Firstly today, I'd just like to mention how I was recently fortunate to attend this year’s Service Dealer Conference and Awards at the Crown Plaza in Stratford upon Avon. It was amazing day with over 200 delegates attending and as usual a very entertaining evening celebrating the annual awards with Charlie Baker hosting the evening’s event.

This year saw the conference move to a new venue that proved to be well liked and provided a better ambience for the whole day. A full account of the day can be read here from my colleague, Service Dealer editor, Steve Gibbs. 

And a details of the winners can be found here.

Laurence Gale with TurfPro owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedians Rob Rouse and Charlie Baker

I personally enjoyed the day as there were plenty of informative speakers. I particularly liked the presentation by Daryl Feilding a renowned branding expert, who spoke about the importance of having a quality brand that represented a company’s culture, leadership and understood their customers’ needs and aspirations.

Daryl Fielding

I also thought it was good to see on stage, James Mead ex head groundsman from Rugby School, talking about the importance of having a good relationship between dealers and end users. Without that bonding neither party would gain the success they both desire. 

James Mead presenting at the Service Dealer Conference 

However, for me, the success of the event is centred on bringing together the vast array of people who work tirelessly in our excellent UK dealerships.

Dealership showroom 

The role of these businesses cannot not be underestimated. Without their expertise, vision and commitment, we as grounds professionals would struggle to maintain the land assets we have to manage. I wrote an article on this in a recent edition of TurfPro to explain how important the development and production of machinery and equipment has been for our industry across the last fifty-plus years. Therefore, we must not take for granted the role these servicing dealerships provide. They are a vital cog in our diverse grounds industry.

Winter grounds management

With Christmas only two weeks away, spare a thought for all the grounds professionals who will be busy gearing up for the fixtures over the Christmas period. Especially those working in professional football where they have a lot of matches to fulfil, with many working long hours, weekends, and evenings to ensure the pitches are fit for purpose. 

Preparing and repairing pitches at this time of the year is time consuming and the weather often plays a major role in influencing the outcomes, especially when we have periods of heavy frosts and snow.

The advent of better undersoil heating systems, watering and lighting rigs coupled with better feeding regimes, wetting agents and seed varieties have certainly played an important role in improving the condition of pitches during the winter months.

Lighting rigs are used to promote grass growth in certain situations, particularly in areas where natural sunlight is limited or where additional light is needed to extend the growing season. This can be relevant for various applications such as agriculture, landscaping, or sports field management. 

We now have a few different lighting systems on the market with SGL being one of the market leaders, who were in fact the first company to develop and produce effective lighting rigs back in the 1990s to help promote grass growth to improve the quality of pitches during the winter months. The concept was brought to market by Nico van Vuuren, a Dutch rose grower and avid football fan who saw the potential of the using lighting rigs to help grass growth.  In fact, I went on a press trip to meet Nico and visit his rose nursery and see his lighting rigs working at Bayer Leverkusen FC.

SGL LED440 lights at Hampden Park 

That first system was trailed in the UK at the Stadium of Light (how fitting), in 2002 home of Sunderland A.F.C. The results were simply mind blowing. The grass was growing in winter like it had never done before. This was the beginning of what a few years later proved to be a revolution in pitch management.

SGL now offer a wide range of products to help promote healthy grass growth and provide specific lighting rig systems to accommodate all different environments. There are now several companies offering a range of lighting and optimum growing products for the turf professional.

Small lighting rig at Edgbaston CCC 

We are now seeing lighting rigs working in all manner of sporting facilities, including cricket stadiums, golf courses and rugby grounds. They have become an integral part of the grounds maintenance schedules in professional sporting venues.

Owner of TurfPro, Duncan Murray-Clarke, recently caught up with Craig Hoare, sales and marketing manager, UK & Ireland. of Toro UK, who told us that professional end-users are interested in moving to use of sustainably fuelled tools.

Craig says, "Lots of organisations who are using our existing petrol-powered tools, like the National Trust or the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, are asking us about sustainability."

Watch the video below or via TurfPro's YouTube channel.

Generous attendees at TurfPro's sister title's Service Dealer Awards are in the top 10% of recent fundraisers for Macmillan Cancer Support.

A raffle held during the gala ceremony where the Dealer of the Year winners were revealed, has so far (as of the morning of Monday December 11th 2023) raised an amazing £2,740!

The good news is though, the Just Giving page is still open and anyone who wishes can continue to kindly donate.

Making the draw, L-R: Comedian Charlie Baker, Service Dealer and TurfPro owners Duncan Murray-Clarke and Emma Cragie and Service Dealer's Nikki Harrison

Service Dealer and TurfPro owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, said, “Thanks to everyone who supported Macmillan Cancer Support in our raffle on awards night - making our event one of the top 10% of Macmillan fundraisers in November!

"Thank you everyone for supporting this worthwhile cause. While the raffle was drawn on the night, if you wish, you can still donate and support this fantastic charity."

Visit Service Dealer's Just Giving page here.

Rod Heyhoe has became the latest GMA Hall of Fame inductee.

GMA Awards host Hayley McQueen with Rod Heyhoe

The GMA say their Hall of Fame honours those who have given significant contribution, exceptional service or had a major impact on the grounds management industry.

Having taken early retirement from senior management in the commercial world, Rod injected his skill, energy, and persistence into a passion for grounds management gained from many years dedication to his beloved Lightcliffe Cricket Club. Abetted by a small group of like-minded individuals, Rod became a focal point for the GMA in Yorkshire to promote knowledge and instil confidence in grounds practitioners of all ages. The GMA say Rod Heyhoe’s positive impact on the industry over the last forty years is undeniable.  

Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association, spoke about Rod’s role in the industry following his induction, saying “This year's inductee is a true stalwart of the industry. When mankind was endowed with the gift of enthusiasm, Rod Heyhoe was given a double dose. Rod’s contribution to the industry over a lifetime spent volunteering in sports turf management, with particular focus on cricket, can’t be understated - the passion and enthusiasm he brings to his role has buoyed on those around him, both in the Yorkshire grounds community and beyond. 

"It’s a delight to have Rod join a growing list of Hall of Fame inductees who have dedicated their lives to raising the profile of our industry and improving the nation’s enjoyment of sport. We left Rod speechless following his induction , definitely an industry first! We thank Rod for all he’s done and hope his induction honours his time spent volunteering in grounds management.”

Rod becomes the latest inductee into the Hall of Fame, joining industry legends like the late Eddie Seaward and Steve Braddock, ‘Mr SALTEX, Derek Walder, legendary cricket groundsman, Keith Boyce and last year’s inductee, Roy Rigby.

East Sussex-based Lewes Golf Club have brought in a small fleet of Toro machinery to help with its winter development project, the first goal of which will be to recondition eight of the club’s 11 bunkers.

Reesink’s Peter Cornwall (left) and Lewes Golf Club course manager, Tim Brewster (right), with the club’s new Groundsmaster

Course manager, Tim Brewster, says he has big plans to execute this winter, hence he's brought in a fleet comprising a Groundsmaster 3500 and 4500, Reelmaster 3575, TriFlex 3420, and Workman HDX - with the assistance of Reesink.

Tim said, “In total, we have 11 bunkers. Last year, we revamped three, so that means eight more to do this winter. While we’re a relatively small team, it’s a fairly big job. However, with the new Workman HDX, we’re now best placed to complete it. We can put a top dresser on it, load it up with sand and top-up bunkers with ease. It’s going to be a huge help when we begin the bunker revamp project this winter.”

Tim continued, “Every green is different. Some are built on clay; others have four inches of root zone and chalk or a ballast mix of soil and sand. The diversity makes it interesting for golfers, but it also affects how we look after the course. Each green dries and drains at different rates, so we have to treat each on an individual basis. It’s a unique groundskeeping experience. 

“Reesink’s advice and customer service throughout the process was fantastic. When we started looking for a new fleet, we came up with a checklist that covered various factors (quality, fuel consumption, and comfortability, for instance) and we sampled lots of brands from various retailers. Needless to say, Reesink and Toro came out on top!”

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WINTRY TIMES AHEAD

A MOST VALUED INDUSTRY ASSET

SATURATED PITCHES

THE DUMBING DOWN OF PARKS SERVICES

CRISIS IN GOLF - PART II

A CRISIS IN GOLF

WHEN AUTUMN LEAVES FALL

AUTUMN TURF DISEASE PREVENTION

DISGUSTING VANDALISM

GROUNDSFEST KICKS OFF

REFLECTIONS ON CHANGES IN THE MARKETPLACE - PART II
by guest editor, Ian 'Poggy' Pogson

THE VALUE OF LOCAL COMMUNITY CLUBS

BUSY SHOW SEASON UPON US

WATCH OUT FOR AUTUMN DISEASES

REFLECTIONS ON CHANGES IN THE MARKETPLACE
by guest editor, Ian 'Poggy' Pogson

HEDGE CUTTING SEASON

AERATION IS KEY

RAIN STOPPED PLAY

EDUCATION IN SPORTS TURF

by guest editor, David Roberts

SPORTING (SURFACES) PROWESS

WATER SHORTAGES

CRICKET ON THE UP

MY TOP FIVE CONCERNS

by guest editor, Andrew Turnbull 

BIODIVERSITY IN PARKS

DROUGHT CONDITIONS PREVAIL

MAY BE BUSY

A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT
by guest editor Angus Macleod

TURF HARVEST FESTIVAL

FEEDING TIME

TIME TO GET TOUGH

STAY CURIOUS!
by guest editor, Alex Vickers

A TRANSISTIONAL MONTH

SPRING IS UPON US

HEDGE YOUR BETS

PEOPLE'S PARKS, PUBLIC PARKS - IN PERIL?

by guest editor, Paul Rabbits

TESTING TIMES AHEAD

ROBOTIC POTENTIAL

CHANGEOVER TIME

WE MUST DEVELOP OUR OWN STAFF

by guest editor, Karl McDermott

DOUBLE CENTURY CELEBRATED

OUR PARKS IN CRISIS

AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS

OPTIMISM RETURNING
By Guest Editor, Roy Rigby

WATERLOGGING ISSUES

NEW YEAR, NEW FEATURES

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

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?

This is the last in a series of articles written during 2023 which have focussed upon sustainable practice in the amenity sector. Throughout, the key purpose has been to help all readers increase their understanding of the topic, learn from the experiences of others and help them deliver sustainable practice in their own organisations and operations. In this final article we seek to bring together some of the key points made over the series.

"Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It's about doing more good." ~ Jochen Zeitz

At the start of all these articles, I have emphasised the definition of sustainability and its three pillars of economic viability, environmental protection and social equity. When seeking to implement sustainable practice, we consider all three as a whole and not just one in isolation, an integrated approach. For example, we may take an action that seems environmentally beneficial but it may prove uneconomic, or indeed, have social implications, for example by increasing the carbon foot print of the activity. If we fail to take such an integrated approach to sustainability, we run into the danger of what is sometimes referred to as green washing, thinking we are being more sustainable but not so. In the first article, I chose to illustrate this by referring to a typical UK Golf Club and it is worth repetition of some of the key points made here. 
 

The first aim of that Club is to be an economically viable business with financial margins sufficient for re-investment and future development. Without this it is not sustainable, and so economic viability is an essential element in sustainability. A further aim of the Club is to, wherever possible, protect the environment and seek to ensure that operations undertaken have as little as possible impact upon its surroundings. This it can do through such things as re-cycling practices, looking to reduce carbon emissions from machinery used and other activities and, in managing the surrounds to the golf course, looking how it might encourage biodiversity and insect life. The third aim, in a sustainability context is to consider how what it does effects society. The Golf Club needs to deliver a first class product to its visitors and members but also seek to minimise its impact upon those who live close by and ensure its staff are safe, as well of course those who use its facilities. 

What is clear is that implementing sustainable practice is complex and must be related to particular situations. There is no simple blue print, or what is sometimes referred to as a ‘big bang’ approach. Again, throughout this series, I have emphasised the need, when moving to more sustainable practice, to recognise it as series of carefully considered small steps or actions. In considering how an organisation might become more sustainable, a first step is to undertake a simple audit of current practice and conditions. This need not be over complicated but effectively a full appraisal of the starting point, establishing realistic actions and setting clear targets to measure success.

Heather regeneration at Enville GC 

The fact is that many organisations are already operating and demonstrating sustainable practice but often do not recognise this, nor talk about it.  Those who work in the amenity sector do a highly important and essential job impacting on everyone in their daily lives, keeping spaces safe and healthy and fit for purpose. However, we can be reticent to say that, and this is the same when it comes to sustainable practice. A recent comment in the national press was critical of golf courses as being highly manicured spaces and damaging to the environment. Yet how wrong can that be, as those who manage them know. We need to speak out and be proud of what is done. That does not mean more is not possible, certainly not, but we need to be clear on our individual starting points. 

So firstly we audit and then we look at improvements, but in the context of the three pillars and an integrated approach. For example, the drive away from diesel power to cleaner options such as electricity is understood and can make good business and environmental sense. However it also needs to be a practical move. If you are say a lawn care business where employees travel between properties frequently, there needs to be facility to re-charge daily. Often given the wide areas worked, vans may not always return to base and employees may not have charging capacity at their homes. Also if a distributor uses electric power, they need to build charging stops within their logistical planning and, for long hauls, this can prove very difficult. Supporting infrastructure for electrical powered vehicles has still a long way to go.  

 
To quote another previous example in relation to hard surface weed management, again the optimum solution will vary with respect to individual circumstances. In the City of Cardiff, an extensive study was undertaken comparing different approaches to weed management. This took in wide ranging factors of economics, public perception, resource use and important life cycle analysis (LCA). In assessing the carbon footprint of a product or activity, it is important to consider the process at all stages of its life so to speak – production, distribution, application and disposal. The Cardiff Study indicated that, for their given situation and circumstances, spraying with glyphosate was the most sustainable option when measured across all the three pillars. It is stressed that each situation can vary but it is an example of what, at the outset, might seem the best action need not necessarily be so. What is clear is when taking actions of sustainable practice, it is important to define the starting point, plan carefully and monitor as well as review.

 
Having said this, there are undoubtedly actions that can provide simple first steps. I have referred to this as adopting a green mind set. To return to the example of a Golf Club, it is about ensuring owner and player requirements are met but with decisions always considering sustainability issues. It is about reducing reliance on pesticides for example, albeit needed in many cases, but seeking to manage and encourage nature in a golfing setting that can enhance the player’s experience.  The use of slow release fertiliser can promote more efficient action and reduce waste. And there are great strides taking place in grass breeding so choice can be best suited to conditions with increased tolerance to adverse weather and soil conditions. In the club house and facilities, simple moves to save electricity by turning off lights and power when not needed, and changing to low energy lighting solutions can have significant impact on your sustainability credentials. 

At the heart of it, for any organisation, is the development of a best practice plan which takes into account all the factors involved, including the development of the environment and its ecology, as well as more nitty gritty issues like reducing energy costs and the like. So, despite the challenges economically, and not least the labour pressures, sustainability need not be complex or difficult to achieve, but more of a mind-set issue.

 
What though is clear is that the topic cannot be ignored. If nothing else, government pressures and targets are drivers. The push towards zero carbon and the like are well known. Also the UK is not acting in isolation, it is a global issue. As the dictionary definition succinctly put it ‘’Sustainability is a societal goal that broadly aims for humans to safely co-exist on planet earth’’. It is at the heart of all governments’ decision making, and seeking to deliver the stated aim must be one for all of us.

Throughout these articles, we have looked at a range of ideas and actions which might help in the move towards more sustainable practice. I certainly hope that these have proved helpful. The amenity sector is an extremely diverse one and there can be no standard blue print or should there be so. 
One thing for certain is that the agenda of sustainability is not going away and we can all play our part in its delivery. And to add a further quote, this time one by Sir David Attenborough ‘It is surely our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a secure home, not just for us but for all life on earth’ I just hope that the series during this year has helped provide some pointers in your search for sustainable practice.

Previous articles in this series were - Defining Sustainability, Sustainability In Practice, Sustainability At The Sharp End, Sustainability In Supply, Managing Weeds Sustainably, Innovation & Sustainability, Life Cycle Analysis and Sustainability, Implications for Training & Education, Taking A Global Look At Sustainability and Sustainability and the UK Action Plan.