I recently read with interest the latest disturbing news on the job situation in the UK in The Telegraph, that UK unemployment is to ‘rise above pandemic high within months’.

The piece said that unemployment hit 5.2pc at the end of 2025 with the rate amongst those aged between 16 and 24 rising to 16.1pc, its highest level in more than a decade.

With these statistics, it’s no wonder our own grounds industry is finding it difficult to recruit new blood.  After speaking to several businesses, contractors and people who work in our diverse grounds industry, they have made it quite clear to me that we are facing difficult times. 

So, what are the factors that are causing this downturn in recruitment?  

There’s no single cause, but a cluster of cultural, economic, and structural issues that make it harder to attract young people into the UK grounds industry. When you look at them together, the picture becomes clearer.

Here’s a breakdown that captures what many employers, colleges, and industry bodies have been reporting.
We still have a low visibility and outdated perceptions. Most young people don’t actually know what the grounds industry is - they imagine “mowing grass” rather than sportsturf science, machinery tech, ecology, or event management.

Schools rarely promote land-based careers unless a student is already interested.

Compared with trades like plumbing or electrics, grounds work isn’t seen as a “career with status”.

Pay and conditions have been a stumbling block. Entry-level wages in groundskeeping often lag other technical or outdoor roles. Young people compare it with construction, utilities, or logistics, which offer higher starting salaries and clearer progression.

Young people can earn more driving a white van or stacking supermarket shelves. I believe that they also have a limited understanding of progression routes.

The industry does have pathways (apprenticeships, Level 2–4 qualifications, specialist turf science roles), but they’re not widely advertised.

Many young people also think it’s a “dead end job” because they don’t see examples of career progression. It seems one of the biggest deterrents is that our work is generally outdoors with seasonal and physical work, demanding early starts, weekends and evening working. Not your usual 9-5 hour working week. 

Our industry also competes with jobs that offer more flexibility and comfort.

We also face tough competition from more “modern” sectors, like big tech, digital marketing, gaming, and creative industries. These attract young people because they feel more aligned with their identity and interests.

Grounds roles don’t always highlight the tech side - GPS-guided mowers, data-driven turf management, environmental monitoring - even though it’s there.

There is also a lack of structured recruitment pipelines. Many clubs, councils, and private grounds teams rely on word-of-mouth hiring. Without strong links to schools, colleges, and job centres, young people simply don’t encounter the opportunities.

Also, the youth of today have a different mentality when it comes work life balances, environmental impacts, clear development plans and inclusive workplaces.

Our grounds industry can offer these but doesn’t always communicate it well.

For me personally - and I have mentioned it many times before - but we need a new strategic pathway to entice the next generation into our diverse world of turf culture. We need to be better at promoting the skill sets required of a turf professional.

A turf professional in the UK requires a blend of horticultural science, turf management expertise, machinery competence, and regulatory compliance knowledge. The skill set varies slightly depending on whether they work in football, cricket, rugby, golf, schools, or local authorities, but core competencies are consistent.

They involve having an underpinning knowledge of the following: 

• Turfgrass science & agronomy
• Machinery operation & maintenance
• Surface preparation & sports-specific ,arking
• Health, safety & compliance
• Environmental & sustainability practices
• Planning, budgeting & record-keeping
• Soft skills & professional conduct in communication with others.

As mentioned on numerous occasions, I feel we require several national campaigns to promote our sector in schools, colleges and universities. We need more coverage on national TV, radio and in newspapers and magazines. 

We need head grounds staff who work at high profile sports facilities to be featured on national TV when a major sporting fixture is being played - ideally as part of the buildup to a game. The TV pundits should be interviewing the head grounds person for comments on how they have prepared the pitch, explaining the science behind preparing these facilities for a top level game.  These top grounds professionals such as the likes of Karl McDermott (Lord’s) Neil Stubley (Wimbledon), John Ledwidge (Man City FC) - in fact all the Premiership grounds staff - should be regularly featured to talk about their role and how they prepare their surfaces. 

And more Importantly they and their staff should be handsomely rewarded for their work. I just find it amazing that the FA, FIFA and other international sporting bodies are prepared to pay the players astronomical wages, yet many of the people responsible for providing these facilities 24 /7 are often paid a minimum wage. 

The whole saga of poor wages, poor working conditions and the missconception of what our skill sets are, have being going on for many years. Even with the goodwill of many singular organisations such as the GMA, BIGGA, and sporting governing bodies, we are still an industry that is not really recognised for the work we undertake. 

Again, as mentioned before, it is now time for all our trade associations, governing bodies and major manufacturers to finally come together to achieve a way forward, rather than working in isolation.

We need a national campaign to go to all schools nationwide, to entice them to come into the industry via a new apprenticeship / academy scheme that sees 5,000 enter per year, for the next five years. That’s a total of 25,000 being introduced and given the opportunity to come and work in our industry. 

This two-year scheme should be paid for in full, with wages and training costs covered. The student will then complete four work placements at agreed workplaces. For example, a golf course, football club, local authority, or manufacturer perhaps,  where they gain experience and get appropriate education via the local college. 

Once completed they will receive a given apprenticeship qualification and hopefully be rewarded with an opportunity to start a career in our industry. The government currently have £3.5 billion waiting to be invested in apprenticeship-type schemes like this. All it requires is the right people to negotiate and make a scheme like this happen. 

Let’s hope for the sake of our industry that it happens soon.

Following the announcement that Advanced Turf Technology (ATT) has been reacquired by original founder John Coleman, the company has revealed a strengthening of its leadership team with the appointment of the 'recently retired' and winner of Service Dealer's Lifetime Contribution Award 2025, David Withers. 

John Coleman and David Withers

A well-recognised name and face of the groundcare industry, David will be bringing decades of knowledge and experience to a new role as co-owner and company chairman. 

David’s career began as an equipment demonstrator for Redexim before embarking a 25-year tenure with Jacobsen where he held a number of senior leadership roles including six years as President. The last eight years has seen David spearhead the Iseki UK & Ireland business, where his proven ability to develop brands and drive sustainable growth saw the company more than double its sales. 

ATT say his deep understanding of professional turf machinery, manufacturing and brand development makes him a valuable addition to their strategic team at a pivotal point in its evolution.  

“David’s experience, insights and leadership credentials within the sector cannot be denied,” said ATT managing director John Coleman. “His support and guidance will be instrumental to establishing our new manufacturing facility, re-invigorating the Inficut and TMSystem brands back to their position as leaders in the marketplace and driving the business forward, both at home and further afield, as we embark on this next chapter.” 

David added, “I am delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside John and the team as we re-establish Infinicut as the go-to mower for golf and sports turf applications around the world. I am looking forward to this new role and continuing to play my part in this fantastic industry of ours!"

Jon Cole, divisional business manager for Reesink Turfcare, exclusive distributor for Toro commercial machinery in the UK, has been named the recipient of the Toro Green Blazer Award for 2025.

Jon Cole, divisional business manager for Reesink Turfcare, left, receives the Toro Green Blazer Award from Greg Laurence, general manager of the International Division of The Toro Company.

The award for Toro Equipment Sales is presented during the company’s annual worldwide distributor business meeting, which is held in conjunction with the GCSAA show in America, and recognises individuals who are contributing to the industry, demonstrating leadership and showing commitment to customers and customer relationships, all with commercial success.

Greg Lawrence, general manager of the International Division of The Toro Company, who presented the award to Jon, said, “Throughout his career, Jon has demonstrated unwavering commitment to customers, colleagues, and the Toro brand.

“He played a pivotal role in securing the landmark ten-year Total Solutions partnership with The Grove. Working closely with Toro, he helped develop a partnership proposition that extended well beyond equipment, including residual value strategies, customer engagement initiatives, education programmes, and the use of The Grove as a flagship showcase venue. These combined efforts overcame strong competition and secured long-term success.”

The Toro Green Blazer Award is presented to a member of the Toro channel who has demonstrated excellence and achievement in selling Toro commercial equipment. It is awarded just once a year and represents a high level of performance, customer impact, and outstanding accomplishment.

Alastair Rowell, managing director of Reesink UK, added, “Jon’s career began with John Shaw Machinery in 2007 and progressed through Reesink following its acquisition in 2014, ultimately becoming divisional business manager in 2022. A natural leader, Jon keeps teams aligned and informed, ensuring confidence across the sales organisation. 

“It is an honour for this award to come to the EMEA and to win is a great achievement, not only for Jon personally but also for Reesink UK as a company. I have worked with Jon for many years and to see his hard work recognised on this level is fantastic. He deserves huge congratulations.” 

The award also shows recognition to the top level of Commercial Equipment sales and development of new business opportunities.

Jon said, “It was a surprise and an honour to have my name read out at Toro’s distributor awards during the GCSAA show in Orlando. I’m extremely proud to have received this recognition from Toro and although it is an individual award, it is in my eyes more of a reflection on the effort and dedication shown by the whole team at Reesink UK.” 

ICL has announced the appointment of Peter Smith as technical area sales manager for Scotland North.

Peter brings more than 15 years’ experience working across some of the UK’s most respected golf venues, with a strong track record in delivering championship-standard playing surfaces.

He began his greenkeeping career at Kingsfield Golf Centre in 2009, where he played a key role in the grow-in of the full course from seed. Peter went on to hold senior positions at several prestigious clubs, including The Royal Burgess Golfing Society, Trump International Golf Links Scotland and Stirling Golf Club. Most recently, he served as head greenkeeper at Bathgate Golf Club, where he was responsible for all aspects of course preparation, including PGA and County events as well as long-term course development planning.

Peter said, “Throughout my time in turf management, I’ve always looked for partners that combine innovation with practical, real-world solutions. ICL has consistently stood out for its product quality, research-driven approach and commitment to supporting turf managers. I’m looking forward to working closely with turf managers and distributors across Scotland to help them achieve the best possible playing surfaces and deliver real value for their customers.”

GreenTec A/S, the Danish manufacturer of professional vegetation management machinery, has announced a new strategic dealer partnership with Redlynch Agricultural Engineering.

This collaboration expands the manufacturer's dealer network in the UK, focused on Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire areas. 

Under the new agreement, Redlynch Agricultural Engineering, a respected multi-brand agricultural machinery dealership, will now represent GreenTec’s full range of professional hedge cutters, quadsaws, rotary mowers and other hydraulic attachments to customers throughout southwest England.

Josh Allen, UK sales manager at GreenTec, said, “Selecting a dealer is about more than distribution, it’s about shared values. Redlynch has deep industry experience, strong customer relationships, and a commitment to service excellence which makes them an ideal partner as we continue to grow our presence in the UK market.”

Paul Cooke, sales team manager at Redlynch Agricultural Engineering, added, “We’re excited to add GreenTec’s innovative machinery into our offering. Their high-quality solutions complement our existing brands and help us serve our customers with even more choice and capability.”

Join Major and Carr's Billington for live demonstrations of the Major Groundcare Machinery Range in real terrain and genuine working conditions.

Major Equipment in conjunction with Carr's Billington is inviting groundsmen, contractors, local authorities and teams responsible for turf management to live machinery demonstrations of Major Equipment’s Groundcare equipment.

The event will take place on Wednesday 11th March at Ramside Hall, Carville, Durham, DH1 1TD from 10am to 2pm.

Among the machines on demo will be the Contoura, designed to follow ground contours with precision, and the CS PRO, known for its robust build and reliable performance. The TDR Winged Roller Mower will also be demonstrated, highlighting its ability to cover large areas efficiently while maintaining a high-quality finish.

The Major Swift is a versatile and high-speed solution for large-scale mowing tasks. For operators dealing with heavier growth, Flail Collectors will be shown cutting and collecting material in a single pass, while the Cyclone Mower will demonstrate its powerful mulching and consistent cutting results.

Light refreshments to be provided.  To assist with planning, please register your attendance in advance by visiting www.major-equipment.com

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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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?