With the grass growing season now well under way, sports turf practitioners and others who want to maintain a healthy sward will be required to carry out several regular tasks to keep the sward fit for purpose, healthy and resilient.

These are generally centred around regular mowing, brushing, scarifying / verti-cutting feeding, watering and controlling pests, weeds and diseases.

Achieving a healthy grass sward in the UK requires an integrated management approach because UK turf faces constant pressures from the following influences - drought conditions, compaction, poor mowing practices, fluctuating temperatures, diseases, weeds and wear from excessive foot traffic.

Generally, a healthy sward means you try to achieve a dense coverage, strong rooting, good vigour and colour and weed free. 

For me personally, if you can understand the make-up of your soil composition and accurately identify your soil type, you will be better informed on the management regimes you will need to put in place to achieve and produce a healthy sward.

Understanding soil nutrient status is fundamental for healthy grass growth in the UK because turfgrass performance depends directly on the balance of nutrients, soil chemistry, moisture retention, and biological activity in the rootzone.

Understanding soil nutrient status matters because grass can only perform as well as the soil allows.

Good turf is not created mainly by mowing or fertiliser quantity - it comes from:

• balanced soil chemistry
• efficient nutrient availability
• healthy roots
• proper soil structure

Knowledge and understanding of soil’s physical properties has always been important for turf professionals when making decisions about maintenance operations and when carrying out reconstruction works. Precise soil knowledge, including information on boundaries between soil types, should result in more efficient use of fertilisers, pesticides and improved management practices, thus ensuring that the final managed outputs result in the production of safe, consistent, playable natural sports turf surfaces.
 
Soils can vary in many ways, both physically and chemically on a local or regional scale. Many factors, including original parent material source, climate, weathering processes, topography or history of the land use, influence their properties. This soil variability gives rise to all the different soil types universally classified by soil texture composition. Soil composition (soil texture) is determined predominantly by mineral particles and organic matter content and can be classified by the percentage of sand, silt and clay mineral particle content. 

The strength and permeability of any soil is determined by its structure, soil type, drainage capacity and how well it is managed. Soils will perform differently governed by the amount of water, root mass and air there is in the soil matrix.

Determining soil texture can help you learn about possible restrictions and advantages of the soil. Soil texture is related to weathering and the parent material. The three basic texture classes are sand, silt, and clay, though many soils are a combination of these textures.

In the UK we have at our disposal several organisations that can help us identify what soils we have. One of them is the UK Soil Observatory that provides a soil mapping service that helps identify the predominant parent material soil by geographical location. However, taking a few localised soil samples from your pitches will easily identify your soil type. Once you have taken some soil samples and sent them off for analysis you will need to test for particle size and nutrient status. 

Once you have determined your soil type based on the soil results of giving you a percentage of clay silt and sand using a soil textural triangle, you can identify what type of soil you have and how best to manage and maintain it to sustain plant growth.

The Soil Texture Triangle, as shown above, helps us classify the soil type. These percentages are determined by undertaking a PSD, particle size distribution analysis.

The definition of soil texture is the relative proportion of sand, silt or clay in a soil. The terms sand, silt, and clay refer to relative sizes of the soil particles - sand, being the larger soil particle, feels gritty; silt, being moderate in size, has a smooth or soapy texture; clay, being the smaller size feels sticky. 
Topsoil’s are complex arrangements of mineral particles, air, water, organic matter, living organisms and nutrients. The proportion of these elements is not always critical, however it is important that a soil contains all these elements in one form or another.

Topsoil is a major component of almost all natural sports turf facilities, the exception being pure sand constructed facilities. Its primary role is to provide a medium for grass growth that is both sustainable and stable. This sustainability and strength only comes about when the soil has a good structure.

The four major components of soil are air, water, mineral matter and organic matter. The relative proportions of these components greatly influence the behaviour and productivity/performance of the soils. 

For accurate identification, you will need to take a few soil samples that will provide adequate material for a full soil texture analysis, pH test. nutrient analysis and an organic matter assessment. There will be a cost to send these away.  

Proper soil sampling is critical for a reliable particle size analysis (PSA). Even the best laboratory test is useless if the sample does not accurately represent the soil profile.

In UK turf, horticulture, and landscaping, poor sampling is one of the biggest causes of misleading results.

Particle size analysis measures the proportions of:

• sand
• silt
• clay 

So the goal is to collect a representative, uncontaminated sample of the rootzone.

Main principles of good soil sampling

You want to:

• avoid contamination
• capture a representative area 
• maintain consistent sampling depth 

Fine turf / sports turf

• 0–100 mm (rootzone)
• sometimes deeper profile testing: 
  o    100–200 mm 
  o    200–300 mm

Gardens and horticulture

• topsoil: 
  o    usually 0–150 mm
• subsoil separately if needed 

Never mix different depths together unless specifically instructed.

Take multiple cores

One sample is never enough.

For representative analysis:

• take 10–20 cores minimum across the area
• use a zigzag or “W” sampling pattern

This avoids bias from local variation.

The most reliable approach

For the most accurate UK turf or horticultural assessment:

1. Divide the site into uniform areas
2. Take 10–20 cores per area
3. Sample at consistent depth
4. Mix thoroughly into a composite sample
5. Submit clean, labelled samples to a professional laboratory 

That gives the most representative and actionable particle size analysis results.

Therefore, knowing your soils is an essential element that will help you understand and plan the correct maintenance regimes of your natural grass playing amenity facility. 

Origin Amenity solutions (OAS) has announced a new distribution partnership with Spectrum Technologies Inc.

The company says this tie-up gives their customers access to a comprehensive range of measurement devices and software solutions for the storage, viewing and interpreting of turf data.

 
Working alongside growers, researchers and turf managers, Spectrum Technologies say they have developed a broad range of precision monitoring and digital agronomy tools used by professionals in more than 80 countries. The range of products include monitoring solutions for weather, soil moisture and light alongside plant health meters and specialised mobile apps, software and services to view and interpret data. 

 
On the news, OAS irrigation & digital dolutions lead, Angus Finlayson explained, "This collaboration strengthens our technical capabilities and reinforces our commitment to providing trusted products for the turf professional and facilities we support."

GroundsFest Academy recently delivered a CPD-accredited training day, bringing together industry partners to share best practice in the maintenance of synthetic sports surfaces.

Held at the headquarters of Wiltshire FA, the 'Synthetic Surface - Maintenance Best Practice' event combined classroom-based learning with practical demonstrations, supported by Replay Maintenance, Redexim UK, Labosport and Fleet Line Markers.

Organisers say the programme was designed to improve understanding of synthetic surface performance, construction and long-term care, with a focus on extending surface lifespan and maintaining playability standards.

Speaking during the seminar sessions, Nick Harris of Replay Maintenance highlighted the importance of consistent upkeep. He said, “Maintenance is really important on synthetic surfaces. To achieve longevity and performance, it’s essential they are maintained properly.”

Labosport managing director Kathryn Severn reinforced the need for improved end-user education, noting that many facilities are not always given the right guidance to maintain surfaces effectively over time.

Following the presentations, attendees took part in outdoor workshops featuring live demonstrations of maintenance equipment and techniques from the event partners.

Among those attending was Stanley Park groundsman George Legg, who said the session provided practical skills that could be applied directly in his role, particularly around surface performance testing and monitoring.

The event also provided networking opportunities for attendees from across grassroots and elite sport, with AFC Bournemouth head of grounds Ian Lucas praising the accessibility and value of the training and expressing interest in sending additional staff to future sessions.

GroundsFest Academy director of education Bradley Tennant said the mix of attendees reflected the importance of delivering education across all levels of the industry, including clubs considering future investment in synthetic surfaces.

Wildwood Machinery say they will be showcasing state of the art ground and turfcare machinery and technology at their second Open Day, being held at East Horton Golf Club on Wednesday 1 July. 

James Bastian

Visitors will also be able to check out the company’s brand-new HQ, workshops and showroom, which now form part of the East Horton complex.

The dealerships says that business grew steadily throughout 2025, necessitating the increase in showroom and workshop space.

Managing director James Bastian, said, “Last year’s Open Day was attended by groundcare professionals and buyers from across Southern England, and we had some absolutely stunning kit on display. Groundcare machinery is evolving at such a pace right now, so we’re looking forward to showcasing some of the biggest brands in the business, as well as our own new and improved HQ.”

The Wildwood Machinery Open Day is open to all groundcare professionals and buyers, and runs from 10-4pm with food served all day, and the opportunity for attendees to enjoy a free round of golf at East Horton on the day.

James Bastian said. “The Open Day is our opportunity to thank our partners, suppliers, staff and customers. It will be an environment where groundcare pros can put some really innovative machinery through its paces, do some business but also relax and have some fun.

“We’re very lucky that East Horton Golf Club is a core part of our family business and is the perfect venue for this type of event.”

Manufacturers showcasing their wares will include: Aspen, DeWalt, Echo Robotics, Gambetti Amenity & Golf, Infinicut, Iseki, Jacobsen, Ransomes, Raymo, Rovimo, Stogger, Sunseeker and Wessex International, as well as the latest additions to Wildwood Machinery’s expanding portfolio obrands, Bio-Circle, FJ Dynamics, Hustler and Kress.

“Last year, the whole environment had a lovely vibe about it. We had great support from our partners and manufacturers, and our customers turned out in force,” says James. “There’s a lot happening in the industry, and a lot happening at Wildwood Machinery, and so we’re looking forward to seeing everyone on 1 July.”

Kress UK say they have strengthened their commercial team with the appointment of Alex Thorneycroft Taylor as business development manager, bringing with him more than two decades of experience in precision technology, customer support, and business development.

Alex's career began in 1999 working with GPS technology during its early adoption within the agricultural sector. Since then, he has built extensive experience across multiple industries, developing a strong understanding of how technology can help businesses improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.

More recently, Alex worked within the John Deere dealership network before joining PGX Trimble, a supplier of precision GPS technology. In that role, he focused heavily on sports turf applications, working with Premier League clubs including Liverpool, Bournemouth and Southampton to implement retrofit steering and guidance solutions.

In his new position with Kress UK, Alex will be responsible for supporting and developing the company's dealer network across the South East, while helping to drive new business opportunities and showcase the manufacturer's growing portfolio of autonomous and battery-powered technologies.

"My biggest attraction to Kress was the drive and ambition behind the business," said Alex. 

"The company is constantly looking ahead, investing in sustainable technology and autonomous solutions, while maintaining a very close relationship with both its dealers and customers.

"There's a genuine desire to stay one step ahead and continually improve, and that really appealed to me."

Kress say Alex's day-to-day role will involve working closely with dealers and end users, supporting demonstrations, installations and customer engagement activities, while helping customers understand how their technology can address some of the key challenges facing the industry.

"What excites me most is the opportunity to build on the fantastic work already being done with our dealer network," he said. "Battery-powered technology and autonomous equipment are creating huge opportunities for customers to reduce carbon emissions, improve efficiency and address ongoing labour challenges.

"We want to continue showcasing what's possible and help organisations understand how these technologies can support their long-term goals."

STIHL has launched two new battery-operated brushcutters, engineered to deliver a high-power cutting performance in demanding landscaping environments. Replacing the FSA 135 and FSA 135 R, the new FSA 140 and FSA 140 R offer professionals’ excellent comfort and control for maximum productivity across various cutting tasks. 

With a mechanical output of 1.0.kW and a large mowing diameter, the machines provide lightweight power for daily commercial use, weighing in at just 4.5KG (exc. battery). Boasting a compact motor and drive, the brushcutters offer a weight reduction of up to 400g compared to previous STIHL models. 

The FSA 140 is a bike-handled professional brushcutter fitted as standard with the GrassCut 260-2, the machine can also be used with STIHL’s BrushCut Brush Knife 250 (3mm) and WoodCut saw blades for efficient large-area clearing tasks.

Fitted as standard with the AutoCut C 26-2, the FSA 140 R offers a loop-handle set up, designed for maximum manoeuvrability and precision, allowing users to work comfortably around obstacles and in confined spaces. STIHL’s AutoCut 27-2 and PolyCut 28-2 can also be attached to the FSA 140 R for landscapers requiring more energy-efficient operations.  

Both models feature new ergonomic control handles, which provide separate buttons for power activation and three speed levels for ease of use. The new STIHL brushcutters also come with an LED display built in to support clear and easy tool monitoring whilst on the job. When powered with the recommended AP 300 S, the machines deliver a running time of between 22 – 45 minutes. 

The FSA 140 and FSA 140 R are designed to support integration with STIHL’s Connected system, a digital fleet management solution that helps professionals keep track of their tools, servicing schedules, and machine use. To further support professionals, the tool’s splash-proof design makes it ideal for use in all weather conditions. 

The new designs arrive as STIHL celebrates its 100th anniversary. Since 1926, STIHL has defined the global standard for battery and petrol-powered forestry, landscaping, and residential gardening equipment for professional and domestic users.

For more information on STIHL products, visit www.stihl.co.uk or contact your nearest STIHL Approved Dealer.

Find out more about STIHL’s historic milestone, here: https://100.stihl.com 

WHO WILL FOLLOW US? - 1st June 2026

THE IMPORTANCE OF INVESTMENT - 25th May 2026

THE REAL MEANING OF PARKS - 18th May 2026

WHERE WILL WE FIND THE NEXT GENERATION OF PARKS PROFESSIONALS? - 5th May 2026

HANDS-ON WITH THE LATEST IN ROBOTIC MOWING - 27th April 2026

SMALL TEAM, BIG STANDARDS - 20th April 2026

CONSERVATION TO INNOVATION - 13th April 2026

SPRING INTO ACTION - 30th March 2026

FROM CURIOSITY TO CORE TOOLS - 23rd March 2026

CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE TURF - 16th March 2026

SPRING AWAKENING - 9th March 2026

CULTIVATING CAREERS - 2nd March 2026

SPRING ON THE HORIZON - 23rd Feb 2026

DEALING WITH SATURATION - 16th Feb 2026

OUR INDUSTRY NEEDS THE SPOTLIGHT - 9th Feb 2026

PLANNING, PATIENCE & PREPARATION - 2nd Feb 2026

TRENCHERS TO TECH - 26th Jan 2026

FROM SNOW TO SHOW: 19th Jan 2026

TECH, TENACITY & TURF: 12th Jan 2026

PARKS ARE FACING A TOUGH YEAR AHEAD: 5th Jan 2026

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View all of 2018's blogs here

AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT STORY TO TELL
By the amenity sector

GROUNDCARE'S EVOLVING LANDSCAPE
Machinery options refined

PREPARATIONS REQUIRED AHEAD OF THE FIRST GAME
Cricket season is almost upon us

A COMMUNITY FACILITY POWERED BY VOLUNTEERS
Modern multi-pitch rugby venue

WE COULD ACHIEVE SO MUCH MORE WORKING TOGETHER
Says Brain Sandalls senior groundsman at Sussex Cricket Limited

WAGES SHOULD REFLECT THOSE OF OTHER TRADES
Says Durham CCC's Vic Demain

GOLFERS' EXPECTATIONS ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGE
Says Damian Wormald of Silkstone Golf Club

DROP IN TO LORD'S
Steaming at the Home of Cricket

AUTOMATION CHANGES THE MODEL COMPLETELY
Says David Withers, retired md of Iseki UK & Ireland

WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH EXTREMES IN WEATHER
Says Ian Smith of St Alban's School

GREATER RECOGNITION OF THE INDUSTRY'S IMPORTANCE IS REQUIRED
Says chairman of The Amenity Forum

THE MOST CHALLENGING ISSUE IS RECRUITMENT
Jim Buttar offers his thoughts

A UNIFIED GROUP WOULD BE INCREDIBLY POWERFUL
Gary Barwell of Edgbaston offers his thoughts

REFLECTING ON THE SAD DECLINE OF SPORTS IN SCHOOLS

The root cause

A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT

Incredible Equip show last week

ONE OF THE GREATS

Sad passing of Stephen Bernhard

NEW STRATEGY

BASIS commits to amenity sector

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?