The grounds maintenance team at Great Yarmouth Racecourse say that robot mowers are now a playing regular role in their turf care regime.

L-R: Billy Hall, Alana Corcoran and Nathan Durrance, grounds team at Great Yarmouth Racecourse

The racecourse has recently introduced a STIGA autonomous mower to support the upkeep of its parade ring and surrounding lawns. Nicknamed Shadow of Light by the grounds team - after a successful racehorse that began its career at the track - the mower is now part of the site’s year-round maintenance programme

According to Richard Aldous, clerk of the course at Great Yarmouth and Regional Clerk for the East, the robot mower has quickly proven its value.

“We find it extremely useful,” he explained. “It regulates the height of cut in all weathers and throughout the year. The robot cuts the parade ring daily and five other lawns three days a week, but it is out working somewhere every day. The saving in staff hours allows the team to focus on other important jobs.”

Presentation is a key priority at the course, which stages 24 flat race meetings during its summer season and has a horseracing history dating back more than 300 years.

Richard added, “The mower helps us keep the lawns in good order all year round, and it’s been interesting to see how people respond to it. Visitors often stop to watch it at work and say they find it quite therapeutic.”