Recently I was privileged to attend an online APSE Parks and Greenspaces Seminar that brought together over 100 parks professionals to listen to an array of guest speakers.

The event was all about identifying best practice and innovation from a number of local authorities across the UK along with some specific case studies of work being done to promote the work of parks professionals.

The day started with Paul O’Brien, CEO of APSE outlining the latest State of the Market research data on how local authorities are managing their service as well as highlighting the impacts of COVID-19. Its conclusions, that highlighted the value of parks, included:

• Coronavirus had been a ‘game changer’
• There's a wider recognition of benefits of parks and green space
• Huge Increase in visitor numbers has occured
• Increasing connection with nature
• Climate change and biodiversity recognition
• Income generation will remain important.
• Local government finances and parks are important to local tax base
• Need to continue fight to protect parks and greenspace
• Covid recovery is vital

Next up was Erica Popplewell from the Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) who highlighted the findings of their recent research showing the types of improvements people would like to see to enhance their greenspaces which they have become more acutely aware of and the values it brings. 

Over two thirds (67%) of adults think that protecting and enhancing green space should be a high priority after lockdown, while more than (46%) reported visiting greenspaces more since the start of lockdown. While over 59% of people reported they are more aware of the importance of these local greenspaces for mental health and wellbeing since the lockdown.

71% of adults in England think their green space or nearby countryside could be enhanced, while a majority of these people would like to see an increase in wildlife and diversity of plantings.

She also spoke about the importance of protecting greenbelt land and the need for more urban parks and green spaces to be built, especially in London where it been touted for the need for ten more major parks / green spaces to be created.

Next up was Paul Rabbits, chairman of the newly formed Parks Management Forum who outlined the origins of the forum together with its aims, objectives and work to date in giving a greater voice to parks professionals.

Paul spoke passionately about the current plight of parks professionals and the need to have a representing body in the formation of the PMF, soon to be renamed Parks Management Association.

To date the organisation has quickly raised over £10,000 to help develop the organisation and will be seeking support from industry parties in the coming months. 

We then heard a short presentation about the Greater Manchester Ignition project by Jo Regan where a number of partners across the city-region have signed a multi-million pound European contract for a project which looks to develop innovative ways of financing natural solutions to deliver resilience to increasingly extreme climate hazards.

Ignition will run for up to the next three years backed by £4 million from the EU’s Urban Innovation Actions initiative, in a significant announcement made a week after the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s second annual Green Summit.

The project, the first of its kind, will see Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), supported by 11 other key partners, including the Environment Agency, come together to develop the new innovative financing and delivery mechanisms that cities and urban areas need to respond to the risks posed by increasingly rapidly changing climate. This organisation also ran a survey to gain information on the residents’ concerns and needs, with over 87% stating that parks have been very important for them during Covid-19. When asked if they would be happy to pay a charge for visiting a park, 90% said they would be prepared to pay something.

A talk followed on the new Green Flag Award Resources Hub by Dr Nicola Dempsey who works for Sheffield University as part of the partnership which has developed the Resources Hub and   ‘Research and Collaboration Portal’ that will create a link between universities/research organisations and parks management, to share research findings and possibly also funding opportunities for parks and green spaces.

To be able to share and promote valuable research resources will be of great value to all those involved in promoting, managing, and maintaining our valuable public parks and open spaces. 

The day’s final three presentations were by: 

• Peter Hollis of Kogitas the sponsor of the seminar, who explained how important a modern asset management system is to the parks and greenspace manager, helping not only with day to day issues, but also with building new revenue streams.
• Wakefield Council who described the journey they are embarking upon to develop an holistic parks strategy which ensures funding available is spent in those parks which meet the widest needs of users and stakeholders.
• And finally, Eddie Curry, Head of Public Realm of Nottingham City Council, who gave a fascinating and in-depth account of how they coped with the ongoing impacts of COVID and how this may change future service delivery.

Last week I was invited to Allport FC in Whitchurch to see a demonstration of some Charterhouse machinery supplied by Charlies Groundscare & Machinery dealership in Welshpool.

This array of machinery is part of a deal to supply local fine turf contractor Kevin Moult of Air2root Turfcare solutions, who has just won the contract to maintain the pitch at Allport FC.

Also on hand was Matt Lewis from Charlies and Curtis Allen and Andy O’Neill from Charterhouse to ensure Kevin and his wife Kirsty and their two sons Jamie and Louis, enjoyed the full benefit of a  demonstration of their new Verti Quake 2521 machine.

It was great for me to get back out into the field and meet up with some manufacturers, dealers and end users once again. I am sure this array of Charterhouse equipment will help Kevin enormously in the maintenance of many of his customers facilities.

BIGGA has revealed that preparations are underway for the return of BTME to Harrogate in January 2022 with the launch of Proposal to Present for Continue to Learn.

A key component of BTME, the Continue to Learn greenkeeping education event draws more than 3,000 delegates each year.

The content of the programme is decided upon by BIGGA members who participate in the Members’ Choice process, whereby interested speakers are invited to pitch content for seminars and workshops and members then select what they would like to see on the Continue to Learn programme.

Continue to Learn 2022 is anticipated to be a hybrid event, combining in-person learning and online sessions following the success of Continue to Learn 2021, which was hosted entirely online due to the coronavirus pandemic.

BIGGA head of Learning and Develop Sami Strutt said, “As we begin the planning for Continue to Learn 2022 we are inviting Proposals to Present from across the industry. We are looking for those who have stories to tell, perhaps from their pandemic experiences, renovation projects, research and development, personal health and wellbeing and, of course, all things agronomy-related.

“Taking the programme online in January 2021 allowed us to attract attendees who, under normal circumstances would not have been able to make the trip to Harrogate. Many of the oversees attendees claimed in their feedback that they would be attending BTME and Continue to Learn in future and that’s an incredible affirmation of the hard word that goes into hosting the event each year.

“We are entering an exciting period where we can reimagine the traditional methods of delivery, considering ways to make it more accessible to those who are unable to attend while ensuring we deliver the same quality and quantity of education expected from the Continue to Learn education programme.”

Anyone interested in contributing to the Continue to Learn 2022 education programme can submit a Proposal to Present by 25 April 2021 here.

GGM Groundscare say they are delighted to announce the addition of the industry's first removable lithium-ion battery powered zero-turn mower (ZTR) from Ariens to its range.

The dealership says they believe the new Zenith E offers groundscare professionals a new way to lower costs and increase profitability. Available with either a 60” side-discharge or rear-discharge mower deck, the new model is the first Ariens machine to feature FusionCore lithium-ion battery technology. 

GGM say the addition of the battery powered mower demonstrates further that they are continuing to deliver on their promise to become an eco-friendly organisation and its determination to offer its commercial customers environmentally sustainable mowing solutions. GGM has been selected as one of only a handful of dealers to supply the Ariens Zenith E and have invested in service training and diagnostic test equipment to enhance customer support.

 
The organisation, which covers the North West and Yorkshire and has depots in Colne and Haydock, already boasts an impressive record for environmental awareness. Over the lockdown period the business has taken stock and investigated ways to enhance this. This includes undertaking several new measures including investing in renewable energy, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions and helping improve air quality locally and is continuing to expand its fleet of electric vehicles.

Managing director Chris Gibson said, “Following a successful demonstration to our sales team we are really excited to bring the new, battery operated mower into our range. Not only is it environmentally friendly and in keeping with our business values, but it also offers the excellent performance that is synonymous with all our commercial products. It provides our customers with another environmentally friendly Groundscare solution; low noise and emission free mowing while still retaining its high efficiency. We’re confident this will prove hugely popular with our customers across the North West and Yorkshire”.

The Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC) has announced the appointment of Les Howkins MG, golf course manager at The Richmond Golf Club in Surrey, as the new chairperson for greenkeeping for the Trailblazer Apprenticeship Employer Group.
 
The Level 2 Golf Greenkeeper Apprenticeship is undergoing a review by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) and Les will lead the Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group as it manages and responds to the review, ensuring the successes of the new Apprenticeships are built upon further.
 
Les has been involved with the Trailblazer Group since its inception in 2014 and is a huge advocate for greenkeeper training and education. Having held the post of chairperson of BIGGA from 2015 to 2019 and through his role as golf course manager at one of the most prestigious clubs in the country, Les is ideally placed to build on the leadership of former chairperson David Croxton, who sadly passed away in 2020.
 
Les said: “I am excited to take on this role and following the challenging times every golf club has experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to ensure that golf courses continue to be maintained and managed by highly skilled professionals. The ongoing review of the apprenticeship will provide for this need and produce the next generation of golf course managers.”
 
Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO and GTC board member, said, “Les has a proven track record of leading committees and boards in our sector which, coupled with his passion for education, makes him the ideal candidate to lead the Trailblazer group at this time. With the Level 2 apprenticeship having been such an outstanding success in England and with Levels 3 and 5 poised to do likewise, we are at an exciting time for greenkeeper training.”
 
Fiona Lyttle, Learning and Development executive (GTC), said: “We were saddened with the loss of David, who was instrumental as the first Trailblazer Chairman for Golf Greenkeeping. With his guidance and determination, the GTC was able to build an excellent Apprenticeship programme from Level 2 to Level 5.
 
“We were delighted and privileged to be able to appoint Les as the new Trailblazer chairperson. Being an active employer and advocate for greenkeeping education, the Trailblazer group and I are looking forward to working with Les to maintain the level of apprenticeships our employers have become accustomed to and to ensure they have quality golf facilities for their members to enjoy.”
 
The Greenkeeping Trailblazer Employer Group and Trailblazer Apprenticeship programme is supported by golf facilities and governing bodies including England Golf, The Richmond Golf Club, Frilford Heath Golf Club, Colne Valley Golf Club, Colne Valley Golf Club, Gaudet Luce Golf Club, Portmore Golf Centre, Trentham Golf Club and Worplesdon Golf Club.

In a move to support business growth and performance, BASIS has promoted two key members of staff into new roles.

Following a career as an arable agronomist, Greg Hopkinson has been promoted to head of business development.

Greg Hopkinson

“The position sees me managing the new business development and marketing department that encompasses a team working to expand and improve the services we currently offer within all aspects of food production, amenity and land management,” he says.

“I’m proud to be able to promote BASIS and showcase the great work it’s doing for its members and the industry, and I’ll have a particular focus on developing cross-sector relations, whether that be with the food supply chain or areas of livestock production.”

BASIS’ second promotion has been given to Jess Deunert, a longstanding member of the team, who has progressed through the company during the last 10 years.

Jess Deunert

“During my time at BASIS I developed a passion for digital solutions, design and communication. This set me on a path towards a Chartered Institute of Marketing qualification, which has since enabled me to step up into the role of marketing manager,” she says.

“I’m working closely with Greg to drive and deliver internal and external marketing campaigns with a focus on digital outputs including podcasts and new website features to support our members in their daily roles.”

WORKING PRACTICES CHANGED?

OPENING UP

ROADMAP TO NORMALITY

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

BEAST FROM THE EAST RETURNS

PLAYING OUR PART

WISHES GRANTED?

TIME TO REFLECT

SELLING OUR SECTOR

SPRING WITHIN OUR SIGHTS

LOOKING AHEAD INTO 2021

A FLOOD OF WATERLOGGING ADVICE

View all of 2020's blogs here

View all of 2019's blogs here

View all of 2018's blogs here

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?