Last week I was invited by the GMA to attend their 2026 GMA Industry Awards, held at the Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham.

The awards took place alongside the new GMA Conference, that I also attended alongside around 150 delegates. This ran during the day offering workshops and discussions.

Geoff Webb

The first presentation was from Karl McDermott, Lord’s head groundsman, who spoke about the renovation of their nursery ground. This endeavour cost £700,000 that included reconstructing the outfield, installing irrigation systems, and using sterilising techniques to improve pitch performance. 

The project faced many challenges like discovering historical artifacts and drainage issues. The nursery ground now supports 120 practice sessions annually, focusing on youth, women's, and disability cricket. Karl also mentioned the introduction of sustainable materials like coconut coir for artificial surfaces. Despite financial challenges, the renovations were aimed to maintain top-class facilities for world-class players.

Karl also spoke about the pressures of the project involving extensive tendering and project management, with a focus on staying within budget and ensuring high-quality work. In the end this resulted in Fine Turf undertaking the project, delivering on time and within budgets. 

Karl concluded his talk outlining the club's future plans. This included the construction of two drop-in pitches in the nursery ground to meet the growing demand for practice facilities. The drop-in pitches will be built over the next year and will be moved to the main ground in two years' time. It’s a project that been in the club’s mindset for several years, however with improved logistics the concept of a drop in pitch system would have major benefits and help deal with the constant pressure to facilitate more fixtures at Lord’s.

Next up was Ruth Mann who gave a talk on grass management techniques to prevent pathogen infections and promote healthy growth. Key points included the importance of clean cuts to reduce pathogen entry, proper irrigation to avoid overwatering, and maintaining good airflow and light penetration. Nutrient management was emphasised, with specific attention to nitrogen release patterns and the use of controlled-release fertilisers. Bio solutions like peptides and seaweed extracts were discussed for their effectiveness in enhancing plant defences and improving root health. The conversation also highlighted the need for proactive management, continuous monitoring, and targeted applications to achieve resilient turf surfaces. I thought it was a thought-provoking talk by Ruth.

We then had a presentation by Tony Hanson. His discussion focused on the future of water availability in the UK, highlighting a projected shortfall of 6 billion litres per day by 2050. Key points included the need for demand management, with 65% of golf clubs currently using rainwater and direct spray irrigation. The national framework for water resource development, updated in 2025, emphasises reducing unsustainable abstraction and encouraging reuse. Climate change is increasing droughts and heavy rainfall, affecting irrigation needs. 

The conversation also covered the regulatory changes, the importance of sustainable irrigation practices, and the need for collaboration with water companies and local authorities to manage water resources effectively.
The message was Loud and clear in that water usage for sports will come at a cost and clubs must be seen to be more efficient in water auditing and making better use of their water resources.

Lunch was followed by more presentations and a tour of Edgbaston's cricket facilities by Gary Barwell. He took a party of delegates around the stadium and explained the work going on with the building of the new hotel complex and how work will affect the outfield in terms of drainage issues that will be rectified as part of the project. We were also shown his machinery and how the club have gone down the sustainable route with the purchase of a fleet of battery powered mowers and equipment. 

The day’s conference was concluded by 3.30pm with the evening’s awards starting at 7PM. With well over 400 attending the awards it was certainly going to be a noisy affair hosted by the renowned broadcaster Kelly Somers.

It always good to see our practitioners recognised for their dedication and efforts to deliver exceptional playing surfaces both at the elite levels, semi pro and and grass roots levels. 

You can read about all the winners here.

It was quite the day for Karl McDermott, with the MCC celebrating two prestigious award wins as the grounds team at Lord’s won the Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year plus head groundsman Karl was awarded the Grounds Manager of the Year award.

I am personally really pleased for Karl, as I have followed his journey since 2007 when I was a judge for the Cricket World and Pitchcare cricket groundsman of the year awards and had the opportunity to go and meet him at his beloved Clontarf CC in Ireland.

Since then, Karl has chosen a career path that saw him come to England and work at both Worcester CCC and Hampshire CCC before getting the opportunity to take on the prestigious and high-profile role at Lord’s. 

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the GMA for inviting me and having the opportunity to enjoy a gala evening of awards with so many friends and work acquaintances. Also, congratulations to all the winners on the night.  

Selected attendees of the 2025 GroundsFest Academy events were recently given a unique opportunity: a behind-the-scenes experience day at the Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal F.C.

The day offered a CPD-accredited, practical insight into the operations, challenges, and expertise involved in managing a world-class playing surface and stadium environment.

Led by Paul Ashcroft, head of Horticulture & Playing Surface Operations for Arsenal F.C, the morning kicked off with an immersive programme designed to give attendees a full picture of what it takes to maintain a top-tier football pitch.

Participants explored turf management in a stadium setting, internal facilities and groundstaff operations, as well as the tools, machinery, and materials critical to daily work. Matchday preparation and pitch inspections were part of the agenda, alongside deep dives into pitch construction, drainage, irrigation, grass species, microclimates, lighting rigs, and renovations. 

The session also addressed integrated weed management and strategies for balancing wear during matches, training, and other events.

Attendees continued to be guided through the day by Paul, with tours of the facilities and a pitch walk giving practical insight into the precision, planning, and teamwork required to maintain a stadium to professional standards.

For attendee Finlay Wiggins, the day offered a rare insight into elite-level pitch preparation. He said, “It was fascinating to see the specialist equipment up close and understand how each machine plays a vital role in maintaining top-level playing conditions. We also discussed the importance of communication with coaches, balancing their training demands with the need to protect the surface. It really was a fantastic experience.”

Bradley Tennant, director of education for GroundsFest Academy, added, “It was a day that won’t be forgotten - spending time behind the scenes with selected attendees of our 2025 events was incredible. Huge thanks to Arsenal F.C and Paul Ashcroft for making this opportunity possible. Keep an eye out for future experience days.”

Redexim UK has strengthened its team with the appointment of Greg Cain as business development manager - a newly created role.

Greg brings with him more than two decades of hands-on industry experience. Prior to moving into machinery sales, he spent 18 years working directly in grounds maintenance and landscaping, finishing his operational career as a senior manager for a housing association in the North West, where he led a large grounds maintenance team based around Manchester.

In 2018, Greg joined Cheshire Turf Machinery in Stockport, a Redexim dealer, where he first developed a close working knowledge of the brand and its product portfolio. After five and a half years there, he moved on to Kress UK as commercial business manager for the North of the UK, before officially starting his new position at Redexim UK in March 2026.

The company says the new business development manager position has been introduced to sit alongside Redexim’s existing regional sales structure, with a focus on generating new opportunities and raising further awareness of the company’s range.

“My role is going to be good old-fashioned knocking on doors,” Greg explained. “It’s about introducing myself, speaking to people who may have used Redexim in the past or are considering it, and getting the brand name out there. Once we’ve developed and qualified a lead, it will be passed into the dealer network to see the sales process through.”

Monty’s Machinery has been appointed as an authorised dealer for Etesia UK, strengthening the brand’s presence across Cornwall and the wider South West.

Founded in January last year by Adam Hicks, Monty’s Machinery may be a relatively new name, but it is built on more than 16 years of industry experience.

“I’ve been in the groundcare trade since leaving school,” says Adam. “I did my apprenticeship in the industry and worked locally for many years. When my previous employer closed, it gave me the opportunity to set up on my own and continue supporting the customer base in this area.”

Today, the business works with a broad range of customers, from local councils and housing associations to schools, independent contractors and domestic users, providing sales, service and support across Cornwall.

“I’ve always noticed Etesia from afar,” Adam explains. “I already knew how good the product was, so when we were approached about becoming a dealer, it felt like a fantastic opportunity to showcase the machines to our customers. We were looking for a commercial mower that could rival other strong brands in this area, and Etesia ticked the boxes.”

The dealership has already begun introducing the range to customers, recently carrying out its first demonstration with a local housing association.

“We demonstrated a range of mowers and also the MBR50 mechanical weeder,” says Adam. “They’re not allowed to use chemical sprays on pathways anymore, so everything has to be removed mechanically. The weeder performed really well and generated a lot of interest.”

Looking ahead, Adam sees the partnership as a key part of the company’s long-term growth strategy. “We’re trying to grow the business and there’s a massive opportunity here,” he says. “We’ve got a strong customer base and a good area to develop. Over the next 10 years, we’d like to expand further, possibly even open a second depot. Partnering with Etesia gives us the confidence to compete with the bigger brands in the region.”

The Amazone Group has reported sales of around €850 million for its 2025 financial year - an 11.4% increase on the previous year and, they say, significantly above the wider industry average.

The manufacturer, which now employs around 2,700 people worldwide, said growth was particularly strong in Poland, Romania and China, with Ukraine also delivering solid results despite ongoing challenges.

Joint chairmen Christian Dreyer and Dr Justus Dreyer described 2025 as “an extremely successful year”, pointing to strong demand for new machine concepts and digital solutions, particularly in precision and sustainable applications.

More than 5% of turnover was reinvested into research and development during the year, alongside major upgrades to production facilities. Expansion projects included new production halls in Leipzig, further investment at Bramsche, and new laser and welding technology at sites including Gaste and Hude. In North America, Amazone strengthened its footprint with a new 3-hectare facility in El Dorado, Kansas, serving as a central hub for machinery, parts and final assembly for the US market.

The company also says that innovation remained central to their performance in 2025. At Agritechnica, they unveiled more than 30 new products, collecting multiple awards including DLG silver medals and Farm Machine Awards.

In the groundcare sector, the company presented its Profihopper AutoDrive autonomous mower/collector study, alongside the new BladeCut 1800 rotary mower option for the Profihopper 1500.

Looking ahead, the company say they expect sales in 2026 to remain at a stable, high level. The company will also mark 25 years of its Catros compact disc harrow range in 2026, celebrating what it describes as one of the most successful product lines in its soil tillage portfolio.

STIHL has launched the new FSA 250 battery-operated brush cutter, offering professionals an excellent cutting performance for both mowing and clearing work. 

Whilst fitted as standard with a metal cutting blade, for versatility, the new addition can also accommodate an extensive range of cutting attachments, including mowing heads with traditional line and a wide 480mm mowing diameter, polymer blades for tougher trimming tasks, as well as metal tools such as shredder and circular saw blades for clearing tough areas of scrub and even small trees, respectively. This makes the machine ideal for a range of professional landscaping maintenance tasks with the simple change of cutting attachment.

Offering a comparable alternative to petrol machines such as the FS 240 C-E, the powerful tool offers emission-free operation and provides the benefit of quiet operation, perfect for use in noise-sensitive areas and to provide a more pleasant working experience for the operator. 

For energy efficiency and an optimum cutting performance, the machine’s powerful EC motor can be adjusted to 3 levels depending on the task, with its LED display indicating which mode is in use. 

Combined with its optimum balance and low weight characteristics, the FSA 250’s ergonomic bike handle and grip system contributes to prolonged user comfort and effortless guidance. 

Engineered with professional use in mind, its easy-to-clean air filter guarantees efficiency and effective motor cooling, contributing to a long-service life. In addition, the tool can be used in all weather conditions thanks to its IPX 4-certification. 

SPRING AWAKENING - 9th March 2026

CULTIVATING CAREERS - 2nd March 2026

SPRING ON THE HORIZON - 23rd Feb 2026

DEALING WITH SATURATION - 16th Feb 2026

OUR INDUSTRY NEEDS THE SPOTLIGHT - 9th Feb 2026

PLANNING, PATIENCE & PREPARATION - 2nd Feb 2026

TRENCHERS TO TECH - 26th Jan 2026

FROM SNOW TO SHOW: 19th Jan 2026

TECH, TENACITY & TURF: 12th Jan 2026

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

View all of 2025's blogs here

View all of 2024's blogs here

View all of 2023's blogs here

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

WE COULD ACHIEVE SO MUCH MORE WORKING TOGETHER
Says Brain Sandalls senior groundsman at Sussex Cricket Limited

WAGES SHOULD REFLECT THOSE OF OTHER TRADES
Says Durham CCC's Vic Demain

GOLFERS' EXPECTATIONS ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGE
Says Damian Wormald of Silkstone Golf Club

DROP IN TO LORD'S
Steaming at the Home of Cricket

AUTOMATION CHANGES THE MODEL COMPLETELY
Says David Withers, retired md of Iseki UK & Ireland

WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH EXTREMES IN WEATHER
Says Ian Smith of St Alban's School

GREATER RECOGNITION OF THE INDUSTRY'S IMPORTANCE IS REQUIRED
Says chairman of The Amenity Forum

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?