The beginning of March sees one of the busiest periods for turf professionals and club volunteers who are busy getting their playing surfaces ready for the start of a new playing season. This year, circumstances will be especially hectic due to the opening up following Covid restrictions, effectively beginning with the second step on 29th March.

Last week I contacted Jason Booth from the GMA to see how their #GroundsWeek event had been received. Jason said they were blown away with the response and success of the week - especially where it brought about an awareness of the work and knowledge required to maintain and manage sports facilities. It was a great initiative which I can see becoming an annual event to raise the profile of our industry.

I also read with interest an article by James Coyne of The Cricketer website that the grass roots game could well play a serious role in restoring the morale of the British people coming out of the pandemic.

I am inclined to agree that the opportunity for people to get back to playing sport and making use of public open spaces has never been so important. We must get people active again and encourage people to support their local sports clubs.

I like to think that we will also see a lot of new people taking up sport and making good use of these valuable community facilities. Clubs need to work hard to ensure their facilities are a welcoming place and can provide the right incentive to get active again. I would like to see a resurgence in bowls for example, with many people taking up this sport. Clubs do however need be proactive in attracting new members and promote the benefits of their sport. 

I personally think this pandemic has changed peoples’ outlook on life and made them more appreciative of what they have and family values. 

Keeping heathy and active will now be a primary driver for many people, and I would hope that these community sports facilities will play an important part in delivering these needs. The government road map will be a key path back to some form of normality come late June. 

A key moment along the roadmap will be when the popular parkruns start operating again. I read that this will be quite soon, with junior parkrun events across England due to return from Sunday 11 April 2021 and 5k parkrun events across England will return on Saturday 5 June 2021. 

While on the subject of parks, as a Green Flag judge I am again looking forward to getting out and about, judging some nominated parks come June when restrictions are lifted. Information on the Green Flag scheme can be read here.

 
As for cricket, the ECB have said they welcome the Government’s decision to permit outdoor grassroots cricket to return in time for the start of the 2021 season from 29th March. Cricket plays an important role in many people’s lives and helps to maintain positive mental and physical wellbeing. The ECB are working with Sport England and the Government on each step of the Government’s Roadmap. They have said they will issue further guidance shortly on what each step of the roadmap means for the game to support players, teams, clubs, coaches and umpires to prepare in time for 29th March. 

Rugby however, is still awaiting final confirmation of when full contact and competitive matches can be played. 

Funding & Grants

As for funding and grants for sport, there are a number of grants and funding schemes currently available.

In last Wednesday’s budget for example, a £300m summer sports survival package was announced, with cricket the big winner. To find out more visit the Funding 4 Sport website.

Sport England have also announced some additional funding opportunities with a £16.5m Return to Play Fund. There are three parts to this new fund - Small Grants and the Community Asset Fund, which have been adapted from pre-coronavirus funds, and Active Together crowdfunding, which has been extended - with all three now focusing on a safe return to play and narrowing the inequalities gap in sport and physical activity. 

 
The Culture Secretary has also announced the latest tranche of funding from the Government’s Sport Winter Survival Package, providing a boost to women’s sport. The Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship will receive a combined £2.25 million of grant support for essential league costs, in addition to a proportion of 250,000 free Covid-19 lateral flow testing kits being made available by the Government to elite sports, with women’s sport designated as a priority.

I know that the RFU have been busy in recent weeks processing club allocations for a £23 million worth of sports funding which will help clubs get over the effects of the pandemic. 

Also, the Enovert Community Trust has announced that the next closing date for funding applications is the 2nd April 2021. The Trust is committed to supporting community and environmental projects, such as improving community halls, creating new children’s play areas, restoring green spaces and habitats, and enhancing community sports and recreation facilities.

Funding is available to non-profit making organisations, constituted organisations or groups within 10 miles of a landfill site operated by Enovert Management Limited, or within ten miles of a waste facility managed by the company.   

Most grants are up to £50,000 but there are no maximum or minimum grant levels given.

The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has revealed the 20 ambitious greenkeepers who will participate in the Future Turf Managers Initiative 2021. 

FTMI delegates in 2019
 
Each year Jacobsen opens the doors of its headquarters in Ipswich to 20 BIGGA members who have earned a place on the course by demonstrating their commitment to the profession and eagerness to learn. 
 
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, BIGGA and Jacobsen have created a new format for FTMI that will give the delegates a hybrid learning experience. The majority of the education and mentoring sessions will commence in April. An in-person event is then scheduled to take place in the autumn, which will enable delegates to meet in person and enjoy a tour of the Jacobsen factory. There will also be a learning session and formal graduation ceremony. 
 
Each year FTMI pushes 20 BIGGA members out of their comfort zones, but in return they receive access to professional development experts and experienced mentors who provide them with a wide range of knowledge and skills that will prove invaluable as their careers progress. 
 
FTMI was hosted first by BIGGA and Jacobsen 2013 and since then has expanded around the world, with similar programmes being introduced in Spain, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand. 
 
Sami Strutt, head of Learning and Development at BIGGA, said, “FTMI 2020 was one of the last in-person events hosted by BIGGA before the pandemic really hit and all our worlds changed. Since then BIGGA members have come to realise just how important continuing professional development can be for your own mental health and how it helps provide a platform where so many of us can come together as a community, albeit in socially-distanced manners.  
 
“We’re told that the coronavirus pandemic will impact the economy for years to come and as part of that, competition for jobs is going to be fiercer than ever. I’m proud that these 20 successful candidates will be equipped with the best tools available to them to make the step up and achieve their career ambitions.” 
 
Will Carr, Jacobsen UK sales director said, “We are a proud member of the turf industry and work daily with greenkeepers, grounds people and volunteers who all share a passion for their turf asset. That overarching passion has always been there, but in recent times it has been highlighted.  
 
“The level of dedication from professionals through to volunteers is always outstanding and we have tried to match that in our own way with educational programmes such as the Future Turf Managers Initiative and by sponsoring various industry events and awards that recognize great work and dedication.” 
 
The members of the FTMI Class of 2021 are:

•  Leon Brant, greenkeeper, Wexham Park Golf Centre
• Christopher Clark, first assistant, Prince’s Golf Club
• William Curran, assistant, Crowborough Beacon Golf Club
• Daryn Curtis, assistant, Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club
• Vincent Demarzo, deputy head greenkeeper, The Belfry
• Anthony Dineen, first assistant, Thorndon Park Golf Club
• Paul Fowkes, deputy head greenkeeper, Rothley Park Golf Club
• John Hockley, deputy head greenkeeper, Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club
• Conchobhar Kerr, first assistant, Royal Portrush Golf Club
• Stephen Lawlor, first assistant, St Andrews Links Trust
• Stephen Lindsay, deputy golf courses manager, The Gleneagles Hotel
• Jason Norwood, greenkeeper, Reay Golf Club
• Simon Parmenter, deputy head greenkeeper, Sunningdale Golf Club
• Liam Pigden, first assistant, Burnham and Berrow Golf Club
• Mark Reid, first assistant, Lanark Golf Club
• Joseph Spadaccini, greenkeeper, Stoneham Golf Club
• Andrew Weeks, deputy head greenkeeper, The Wisley Golf Club
• Craig Woodman, greenkeeper, Bramshaw Golf Club
• Jamie Wright, first assistant, Huntercombe Golf Club
• Kimberley Yeldham, deputy head greenkeeper, Barnham Broom Hotel Golf Club 

Following the recent news of the TurfLynx purchase, The Toro Company this week announced that it has acquired Left Hand Robotics, Inc.

Left Hand Robotics'  RT-1000 autonomous tractor

The manufacturer said in a statement the purchase supports their "..strategy of leadership in next generation technologies, including alternative power, smart connected, and autonomous products." Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Based in Longmont, Colorado, Left Hand Robotics develops autonomous solutions for turf and snow management. They say their patent-pending software and technologies for autonomous navigation are designed to provide professional users with " . .the capabilities to improve operational efficiencies and tackle outdoor tasks with precision".

P Tuckwell Ltd, the John Deere dealer across the East of England, has completed the acquisition of Burden Bros Agri Ltd covering the South East.

Dale Burden and James Tuckwell

The acquisition, which has been agreed by respective owners James Tuckwell and Dale Burden, will see all employees and the three existing branch locations at Stockbury and Ivychurch in Kent and Framfield in East Sussex retained.

The full terms of the agreement are not being disclosed but it has been announced that this acquisition has the full support and approval of John Deere Ltd and does not involve any other businesses in the BB⁴ Group of Companies.

Burden Bros Agri Ltd was founded in 2007 when it took on the John Deere agricultural franchise for north Kent. Subsequent expansion saw the business take on additional territory in East Sussex, parts of Surrey and the remainder of Kent. The John Deere Turf franchise was added following the acquisition of the Godfreys business for the area.

Tuckwells was established in 1954 and have been John Deere dealers since 1965. Operating from seven locations across Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, the business employs over 200 people. In addition, the business runs Tuckwell Farms, a 1500 acre working farm in Suffolk. Tuckwells were one of the first dealers in the UK to take on the John Deere Turf franchise.

“Dale and his team have built a strong, agricultural and turf business throughout the south east of England since the company began in 2007,” says James Tuckwell. “We are excited to be given this opportunity to expand our business and to build on their success. We welcome the Burden Bros Agri team to the Tuckwell family and look forward to working together with them and their customers.” 

“I would like to express our gratitude to Dale and the Burden family for the outstanding job they have done in supporting and growing the John Deere brand in south east England since becoming a dealer nearly 14 years ago,” said John Deere Limited division sales manager Joedy Ibbotson.

“We are delighted that they have reached this agreement with Tuckwells, which ensures the continuity of the Burden Bros team and dealership outlets within the John Deere network. This is a great fit, combining two businesses with closely aligned values based on outstanding customer service with a focus on precision technology and connected support.” 

Dale Burden added, “Whilst this is a time of mixed emotions for me and my brothers, we are pleased that a deal has been reached between the Burden and Tuckwell families. We have known each other for many years and I am confident that the business is in safe hands and is well placed to continue its development and growth. I believe there will be many opportunities for the team, and our customers will benefit from the strengths that come from this combined dealership.”

Local dealer, Russells Groundscare, has worked with The Yorkshire Wildlife Park to find the right solution to their grass cutting needs.

Situated in the village of Branton, close to the A1 near Doncaster, the zoo has recently purchased a Ventrac 4500 compact tractor to help maintain its 150-acre walkthrough safari experience. 

Delivered by the Rotherham depot Russells, the package includes the tractor unit in its 8-wheel configuration and two mowing units: a Tough Cut deck and MU rotary deck.

Commenting on the purchase, director Neville Williams said, “Lockdown has been a torrid time for us; we’ve suffered a multi-million-pound loss, so we weren’t really contemplating any significant capital expenditure. However, we had issues with our mowing equipment and our mechanic suggested we contact Russells to see what was available.

“Glen Sawyer from Russells came over with a Ventrac demo machine and it performed extremely well, but we didn’t think we could justify the cost. However, Glen was able to organise a flexible lease-purchase arrangement together with a mutual partnership agreement, and that facilitated the purchase. They also loaned us a Power Rake, which was superb at reinstating the pathways and we will be looking to purchase the Trencher attachment in the future.

“As you would expect, we have huge areas of grass to maintain and much of it is on sloping ground around the car parks, picnic areas and in the animal enclosures. We previously had to employ a contractor for these sloped areas, but with the Ventrac we can now do this in-house. The cost effectiveness of this new machine was certainly a factor in our purchasing decision. For example, in the lion enclosure it used to take four men, three days to complete, but now with the Ventrac it is two men in half a day. That’s a very impressive saving in man-days; 12 days reduced down to a single day! 

“This year we will be opening an expansion which will double the size of the park and this will include the creation of lakes, reserves and diverse habitats, so the Park can become home to more animals and springboard our efforts to help at-risk species. The Ventrac will play an important part in maintaining this extension to our facilities.”

Polaris Inc. unveiled plans this week to debut an all-new 2022 electric Ranger utility side-by-side in late December 2021, which they say is part of their rEV’d up electrification strategy.

This full-size Ranger is the first electric vehicle Polaris has developed through its powersports industry-exclusive partnership with Zero Motorcycles, which the two companies announced last September.

The company expects the new electric Ranger to start arriving in dealerships in early 2022.

“Our rEV’d up strategy positions Polaris to help define yet another chapter in powersports innovation,” said Mike Speetzen, interim CEO, Polaris Inc.  “With the rising interest in electric vehicles, we are investing in electrification in order to meet the needs of current customers as well as appeal to tomorrow’s riders. The all-new electric Ranger is our latest effort aimed at leading the industry forward in this area.”

As part of the Polaris rEV’d up strategy, the all-new full-size electric vehicle spearheads the company’s long-term plan to accelerate what they descibe as their leadership in powersports electrification. Design and development efforts are currently underway in North America.

“The strength of our partnership with Zero Motorcycles and our own investments in electrification R&D enable us to leverage advancements in electric powertrains and performance to drive the off-road industry into the future,” said Mike Donoughe, senior vice president and chief technical officer, Polaris Inc. “This will be one of the most technically advanced off-road vehicles on the market.”

Students taking plant protection products application competency courses are learning the inside story on knapsack sprayer function to aid maintenance best practice.

Leading educational establishments nationwide are now able to procure stripped-back knapsacks for use when delivering PPPA courses. 

Sprayer course in action (image taken, pre-covid social distancing measures)

Harper Adams University and Scotland’s Rural University College for example have proven them useful training aids by showing students the inner workings of the equipment.

Manufacturer Hozelock Exel’s UK arm can supply Cooper Pegler and Berthoud knapsacks complete with cutaway tanks to display parts such as the diaphragm and piston.

“This is an innovative move to raise awareness of knapsack sprayers’ working parts,” says Jonathan Spibey, Managing Director of TWR Training Ltd, which runs PPPA competency courses across Britain.

“Students who understand how professional knapsack sprayers function can better diagnose problems,” he adds. “Rather than simply binning the unit or seeking a replacement model, they can investigate and resolve the issue themselves.” 

Field research reveals that too many knapsack sprayer operators fail to maintain their equipment to the standards required to ensure spray delivery pressure and dispersal meets manufacturers’ specifications.

Some are also opting for poorer quality, cheaper sprayers that are uneconomic to maintain because parts are unavailable.

The outcome can mean poor environmental practice and costlier service provision to sports, leisure and amenity sites, data show.

“You wouldn’t buy a mower that you couldn’t repair and service,” states Allan Wainwright, National Account Manager for Cooper Pegler and Berthoud sprayers. “The equipment is an investment and should be maintained accordingly, along with other valuable groundscare items.”

For more details search for Cooper Pegler and Berthoud on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

www.berthoud.fr/en/ 
www.cooper-pegler.com 

We are pleased to launch yet another new product from the Webb brand for 2021 with an all new petrol 2 in 1 Scarifier & Lawn Rake coming soon.

The WEPLS400P boasts a powerful 163cc Briggs & Stratton CR750 engine and an ample working width of 40cm / 16”. The machine has the added benefit of including 2 cassettes for either scarifying or lawn raking functions.

The scarifying cassette features 18 strong steel blades to cut into the surface of the lawn for an intensive treatment, ideal for spring and autumn to allow the lawn to breath. The lawn rake cassette features 28 steel spring tines for a lighter treatment that can be carried out throughout the year to keep the grass healthy by removing unwanted moss and thatch.

Other features of the WEPLS400P include a generous 45L collector, large wheels for easy manoeuvrability, central height adjustment from 5mm to -15mm, and folding handles for easy transport and storage.

As with all Webb products the WEPLS400P offers exceptional value for money, with an SSP of just £329.99 including VAT.

As well as the WEPLS400P scarifier, other new products for 2021 from Webb include an electric silent shredder, 40cm electric chainsaw, 20V cordless tiller, 20V cordless lawnmower kit, 36cm electric scarifier/lawn rake, 19 and 21” aluminium deck lawnmowers, and a new Briggs & Stratton powered self propelled wheeled vacuum with optional hose kit, scarifier and brush cassettes. The full range of 2021 products can be viewed online at www.webbgardenpower.co.uk

For 2021 we have also invested heavily in our brand content, with new product videos, photography and online information. Visit our YouTube channel to see the latest product videos at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy-vopIpqWVkWjnUZHAAXkQ/videos

For stockist enquiries on any of the new Webb products contact Handy Distribution on 01793 333220 or speak to your local sales representative. Alternatively, all products can be easily ordered online at www.handyonline.co.uk

ROADMAP TO NORMALITY

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

BEAST FROM THE EAST RETURNS

PLAYING OUR PART

WISHES GRANTED?

TIME TO REFLECT

SELLING OUR SECTOR

SPRING WITHIN OUR SIGHTS

LOOKING AHEAD INTO 2021

A FLOOD OF WATERLOGGING ADVICE

View all of 2020's blogs here

View all of 2019's blogs here

View all of 2018's blogs here

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?