I recently had the opportunity to visit another local authority public open space, Ravenhill Park Rugeley near Cannock Chase, in my capacity as a judge for the Green Flag Awards scheme. 

The earliest record of Ravenhill Park is in 1937 when Rugeley Urban District Council purchased Ravenhill House. It was on the site of where the play area is now. The house was offered by Lady Zouche as a military hospital during WW1 1914-1918 and then for training soldiers during WW2 1939-1945.  

Ravenhill Park entrance 

The eight-hectare site is a popular public amenity. It includes a tennis court, play area including paddling pool, outdoor gym station, football pitch, large open grass areas and woodland areas.

The park was officially opened in 1953 and the paddling pool and toilets were opened in 1962. The paddling pool is still a popular facility and well used during the summer months. It has been recently refurbished and must be perhaps one of the only surviving local authority outdoor paddling pools still in use.

L-R: Dave Wright, Tom Walsh, Lynn Evans, Sue Merriman 

I met up with Tom Walsh, Sue Merriman, Lynn Evans and Dave Wright who are key members of staff, responsible for the upkeep and management of the park. Tom is Cannock Chase Council’s parks and open spaces manager and, with the support of the valuable community partners, is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the facility. 

It is always nice to meet these dedicated parks people who are committed to keeping these valuable landscape assets maintained and fit for purpose - especially during the ongoing austerity measures faced by local authorities. 

Weather

The current weather front is continuing to be a great challenge for our professional and volunteer grounds practitioners. With temperatures fairly low for June and the persistent rain showers, I don’t envy the job of the cricket fraternity who are trying to prepare decent pitches amongst all these constant poor weather fronts. 

The months of June and July are usually the busiest period for cricket clubs. With matches being played both mid-week and weekends, spare a thought for the elite county grounds staff who are busy preparing Test wickets for the upcoming test matches. 

When will summer finally arrive? Well reading Mark Hunt's weather blog, Mark says the jet stream is on the move northwards and that will finally allow some warm / hot air to push up from Europe. Which is long overdue!

Predicting when we will receive a prolonged period of heat though is another matter, with the GFS and ECMWF projections changing daily. We are in a transition and it'll likely be a bumpy one. June to date has been uncharacteristically cool with some very cold nights for this time of year.

It seems from reading Mark's blog there is no indication of any prolonged warm weather fronts coming our way in the coming weeks.   

Industry talk

I also recently, had the opportunity to visit and catch up with Jonathan Knowles, head of the Sports Turf Academy at Leicester Football Club’s Seagrave training ground.

The facility is an 185-acre site, formerly a golf course, that includes an array of first class training facilities including:-

• 21 playing surfaces – including 14 full-size pitches
• 499-seater floodlit main pitch
• The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Building – the site’s primary training, medical, and administrative hub for the first team and academy
• The King Power Centre – the site’s central point, housing an indoor pitch and media centre
• Elite sports science and medical facilities including cryotherapy chambers
• Bespoke gymnasium and hydrotherapy facilities
• Sports Turf Academy for the education and development of industry-leading grounds staff and a private nine-hole golf course.

We had a fascinating talk about our industry and more importantly about some of the issues challenging our industry in terms of education and promotion of the role for grounds professionals. 

I shall be providing a full report on our conversation in a forthcoming issue of TurfPro.

A former IT recruiter, a hotel doorman, a county cricketer and a heavy metal guitarist are just some of the finalists in the BIGGA 2024 Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards, sponsored by Toro and Reesink UK.

2023 and 2022 winners

Now in its 35th year, organisers say the awards have helped unearth some of the brightest talents within the turf management industry and laid the foundations for decades of professional success.
 
Held at Oulton Hall in Leeds on 2-4 September, the finalists will compete in a series of challenges that are designed to test their technical knowledge and passion for the greenkeeping profession. Winners will then be crowned in the categories of Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year and Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year.
 
BIGGA Learning and Development manager, Deb Burnett. said, “Whether joining the industry fresh from full-time education or opting to switch after a career elsewhere, our finalists are a diverse group, but they demonstrate the extraordinary talent that is present in today’s golf greenkeeping industry. The degree of knowledge they possess is testament to the quality of training they receive, both at work and with their training providers, and we’re looking forward to welcoming them all to the finals in Leeds in September for what stands to be an exciting couple of days.”

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists are:

• Patrick Brown, greenkeeper at Wentworth Club and student at Berkshire College of Agriculture
• Jack Chapman, apprentice greenkeeper at The Grove and student at Capel Manor College
• Matt McCreadie, greenkeeper at Tadmarton Heath Golf Club and student at Myerscough College
• Jack Vowell, greenkeeper at Farrington Park Golf Club and student at Bridgwater & Taunton College
• Jack Wellings, greenkeeper at JCB Golf & Country Club and student at Myerscough College

The Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists are:

• Morgan Bowen, greenkeeper at Nevill Golf Club and student at North Kent College
• Alex Fox, apprentice greenkeeper at Woodhall Spa Golf Club and student at Bishop Burton College
• William Moore, apprentice greenkeeper at Kilworth Springs Golf Club and student at Myerscough College
• Daniel Parker, greenkeeper at Knighton Heath Golf Club and Sparsholt College
• Cameron Redden, apprentice greenkeeper at Strathmore Golf Centre and SRUC Elmwood College

To be eligible for the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year category, candidates must have been a greenkeeper for a minimum of 12 months and be studying towards the Level 2 Golf Greenkeeper or Level 3 Advanced Golf Greenkeeper qualifications.
 
To be eligible for the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year category, candidates must be aged 21 or under and studying towards the Level 2 award at the time of application.

FGM Claymore has expanded its robotic mower division, focusing on the expansion of commercial robot sales. 

L-R: Paul Butterly with Sam Daybell

Echo Robotics, a subsidiary of Yamabiko, is a manufacturer of large commercial robot mowers, serving customers in the golf, sports turf, leisure, education, and local authority markets. The range is also sold under the brand ‘Belrobotics’ across Europe.

With the addition to FGM’s commercial brand portfolio, the company have recently welcomed Sam Daybell to the team. The company say that as head of the robotics division, Sam is driving business development across the U.K. and Ireland. A main figure in the commercial robotics industry, FGM say Sam brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in commercial robot mower sales and has already established a solid dealer network in the U.K.

“This is a great opportunity.” Sam said. “Echo Robotics produce the best commercial robots on the market; so, after every new installation, I know that the customer is going to be happy with the outcome. In sales, that’s the best possible situation.”

Paul Butterly, managing director at FGM Claymore, is the driving force behind the move into robotics. “The addition of Echo Robotics perfectly complements our existing commercial Echo offering alongside our OREC range of OPE. Along with battery handheld and zero turns, robots remain an important segment in the market and I believe that we now have a world-class offering in all three product categories. Sam is arguably the most well-known and well-respected figure in the industry, so we were delighted that he agreed to join us.” 

With over 16 years of experience in the groundscare sector, Ben Cook has been appointed as the new Infinicut territory sales manager for Wales and the North of England. 

Ben Cook

After completing his NVQ Level 2 in Land Based Service Engineering at Myerscough College, Ben jumped straight into his first role with Balmers GM Ltd - where he stayed for the duration of his working career prior to joining Infinicut in April 2024. Starting out in a service technician role, Ben made the transition to sales representative in 2017 where he used his technical know-how to develop productive client relationships and drive sales across the Balmers GM groundcare portfolio. It was also during this time that Ben became well-versed with the Infinicut ranges, with Balmers GM joining the network of approved dealers in 2020.

“I’m really pleased to be embarking on the next chapter of my career with the Infinicut team,” Ben says. “Their market-leading pedestrian mower range is innovative and well-respected with professionals across the sporting spectrum, something I witnessed first-hand with the breadth of venues I had the pleasure of visiting during my time at Balmers and already since starting in my new role."

Infinicut sales manager Alan Jack added, “Ben’s enthusiasm and understanding of the industry will undoubtedly bring benefit to our customers in Wales, and in the area north of Birmingham up to the Scottish Borders. He joins just in time for the hectic summer season and has well and truly hit the ground running!”

A team from PSD Groundscare have recently taken part in a two-day visit to German manufacturer SABO, following the recent announcement of a partnership between the two organisations.

PSD say the trip was designed to further strengthen the relationship between the two companies. Their representatives met with the SABO team and underwent product training both at the factory and in the field which they say they will bring back to the UK and pass on to their dealer network and end-user customers. PSD are focussing on the sale of the walk-behind mowers, which for many years were branded John Deere and were known by both commercial and domestic users alike.

Sales director at PSD, Stuart Mercer, said, "The trip to Germany was fantastic in terms of building on the already strong relationship we have developed with SABO. It was very interesting to see the rigorous process of product testing in action and to obtain in depth knowledge that we can take back to UK customers.”

Lars Daniel, SABO managing director added, “We were delighted to welcome the PSD team to our premises and to be able to show them around our factory and meet our team. Our success is built on our relationship with our distributors and given PSD’s track record I am excited what the future holds with them at the fore-front of our business in UK & Eire”

Merlo have announced that, effective July 1st, George Colliar Ltd will be joining their dealer network.

L-R: Gavin Smith, regional sales manager, Merlo UK Ltd; Duncan Whyte, managing director & Gordon Gray, sales manager at George Colliar Ltd

The manufacturer has confirmed that the new dealership will be replacing J Low Agri in the area.

This announcement comes just ahead of the Royal Highland Show, where George Colliar Ltd will have a range of Merlo machines on display on their stand, F101(A).
 
Owen Buttle, national sales manager, Merlo UK, said, “This strategic appointment marks an exciting expansion of our dealer network north of the border in the Fife and Perthshire regions of Scotland and symbolises Merlo UK’s commitment to providing our customers with strong and comprehensive coverage across the region."
  
“We are thrilled by this partnership with Merlo,” added Dunan Whyte, managing director of George Coliar Ltd. “Joining the Merlo dealer network allows us to enhance our product offerings and provide our customers with even greater value and service. We look forward to a successful collaboration.”

FACILITIES MUST RECOGNISE & REWARD TURF PROFESSIONALS

AN OVERWHELMING RESPONSE

A TOTAL DISREGARD FOR OUR PROFESSION

IN-DEPTH WORK REQUIRED

A SAD DECLINE

WHAT MAKES A PERFECT LAWN?

WE MUST NOT BE THE CREATORS OF OUR OWN DOWNFALL

RENOVATIONS ON TOUR

A WORRYING TIME FOR PARKS

CONSEQUENCES OF THE CONDITIONS

STILL DELIVERING QUALITY GREEN SPACES

WATCH OUT!

THE VALUE OF SPRING RENOVATIONS

FULLY LOADED ARMOURY

THE VALUE OF TREES

WE MUST SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE

COUNCIL SERVICES IN DECLINE

INVESTING IN NATURAL GRASS PITCHES

WORRY OF WEATHER CLOSURES

BUSY & BUZZY BTME

A VERY PARTICULAR SET OF SKILLS

COPING WITH CLIMATE CHANGES

View all of 2023's blogs here

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

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?