Andrew Turnbull MRes, director, SouthWest Agronomy Ltd says he has an inbuilt curiosity to understand how to build and manage turfgrass surfaces. This has resulted in a blend of wide and deep working/practical experience coupled with high level qualifications in plant sciences (BSC (Hons.) and Master of Research degrees).

He has worked "from the ground up" as a greenkeeper to golf course manager, construction agronomist, college tutor, and has pioneered the use of plant & soil biostimulants for managing turfgrass surfaces.

Andrew Turnball

TOP FIVE CONCERNS

Over the course of 2023 there are some fantastic sporting events that will highlight the skills and dedication of grounds staff and greenkeepers, including the FA and Carabao Cup Finals, Guinness Six Nations, Epsom Derby, Grand National Festival, Cheltenham Festival, Wimbledon, Ashes Series, to name just a few.

These great sporting spectacles, however, hide issues facing those who prepare and manage turfgrass surfaces and I would like to highlight a few of these with a view to raising awareness and discussion so that change can come about. We can debate the relative significance and order of importance, but my top five concerns that are affecting the turfgrass industry in the UK is as follows;

1. Workforce and Skills Development

The availability of skilled labour is an ongoing challenge for the turfgrass industry in the UK. As experienced professionals retire, there is a need to attract and train a new generation of turfgrass managers. Developing training programs, promoting career opportunities, and emphasising the importance of continuing education are crucial for ensuring a skilled workforce that can effectively address the evolving needs of the industry. Answers could include:

1. We need more collaboration between educational institutions and industry associations to develop training programs and qualifications that address the evolving needs of the turfgrass industry. There are debates to be had over who should lead turf education and what the content should be and who pays for it, but we do not need territorial fights that hinder the education and motivation of future turf professionals. Note: During the writing of this article Mike Chappell has publicised the collaboration between Mike Chappell Enterprises and Moulton College!
2. Offer internships and mentoring programs to attract and retain a skilled workforce. Not just ‘work experience’ for school kids, but a properly thought out mini-training period that highlights the required skills, industry opportunities and what an apprenticeship means and can end with.
3. Encourage ongoing professional development through workshops, seminars, and conferences to enhance skills and knowledge among turfgrass professionals. This means encouraging employers to give financial support and time off to attend industry events. A typical attitude from an employer is ‘If I pay for this they will only leave for a better job’. We need better tax breaks and other financial incentives that encourage employers to give time for their employees to improve.

2. Water Availability and Irrigation Restrictions

Water availability and irrigation restrictions are a significant concern for the turfgrass industry, particularly during periods of drought. The need to balance water conservation and maintaining healthy turf can be challenging and turfgrass managers are increasingly seeking alternative irrigation sources, implementing water-efficient technologies, and adopting best practices to optimize water use. Answers could include:

1. Invest in water harvesting and recycling systems to reduce reliance on freshwater sources.
2. Adopt alternative water sources, such as treated wastewater or rainwater harvesting, for irrigation.
3. Optimise irrigation practices and invest in technology by monitoring soil moisture, using proper irrigation scheduling techniques, and applying water-efficient technologies such as precision irrigation.

3. Pesticide Regulations and Integrated Pest Management

The tightening of pesticide regulations in the UK has restricted the use of certain chemicals in turfgrass management, and turfgrass professionals face the challenge of managing pests, diseases, and weeds while adhering to stricter regulations. This has led to an increased emphasis on integrated pest management (IPM) approaches that prioritize prevention, better timing of cultural practices, and biological controls to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. Answers could include:

1. Promote integrated pest management (IPM) approaches that prioritize preventive measures, cultural practices, and biological controls to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. There needs to be industry collaboration to set up demonstration sites that show the effectiveness of these treatments and programmes.
2. Invest in research and education for turfgrass professionals to enhance knowledge and understanding of turfgrass/ soil sciences and IPM strategies, and how the use of different treatments can enhance natural defences against pests and diseases.
3. There needs to be more effective lobbying of government to counter the more radical, and increasing powerful, environmental pressure groups. Governments and politicians seem to only react to the loudest voices, so let’s shout about ourselves and the good that we do.

4. Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events

Climate and weather pattern changes poses significant challenges for the turfgrass industry in the UK. Increasing temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events such as droughts and heavy rains can impact turfgrass health, growth, and maintenance. Turfgrass managers need to adapt their practices to cope with these changing conditions and implement sustainable turf management strategies. Answers could include:

1. Research and develop turfgrass cultivars that are more resilient to heat, drought, and extreme weather conditions
2. Implement sustainable water management practices, such as using smart irrigation systems, soil moisture sensors, and water-efficient irrigation techniques that establish appropriate irrigation scheduling based on weather data and evapotranspiration rates.
3. Heavy rainfall events in the summer, when the ground has dried and is less receptive to heavy rainfall, are becoming more frequent and there is a need to get water off surfaces quickly without overloading local streams and rivers and causing more flooding further downstream. Water harvesting can help to collect water for later irrigation purposes and, in partnership with the Environment Agency, streams and rivers can be reshaped so that flooding is predominantly over land designed for excess water instead of residential areas

5. Sustainability and Environmental Impact

The need for sustainable turfgrass management practices is gaining prominence in the industry and we have been fortunate not to attract more attention from regulatory bodies such as the Environment Agency. For example, who has measured nitrates in drainage water from a top-class sports stadium? I have, and the results are not good. Nitrogen application to agricultural land is, by law, no more than 250 kg/ha, far less than most professional pitches receive and is bound to attract attention at some point. Balancing the demand for aesthetically pleasing and functional turf with minimising environmental impact is a priority if we, as an industry, are to show that we are responsible and proactive managers of the water and land environments.

Turfgrass professionals are exploring techniques such as low-input turfgrass systems (construction materials and design) and the use of organic/bio fertilisers to reduce reliance on synthetic inputs and minimise environmental footprint. Answers could include:

1. Encourage the use of sustainable turfgrass management practices, such as reducing pesticide inputs (which is already being forced upon the industry), optimizing fertilizer applications through the use of turf growth prediction calculations, and implementing land conservation plans (where there is room to do so).
2. Promote organic and slow-release fertilizers to minimize nutrient runoff and reduce environmental impacts.
3. Educate turfgrass professionals, end-users and the public about the benefits of sustainable turfgrass management and the importance of environmental stewardship.

It is important to note that these issues are not exhaustive and may vary depending on the region and specific circumstances within the UK turfgrass industry. 

It is crucial to recognise that addressing these issues requires a collective effort, collaboration, and ongoing research to develop innovative solutions that meet the specific challenges faced by the UK turfgrass industry. The role of the sport’s governing bodies, in partnership with the GMA and BIGGA, are vital to the sustainability and future of sporting events.

For example, golf is increasingly under pressure from some radical environmentalists who are lobbying for golf courses to be turned into rewilding projects. Their arguments are based on the effects of pesticides and fertilisers, which may seem bizarre and are wrong, but they have powerful and effective political lobbying activities. Is the ruling body for golf, the R&A, also actively lobbying and showing the importance of managing land for golf courses? It would help for them to let us know what they are doing, or to work with the industry and show their support in these matters.

Also, I don’t hear much from the four Football Associations of the UK about sustainability and grounds staff support. Yes, individual clubs have their carbon reduction and climate change aspirations but, are they published on a website just for public relations? A lack of actual data could open clubs to a sustained attack from environmental groups who publish misleading data on the impact of turfgrass based sports on the water and land environments.

The turf industry needs to show the government of the day that we are part of the solution to managing the effects of changing weather patterns and environmental issues, not a target for groups who want to push their own agendas. Only the sport’s governing bodies have the political size and clout to influence decisions made by government that have a direct effect on the jobs and careers of turfgrass professionals.

We need to be proactive and not naive in thinking everything is ok.

STIGA have announced that their autonomous A1500 robot lawnmower has won the Red Dot Design Award in the "Garden tools and equipment" category. 

"High-quality design plays an important role at STIGA, because our devices should not only impress technically, but also visually," said Amanda Kincaid, marketing manager at STIGA UK.

"The Red Dot Design Award is a great honour for us," continued Amanda. "Internationally, the Red Dot is one of the most coveted seals of quality. brands, products and concepts are evaluated annually by a specialist jury in the three disciplines 'Product Design', 'Brands and Communication Design' and 'Design Concept'."

The manufacturer says the cordless robotic lawnmower has patented AGS technology (Active Guidance System) with which mowing processes can be planned in advance. It navigates through the garden without a perimeter wire - via GPS and in connection with its reference station and all functions are managed through the STIGA.Go App.

T H White has announced new senior appointment of after sales director, as Adrian Pipe is set to join the team on Monday 3rd July responsible for agriculture, construction, dairy and groundcare businesses (ACDG).

Adrian Pipe

The company says Adrian has extensive experience in capital goods across these and the commercial vehicle sector, with specific expertise in after sales, technical support and customer care.

Most of Adrian’s career has been served with CNH Industrial, although he previously worked within a dealer environment. Prior to CNH Industrial, Adrian joined Ford New Holland in 1988 as a training instructor and then pursued a long and varied career covering numerous roles in after sales, product support, quality and manufacturing, with ever-increasing responsibility at the market, regional and global level. Adrian has worked extensively across the world, including assignments in Poland, Belgium, Brazil and Italy, culminating in 5 years as a senior executive and member of the CNHi Group Executive
Council.

Leaving CNH Industrial four years ago, he turned his hobby into a business; building bespoke sports cars and running a high-end car transportation service across the UK. Latterly Adrian has also been working as a consultant with key global manufacturers in the development of their sales and after sales business.

Adrian says he looks forward to returning to his roots, and developing T H White’s business, working closely internally and with customers to ensure they can continue to provide a customer experience that is second to none.

Adrian Lovegrove, ACDG division director said, "I’m particularly pleased to have Adrian’s skillset and expertise devoted to our business, to develop and grow our parts and service functions for the future, in conjunction with supporting key projects within our ACDG divisions".

Frank Nicol Farm & Garden Machinery from Dingwall recently attended the APSE Scotland Fleet, Waste and Grounds seminar in Aviemore with Toro U.K. Limited.

Matthew Coleman, sales manager for LCE and SWS - U.K. Direct Market, reflected on the show saying, ”Demand and interest for battery products is growing which has led to great interest in the Revolution Series.

"I am looking forward to supporting our Toro dealer network in promoting the new battery-powered Revolution Series across the UK to show what these machines have to offer."

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

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?

Recently, in my role of Volunteer Pitch Advisor (VPA) for the RFU, I attended one of several well-attended Honda Rugby Grounds Connected road shows that have been taking place. 

This one was held at the impressive Stafford Rugby Football Club in Stafford. The aim of the day was to offer guidance and education on the latest practices and machinery available for the maintenance of natural grass sports pitches.

Honda Grounds Connected demo day, Stafford RFC

The day was a full programme of speakers and demonstrations with activities beginning via a presentation by Jim Buttar, head grounds manager at Twickenham who gave us a fascinating insight into his career to date and the work that goes on to maintain the hallowed turf at HQ. 

He was keen to elaborate on the importance of monitoring the condition of the pitch and that the health of the grass plant was essential for the performance of the surface. He went into detail about some of the tools and technologies he uses to achieve his objectives of having a playable, well-presented pitch for match days. 

Jim Buttar, HG Twickenham

 
Next up was Todd Harrison, one of the Midlands RFU Pitch advisors, who gave an important talk on the use of the new Pitch Power app that will be an essential tool for all the rugby clubs who may want to secure available sports funding to improve their pitches.

This new app enables the clubs themselves to submit the relevant information and condition of their clubs’ pitches so that the RFU have the data to help the clubs move forward with the right strategy = - helping improve the quality and performance of their pitches.

Pitch Power app 

We heard that by 2025, the Football Foundation are planning to commit 40% of their investment, worth a projected £92 million over the next three years, into multi-sport projects that support both football and an additional sport, such as rugby, cricket, netball, and basketball. 

Todd went through the process of how to fill in all the sections of the app. Once completed, the RFU will have a complete evaluation of the current condition of their affiliated clubs’ facilities.

The information provided by the club initiates the process that helps the RFU evaluate what initial help clubs may need, and then with the help of the regional pitch advisors, put forward the relevant plan and strategies to help improve facilities. 

This might be in the form of securing funding to buy new machinery, loans for pitch improvements or drainage or perhaps some help towards essential renovation works.

The next guest speaker was Anna Nilsson, deputy head greenkeeper at The Belfy, who gave an insight to her career and the challenges of women entering and working in this industry. An enlightening talk that covered what she faced and how supportive The Belfry have been in helping her secure a valued position in a challenging working environment.  

Another keynote speaker during the day was Kelly- Marie Clack, agronomy technical manger from Origin, who gave an inspiring talk on the biology of soil and plant relationships.

In between talks delegates could experience outdoor working demonstrations of a plethora of essential machinery and equipment to help maintain natural turf playing surfaces.

Ben Taylor talking seeders 

On demo we had Campey Turf Care with Ben Taylor giving a talk on their compact tractors, Shockwave Aerator and Vredo Seeders. We also had demonstrations of a Weidenmann Terra Spike, followed by further demonstrations of a Trimax rotary finishing mower and a range of SISIS equipment including the Quadraplay and other outfield spikers.

Demo of SISIS machinery 

Also attending was the RFU main sponsor, Honda, who had a range of pedestrian mowers and a ride-on machine on show. And I mustn't forget Gary from Mansfield Sand who was hand to talk about topdressings and sand products for top dressing pitches. 

Gary from Mansfield Sands 

All in all, an informative day was had by all. We enjoyed a great turn out with around 40 plus attendees and it was pleasing to catch up with so many turf professionals and club volunteers who go out of their way to ensure our rugby playing surfaces are fit for purpose - hopefully encouraging the next generation of sporting superstars!

I believe it is impossible to put a value on what these community sports clubs bring to the table. We now have a robust pitch evaluation system at our disposal and the back-up of the relevant sporting bodies, coupled with the new pitch advisory service provided via the new structure of the GMA. 

All this should ensure clubs have the necessary opportunities to improve and maintain their pitches which, without doubt, are their most valued assets required to ensure the future prosperity of their beloved clubs.