With the recent announcement by the GMA regarding potential funding for sports clubs via a number of sports governing bodies, it will be a good time for clubs to initiate this opportunity by signing up to the Pitchpower app.

Once you have registered and uploaded the relevant information about your pitches, you will then be assessed and applicable funding could be available for your club. I think it’s well worth getting your club registered and in the system. This opportunity is now open to cricket, rugby, football and rugby league clubs.

Bristol Grammer school pitch 

Local community sports clubs provide a wide range of values and benefits to both individuals and the communities they serve. These values can extend beyond just physical health and have social, psychological, and economic dimensions. 

These clubs help foster a sense of belonging and provide long lasting friendships among members.

They provide positive and structured activities for children and teenagers, teaching important life skills such as discipline, time management, and goal setting.

They also provide an inclusive environment that welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, promoting diversity and breaking down barriers in sports.

Woodrush RFC vs Shrewsbury RFC club match 

A well-run club also fosters a sense of pride and identity within the local community and with that often leads to the club hosting events and tournaments that attract visitors and boosts local economy.

And more importantly preserving and promoting traditional sports and cultural practices along with connecting younger generations to their cultural heritage.

Overall, local community sports clubs play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in a community. They contribute to the physical, mental, social, and economic well-being of individuals and the collective strength of the community. 

So, we must not undervalue these valuable community assets, we must find ways to tap into all the available funding opportunities to keep these facilities running. 

Recent roundup

The Football season is underway now and I would like to take this opportunity wish the current Premier League leaders Manchester City’s new head groundsman, John Ledwidge, all the best for this forthcoming season. No doubt he is going to be very busy in his first season at this iconic club.  

 
I would also like to wish Richard Bird the HG at Luton Town FC all the best for this coming season - especially as it is his thirtieth year at the club having taken up the job in 1993. I am sure he and his team will enjoy the new challenges of working in the Premiership environment. 

As for the weather, we are having an Indian summer, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees in most parts of the UK. This warm weather will certainly help with the ongoing autumn renovations that both bowls clubs and cricket clubs are now undertaking. 

Speaking of bowling greens, last week I was asked to stand in for John Breeze, the greenkeeper at Newport Bowls Club, to cut the greens while he was away on holiday. It has been a few years since I last mowed a bowling green, but once I got going my lines got straighter, I quite enjoyed seeing the spoils of my work. 

Me cutting the green at 5mm using a Dennis FT Cylinder mower. 

Also, I just received another batch of EGO equipment to try out in the next few weeks. I have on trial currently, their multi tool system consisting of a range of attachments that include the PH1420E power unit , STA1600 gras strimmer attachment, CTA9500 cultivator, PSA1000 pole saw, EA800 lawn edger, and the BBA2100 bristle brush unit.

EGO Multi Tools 

It looks as if I going to be busy giving these tools a thorough testing and evaluation”

Reesink’s purchasing, sales processing, service and training team have won Toro’s International Aftermarket Achievement Award for 2022. 

John Mooney, commercial products area Manager - UK, Ireland and Middle East at The Toro Company presents Reesink UK’s managing director Alastair Rowell and operations manager David Jackman, with the Toro 2022 International Aftermarket Achievement Award

This news follows the recent announcement that Reesink had won Toro's International Outstanding Sales Achievement prize.

Up against fellow Toro distributors, Reesink say they impressed on an international scale with its dedication to aftermarket care.

Michael Hampton, parts manager at Reesink Turfcare, said, “Winning this award puts into perspective all the hard work that goes into taking care of our customers beyond the initial purchase period. Part of what makes Toro machines so great are their long lifespans and helping customers to get the most out of their investments is always our aim.”

To achieve this award, distributors needed to have demonstrated superior parts business growth, which includes three main factors: exceeding parts sales goals, attaining high parts fill-rates, and successfully executing parts promotions. The distributor has to complete product reworks - repairing products in accordance with Toro’s inventory standards - in a timely manner and achieve excellence in service training too.

Michael continued, “It’s vital that our customers know the importance of using genuine parts in their machines so that they can run to the best of their ability. Part of this is educating them through our team’s expertise and promotions.

Lee Rowbotham, service manager at Reesink UK adds, “Our training courses and ReeAssure maintenance plans are also key components of our aftermarket offerings. In particular, the Turfcare Mechanics course has gone a long way to equip customers with the fundamentals they need to service and maintain their Toro machines, while the ReeAssure scheme provides customers with manufacturer’s routine maintenance and scheduled servicing, giving that extra peace of mind. I think that’s what sets Reesink apart, that extra bit of attention afforded to all of our customers even down the line.

"Being recognised for that and winning this award means a lot to Reesink and especially to our incredibly hardworking aftermarket team - it’s a real honour.”

ICL has announced the appointment of Ryan Beck as their new technical area sales manager, covering Scotland. 

Ryan Beck

The company says Ryan brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise, having spent several years in the turf industry, beggining his career at Broomieknowe Golf Club, where he worked as a greenkeeper. He then joined The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (Muirfield). Ryan's career progressed to the position of head greenkeeper at Melville Golf Club.

Drawing from his vast experience as a greenkeeper, Ryan later transitioned to the trade side of the industry with Fleet Line Markers and then Aitkens.

In his new role as the technical area sales manager for Scotland, Ryan will be responsible for overseeing sales activities, building and maintaining relationships with clients, and providing guidance on ICL's range of products.

Ryan said, "I look forward to meeting customers and relish the opportunities that this role offers."

Organisers of the Equip Exhibition trade show that takes place in Louisville, Kentucky from October 17 to 20, say this year's 40th Anniversary event will be better than ever.

Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns Equip said, "If you don’t come this year, you’ll have missed something. Landscape contractor attendance is up by 39 percent over last year, which is a record, and dealer registration is up by 10 percent. This shows the relevance and importance of Expo."

Kris added, “With California now moving to full implementation of their combustion engine equipment ban, this year, look for extensive new offerings by manufacturers to comply with these new and upcoming regulations. Over 40 manufacturers are putting new products in the New Product Showcase.” 
 
Every year, Equip say they invest in and commits to making the user experience unique in response to the industry’s needs, demands and market changes. 
 
“It will be the same show you’ve always loved - just better,” Kris says. “This year, we’ve invested in an expanded UTV Track, will have our first-ever, stadium-sized, free concert at the Yum! Center, expanded education for our Hispanic industry members and more."

Some of the highlights this year include:

New education and training sessions to help landscape contractors and dealers make more money and grow. Sessions focus on topics like growing and managing your business for greater profits, hiring and retaining key employees, and new technology.  
 
Arena concert with Third Eye Blind. This free concert, open to all Expo registrants and their guests and friends, will be held on Thursday night, October 19, at the KFC Yum! Center. 
  
30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard. Equipment manufacturers show off the newest equipment and attendees can “try it before they buy it.” It’s a place to mow, mulch, cut, dig, drive, and test the latest outdoor power equipment in the industry. 
 
Expanded UTV Test Track. More than a dozen new UTVs from 10 manufacturers can be through their paces 
 
Inaugural Women’s Leadership Reception. More than 200 women in the industry are slated to attend the first-ever Women’s Reception on Thursday evening.
 
Tree climbing workshops.Climbing technique sessions on a live tree in Freedom Hall give an up close and personal look at better tree care. 
  
Keynote address. Hear polar explorer Ben Saunders share his journeys which include 12 major expeditions covering just over 4,500 miles (7,250km) on foot in the high Arctic, Greenland and Antarctica since 2001. 

E P Barrus has announced the appointment of Graham Knox as its new chief executive officer, following an extensive search process.

Graham Knox

Graham will replace Robert Muir, when he retires from Barrus at the end of December this year, after 33 years with the company.

Barrus says Graham brings a huge amount of relevant experience, having had a successful career in heavy trucks, industrial & marine engines and transmissions. 

Graham started his career as an engineer with a custom builder of trucks and buses. He moved from engineering through after sales service to sales, and then on to senior management positions in engineering companies.

From 4th September, Graham will be spending time getting to know Barrus’ customers and teams, prior to starting a more office-based handover. There will be opportunities to meet Graham as he will be visiting various trade shows including SALTEX at the NEC.

Graham said, “I am truly honoured and excited to be joining the team at Barrus. I want to express my gratitude to the board for entrusting me with this role and to Robert Muir for his remarkable 33 years of leadership with the company. Barrus has a rich history and a reputation for excellence in various industries, and I am eager to contribute my experience to develop the company further.

"Over the next few months, I am looking forward to immersing myself in Barrus' operations, meeting our valued customers, getting to know the talented individuals who make this company thrive. I am looking forward to having the time to get to know our customers and stakeholders. My goal is to ensure a seamless transition and to lead Barrus with the same dedication and passion that is the hallmark of the company."

E P Barrus Ltd Chairman, Tara Glen said, "The Board looks forward to Graham building on the phenomenal leadership that Robert Muir has given the company. Robert will continue to lead Barrus until he retires at the end of December this year. With Graham joining us now we are able to manage an orderly handover and give Graham an opportunity to visit many of our customers before he takes over leadership responsibility”.

STIHL has launched its first portable 230V power supply, providing professional users with a quiet, low maintenance and emission-free alternative to petrol-powered generators. 

Weighing only 19.8kg and boasting a 3.6kW power output, the new PS 3000 offers a high power-to-weight ratio and is one of the most powerful portable power supply units in its weight class. 

The PS 3000 can be used in a wide variety of applications from corded drills, site lighting, STIHL tools such as power washers and vacuums, as well as recharging STIHL batteries while out in the field. The high 2.1kWh energy content also ensures long working times for minimal disruption.

The new portable power supply produces a pure sine wave, meaning it generates the same electrical current produced by the grid, ensuring no difference in performance and that no electrical noise is generated. In addition, a boost mode function temporarily increases the power output by up to 250% for tools with high initial starting currents.  

Designed to operate in the toughest conditions, the PS 3000 features a sturdy frame for high protection levels, multiple handles for carrying comfort, is protected from dust and can even be used in wet weather conditions. 

For more information, please visit www.stihl.co.uk. 

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

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?

In the first of this series of articles, we sought to get a clearer definition of what sustainability is and what it means to an organisation, especially in the amenity horticulture sector. Sustainability comprises three pillars or components namely economic viability, environmental protection and social equity. The definition of these is important when any organisation seeks to become more sustainable, or indeed seeks to deliver more sustainable products and services to its customers. The remaining articles on this subject will now look more closely at various sub sectors of, and activities in amenity, and those providing services to them which hopefully will help all readers in their own search for sustainability.

Previously we considered Sustainability In Practice, Sustainability At The Sharp End, Sustainability In Supply, Managing Weeds Sustainably, Innovation & Sustainability, Life Cycle Analysis and Sustainability, and Implications for Training & Education.

This month we consider sustainability on a global scale and consider how this might impact on practice here in the UK.

Whilst here in the UK we might strive for more sustainable practice, and meeting national targets such as net zero, how is this reflected on a global scale? We often hear the remark that although we can do all we can, what about the huge pollution and carbon issues elsewhere in the world. Is the rest of the world also driving towards sustainable practice? The answer is that the large majority are indeed doing so; in different ways, yes, and with different drivers but nevertheless are addressing the issue. 

Turf disease

This drive is fuelled by policy makers committed to global sustainability targets, but is also now often making financial sense. The steep rises in input prices post COVID have focussed the attention of amenity managers globally. Taking an integrated approach is not just a UK phenomenon. Matt Nespeca from ENVU is based on the East Coast of America and emphasises the increased interest by golf superintendents and landscape managers in steps to improve plant health, and create an environment where the need for actions to control pests, diseases and weeds can be minimised. Matt stresses that this is not just in the USA but is a key topic in many other parts of the world, including their customer bases in Canada, Australasia and South America.

Being more sustainable makes economic sense, he states. Better use of water, increased biodiversity and increased soil health are major components of sustainable practice in amenity horticulture. Also control of invasive species is important. In many parts of the world, the spread of invasive grass species has been exponential, increasing risks of grass fires, along with other issues. There is now multi-national efforts to seek to address the issue. 

The United Nations have agreed 17 sustainable development targets; one of which is to seek to ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources. Following my own review of situations primarily in Europe, here are some key points in how a number of countries are addressing sustainability and sustainable practice. The review is not comprehensive but is mainly derived from conversations with various networks in these areas, but, hopefully, it provides some good pointers.

Denmark would appear to be a standout performer when it comes to waste-water management, curbing greenhouse gas emissions and the fight to stop climate change. Not only has the country committed to reduce harmful emissions by 70% by 2030, but it also has active plans to triple offshore wind capacity by building two energy islands and increase its investments in other clean and renewable energy sources. The Denmark government credits its success to making environmental health a priority for its citizens. In addition to making air quality and advanced sanitation services key government mandates, virtually all of the nation's waste is now recycled, composted, or incinerated. 

The Luxembourg government emphasise the continuing health and vitality of its natural ecosystems. A growing move away from the use of fossil fuels and towards active reduction in pollutants has also seen it reduce consumption and minimise its carbon footprint. Switzerland has invested heavily in waste-water treatment, carbon reduction and minimising waste and air pollution, even the country's renowned watchmakers seem to have now got behind the sustainability movement, with brands moving away from leather watch bands in favour of those made from plant-based materials. France target to be carbon neutral by 2050, with policies to reduce food waste and implement forward-thinking eco-farming strategies. Austria pro-actively promotes environmental preservation while also investing heavily in new energy innovations and environmental technologies. 

Turning to Scandinavia, Sweden is always quoted highly in its efforts to drive up standards of waste-water treatment and pollution emissions, In Norway roughly 60% of new cars sold in the country are already electric-powered. In Finland there is commitment to reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels by 50% by 2030 and ban the use of coal in power generation. Finally in this brief review of Europe, in Germany, there is a growing push for corporate social responsibility (CSR) which is also seeing businesses increasingly being pushed towards clean and renewable energy and away from greenhouse gas emissions, while also working harder to promote social good.

As in the UK, throughout the EU, all pesticides for use in amenity and agriculture are subject to a rigorous authorisation and review process. However a number of European countries impose further restrictions at a national level. So for example in Portugal, glyphosate use is prohibited in public spaces. However these national policies are often reviewed and changed. Luxembourg recently banned marketing of glyphosate products but this was subsequently over turned following a judicial appeal. Even where restrictions apply, such pesticides can often still be used subject to a licencing scheme and confirmation of application following sustainable practice and applying relevant national action plans for the sustainable use of pesticides and methods of managing weed, pests and diseases.

As said this brief review has focussed on Europe but the same trends and actions are mirrored across the world. As one example, Costa Rica claim that already  99% of their electricity is from renewable sources, such as solar, geothermal, wind and hydroelectric and that they are well on their way to becoming the first carbon-neutral country. In the tropical conditions of Singapore, the high humidity and the almost daily short heavy bursts of rainfall make conditions ideal for weeds, pests, and diseases to thrive.  As a consequence a variety of pesticides are used to control these issues, but restriction apply to pesticide use, for example, golf courses that fall within water catchment areas are restricted in the pesticides they can use.  Sustainability is very high on the agenda, and golf course superintendents are using alternative methods to mitigate the incidence of weeds, pests, and diseases. One example is air movement. To maintain good air flow, golf courses employ the use of large fans to generate air movement across the playing surface. 

What this brief review shows is that undoubtedly there is a general global commitment to sustainability. Of course all initiatives are influenced by economic factors, a pillar of sustainability in any case, and the global financial pressures are impacting but the move towards sustainability and securing the future remain paramount for nearly all nations.

So what does this mean for readers of this series of articles operating across our UK amenity areas? Well clearly it shows that understanding what is meant by sustainable practice is really important and vital going forward. It is not just a local issue but a global one. Good practice abounds on our golf courses, sports areas and amenity spaces but we need to speak up about this and continually improve.  A recent social listening study, commissioned by Syngenta and reported on by Turf Pro, emphasises this as it indicated negative reputation across social media. It found that golf is widely perceived to be wasteful with water, and bad for the environment. The industry is also facing increasing questions from detractors about its sustainability credentials, especially in times of drought, with some social media campaigns even calling for golf to be banned. However, as readers will know, and I have seen at first hand, case studies that demonstrate golf courses’ sustainability credentials are easily found. Good practice abounds on our golf courses, sports areas and amenity spaces but we need to speak up about this and continually improve. 

I guess though if we were receiving a school report card for our efforts on sustainability in the sports and amenity sector, it would read ‘much progress made, more possible’. We pride ourselves here in the UK for the standards we set in amenity. It is important that these are not just maintained but further improved so we can be shown as amongst the global leaders. Progress will come from small steps.

“We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” - Howard Zinn.

The next article in this series will seek to provide a perspective on what the soon to be released UK National Action Plan might bring for all involved in weed, pest and disease management and its impact on operational practice, especially in terms of sustainability.