As a passionate advocator and promoter of the value and importance of local community green spaces, we are fortunately blessed in this country with a plethora of fantastic parks, estates, woodlands, wildlife corridors, lakes, canals and green urban areas that we can enjoy daily. 

However, for me, one of the biggest issues is that the wider public do not really understand the complex set of skills and management strategies that are required to maintain these valuable land assets. 

As a long and experienced manager of green space, I know only too well the effort, resources and passion that is required to maintain these facilities.   

A good example of this was brought to my attention when I met up with The Canals and River Trust recently and saw the in-depth work they do to maintain and manage the UK’s unique canal network.

As part of my Green Flag judging this year, I had the opportunity to visit two canal sites run and managed by The Canal and River Trust, the UK's largest canal charity, caring for over 2,000-miles network of stunning canals and navigable rivers.

Green Flag judging

 
The Trust are specifically responsible for managing and maintaining over 520 miles of canals in the West Midlands that weave through richly vibrant and culturally diverse communities.

In 2021 the trust were able to showcase several of their canals during the successful Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. It has been stated there are ‘More Canals Than Venice!' in Birmingham and the trust were incredibly proud to see them featured in the Opening Ceremony, as part of the design of the medal and also playing host to multiple locations for the Queen's Baton Relay.

The Trust are currently delivering a £1.7 million project to improve natural habitats along their canals in the West Midlands as part of the Green Recovery Challenge Fund.

The two sites I visited were, the Wolverhampton Lock Flight, a 1.5 mile section of the canal which forms part of the Birmingham Canal Navigation (BCN). The lock flight consists of 21 locks which are listed and were constructed in 1770, designed by the preeminent engineer James Brindley. 

Leamington Spa canal 

The second site was also a 1.5 mile length of the Grand Union Canal in Leamington Spa. And while in the area I managed to call in at the impressive Hatton flight of 21 locks where the Grand Union Canal ascends 146 feet over a couple of miles. 

Wolverhampton Canal Lock 

The original locks on the Warwick and Birmingham canal were built in 1790 by the navigators or ‘navvies’ as they came to be known. The canal was renamed the Grand Union in 1929, and shortly afterwards new wider locks were built of concrete by a workforce of a thousand men. The new locks were opened by the Duke of Kent in 1934; they can take two narrow boats side by side. Some of the original narrow locks can still be seen alongside the new ones.

Hatton Lock Flight 

During my visits I was able to meet several of the Canal Trust operatives who are responsible for managing and maintaining these historic feats of engineering. Heading up the crew is Heritage and Environment manager, Audrey O’Conner who has thirteen environmental specialists (ecologists, environmental scientists and site managers ) in her team who are responsible for monitoring water quality, flora, fauna, trees, wildlife  and the historic structures of the canal systems (bridges, locks and buildings) – as well as looking after the day to day maintenance requirements of the canal.

Canal and Rivers Trust staff and volunteers 

The trust enlists a large team of volunteers who offer their services and are trained to carry out a number of regular maintenance tasks, such as litter picking and vegetation maintenance (strimming, mowing and pruning). There are a number of volunteers who are designated lock keepers, who provide a service of helping boat owners to navigate through the lock gates - especially working on a section of the canals that have large flights of locks such as the Wolverhampton  and Hatton flights where it can take up to three to four hours to navigate through. 

During my visits we spoke of the challenges they face managing these wonderful wildlife corridors ensuring they are safe for the public to enjoy.

One large problem they have is the infestation of invasive weed species, namely Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam. The trust have acquired a large pot of funding for their Canal & River Invasive Species Eradication Project (CRISEP)  

This project is a £600k, four-year strategic partnership funded by Severn Trent as part of their Great Big Nature Boost Scheme. The project is supporting the Trust to manage and eradicate four invasive plant species throughout the Severn Trent supply area which aligns to the West Midlands canals. Invasive Non-Native species (INNS) are considered one of the top three biggest threats to biodiversity and native wildlife. 

The programme is well under way, and we were able to see a lot of dead Japanese Knotweed that had successfully been treated. 

There is also a canal dredging programme that ensures the canals are kept navigable often a large operation and often a costly one, especially if the dredgings must be taken to a landfill site.

The Trust also work closely with the Environment Agency to ensure the canals remain free from pollution. Monitoring on a regular basis means most of the canals in the West Midlands are the cleanest in the network, with plenty of healthy fish stocks.

One of the Trust’s latest initiatives is The Yellow Fish Project, a free and simple approach to reducing pollution of the canals. The Trust is hoping to paint a yellow fish on road drains to indicate that specific drain does feed into the canal. 

Yellow Fish Project 

Volunteers have been working with the Canal & River Trust's environment specialists to log and map 700 separate points where water drains into canals and rivers across the Midlands – each one a potential point of pollution which can be damaging for local wildlife. The aim was to avoid any potential pollution incidents and, in doing so, protect important, and much loved, species.

Surface water from rainfall can carry pollutants including oils, chemicals, silt and sewage into canals and river, polluting the water and harming wildlife.
The volunteers visited over a dozen canals in the Midlands, equipped with iPads and tasked with observing, photographing and recording anything that could potentially drain into the canal. The data was then analysed to identify the source of each drainage point and build a picture of possible future pollution or flood risks.

As a result of the volunteer's work, a pollution prevention plan is now being put in place. Working with local businesses and landowners, a yellow fish is stencilled next to drains leading to the canal, acting as a striking reminder that what enters the drain ends up in local waterways. 

As for vegetation management a professional grounds contractor is employed for the regular mowing regimes, ensuring the tow paths are accessible.
As for replanting and improving the biodiversity and restoring habitats along the canal is left to the wealth of volunteers the trust has at their beck and call.

Coir rolls 

Shaun Cope, one of the Trust Botanists, was keen to show me one of their successful coir planting schemes along a stretch of the Leamington Spa canal. Once established it offers a perfect habitat to attract more wildlife, with an aim to attract water voles back into the canal system.

A mature, planted coir roll 

A coir roll is planted up with native plant species, allowed to establish, before being placed and pegged on the canal embankment. They are certainly being appreciated by both wildlife and canal users. 

Graffiti problems 

One of the biggest tasks is keeping on top of litter and dumping of waste materials on canal land and towpaths. The amount of litter is often dependant on the access and often where the canal passes through inner city areas.

The removal of rubbish and graffiti are one of the Trust’s biggest issues and they have specialist teams to cope with keeping on top of this often-daily problem.

All in all, it was a great opportunity to meet the team of dedicated professionals and find out about the daily operations that occur to keep our historic canal network safe and secure, providing a rich environment for both wildlife and local users.

To find out more about the work of the Canal and Rivers Trust click here. 

The team at Stanedge Golf Club say they purchased an Infinicut FL22 to equip the Derbyshire venue with a mowing solution for periods of wet weather - and believe its delivery in the autumn of 2023 could not have been more timely.

The prolonged and persistent rainfall has seen head greenkeeper Lee Williams and his team turning to the unit to maintain HOC and presentation while the triple green mowers are resigned to sheltering in the shed.

Located in the Peak District, the moorland/parkland course has seen unprecedented rainfall levels over the last six months. “With no ability to control what mother nature throws at us, all we can do is equip ourselves with the tools and techniques to be able to deliver surfaces no matter the weather,” explained Lee, who took over as head greenkeeper two years ago. “We knew that we needed to look at hand mowers and spoke to our local dealer Balmers GM about the options available. We trialled the Infinicut and were sold straight away."

Lee continued, “On top of the quality of finish, the fact that the Infinicut is battery-powered has been another big plus-point for us. While it wasn’t a necessity initially, we have now all-but eliminated issues with noise and vibration levels, as well as saving ourselves money on fuel.

"John Hobbs at Balmers was excellent at getting us all set up, including showing us the many features of the INFINIApp which we’ve been enjoying using."

At the time of writing, Lee explained that softer ground conditions had seen the club unable to use the triple green mowers this year to date.“The fact we’ve been able to get out twice weekly and in any breaks between showers with the Infinicut has been critical. I’d love to be able to hand mow year -round but with such a small team we are limited by our resources, however, should we be able to go down that road it would be an Infinicut fleet without doubt!”

Polaris Off Road Vehicles has announced the expansion of its dealership network in Scotland with the appointment of Agricar as a new dealer serving the Fife area.

Already a trusted name in Stirling, Agricar will bring their expertise to Fife, operating from the former Land Rover dealership in Cupar.

The new dealership will offer the manufacturer's full line-up, along with parts, accessories, and servicing.

“We are thrilled to welcome Agricar as our new dealer in Fife,” said Neil Pirie, district sales manager for Polaris UK. “Their proven track record in Stirling and commitment to exceptional customer service makes them the perfect partner to expand the Polaris brand in this region.”

Grounds and gardens manager at Warwick Castle, Tony Cameron, has explained how a trio of Kubota tractors have proven themselves to be capable workhorses for the entire facilities operation.

With 64 acres of vast and varied historical landscape to maintain, Tony said how - alongside some more obscure uses - the L2622, L4240 and B2261 are responsible for towing the mowers that cut 95% of the turfed areas, with the assistance of their F3890 out-front mower also from the manufacturer.

“We’ve had other tractors and ride-on mowers in the past which always seemed to have one problem or another," said Tony. "Together with having all-important kit out of action, we also found frustrating delays in getting these issues fixed. The first Kubota we purchased was the L4240 six or seven years ago which, to date, remains faithful and versatile. Whether we’re towing implements or trailers, this is our go-to for a range of maintenance tasks around the site.” 

Since then, Tony has purchased the larger 62hp L2622 equipped with forks, and the smaller B2261 compact tractor from Richard Lucas at Hunts Engineering - the latter delivered in August 2023.  “The L2622 is big and powerful, making light work of towing our large-area mower to cut big spaces quickly. Any deliveries we get, the L2622 is there to unload and move materials around the site. It get’s a lot of use… even coming in to lift the trebuchet recently when the winch failed!

“The B2261 is another great bit of kit that can get to all the areas the larger tractors can’t, towing smaller mowers and will be loaned to the jousting team to operate the grading equipment used to level the arena.”

Complementing the fleet of tractors and providing the solution for embankment mowing and cutting in wet conditions, is an F3890. “This is used on all the formal areas where it’s more challenging to manoeuvre a tractor, as well as around the many obstacles within the glamping site. We use this wherever we can, our moat ditch and the riverbank are another couple of examples, and it leaves a fantastic finish whether it’s wet or dry.” 

Tony concluded, “The support we’ve received from Hunts Engineering has also been first-class, with outstanding responsiveness from Richard and the team whenever we’ve had a question or query. It ticks every box for us.” 

Organisers have announced that free registration for GroundsFest 2024 is now open.

The show which takes place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on September 10 and 11, is set to return, with an expanded lineup of exhibitors as well as new features and experiences promised.

Alongside returning features such as the outdoor demos, free educational seminars, free practical training, and live music festival, the organisers have announced a new attraction this year called Machinery Nation Live, This, they say, will allow visitors to watch brands compete in a machinery face-off and participate in equipment challenges for a chance to win prizes.

Also announced by the organisers, every person who registers to attend will have a chance to win a Toro ProStripe 560 pedestrian mower. 

The Bernhard Academy, established in 2019, has expanded to four hubs across the UK and USA, offering personal and professional development for sports turf professionals.

Join us in developing technical workshops to enhance industry skills. We seek a motivated individual to create, manage, and deliver these workshops. National and international travel is required.

Role:

• Develop and deliver world-class learning programmes in Technical Training and Equipment Management
• Review and adapt programmes for best practices
• Collaborate with internal and external teams to execute opportunities
• Lead team meetings to maximise productivity
• Embody the Bernhard Academy's objectives

Person:

• Strong technical background in sports turf equipment maintenance
• Coordination and event experience
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to prioritise tasks
• Teamwork and leadership experience
• Organisational and detail-oriented
• Solution-oriented mindset
• Willingness to travel
• Committed to personal and professional growth

Full-time position with competitive salary and benefits, including holiday, pension, life insurance, and hybrid working arrangement (offices in Rugby and Haverhill).

Send CV and cover letter to recruitment@bernhard.co.uk

Closing date: 7th June 2024

Link to job posting: https://bernhard.co.uk/careers/

A SAD DECLINE

WHAT MAKES A PERFECT LAWN?

WE MUST NOT BE THE CREATORS OF OUR OWN DOWNFALL

RENOVATIONS ON TOUR

A WORRYING TIME FOR PARKS

CONSEQUENCES OF THE CONDITIONS

STILL DELIVERING QUALITY GREEN SPACES

WATCH OUT!

THE VALUE OF SPRING RENOVATIONS

FULLY LOADED ARMOURY

THE VALUE OF TREES

WE MUST SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE

COUNCIL SERVICES IN DECLINE

INVESTING IN NATURAL GRASS PITCHES

WORRY OF WEATHER CLOSURES

BUSY & BUZZY BTME

A VERY PARTICULAR SET OF SKILLS

COPING WITH CLIMATE CHANGES

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

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?