EDITOR'S BLOG
A CHANGE IN THE WEATHER
A new set of risks
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR
 
Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

The combination of early morning dews, warm and wet weather and diminishing daylight hours increases the risk of fungal disease outbreaks.

 


We are starting to see a change in the weather. Last week we saw significant changes in both soil and air temperatures, dropping down into single figures. This was coupled with clear, cloudless nights that brought about the appearance of some early morning dews and frosts.

 

Dew forms when a surface cools to a temperature which is colder than the air next to the surface. Dew is water that has condensed from some of the water vapour contained in the air. If the layer of air next to the ground were actually cooling, then fog would form. Instead, it is just the surface (for instance, grass) that is cooling, and a very thin layer of air next to the grass deposits some of its water vapour on the grass.

 

 

Fungal disease

 

The combination of early morning dews, warm and wet weather and diminishing daylight hours increases the risk of fungal disease outbreaks. The right conditions to trigger these disease attacks are weakened or susceptible plants, a disease-producing organism (pathogen usually fungi) and weather conditions which favour the formation of fruiting bodies and spores (moist, mild wet conditions).


Most diseases that are occurring now have responded to the unusually warm, autumn weather conditions. Boundary layers around the leaves have stayed very moist and humid. Relative humidity is important for spore germination and penetration of leaf tissues, and constant wet conditions will allow the development and transportation of active fungi spores.


Most fungi grow well between 10°C - 40°C and function best at a pH range of 4-7pH. The current lack of cooler weather and sharp frosts has not helped in reducing these active pathogens.


The first step in turfgrass disease management is identifying the true nature of the problem and then carrying out some maintenance tasks to reduce the incidence of these diseases.

 

The pathogens that cause these diseases are always lying dormant, waiting for the ideal conditions to become active. Once these spores are activated, and have found an appropriate host, they are able to grow and reproduce themselves, spreading new spores and infections to other areas of turf. This cycle continues whilst favourable conditions prevail.


Understanding and implementing works that can break up the disease cycle will help reduce the opportunities for disease development and outbreak.

 


When it comes to disease identification, there is as much emphasis on you, as the turf manager, to provide appropriate turf samples for analysis as there is for the lab to accurately identify the problem. In most cases, the best place to remove a turf sample for analysis is from the leading edge of the symptoms, where the affected or discoloured plants give way to healthy turf.


It is also important for the lab to be able to see what the general composition and condition of the sward is like and what the rootzone profile is like and, for those reasons, a 90mm diameter core sample, taken to a depth of approximately 60mm using a golf hole changer (or similar) makes for an ideal sample.


If possible, email photographs of the symptoms so that the lab can get an idea of how the problem is developing - a good picture can often tell so much more than a detailed written description.


There are several excellent laboratories that offer disease recognition, along with some good weather services that offer disease watch forecasts.
Common diseases that can be active and cause concerns at this time of the year are Red Thread, Fusarium and Dollar Spot.


However, the best mode of action is a preventative one, which will see you carry out the relevant cultural practices to break the cycle of the disease. Brushing to reduce dew deposits, good aeration and feeding programmes will help prevent and hopefully, reduce the incidence of diseases in your turf.

 

 

This autumn period (October – November) will also see us having to cope with the job of raking up and removing leaf debris from lawns, grass and sports playing surfaces. Luckily, this back-breaking work has been made easier with the development of a range of hand held, tractor and dedicated leaf sweepers, blowers and vacuums.


In fact, I am currently testing two STIHL backpower blowers, the BR450 C-EF model and their battery powered BGA200, for inclusion in a comparison test for an upcoming feature.


I already have my own BG56-C model which I use daily and is probably my most used piece of equipment to keep surfaces clean and tidy.
With the grass cutting season coming to a close, it is now time to turn your attention to and start -planning any relevant winter work projects. This generally centres around a number of annual jobs such as ditch and pond clearance, pathway and tree works, drainage work and landscape planting work or new construction works .

 

Tree work

 

For me, one of the most important jobs is to carry out any relevant tree works. This may be a programme of tree felling, tree pruning (crown lifting, reducing) or tree planting. However, the most challenging of these tasks is the choice selection and planting of new tree material.

 


Planting trees and hedges should not be looked at in terms of being a chore, or that it may be too expensive. Planting trees and hedges is about leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy and benefit from.


Many factors must be taken into consideration when planting trees and hedges. First and prior to any planting, think carefully about what you are trying to achieve.


The choice of planting material will need to be carefully considered. Should it be a single species, deciduous or evergreen, or a mixture? Should they be flowering or non-flowering, thorny or smooth barked?


It is also important to choose the right plant for the right place; the topography and environmental factors of the site will dictate what can be planted and where.

 

 

The condition and age of the plant material is vitally important in terms of dictating both the successful establishment and how quickly you want the hedge or tree to achieve its objective.


However today, with so much more user friendly accessories available to aid planting when excavating, staking, feeding and watering, the job of hedge and tree planting has been made much easier and more flexible.


Also the array of machinery now on offer to aid planting and cultivation is immense; rotavators, trenchers and small diggers are relatively cheap and, in most cases, may be hired. We have also seen the introduction of tree spades that are able to remove and replant large trees.


Always source material from reliable nurseries and ensure it is true to cultivar/species and in good health. In recent years, a lot of imported nursery stock has been blighted with disease; the recent ash die back disease being a prime example. This has affected the supply of many trees in the UK in recent months, with nurseries having to dispose and burn their stocks to prevent its spread.


Tree and hedge aftercare


Ensure that all tree ties are kept secure but not too tight, and that no grass or weeds are allowed to grow around the plants for at least a year. Invest in good robust materials and choose the best means to secure and protect your hedge and trees.


There are several methods for staking trees depending on their size - single, double and triple staking, short stakes, and cages. For hedges, which may need protection from rabbits and the wind, there are an array of products to choose from. The success of any planting scheme is often determined by how well they have been protected and maintained.


Aftercare should not be forgotten. Regularly inspect your plantations, hedges and trees. Set yourself up with a long term maintenance plan. The first ten years are crucial and you will be surprised how quickly time passes by.


Far too often, I still see some standard tree planting schemes still having their support stakes left on after more than ten years, Most tree stakes should be removed after 24 months of planting , the tree should be capable of supporting itself by then.


Also consider feeding the tree, there are a number of fertiliser products on the market that you apply beneath the canopy of the tree. Also, if there is a lot of foot traffic, the ground may become compacted, therefore some light aeration work around the base of the tree would be beneficial.

NEWS
VIRTUAL SCHOLARS REVEALED
Recipients of BIGGA & ICL award
 
One of the winning scholars is Laura Sayer-Hall, a greenkeeper on the Scottish island of Jura

The first WEB ONLY story this week is BIGGA and partner ICL have revealed the five recipients of the fifth ICL Scholarship, who will take advantage of a new online format.

 


SALTEX SURVEY VISITORS
Canvassing opinion on show timing
 
SALTEX

Our next WEB ONLY story is organisers of the SALTEX exhibition have sent out a survey to visitors, canvassing opinion on timings of the show.

 


REESINK TO DISTRIBUTE AGRIMETAL
Blowers and sweepers
 
Reesink are the new distributors of AgriMetal blowers and sweepers

Reesink Agriculture have announced they are the the new distributor for AgriMetal blowers and collectors in the UK.

 


Reesink Agriculture have announced they are the the new distributor for AgriMetal blowers and collectors in the UK.

 

 

A range of three low decibel three-point linkage mounted debris blowers and two high capacity collectors, for use by sports, grounds and other turf customers, are now available.

 

Reesink’s managing director David Cole said, “I’ve worked with AgriMetal before and recognise it as a popular blower line with great reliability and features, so when the opportunity arose recently to bring it in under our newly formed Agricultural division here at Reesink we didn’t hesitate. Customers responded to the brand’s performance, build quality and competitive pricing in the past and I am sure will do so again.”

 

There are three leaf and debris blowers available. All are tractor mounted with the BW2500 requiring 25hp at the PTO, BW3500 35hp and BW4500, 45hp respectively. They have an aluminium rather than steel impellor, which Reesink say, because it requires less energy at full throttle, delivers a quieter, smoother and vibration free operation.

 

Joining the blowers are two collectors, the Tuff Vac and Multi Vac. The Tuff Vac comes in two variants, PTO driven for use with a a 35hp+ tractor, or with its own 27hp engine allowing it to be towed by a smaller tractor or larger utility vehicle. The Multi Vac is pulled and powered by any 50hp or higher tractor.

BERNHARD MAKE SENIOR APPOINTMENT
Director of finance & operations
 
Patrick Collins

Bernhard Company has appointed Patrick Collins as its new director of finance and operations.

 


Bernhard Company has appointed Patrick Collins as its new director of finance and operations.

 

Patrick, who joined Bernhard in September, will oversee finance and operations at the company's manufacturing plant, based in Haverhill.


He has worked in a variety of industries, and Bernhards say his financial experience in manufacturing companies such as Telefonica UK Ltd, BWI UK Limited and Honda UK will bring valuable experience to the team.


Bernhard and Company Chairman, Stephen Bernhard, said: “Patrick joins us at a challenging time, we are all very excited to welcome him into the business, his skills and experience will reinforce our ambitious strategy.”

ETESIA GROW NETWORK
Dealer developments
 
Etesia have grown their dealer network

Manufacturer announces that Sharrocks has expanded its offering and Powercut has joined network as new pedestrian mower dealer.

 


Etesia has announced that their dealer network has continued to grow with Sharrocks expanding their offering and Powercut joining the family.

 

 

Sharrocks was first appointed as an Etesia dealer in 2017, expanding its area last year. This second expansion now sees Sharrocks supplying the full range of Etesia and Pellenc equipment to the areas of Birmingham, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire, and West, East and North Yorkshire.

 

Commenting on the company’s second expansion in three years, managing director James Sharrock said, “It has been a very busy year and the Etesia and Pellenc sales have increased substantially - as such, our areas have also increased. Both brands have been an exceptionally good fit for us.

 

“Local authorities and contractors have been the largest growth areas. In addition, there has been more of a demand for Etesia in the domestic market with many choosing Etesia models to help maintain their gardens. We’ve also seen strong growth in Pellenc as groundscare companies look to move away from petrol. 

 

“This expansion is part of our continued growth and we are glad to be associated with companies like Etesia and Pellenc, who have the same shared vision of the future as us.”

 

The Etesia dealer network also continues to grow with Powercut, based in Cwmffrwd, Carmarthen, announced as a new dealer for the full range of their pedestrian mowers.

 

Sean Brown, commercial equipment specialist, said, “A manufacturer we were working with pulled out of the pedestrian mower market and we were looking for something to fill the void. Etesia was always our main competitor in the commercial mower market so we knew the brand very well indeed. From a business point of view, it made complete sense and we are pleased to be working with Etesia.”

 

The full range of Etesia pedestrian mowers are now available from Powercut with immediate effect.

BENTHAM MAKE MOST OF WEATHER WINDOWS
Take delivery of Terra Spike GXi8 HD
 
Bentham’s Shaun Conway, driving, and Wiedenmann UK’s Andy Kerr, right, discuss the in cab operationns

Lancashire’s Bentham Golf Club has chosen a Wiedenmann machine to help its team make the most of weather windows.

 


Lancashire’s Bentham Golf Club has chosen a Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi8 HD to help its team make the most of weather windows.

 

Bentham’s Shaun Conway, driving, and Wiedenmann UK’s Andy Kerr, right, discuss the in cab operationns

 

This summer the course has seen additional member traffic, prompting the purchase of a deep aerator. For head greenkeeper, Shaun Conway it marks another positive step for the club.

 

“I joined Bentham in April during lockdown, which was a little strange to say the least. Initially, my family and I lived in one of the lovely holiday cottages,” said Shaun, “so it really was an unusual, but memorable, beginning.


“But it’s all gone well. Lots of good things are happening; a new practice putting green is almost built; the course is looking sharper and the arrival of the new machine means a huge boost to our aeration programme.

 

“This is my first Wiedenmann. I’ve known Terra Spikes by reputation but it’s the incredible smoothness you notice - when you leave the cab you don’t feel shaken up. 

 

“Immediately after installation we got all tees spiked with 20 mm tines to 10 cm with 5 degrees of heave. Next day, one of the lads started tackling the fairways to 15 cm. You don’t need extra spanners; it’s a tool free and runs quietly and quickly. 

 

“We’re a small team, mostly three, but sometimes four. This Autumn when conditions allow, we’ll be all over if we can, targeting known wet spots. A network of paths around the course means we can pretty much access all areas. For now, we’re operating with 8mm and 20 mm tines but next year 12mm tines will come in handy. After the initial phase, the aeration programme going forward is to be out little and often. The speed and easy operation mean every three to four weeks. Even across the summer, we can get some discreet work done without golfers knowing.”

 

Bentham Golf Club is supplied by local dealer Balmer’s Garden Machinery, at Burnley. Balmer’s golf and turf machinery sales specialist, Ben Cook, and Wiedenmann UK’s demonstrator, Andy Kerr, together did the installation and operator training.

 

Ben Cook said: “The GXi8 gives Shaun flexibility to take advantage of weather windows. Aeration is one of those vital tasks dependent on prevailing conditions. Once the decision to ‘go’ is made you can get nine greens done in an afternoon. “

RAIN BIRD REPLACE ROTORS
New 702/752 series
 
Rain Bird

New rotors replace Rain Bird’s current 700/751 series electric and IC Valve-In-Head (VIH) rotors.

 


Rain Bird is introducing new 702/752 series rotors, that replace their current 700/751 series electric and IC Valve-In-Head (VIH) rotors.

 

 

“We always try to keep the challenges that golf courses are facing in mind,” said John Kivi, senior product manager for Rain Bird Golf. 

 

The company says the new rotors include 75 percent faster nozzle changes using a simple screwdriver. The new self-adjusting stator eliminates the need to change stator configurations when changing nozzles, delivering consistent rotation speeds that optimise performance for all 702 and 752 Series nozzles. Like all Rain Bird rotors, the 702/752 offer top-serviceable arc adjustment, pressure regulation and easy access to serviceable components.

 

The Rain Bird 702 is a full-circle rotor with a radius of 59 to 77 feet (18.0 to 23.5 metres) available in two models: electric and IC (integrated control). Also available in electric and IC models, the 752 full and part-circle rotor has a radius of 19 to 84 feet (5.8 to 25.6 metres). It features the company's Rapid-Adjust Technology for easy arc adjustments with the turn of a screw, as well as MemoryArc, which retains two part-circle arc settings so that rotors can be shifted from full to part-circle operation in mere seconds.

 

“We developed these new rotors to provide the kind of flexibility, uniformity, dependable coverage and efficiency that golf course professionals need, perhaps now more than ever before,” Kivi said.

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PREVIOUS FEATURES
EDITOR'S BLOG ARCHIVE
Catch up with Laurence Gale's recent blogs
 
TurfPro editor, Laurence Gale

Want to catch up with one of editor Laurence Gale's blogs? Here is the place to do so.

 


A CHANGING INDUSTRY
Many influences

 

A BUSY SEPTEMBER
Plenty for the turf professional to consider

 

ROADMAP FOR RUGBY
Plan for grassroots

 

GEARING UP FOR WINTER WORKS
Planning should be in hand

 

TIME TO PLAN RENOVATIONS
Sward will be in need of some TLC

 

WHAT CAN WE SAY ABOUT THE WEATHER?!
Grassed areas looking stressed

 

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE
Opportunities and challenges aplenty

 

BUSY TIMES FOR TURF PROFESSIONALS
Short turnaround between seasons

 

BUDGET STATEMENT
The bane of the turf professional's life

 

NICE TO BE BUSY AGAIN
Getting out and about

 

CRICKET IS BACK!
Refreshing to see

 

LITTER LOUTS
What can be done?

 

INVESTING IN OUR FACILITIES
Vitally important right now

 

WEATHER STIMULATING PATHOGENS
Prevalence of turf diseases

 

TIMES ARE CHANGING
True value of parks highlighted

 

GREEN IS THE COLOUR
Much needed rain

 

SUMMER HAS ARRIVED
We're entering a new phase

 

A GRADUAL RECOVERY
Impressive response from our sports turf industry

 

FIRST STEPS TO NORMALITY
Golf courses reopen

 

MOVING ON TO THE NEXT PHASE
Of the pandemic

 

HOW ARE WE COPING?
After six weeks of lockdown

 

PARKS AND OPEN SPACES TO THE RESCUE
During the Covid-19 crisis

 

KEEPING OUR RESOLVE
During the lockdown

 

GETTING ON WITH THE JOB
As best and as safely as we can

 

TIME TO REFLECT
Our pace of life has changed dramatically

 

TESTING TIMES AHEAD
Grasping the effects on our industry

 

UNPRECEDENTED TIMES
Covid-19's impact on our sector

 

SWITCHED ON TRADE DAY
Makita launch 30 new products

 

WHO SAID WE ONLY CUT GRASS?!
It takes years to acquire all the turf professional skills

 

TIME MARCHES ON
New month to hopefully bring much needed sunshine and drying winds

 

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY
Come again another day!

 

THE PLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEE
What can we do to help?

 

SPRING HAS SPRUNG
Essential renovations

 

CELEBRATING 2020
Amenity Forum making plans

 

A DIVERSE & ENTERTAINING WEEK
Successful BTME 2020

 

TIME TO GET FIT
Our industry can help tackle the growing obesity crisis

 

WINTER WORKS AND SHOWS
Plenty to occupy in January

 

LOOKING AHEAD
What might 2020 hold in store?

 

View all of 2019's blogs here

 

View all of 2018's blogs here

TURFPRO FEATURE ARCHIVE
Find our previous features here
 
TurfPro Feature Archive

If you want to catch up with any of TurfPro's previous features, here is the place to do so.


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?

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VIEWPOINT
THREE CORE VALUES TO SHAPE OUR INDUSTRY
Real concerns for the future
by Laurence Gale, TurfPro editor
 
The core vaues

I have genuine concerns for the future of our industry in three core areas - education & training, industry shows and climate change.

 


With Covid-19 still affecting us all in terms of how we can conduct our lives both at home and at work, I have had plenty of time to reflect on things that are important to us.


Regarding work, as editor of TurfPro I do have concerns for our industry on several fronts which I would like to share with you.

 


In short these are centred around three core values I believe will shape the future of our industry:

  • Education & Training with regard to continued employment of grounds industry professionals
  • Future of our industry trade shows
  • Combating climate change and improving environmental sustainability

Education & training


Starting with education and training, I firmly believe we need to have a more joined up educational programme that provides the necessary skills and experiences to help develop and train future turf and horticulture professionals.


I believe we have a very fragmented delivery of courses and often diluted education programmes, that don’t always meet the needs of our industry employers.


I consider myself lucky, I had the opportunity to undertake a five-year City & Guilds training programme, that at the time was recognised and valued by the industry and offered the relevant basic skills and experience to work in horticulture and sports turf.


Having said that, validating a wide and varied provision of education programmes is not my area of expertise. I am sure there are plenty of good education programmes that have led to good careers for many who are currently working in our industry.


We may need to focus more on promoting the life opportunities that this industry can offer. Again, we have various organisations, colleges, training providers and businesses trying to entice the next generation to come and work in our industry.


I still hear of many businesses finding it hard to recruit new blood. We hear the same old story. They do not see it as a glamorous job, having to work long hours and weekends. Also crucially, we do not pay a decent wage. It is said a man in a van gets paid more than a qualified gardener or groundsman.


For as many years I can remember, both the GMA and BIGGA have promoted what they believe are the correct rates for the given career job responsibilities


The GMA recommended national basic salary bands for 2019 are:

  • Grounds manager - £34,782-£55,431
  • Head groundsperson - £30,517-£41,885
  • Deputy head groundsperson / sole charge - £24,967-£31865
  • Groundsperson (skilled) - £23,348-£29,785
  • Groundsperson - £18,706-£23,863
  • Junior groundsperson - £15,905 (Age 17)
  • Junior groundsperson - £13,208 (Age 16).

These bands reflect minimum recommended basic salary payment and are based on a 37.5-hour week. Bonuses, overtime and subsistence payments have not been included and are therefore additional.


The greenkeeping salary rates are similar.


However, many are only earning anything between £18,000- £25,000. Not a great wage to encourage future generations of career turf and horticulture professionals.


Having said that, those who manage to dedicate themselves, acquiring the skills, drive and ambition, usually find themselves getting paid well and end up working in some of the finest venues and locations in the world. Therefore, we must focus on these successes and where able, promote the diversity and benefits of working in this unique industry.


Trade shows


This leads me on to the next point - The future of our trade shows, (which I wrote about in a recent TurfPro blog).

 
Whist both our main shows’ schedules are currently in flux, this may afford us some time to reflect on what we really need from them as an industry in the future.


I personally would like to see an international show that showcases the very character of our industry and the people who work in it.


It should portray the best machinery, technologies, practices, products and services that are essential for maintaining our natural and manmade environments – vital for our wellbeing and health.


I would like to see either an annual or bi-annual show, that has the vision to reflect the opportunity to celebrate the industry we work in.


The venue should be able to cater for both indoor and outdoor exhibition space, thus enabling companies to carry out effective demonstrations of their equipment. We should also use this event to promote education and training initiatives.

 

But above all, we should be trying to attract a larger audience. The event should be used to promote the variety and scale of our industry, whilst at the same time attracting a wealth of new businesses and interested new parties.


We should also invite all secondary / private schools / colleges to attend the show, so we can enlighten them on the potential careers on offer within our diverse industry. The event should also have workshops, skills demonstrations and much, much more. We should use it to celebrate the best of our industry’s achievements.


Ideally, I would like it to be our industry’s own Glastonbury. We should be offering plenty of entertainment, food and fun therefore making it a must attend, not to be missed, event.


As for the existing show organisers, GMA and BIGGA, they and other potential organisations like ILAM, Fields in Trust, The Natural Trust, Keep Britain Tidy, APSE, Parks Management Forum, Amenity Forum and other should be all be involved in the show and if applicable receive a share of the profits.


I realise there is plenty to be discussed and mulled over in the coming months. I do think it is time we had a change in the way we promote our industry.


Climate change


Finally, I would like to bring your attention to the issues of climate change and where I believe we should be working to ensure our valuable land assets are effectively managed and maintained for future generations.


As mentioned in another recent TurfPro article, there are over 27,000 urban greenspaces in the UK, with more than half the UK population regularly making use of them. The Covid-19 pandemic has reignited the wider debate over public and private greenspace, yet they remain an area underfunded and often in need of innovation and development.


There is a lot of work being done by parks professionals up and down the country to validate the importance of parks and local green space and more particularly the value they bring to society in terms of wellbeing and health.


No more so than Paul Rabbitts Chairman of the Parks Management Forum who recently launched the Forum during lockdown. In Pauls words, “It seemed like a good time. The crisis has turned the spotlight on the public parks we work in. The Government decreed that they must stay open; at a stroke endorsing our belief that they are an essential service. People have flocked to them in record numbers and staff have worked tirelessly through the crisis to keep parks clean and safe and beautiful.


The Forum has not been set up to lobby for the need for good-quality public parks. That case has been made incessantly over the last twenty-five years. It has been set up to give a voice to parks professionals, who know more about these places than anyone.

 

"Running parks is an expert job and we are determined to make our voice heard by politicians as they formulate policies and make financial decisions which have huge repercussions for the viability of public open space. For too long parks, as a discretionary service, have been a poor relation of other public services, down the pecking order as just a ‘nice-to-have’. The Covid-19 crisis has shown that is not where they belong.”


When you consider the overall areas of landscape that we as an industry manage, it’s is truly mind blowing to think of the outcomes if we were unable to maintain this vital green space.


Can you imagine towns and cities without trees and grass areas? I cannot.


I believe now is the time to stop the decline and reinvest in the management and maintenance of our valuable green spaces, be it a football, rugby or cricket pitch, bowling green, school playing field or the many hundreds of acres of green space. All of us who work in this industry have a duty of care to maintain this for our future generations.


Most of us who work in the industry do care and understand these issues. It is really about empowering more people to come and work in our industry. Therefore, we must work harder to bring our industry together. Our annual reinvigorated show should become the vehicle to deliver many of the outcomes I have talked about.


Let’s hope we find a vaccine soon to put this pandemic behind us and we can all get back to what we do best - enjoying working in a vibrant grounds industry!