Last week I attended GroundsFest at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, now into its third year.

Myself and Steve Gibbs, editor of our sister title for the independent dealer network Service Dealer, were greeted by Chris Basset and Chris Bennett two of the show’s organisers on our entrance to the show at 9am.

The weather was being kind with a ray of autumn sunshine shining over the showground, creating a buzz of excitement among many of the exhibitors.

My first thoughts on walking around the show was that it was a much bigger layout than the previous two years - not surprising with over 300 exhibitors wanting to show off their wares.

The show continues to be a two-day event, featuring a mix of indoor and outdoor zones, hands-on equipment demonstrations, Lantra-approved training, a dedicated Landscape Zone, and a live music festival at the end of the first day.

I personally enjoyed my two days at the exhibition; it reminded me of the halcyon days of the old Windsor show that always seemed to have the sunny weather and a buzz about the place.

You could feel a positive atmosphere at this year’s show, as it continues to grow into a show that the industry desires. Virtually everybody I spoke to, both exhibitors and attendees, agreed it was becoming the place to be seen.

Several visitors did say they would like to see some of the larger manufacturers at the show – however, there was so much to see in terms of machinery, everywhere you looked there was a plethora of mowers, tractors, robots and hand tools.

In fact there was further explosion of robotic machines on show this year, with the likes of Navimow, Husqvarna, Ego, Agrovista and many others bringing an array of robotic devices to the marketplace.

I was amazed at the range of robotic devices Agrovista had on display, for example, offering a wide range of mowers, linemarkers and leaf collectors.

I called onto the EGO stand to see that they are launching a range of new robotic mowers for 2026 along with their many new ProX products that feature mowers, hand tools and blowers. These new robotic mowers the Aura-R2 models feature what the company is calling Path IQ - combining the use of RTK and a camera capable of depth perception to guarantee continuous navigation. The three units which can cut 1500, 3000 and 6000 square metres, will be fully supported for dealers with in-store P.O.S, I was told.

I also caught up with Chris Gibson, who on the PSD stand showed me their latest remote / autonomous mower option, the SABO Mowit Pro - a battery powered large area mower. This comes with a choice of mowing decks – 120cm discharge deck or 132cm mulching deck - offering a cutting height of 40-120mm.

I also caught up with Guy Overton who was entertaining a couple of Americans who represent one of their new products on show, Overton are marketing the Encore range of mowers - a reliable, well-built mower that offers both fuel and battery powered models. They are robust machines, competitively priced, suitable for contractors, schools and local authorities.

Overton also sell a radio-controlled rotary mower that can collect clippings, ideal for use on banks.

As always STIHL had an impressive stand that showed off their complete range of fuel and battery powered products, with live demos of their chainsaws in action.

I also enjoyed watching the lawnmower racing that played its part in enhancing the atmosphere of the show.

In Hall 1 we had our own Service Dealer / TurfPro stand where I met up with industry colleagues.

I also attended several of the educational seminars - the first being a Lantra panel chaired by Professor John Moverley that talked about the issues of recruitment and retention. Guest speakers stated the difficulty of retaining staff and coming up with some suggestions of how we as an industry can encourage and welcome the next generation to come and work in our diverse amenity industry.

One speaker stated we need to change the way we think about our sector and relate it to the wellbeing of our planet. The younger generation would then be more likely to want to get involved with jobs that essentially maintain our green infrastructure and environment.

I also attended a BASIS seminar where their new CEO Corrina Urquhart spoke about the vital role the amenity sector plays in managing public spaces, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting sustainable land-use practices. From parks and sports grounds to highways and cemeteries, amenity professionals are environmental stewards on the front lines of climate challenges, regulatory change, and evolving public expectations.

She said BASIS recognise that this sector is unique. It faces growing demands for professionalism, transparency, and innovation, all while contending with limited resources and increased scrutiny. That’s why the organisation is taking proactive steps to ensure that BASIS services are fit for purpose and responsive to the needs of sector.

More on this initiative can be read here today.

As a Basis qualified professional myself, I was pleased to hear the changes being made to improve the service provision and where BASIS sees itself in the coming years to meet the demands of our industry.

Since joining BASIS, Corrina has prioritised listening to contractors, advisors, manufacturers, and organisations across the amenity spectrum. These conversations have been open, honest, and constructive. BASIS is already acting on the feedback received. Input from the amenity sector is helping to shape the way BASIS supports individuals and businesses alike.

I felt that as you walked around the showground last week, there was positive buzz on all the stands. The Landscape Zone was much busier than last year and compliments the show well. As time goes by, I can see this area becoming more of a feature. I think there’s no reason not to include a skills-based competition here, where colleges can show off their landscaping design skills and build a show garden during the show. And maybe we could even have a flower show?

All in all, I feel this was an enjoyable, well organised show. Hats off to Chris Bassett and his team for putting on commendable show. This format of both indoor and outdoor exhibition space, combined with the economic costs, makes it a good formula for success.

It certainly helped that the weather played its part - at least until the show was almost over! But whilst the sun shone, the value of an outdoor exhibition couldn't have been more clearly illustrated. The organisers were pleased to inform us that a total of 9037 visitors attended the show and how they were incredibly proud to see the show grow significantly again for the third year running.

We’re all now looking forward to seeing what can be brought to the table for 2026.

Thonock Park in Lincolnshire is the first club in the UK to invest in Toro’s Turf Pro autonomous mowers.

Thonock Park course manager Rob Acheson, centre, with Mason Sleight, left, and Glen Sawyer both from Toro dealer Russells Groundcare.

Having made the decision to move to autonomous mowing at the beginning of the year, the club was introduced to the new mowers at the BTME launch and has subsequently purchased five from local Toro dealer, Russells Groundcare.

The five Turf Pro 500 mowers are being used to cut both fairways and rough of 18 of the club’s 36 holes. According to general manager Benjamin Hatch, “Our robot mowers are now cutting the fairways and rough for 18 holes on the Thonock Park course, and we are exceptionally pleased with their quality of cut and the definition between fairway and rough grasses.”

Thonock Park and Russells have had two comprehensive training sessions post-install from Lee Rowbotham, GeoLink and Digital Specialist at Reesink UK.

Lee explains the process: “We were there at the point of delivery to install the chargers and base station. The mowers are blind out of the box, so training involves telling them everything they need to know, like where the charging station is, the route to the fairways, what the safe areas, and not safe areas are. And of course, for the team to understand the operation and the terminology involved.”

Once set up, course manager Rob Acheson was shown how to control all five mowers through the Smart App. Operation is something Lee likens to how irrigation sprinklers are controlled.

“They are controlled individually, one at a time, and can be set up in advance,” he says. “Just like you can set a sprinkler to come on at 5am, you can set the Turf Pros to start mowing at 10pm once everyone has gone home if you wish.”

This provides a big advantage in getting course maintenance ahead of play. All fairway mowing can be completed before the course opens, supported by “the almost non-existent noise levels” as confirmed by Benjamin.

Another added benefit of these mowers comes from how the club has been able to redefine the job requirements of the team and can guarantee all-year round value.

“Very importantly, these mowers have enabled us to reassign some of our skilled greenkeeping team to other tasks on the course that require more specialist work,” Benjamin says. “During the wetter months, we expect to keep using these mowers, when ordinarily we would struggle to use the much heavier diesel machines. All in all, it has been a very positive investment for us and one that we believe we will continue to benefit from year after year.”

Just as Reesink sees the value in providing dedicated support for this new technology with the new digital specialist role created for Lee, so too do Russells who have recruited two dedicated employees to demonstrate and install Russells’ autonomous mowing offerings to customers, including private properties, estates, schools, golf courses and other sporting venues.

Mark Willerton, groundcare sales manager at Russells, said, “Russells see autonomous mowers as an important part of our future business, it’s something we’re investing heavily in with dedicated specialist staff and demonstration machines."

Howardson Group has appointed Scott Reynolds as key account manager, bringing over a decade of experience in the turfcare industry and an extensive knowledge of professional grounds maintenance products.

Scott Reynolds

Scott began his career in turfcare nearly twelve years ago at RT Machinery Ltd, progressing through roles including area sales representative, area sales manager, sales manager and most recently general manager. During the pandemic he also managed the after-sales and parts department, gaining valuable operational insight to complement his strong background in sales, demonstrations and customer support.

Commenting on his appointment, Scott said of Dennis, "The brand is strong, demand is high and with new electric mowers and other innovations coming through, it’s a very exciting time to be joining the business.”

As key account manager, Scott will work closely with colleagues, dealers and end-users to drive sales across the group’s three brands: Dennis, SISIS (including Syn-Pro) and Hunter Grinders. His focus will be on strengthening dealer relationships and supporting sales growth across the diverse customer base.

David Williamson, commercial director at Howardson Group, added, “We’re thrilled to welcome Scott to the team. His extensive experience, combined with strong relationships with dealers and customers, makes him a perfect fit for the key account manager role."

Organisers of the new-look Midlands Machinery Show have promised live machinery demonstrations, driving experiences and business-focused talks will run alongside exhibitor halls at the event that will take place at the Newark Showground on Wednesday 19 November.

Now in its eleventh year, the show’s organisers have designed a one-day format, which they say will create an environment for time-pressured visitors to "make connections, see products first hand, and get the inside line on the issues currently affecting farming."

The Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS) organises the event in order to support its charitable objectives to promote, celebrate and champion agriculture across the Midlands region.

NNAS CEO Simon Eccleston said, “With our new format we have had the opportunity to create an event which really focuses in on what farmers want. It’s a chance to speak to experts and see the new product innovations that are coming to market while retaining that social and networking aspect to the show that we know is hugely valued.

“We are anticipating the traditional two days’ footfall will be condensed into the one-day format, and we want visitors to attend to see the full breadth of what the show has to offer.”

Farmers will be able to meet major machinery dealers, parts suppliers and engineering specialists, while also connecting with business consultants, service providers across energy, construction and water, and innovative agri-tech companies shaping the sector’s future.

A highlight of the 2025 event will be the NFU’s Environment Conference, which will share insights on the issues of the day, and update attendees on key areas of agricultural policy.

Alongside the exhibition halls, visitors can enjoy a range of features such as the 4x4 driving course and a programme in the demonstration ring. New for 2025 is a UTV driving experience to test out the latest all-terrain machines.

KEEPING COOL UNDER PRESSURE

FUNDING, SKILLS & STANDARDS

THE BUSINESS OF SHOWS

COMBATTING SUMMER STRESSES

MERE-LY ROBOTS

GROUNDS FOR RESPECT

DIFFICULT TIMES FOR PARK FUNDING

TURF PROFESSIONALS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

TIME FOR EFFECTIVE COLLABORATIONS

THE HEAT IS ON!

A GROWING BUSINESS

INVESTMENT, SUCCESSION & EXPANSION

ROBOTS TAKING THE STRAIN ON COURSE

MAINTAINING WEED FREE SURFACES

ROBOTIC LINEMARKING IN ACTION

HABITAT, HERITAGE & HANDS-ON SKILLS

DRYING TIMES

GUARDIANS OF THE ESTUARY

INVALUABLE PUBLIC GREEN SPACES

DRIED OUT

A CHANGING PARKS ENVIRONMENT

A FLUSH OF GROWTH

LATEST DEVELOPEMENTS

CHANGING THE MINDSET OF SPORTS CLUBS

FLUSH OF SPRING

TEN-DAY PREP

SQUARE PREPARE

BUSY TIME ON THE COURSE

WEATHER TO SPRAY?

SPRING IS ON ITS WAY

BUZZY BTME

SHOW WEEK AGAIN

ROBOT WARS

WHAT WILL THE NEW YEAR BRING?

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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?

Nine months ago, Corrina Urquhart joined BASIS as CEO with a background that spans education, research, policy, and collaborative work with industry. While much of her 20-year career has been rooted in agriculture, recent years have bought her closer to the amenity sector.

In a seminar at GroundsFest, Corrina delivered a clear message: BASIS is fully committed to the amenity sector, not just for the short term, but as part of a sustained, long-term journey.

Why the Amenity Sector Matters

The amenity sector plays a vital role in managing public spaces, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting sustainable land-use practices. From parks and sports grounds to highways and cemeteries, amenity professionals are environmental stewards on the front lines of climate challenges, regulatory change, and evolving public expectations.

BASIS recognise that this sector is unique. It faces growing demands for professionalism, transparency, and innovation, all while contending with limited resources and increased scrutiny. That’s why the organisation is taking proactive steps to ensure that BASIS services are fit for purpose and responsive to the needs of sector.

Since joining BASIS, Corrina has prioritised listening, to contractors, advisors, manufacturers, and organisations across the amenity spectrum. These conversations have been open, honest, and constructive. BASIS is already acting on the feedback received. Input from the amenity sector is helping to shape the way BASIS supports individuals and businesses alike.

Investing in Systems and Structures

As part of their long-term vision, BASIS is undertaking both organisational and technological reform to strengthen how they serve members of our assurance schemes and training registers.

They have made structural changes to the BASIS Board of Trustees ensuring representation from the amenity sector, aswell as staff teams to better align with the needs of the sector and other professional groups they serve. These changes bring in fresh perspectives and operational resilience to help BASIS deliver on their goals.

BASIS is also delivering a phased roll-out of a new system that will make it easier for members, trainers, and organisations to access and manage information:

Mobile CPD App: Recently launched to event organisers and going live for members in mid-September, this app is a gateway for members to key services and CPD tracking.

Member Portal: Set to go live at the end of September, this integrated platform enables access to dedicated areas for:

• Members
•  Event organisers
• Approved trainers
• Exams and training
• Inspections
• Organisational managers

This staggered implementation allows BASIS to test each module, collect feedback, and ensure smooth integration across our multiple schemes, all while managing complex data migrations.

Reforming Assurance and CPD

As part of its sector strategy, BASIS is also reforming its assurance and training registers for amenity:

• A single CPD scheme for all amenity operators, simplifying and unifying professional development requirements.
• The creation of training registers for amenity operatives and professional advisers, making it easier for stakeholders to identify and access qualified professionals.

These reforms will be tested with industry and rolled out in early 2026, aiming to streamline systems, reduce complexity, and raise the profile of professionalism within the sector.

By listening to end-user needs, investing in better systems, and working collaboratively, BASIS can help elevate standards, enhance sustainability outcomes, and champion the critical role everyone plays in managing our green spaces.

BASIS @ GroundsFest

BASIS exhibited at GroundsFest for the first time this year, marking an exciting opportunity to connect directly with businesses and professionals from across the amenity sector. As part of their presence, they hosted an interactive Knowledge Trail in partnership with nine leading organisations: BALI, Lantra, Origin, Agrovista, GreenBest, Hozelock, Kersten, Techneat, and DLF.

The trail encouraged engagement through a five-question quiz, designed to support people working in the amenity sector in a dynamic and accessible way.

Over the two-day event, 200 CPD points were collected by members from both the BASIS Professional Register and the Amenity Training Register, clearly demonstrating the sector’s enthusiasm for learning, commitment to continuous improvement, and willingness to engage with new ideas.

This strong turnout and level of engagement reinforces what BASIS say they already knew: amenity professionals are eager to invest in their skills and stay informed in a fast-evolving industry. Events like GroundsFest are a vital reminder of the sector’s energy, innovation, and appetite for continuing professional development.