the after-show get togethers.

As for new products and news from the show, Campey Turf Care Systems was marking its 40th anniversary in 2026, celebrating four decades of advancements and dedicated service in the sports turf industry. 

To commemorate its 40th anniversary the Company has created a dedicated website and will be holding various celebratory events throughout 2026, including a special 40th Anniversary Open Day on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Typically, they had an array of new products on show, one featuring a Fairway Trencher from New Zealand manufacturer TrenchIt, described as the 'Swiss Army knife' of trenchers.

The PTO-driven chain trencher offers controlled, digging performance, with operators able to select trench depths of either 800 mm or 1000 mm. Adjustable trench widths of 75 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm and 200 mm allow the machine to be configured to suit a wide range of fairway drainage, irrigation and services applications. A reduction gearbox enables precise control of digging speed.

No doubt this will be a game changer for many golf course greenkeepers wanting to do their own drainage work and at around 20K could be a good investment over time. 

Iseki, under the new leadership of Alan Prickett (pictured with TurfPro owner, Duncan Murray-Clark), were gaining attention both for their tractor range but also the Raymo machines they now distribute. Alan said both the robotic and radio-controlled versions are finding their markets amongst commercial users who need to operate in banked or awkward areas. The stand featured the debut of the new GPS models equipped with a 48” Craft Deck, a 150Ah battery, and a complete range of accessories.

It was also nice to catch up with Austin Jarrett of Allett to talk about their latest new product – the new Omnia (Latin for 'everything') mower. Austin said this launch was important for the company as they had been working on the design for the past five years. The professional unit utilises a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard battery and we were told that it has been developed under an 'operator first' design brief - with every major design decision driven by reducing physical effort and simplifying operation.

I particularly liked the new style cassette systems that easily connect with the drive unit, offering several different working implements.

David Hart from Kubota said their stand, which they once again shared with Baroness, had been steadily busy. The focus for their exhibit, they said, was the innovation in their out-front mowing range, with the FC4-441 fitted with a deck offering a height of cut up to 7” taking centre stage.  Also on show were compact tractors including the B2-261 and L2-452 which prove popular with golf courses.

One of the most eye-catching machines at the show had to be the Ecorobotix Alba ultra-high precision turf sprayer. Entering the turf care market for the first time, this machine uses the company’s Plant-by-Plant Care philosophy, treating only what’s needed, exactly where it’s needed. Powered by AI, the unit can identify and spray individual weeds or unwanted grasses with a 3x3 cm footprint, allowing users to “spray the size of a golf ball.” With its double spray bar and 2.25 working width, the sprayer detects targets in real time and applies treatments only where required.

It will be interesting to hear what the visitors thought of this machine that looked impressive - especially as it has 40 plus spray nozzles.

Also impressive for me was the Maya Golf software programme for golf courses, demonstrated on the Bernards stand. I caught up with MD Steve Nixon who said without doubt this product will help improve management and maintenance standards of a golf course using a unique combination of data collection via the AI-powered digital assistant that centralises virtually every aspect of golf course operations.

Users can feed in all their data analysis regarding the weather, water moistures, soil nutrient status, disease status, stimp meter readings and maintenance regimes that are  then collated to give valuable information that helps users decide on the appropriate maintenance strategies to keep turf healthy and fit for purpose. 

I was also impressed with the layout of the DLF stand where Derek Smith was dressed in a lab coat to promote the delivery of their newly published DLF The Grass Booklet - an informative guide to the wide range of amenity turf grass species, diseases and pests. 

Again, there were a plethora of robotic devices on show at BTME, Tony Macer from Kress (pictured with Service Dealer editor, Steve Gibbs) said robotics have really crossed over now in the minds of professional users and with their cutting-edge machines now incorporating AI into their processes, users don't need to be as reliant on phone signals.  

The range of robotic mowers is now mind blowing, with many major manufacturers now offering a robotic device. 
Husqvarna, for example, as well as showing off a selection of their pro robotic models and handheld equipment, were promoting their multi-year agreement to become the new Title Partner of the British Masters. Jonathan Snowball was interviewed on the stand alongside Angus Macleod, director of golf courses and estates at The Belfry, by Sarah Stirk of Sky Sports' golf coverage. Jonathan spoke about the use of their robotics at the recent Women's Open and how far the technology had come. He also looked to the future saying, "Golf is increasing its use of robotics rapidly," and in reference to the mowers themselves, "It's about increasing the capabilities of the machines.”

I also caught up with some industry stalwarts visiting the show that included, Richard Campey, Roy Rigby, Damian Wormald, Keith Exton, Neil Stubley, Ian Smith, Gordon Gill and Roger Moore.  

As for Trade shows, the next will not be until September when I will be attending the now popular GroundsFest at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. I caught up with the promoters of the show, who had a stand at BTME and were pleased with their increase in exhibitors for 2026.

As usual there was plenty of after-show networking going on in all the excellent restaurants, pubs and clubs. I always enjoy finishing off the evening with a trawl around Wetherspoons to see who’s about before retiring for some rest and recuperation.  

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has announced the return of its annual awareness campaign, #GroundsWeek, taking place from 23-29 March 2026.

Following a successful campaign in 2025, which reached more than 20 million people worldwide, #GroundsWeek is once again set to shine a spotlight on the professionals and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the UK’s playing surfaces and green spaces thriving.

Last year’s campaign received widespread support from major sporting organisations including England Football, The All-England Lawn Tennis Club, Lord’s Cricket Ground, Wembley Stadium and England Rugby, helping to amplify the vital role of grounds staff across all sports and community environments.

#GroundsWeek is described by the GMA as a nationwide celebration of the expertise that goes in to creating and maintaining high-quality playing surfaces. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of the grounds management industry and encourage a deeper appreciation for the work involved.

The GMA is encouraging everyone connected to the industry - clubs, organisations, professional grounds teams, volunteers and anyone working in grounds care - to take part throughout the week.
 
To make it easier than ever to get involved the GMA has launched a dedicated #GroundsWeek Engagement Pack, offering a suite of downloadable resources to make involvement simple and accessible. The pack includes social media graphics, editable templates and tools to help individuals and organisations celebrate.

“Grounds teams are essential but too often unnoticed,” said Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association. “#GroundsWeek is our opportunity to change that narrative and celebrate the people who make sport and outdoor spaces possible."

Pyecombe Golf Club in East Sussex has won the Syngenta Operation Pollinator Award, presented at the BIGGA Awards ceremony, during BTME Harrogate last week (20 Jan 2026).

Simon Wells of Pyecombe Golf Club

The awards celebrate and reward industry professionals who dedicate their time and energy to protecting and enhancing the environment.

Three other finalists at the awards ceremony were:

• Carnoustie Golf Links, Angus
• Lewes Golf Club, Sussex
• North Hants Golf Club, Hampshire

Pyecombe Golf Club course manager, Simon Wells, and his team at Pyecombe Golf Club were praised for their work to restore and create habitats for pollinating insects, along with managing the environs around the course to promote natural ecology and biodiversity on the precious chalk downlands. 

The club impressed the judges with its dedicated and clear passion for preserving and improving the natural environment alongside a renowned high quality golf course, documenting a large species list of wildflowers and insects.

Presenting the award, Syngenta business manager, Sarah Hughes, highlighted how Pyecombe Golf Club consistently ranks in the top echelons for course quality and playing experience, while at the same time providing an extremely valuable and widely recognised ecological resource.    

Always looking to learn and improve, the awards’ judges highlighted how the team have sought advice from ecologists and environmental bodies, such as the South Downs National Park, to guide their practices across the 240-acre site, encompassing amenity turf, scrub and woodland. 

Over the years, Pyecombe has restored 50 acres of once mown and maintained grassland into native chalk downland wildflower meadow through a combination of scrub management, cutting and collecting, establishing Yellow Rattle, green hay method and grazing. 

Simon and the team have also made good links with their local community - undertaking guided nature walks for the public, Brownies/Guides, a local photography club and hosting conservation seminars for other golf clubs to share advice.

Sarah added: “Together, the finalists involved with Operation Pollinator have created a vast network of habitats for pollinating insects and wider biodiversity in well managed habitats, alongside managing turf for golf and sport.

“Using Operation Pollinator to learn from each other’s experiences and share best practices for both habitat management and communicating with clubs and players is a huge benefit, and a great way for the industry to demonstrate the value of golf as a positive ecological resource.”  

STIHL is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and as part of their celebrations the company has announced they will recognise their dealer network with a dedicated awards ceremony at a special dealer conference, taking place in June at its Contra House headquarters.

Dr. Nikolas Stihl

In a statement the company said, "Throughout its journey in Great Britain, its dealer partners have played a pivotal role in delivering expertise, service excellence, and support to its customers. Therefore, as STIHL marks its 100th year, it celebrates not only a rich history of heritage and innovation, but the dealer partnerships that have underpinned its success over the years."

The company says the summer conference will form an integral part of their centenary celebrations. The event will provide an opportunity for dealers to connect with the STIHL team and fellow partners, share best practice, and gain insight into the future direction of the business. The conference will also serve as the stage for its STIHL 100 Awards ceremony. 

The company say the awards will celebrate excellence across their dealer network, shining a spotlight on star dealers and individuals. There will be 12 awards presented on the evening covering a range of areas and dealers are invited to nominate themselves for the awards before 27th February. The categories include: 

• Marketing Excellence Award
• Leading Parts and Accessories Dealer
• Customer Service & Aftercare Award
• Leading Retail Experience  
• Technician of the Year
• Star of the Dealership 
• Leading New Dealer 
• Leading Battery Dealer 
• Leading Commercial Solutions Dealer  
• Leading Forestry and Arb Dealer  
• Leading Garden Machinery Dealer  

One final award will be based on sales growth and will be rewarded with an MS 500i Centennial Edition. The winning dealer will also be entered into a Western Europe Dealer regional final, to win an opportunity to join the Stihl family at an exclusive gala event in Waiblingen, Germany, later this year. By recognising its top performing dealers and teams, STIHL say they aim to acknowledge and reward the contribution they make to the brand’s continued success. 

As part of their wider celebrations, the brand will also pay tribute to the MS 500i, the world’s first mass-produced petrol chainsaw with electronically controlled fuel injection, by launching a centennial edition of the model. Featuring a black design and distinctive centenary detailing, the machine will be available to buy later in 2026 from selected dealers.

Additionally, STIHL will run a series of end user competitions, such as sweepstakes and fan awards, designed to engage customers and support dealer activity throughout the anniversary year. 

Dr. Nikolas Stihl, chairman of the Supervisory Board and Advisory Board of STIHL, said, “Any company that reaches the grand old age of 100 hasn’t got there by relying on tradition alone.
 
“It can only stay successful for a century if it knows its roots, while also recognising when it’s time to start a new chapter. With that in mind, our anniversary is not just a time to look back, but also a moment to recognise the strength that comes from our combination of heritage, engineering expertise, and the courage to innovate.” 

FROM SNOW TO SHOW: 19th Jan 2026

TECH, TENACITY & TURF: 12th Jan 2026

PARKS ARE FACING A TOUGH YEAR AHEAD: 5th Jan 2026

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THE MOST CHALLENGING ISSUE IS RECRUITMENT
Jim Buttar offers his thoughts

A UNIFIED GROUP WOULD BE INCREDIBLY POWERFUL
Gary Barwell of Edgbaston offers his thoughts

REFLECTING ON THE SAD DECLINE OF SPORTS IN SCHOOLS

The root cause

A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT

Incredible Equip show last week

ONE OF THE GREATS

Sad passing of Stephen Bernhard

NEW STRATEGY

BASIS commits to amenity sector

RECRUITMENT & CAREER PROGRESSION IN GROUNDS MANAGEMENT
How the GMA is tackling the key issues

ON TEST
Segway Navimow

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE IN THE SUPPLY OF FERTILISERS

To the amenity sector

50 YEARS OF GOLF STEWARDSHIP
Part four

REFLECTIONS ON A CAREER
A lifetime of dedication

CREATING AN INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PLAN
Key steps

50 YEARS OF GOLF STEWARDSHIP
Part three

50 YEARS OF GOLF STEWARDSHIP
Part two

50 YEARS OF GOLF STEWARDSHIP
Part one

DEMONSTRATING AND APPLYING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
Reviewing the tools available

CRICKET MANAGEMENT THROUGH THE DECADES
Part two

CRICKET MANAGEMENT THROUGH THE DECADES
Part one

A LOOK AT THE OPTIONS
When implementing an integrated approach

50 YEARS OF FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT
Part two

50 YEARS OF FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT
Part one

57 YEARS & COUNTING!
My life in the industry

DEMONSTRATING AND APPLYING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
New series of articles for 2025

IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE
Examples from across the year

VINTAGE PUSH MOWER USE
Enthusiast maintains lawn the old fashioned way

SUSTAINABLE AMENITY MANAGEMENT
Principles and practises

PLACING URBAN GREEN SPACES AT THE HEART OF INFRASTRUCTURE
Midlands Parks Forum's annual conference

RAISING THE VOICE
At the Amenity Forum's annual conference

SUSTAINABLE PARKS
Parks For London case study

WHY GRASSROOTS RUGBY IS IN DECLINE
A steady drop off in participation.

SEEDS OF SUSTAINABILITY
Focus on a major supplier of grass seed and related products to the amenity sector

ON TEST
STIHL BGA 300 cordless leaf backpack blower

ON TEST
EGO Multi-tool

PUT THEM ON THE TOOLS!
Time for an attitude change

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE TRAINING SECTOR
Grasping the challenge of encouraging more sustainable practice

SUSTAINABILITY IN LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Lessons learnt and experiences

SKILL SETS NEED RECOGNITION
Turf professionals are underappreciated

GREATER RESPECT FOR GROUNDS STAFF MIGHT MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
To the recruitment crisis

A COMPETITIVE SALARY
Why employers should advertise the salary when recruiting new staff

ON TEST
Makita XGT UV001G lawn scarifier

AN EXAMPLE OF SUSTAINABILITY IN MACHINERY SUPPLY
Focus on Kubota

MY PERSONAL GREENKEEPING PHILOSOPHY HAS NEVER CHANGED
I don't follow any set program

SUSTAINABILITY IN LANDSCAPING
A substantial element of amenity activity

IS IT TIME TO SAY NO TO 'NO MOW MAY'?
Any real benefits?

SUSTAINABILITY IN OUR PARKS & PUBLIC GREEN SPACES
Meeting the challenge

THE PATH TO WIMBLEDON
For groundstaff member, Conrad Cavil

ON TEST
EGO LBP8000E backpack blower

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE LAWN CARE SECTOR
A key consideration

BEEKEEPING IN COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENTS
The current situation

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE IN THE AMENITY SUPPLY SECTOR
Optimising land use through integrated solutions

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE GOLF SECTOR
Focus on BIGGA

THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE
Bringing together key points

DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR GOLF
R&A are supporting clubs

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF EVERY POUND OF BUDGET
A course manager's view

A NEWFOUND APPRECIATION FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS
Who look after grassroots pitches

SUSTAINABILITY & THE UK ACTION PLAN
For weed, pest and disease management

CONCERN FOR PARKS FOLLOWING COUNCIL BANKRUPTCIES
What does the future hold?

TAKING A GLOBAL LOOK AT SUSTAINABILITY
Is the rest of the world also driving towards sustainable practice?

RENOVATIONS, PLAY AND THANKS
On my mind this week

SUSTAINABILITY – IMPLICATIONS FOR TRAINING & EDUCATION
Set to play a crucial role going forward

TULIP TREE
Liriodendron tulipifera

LYDIA BROOM
Genista lydia

THE LAWN AND ITS VALUE
Changing attitudes

GIANT HOGWEED
Invasive and potentially harmful

LIFE-CYCLE ANALYSIS & SUSTAINABILITY
Considering every stage of the journey

NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY
The most important nutrient

BERBERIS THUNBERGII
A shrub that has stood the test of time

ENSURING FUTURE PROSPERITY
Advice imparted at road shows

INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY
A key focus

PHOTINA RED ROBIN
A sensational flowering shrub

VALUING THE GRASSROOTS
We must not overlook those who maintain these grounds

MANAGING WEEDS SUSTAINABLY
In amenity spaces

DETECTING NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
In turf plants

SPRING RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY
A crucial period

SUSTAINABILITY IN SUPPLY
A focus on those who supply essential inputs to our sector

CHANGING CLIMATE
Is a borehole the key for clubs?

SUSTAINABILITY AT THE SHARP END
How to put into practice when budgets are tight?

ANOTHER NAIL IN THE COFFIN OF GRASSROOTS RUGBY
Clubs are struggling

SUSTAINABILITY IN PRACTICE
Seeking transparent and robust supply chains is essential

TIME FOR ACTION
To reverse recruitment crisis

CONTROLLING COSTS
Planning is crucial

THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABILITY
What exactly does the term mean?

CARING FOR THE GRASSROOTS
From volunteers to contractors

DEFRA IS LETTING DOWN THE COUNTRY
Complete failure to address the plastic grass debate

WE CAN ALL DO MORE
To aid biodiversity

MY LIFE IN GREENKEEPING
With Bruce Cruickshank

LEVELLING UP, GETTING SMARTER & GETTING AHEAD
Parks require so much more funding

SWITCHED ON FOR HARD WORK
Putting trimmers through their paces

MACHINERY HIGHLIGHTS
At this year's show

MY SALTEX
Daniel Lewis​, Manchester City Football Club

AWASH WITH LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Two months till showtime

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD
Priorities for the amenity sector

THE DECLINE OF ‘PARKITECTURE’
A symptom of the state of parks in 2022

DEVELOPERS SHIRKING GREEN SPACE RESPONSIBILITIES
Lack of financial commitment

TIME TO COME TOGETHER
For the good of the industry

THE DEATH OF GRASS ROOTS CRICKET
Gathering apace?

ROUTES INTO THE INDUSTRY MUST BE ENSURED
Q&A with David Fisher, Lantra’s head of industry partnerships

STRONG VIEWS ON CRICKET PITCH PERFORMANCE MARKING
A bone of contention

A PREMIUM PRODUCT
Delivered at Naas Golf Club

THE GREEN REVOLUTION
And Esker Hills

MAKING A CHANGE
Laytown and Bettystown Golf Links

A DAY AT THE RACES
Naas Race Course

WORKING TOGETHER AS ONE VOICE
How the industry needs to proceed

OVER 175 YEARS OF EDUCATION
Wesley College

ELECTRIC EXCITEMENT
Dennis's Ian Howard talks electrification

THE HOME OF CORK GAA
Páirc Uí Chaoimh

LONG POLE BATTERY HEDGE TRIMMERS TESTED
STIHL HLA 66 and HLA 86

OVER 800 YEARS OF HISTORY
Johnstown Castle and Gardens

A CLUB GONE WILD
Kilkenny Golf Club

A GOLF COURSE IN THE GARDEN OF IRELAND
Woodenbridge GC

80 YEARS YOUNG
Charleville Golf Club

AN UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE
Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club

GETTING BACK TOGETHER
Albeit gradually . .

GO WEST
Inishturk GAA pitch – one of the most westerly sportspitches in Europe

WORKING ON A TIGHT BUDGET
Nenagh Golf Club

ON A MISSION
Wrekin Golf Club aiming to enrich wildlife and fauna

WILD AND WONDERFUL
Design By Nature

LEARNING HOW TO SURVIVE
Abbey Par 3

TACKLING OBESITY
Vital that schools can provide sport

A LIFETIME OF LEARNING
Vital for turf professionals

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS
Tullamore Golf Club

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGES
At Trinity College Dublin

BLENDING THE OLD WITH THE NEW
Bray Golf Club

A WELL POLISHED COURSE!
Ierne Social And Sports Club

IDENTIFYING THE TRUE VALUES
Of grounds maintenance

THE INDUSTRY WILL CHANGE & ADAPT
But it will survive

WIRRAL GOLF COURSES SAVED
Renewed hope and optimism for the future

GREEN SPACE CONTRIBUTION TO WELLBEING IS UNDERVALUED
Parks invisible on national agenda

A SHINING LIGHT IN IRELAND'S SUNNY SOUTHEAST
Wexford Golf Club

GREEN SPACES DO NOT LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES!
Keith Kent says we must invest in people

WE SHOULD TELL THE WORLD ABOUT THE UK INDUSTRY
Right time for all sides to come together

SOIL LIFE IS PRECIOUS
Good-quality soil can help save the planet

MORE THAN JUST CUTTING GRASS
Encouraging the next generation

A BUZZ FROM DOING THE JOB
Wide experience of the turf grass industry

PAYING THEIR WAY
Low wages is the bane of the industry

AMENITY MANAGEMENT IMPACTS US ALL
Professor John Moverley

CARING FOR PARKS OF ALL TYPES
Mary Worrall

TOP FIVE FRUSTRATIONS FOR CRICKET GROUNDSMEN
What causes you the most frustration in your role?

PROFESSIONALS AT THE CUTTING EDGE
Vic Demain and Phil Sharples

BOWLS CLUBS IN PERIL
A sad decline

A VERY SPECIAL INDUSTRY
Loz looks back

SNEAK PEAK AT A ROBOTIC "GAME CHANGER"
Commercial model capable of covering 50,000 m2 teased

HALESOWEN PICK A BIG ROBOT UP FRONT
Invest in mowers

COMPRESSED AERATION
The new way

PARKS MATTER MORE THAN EVER
Recent sector developments

ON TEST
STIHL blowers

THREE CORE VALUES TO SHAPE OUR INDUSTRY
Real concerns for the future

ENGLAND'S GREEN SPACE GAP
A split along racial lines

ON TEST
EGO STX3800 strimmer with RTX2300 Rotocut head

A SECTOR FACING IMPORTANT TIMES
Review of the National Action Plan

PARKS MATTER
The role of public parks in the recovery: a discussion paper

A UNIQUE SPORTING VENUE
Wormsley private estate

A BTME OUTDOORS?
A good bet for the industry

PARKS NEED APPROPRIATE POLITICAL REPRESENTATION
Q&A with Philippa Reece, Parks and Foreshore Manager at Adur and Worthing Council

CRICKET LOAM
What does it mean?

A HERCULEAN EFFORT TO GET PARKS BACK TO NORMAL
Q&A with Chris Worman, Rugby Borough Council’s parks and ground manager

ON TEST
STIHL battery products

TURFGRASS STRESS MANAGEMENT
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and antioxidants during biotic and abiotic stress in turfgrass plants

AUTUMN DISEASE MANAGEMENT
The coming months are going to prove very difficult

THE ABUSE OF PARKS . .
Is the abuse of society

WHY PARKS MATTER?
A statement from the Parks Management Forum to the Prime Minister

THE 21st CENTURY PARKS MANAGER
Innovative, creative and entrepreneurial

EAT, SLEEP, CUT, REPEAT!
Cricket under covid

TIME FOR A SINGLE SHOW?
Debate brought back into focus

A CHALLENGING TWO MONTHS
Running golf design projects from home

PRESSURE SITUATION
Cementing the reputation

A CLUB TO BE PROUD OF
10 years at the helm of Olton GC

GAME CHANGERS IN TURFCARE
The day the Lord's outfield reconstruction proved its worth

THE ESSENCE OF ESSENTIAL
Finding a sensible way forward on defining "essential maintenance"

THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS
2001

HOW TO LOOK AFTER A GOLF COURSE WITH NO GOLFERS
Fundamental to the survival of almost all courses, if not of the game itself

RAIN STOPPED PLAY WOULD BE WELCOME
. . along with ‘lunch is being taken early’

PHYSICAL CONTROL OF TURFGRASS PESTS
An urgent problem

A DIVERSE & ENTERTAINING WEEK
Successful BTME 2020

INTEGRATED PEST CONTROL
Opportunity to embrace new methods

ENVILLE ON THE UP
Major investments taking place

GREEN FLAG AWARDS 2019
A great success

U.S PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT SHOW EXCELS
Buoyant GIE+EXPO

LEGACY OF THE SOLHEIM CUP
At Gleneagles

A DAY OUT WITH THE LADIES
Behind the scenes at the Solheim Cup

COVENTRY UNIVERSITY'S EDIBLE GARDEN SUCCESS
2006 - present

HAIL THE GRASS MASTERS!
Boorish media comments about pitch quality are wide of the mark

CONTRACTOR SEES MULTI-DISCIPLINE SUCCESS
360 Ground Care serving professional facilities

BUSY TIMES
Judging the Green Flag Awards

TAKING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
What does it all mean in managing turf surfaces?

UNDER PRESSURE
Dry weather conditions continue to keep turf managers focused on moisture management

EDDIE SEAWARD
Death of Wimbledon’s influential grounds manager

MAJOR NEW IRRIGATION PROJECT
At Top 100 classic Berkhamsted Golf Club

NEW HORIZONS FOR THE HATTERS
Investment paying off at Kenilworth Road

ELIZABETHAN RESTORATION
At Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

WHAT IS BIOPHILIA?
The vital impact of parks and green spaces on health and well-being

WORM CONTROL
Without carbendazim

THE TRUE COST OF PETROL
Battery-powered outdoor power tools are now turning the heads of professionals

SANDS OF TIME
Sand-based pitches are now the norm in professional sports

WHY DO WE DO THE RIGHT THING?
We must maintain industry standards

CHASING GRASS PERFECTION?
11 things you need to know . . .

MAINTAINING STANDARDS
Q&A with BASIS ceo, Stephen Jacobs

STRI RESEARCH DAY 2018
Hosted at research trial grounds in Bingley

THE MECHANIC
Leicester City FC invest in new role

LORD'S 'GRASS-GUVNOR' TO RETIRE
Mick Hunt bows out after 49 years

HOLLOW CORING & DEEP SCARIFICATION
Is it really necessary?

To kick off 2026, TurfPro has asked a series of prominent figures to offer their thoughts on the industry's current State Of Play.

Ian Graham is a senior figure in the UK amenity and vegetation management sector, recognised for his leadership in promoting best practice, sustainable weed control, and professional standards across the industry. He serves as Chairman of the Amenity Forum, the industry-led voluntary body dedicated to advocating and providing guidance on the safe and sustainable management of weeds, pests and diseases across diverse amenity spaces such as parks, sports fields, highways and public landscapes.

In his capacity as Chairman, Ian Graham represents the Forum’s membership and articulates strategic positions on regulatory developments, integrated science-led approaches, and the importance of training and qualified practitioners in the sector. He actively engages with stakeholders to drive positive change, support policy dialogue, and uphold professionalism within the industry. 

He has been quoted publicly regarding sector initiatives such as the Amenity Forum’s rebranding efforts and resource development, emphasising the organisation’s role in navigating regulatory complexity and fostering sustainable outcomes.

Ian Graham is also the MD of Complete Weed Control, bringing years of hands-on experience in vegetation management and property maintenance. He specialises in effective, compliant, and environmentally responsible weed control solutions for residential, commercial, and rural properties.

Q1. What has been the product, machine or innovation that has helped you most in your career?

The introduction of WEEDit technology in 1997 allowed our business to promote herbicide economy 15 years before glyphosate labels mandated spot treatment. 

Q2. What are the most challenging issues facing the industry?

The reluctance to allow science and data to lead policymakers.

Q3. What are your thoughts on our current trade show scene?

Trade shows no longer provide a platform for sales like they used to, they do however bring the people in our industry together. That benefit coupled with some of the excellent education on offer makes them valuable. 

Q4. What would you like to see in terms of collaboration across industry organisations?

There is fragmentation, however it is inevitable when organisations find themselves in competition. 

Q5. What changes would you like to see made to improve the industry?

There needs to be greater recognition of the industry’s importance with greater opportunity and encouragement to bring young people with drive and enthusiasm into the sector.