Grounds Management - December 2020

Making sport possible

THE FRENCH CONNECTION

The Brit behind one of France’s best cricket pitches

TOWN AND GOWN

Maintaining the grounds at the University of Nottingham

GMA NEWS

New online toolkit for volunteers

STEVE BRADDOCK A game-changing grounds manager

December 2020 | £4.00

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT

DECEMBER 2020

WELCOME Green shoots The path to post-pandemic progress is underway. And while we celebrate the achievements of our scientists, we must remember that the virus doesn’t take a day off so we must continue to be vigilant. As we emerge from a second lockdown and enter a tiered system of restrictions in the run-up to Christmas, it is a time when our personal health and wellbeing is absolutely paramount.

Among the many sectors that have been impacted economically has been the events industry, which includes SALTEX. But we have once again taken decisive action to move the event to next November.

Emerging from the ashes of the pandemic, our industry continues to show resilience and resourcefulness – traits that the GMA has also had to demonstrate. But the scars remain and they will take time to heal. For the GMA, too, it has meant restructuring and reviewing our business plans as we look to recover from the impact of Covid-19.

The return of outdoor grassroots sports sets the stage for a renewed release of energy and activity as we enter 2021. We may well be seeing the first green shoots of recovery as we dare to look forward to a postpandemic world. While we do, the GMA wishes a safe and happy Christmas to all members and their associates, friends and families.

12 16

Geoff Webb Chief Executive Grounds Management Association

20

REGULARS 4

Industry news News and innovations from across the industry

7

GMA update A new online toolkit for volunteers

FEATURES

8

SALTEX News Survey responses support indoor shows

9

GaNTIP update Parish council playing field brought back from the brink

24

In Action Products from Headland, Limagrain, DLF, Wiedenmann

26

Product showcase Our pick of some of the best tools of the trade

30

Grow with the GMA Tom Bilton on how his accreditation has enhanced his knowledge of the science of turf care

12

GMA Hall of Fame Meet game-changing groundsman Steve Braddock – the latest inductee into the GMA HAll of Fame

16

Best practice: University challenges Taking care of the pitches at the University of Nottingham

20

Community cricket: Damazan Cricket Club The man maintaining one of France’s best cricket pitches

22

Technical update: The importance of record keeping Why keeping records is an essential part of running your business

This magazine is printed using paper from responsible sources

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT

January issue of

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT out from January 18

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Editorial address: 28 Stratford Office Village, Walker Avenue, Wolverton Mill East, Milton Keynes MK12 5TW | t:01908 312511 GMA membership and general enquiries: t:01908 312511 | e:membership@thegma.org.uk Magazine subscriptions: Jo Cornford | t:01908 312511 | e:accounts@thegma.org.uk Subscriptions: £72 UK | £82 Europe | £112 rest of world Published by: James Pembroke Media ■ Editor: Colin Hoskins | e:editor@thegma.org.uk | t:07785 293077 Publisher: James Houston ■ Product editor: Emma Dance | e:emma.dance@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk Head of design: Simon Goddard ■ To advertise in this magazine: t:020 3859 7097 | e:sales@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT is published monthly by the Grounds Management Association. All material is copyright of the Grounds Management Association and may not be reproduced without permission. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any advertisement appearing in the journal and cannot be held liable for editorial omissions or errors. The views expressed in the journal are not necessarily those of the Grounds Management Association.

thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 3

UPDATE

UPDATE | NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF

THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM THE INDUSTRY

Karl Standley (right) with Simon Rudkins (left) and Fin Farrell Bramley (centre)

FOOTBALL

A helping hand WEMBLEY’S GROUNDS MANAGER Karl Standley helped to save the day for a school in Hastings.

When the St Leonard’s Academy sports department shared a photo on social media of the somewhat slipshod line marking of its football pitch, Karl was quick to offer his help.

In particular, the centre circle was looking anything but central and after seeing the post himself, Karl responded from his own account to help them out, before arranging to travel to East Sussex.

Ahead of his trip to the coast, Karl called on the help of Simon Rudkins who is head groundsperson at Hastings United and also part of Wembley’s event day grounds team. And after winning six grassroots pitch of the year awards in the Isthmian and Steps 3 and 4 leagues, he was certainly a help in fixing the issue.

“To help St Leonard’s out was a privilege.

We wanted to help put it right”

There was also extra support from Fin Farrell Bramley, the 15-year-old assistant groundsperson at Hastings United, who was also able to pick Karl’s brains for some insider tips on pursuing a career in pitch care and maintenance.

“To help St Leonard’s out was a privilege; we benchmark ourselves on our standards and when seeing that issue we wanted to help put it right,” said Karl.

“To have an award-winning grassroots groundsperson in Simon and young future groundsperson in Fin made it a great team effort.

“After some work on the centre circle it was looking as good as Wembley’s and was ready for the children of St Leonard’s to play on. After all, you never know, one day some of the children from St Leonard’s could be playing on the pitch at Wembley.”

Helping to make the centre circle central again!

4 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2020

GreenMech rationalises dealer coverage GreenMech has announced a rationalisation of its dealer network in the South and South East, which will see an expansion in coverage area for existing dealer GA Groundcare, with effect from 1 January 2021. Operating from a purpose-built depot in Poulshot, Wiltshire, GA Groundcare will become exclusive to the GreenMech franchise, offering supply and support across the full pedestrian, road-tow and tracked chipper portfolio – together with stocking a comprehensive range of GreenMech replacement parts. Having originally been appointed in 2017 for the counties of Berkshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, the success of the partnership sees their territory extended to cover Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

Balmers GM joins INFINICUT network Balmers GM has been announced as the latest dealer in a growing network of outlets for the Infinicut and TMSystem ranges. With depots in Wakefield and Burnley, the company is well placed to deliver sales and support to a wide variety of professional customers across Yorkshire, Lancashire and Manchester.

Established over 40 years ago, Balmers GM has grown to become one of the largest dedicated turf machinery dealers in the UK. With immediate effect, it will be stocking the full Infinicut range of floating-head, fixed-head and rotary mowers together with the complete range of TMSystem cassettes for grooming, cutting and other maintenance activities.

Irelands adds Kubota grounds care kit to tractors Irelands Lincolnshire GroundCare has added Kubota grounds care equipment to its existing Kubota tractor dealership business. This will extend the products offered to include a full range of compact tractors from 18-60hp, commercial and domestic ride-on mowers and RTV utility vehicles, putting the firm on a course for further expansion into new markets.

NEWS | UPDATE

Boris Johnson supports £70m Cheshire Vision project PRIME MINISTER BORIS JOHNSON has pledged his support for plans to build a £70m world class football facility in Northwich, Cheshire. Driven by Cheshire Football Association, the proposals – called Vision 2020 – include a new 3,000-capacity stadium, two outdoor 3G pitches, one indoor 3G pitch, a medical facility, an outdoor activity centre, a hotel and spa.

Set to be located at the former Knights Grange Golf Club in Winsford, the “football village” – designed by architects Space & Place – is also set to become a leading centre for the provision of women’s and girls’ football.

Speaking in parliament, answering a question from Eddisbury MP Edward Timpson – who has been championing the development – PM Johnson said: “This is a very exciting project and I welcome Cheshire FA’s commitment to providing a new world class facility for women’s and girl’s football.”

Dave Edmunds, chair of Cheshire FA, said: “This proposal will see Cheshire at the forefront

O B I T U A RY

Bruce Harper BRUCE HARPER sadly passed away, at the end of September, after a short illness. Before his illness Bruce was very active, and would have been 80 in October.

Recently Bruce was granted Life Member Status, having been an active committee member of the Merseyside Branch for more than 30 years.

Bruce loved being a member of the GMA and he attended SALTEX on numerous occasions. He never missed a meeting or an event that was organised in the North West.

of County FA football development at every level of the game.

“Our aim is to provide a fantastic facility that will significantly increase opportunities and experiences for all participants within the game, be they individuals or clubs.”

Louise Gear, head of women’s football participation at The Football Association, said: “This is an innovative proposal and great news for aspiring female footballers across Cheshire.

Excellent facilities mean more opportunities, better players and more enjoyment. Centres like this can only aid our aspiration, that we set out back in 2017, of doubling participation in the women’s game.”

Bruce spent his working life working for South Liverpool Parks and gardens and, on his early retirement at 57, he had become parks manager for a number of the parks. He had no intention of hanging up his hoe and worked for a ground’s firm as well as looking after the pitch at South Liverpool Football Club, a leading club in amateur circles, right up to his diagnosis with liver cancer.

He is survived by his partner June. He will be sadly missed by all who had the privilege to have known him.

Dave Weedon, secretary Merseyside Branch

MOVERS & SHAKERS

D EVE LO PM E NT

Alistair Eccles As part of a commitment to providing the best in professional turf care solutions and expertise, Agrovista Amenity has announced the appointment of Alistair Eccles.

Perth-based Alistair joins the team as an amenity specialist for North Scotland, where he’ll be contributing more than 30 years of industry experience. Previously, he worked for grass seed company DLF as a technical sales manager and prior to this, spent 12 years working for Germinal. Earlier in his career he held a range roles within the crop protection industry. amenity.agrovista.co.uk

Daniel Tomberry Experienced Reesink Turfcare rep Daniel Tomberry is relocating to the Midlands from South West Scotland to take on the role of sales manager for the area. Daniel has almost 15 years’ experience in sports turf management in various roles including head groundsman at East Dorset Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, and three years sales experience. It is this mix of experience that Daniel, and Reesink Turfcare equipment sales manager Alastair Rowell, say will benefit customers. resinkturfcare.co.uk

Robin Lennie STIHL Great Britain has announced the retirement of longstanding managing director Robin Lennie at the end of the year. Robin joined the company in 1990 as finance director and company secretary and was promoted to managing director in 2008. During his tenure as managing director, the company has increased turnover from £57m in 2008 to over £109m in 2019. His successor will be Kay Green, who joins STIHL on 1 March. Financial director Nick Burroughs will act as interim managing director. stihl.co.uk

thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 5

UPDATE | PRODUCTS

REFORM WERKE

Reform Muli mid-range REFORM WERKE has announced the arrival of the new lightweight mid-range Muli transporter T7X, T8X and T8X pro. These models combine power with a light footprint and excellent slope capability. Four fully-featured attachment points offer comprehensive multifunctionality and the adjustable suspension and the quick-release system with automatic PTO centring, in combination with the Reform built-on self-loading trailer, allow fast swapping of bodies.

ARIENS

IKON XD THE LATEST ARIENS IKON XD zero-turn is a comfortable and easy ride, with a newly designed seat and intuitive controls for precision performance. The IKON XD comes with a wide range of commercial features, but at an affordable price. It’s constructed with a fully fabricated, heavy-duty tubular steel frame to provide enhanced strength and stability while travelling over different terrain. The power comes from a premium Kawasaki 726cc engine for reliability and driving a commercial quality cutter deck, and there are 13 cutting heights. ariens-uk.com

slopemower.co.uk

SY N G E N TA

Turf management A NEW ONE box solution from Syngenta is set to safely see greenkeepers and turf managers through the difficult transition from summer to winter disease control. FR321 is a pre-packaged single tank-mix of two fungicides, Heritage and Medallion TL, along with Ryder pigment to enhance turf colour and quality.

The pack contains the optimum proportion of each product proven to give the most effective control during periods when weather conditions and turf growth are fluctuating, advises Syngenta technical manager, Glenn Kirby. It also draws on trials that have shown the advantages of including Ryder in the tank mix with fungicides for turf colour and quality. www.greencast.co.uk

The new one box solution from Syngenta will see you through the seasons

6 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2020

RE E S I N K TU RFCARE

Franklin Pumps REESINK TURFCARE IS the new distributor of Franklin water pumps in the UK and Ireland. The company has secured a range of high-quality pumping systems for clean and dirty water in submersible and surface applications.

Robert Jackson, water division sales manager for Reesink Turfcare, says: “We’ve made the purchasing decision very easy for customers. The products are great quality, the cost is reasonable and there’s something for every requirement.”

The ES, VS and EV series are suitable for pumping clean water through irrigation systems at sports grounds, and the EGT and EGF series provide the solution for dirty water extraction from reservoirs, streams, lakes and pits. reesinkturfcare.co.uk

EDUCATION | GMA UPDATE

Jason Booth GMA chief operating officer

NEW ONLINE TOOLKIT FOR VOLUNTEERS

issues relating to grounds management.

The GMA says it is committed to providing the best possible tools across all levels so that grounds management tasks are consistently completed to a high standard, aligning with The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has announced the Grounds and Natural the new Grounds Management Toolkit website as an online Turf Improvement Programme strategy that educational resource aimed at volunteers maintaining football, is delivered in partnership cricket and rugby league and union pitches with the national governing bodies of T HE N EW GROU N D S M AN AGEM EN T Toolkit sport. And it is grateful for Sport England’s support website consolidates information from the Sport in enabling delivery of the Grounds Management England ‘Groundsmanship’ website and has Toolkit, giving the GMA the opportunity to make this reshaped its written content into short videos and resource free for all. easy-to-digest seasonal maintenance guides.

Speaking about the new website, Tony Atherton, By relaunching the website, the GMA aims technical team lead of Sport England, said: “We’re to continue increasing the skills and capabilities really supportive of the GMA’s approach to upskilling of practising and future grounds volunteers. The grounds staff and volunteers, so handing over the resources also help the general public to engage Groundsmanship website was a natural progression further with common practices involved in grounds of the work we have achieved through this resource maintenance and to understand how to help get so far. I really hope the grounds community feels pitches ready for players across their community. that the Toolkit supports and complements their The Grounds Management Toolkit follows the hard work.” ■ launch of the GMA’s Level 1 and Level 2 online training courses, with modules that cover the basic grounds maintenance tasks required at grassroots level. With face-to-face classroom learning currently on hold due to restrictions, the GMA is developing its digital capabilities and touch points – such as The ‘Grounds Management Toolkit’, funded webinars – to keep its member community, and

by Sport England, can be accessed via www.resources.thegma.org.uk the wider public, educated and informed on key

thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 7

SALTEX UPDATE

TECHNICAL UPDATE | COVID-19 ADVICE

SALTEX surveys offer encouraging feedback

KEEP IN TOUCH SALTEX 2021 will take place on November 3 & 4, 2021 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information, visit www.gmasaltex.co.uk. Follow SALTEX on Twitter and Facebook

Chris Bennett SALTEX press officer

In-person trade shows may have been off the table in 2020, but plans are underway for SALTEX to be back, better than ever, in autumn 2021 LAST M ONT H T HE GM A issued two surveys; one to every exhibitor that had signed-up to the 2020 event, and one to every visitor – past and present. The aim was to gather industry feedback which could help plan for and shape the future of SALTEX. When asked which type of show visitors would like to attend, respondents confirmed that despite the rise in virtual events, nothing can quite replace human interaction and an indoor show proved to be the most popular choice for both 2021 and 2022:

Preferences for 2021 • Indoor show - 86% • Outdoor show - 27% • Virtual show -18%

Preferences for 2022 • Indoor - 91% • Outdoor - 33% • Virtual - 9% A key question in the surveys asked the best time of year to attend a trade show; November was the first option – followed by October: • • • •

November - 47% October - 32% February - 30% September - 25%

Despite the pandemic, it is clear that there remains an appetite for trade shows. Respondents were asked how confident they were on a scale of 0-10 (0 not likely at all, 10 extremely likely) in attending trade shows in the future. An overwhelming 73% voted 7 or above.

Commenting on the results of the surveys, Geoff Webb, CEO of

the GMA said: “Crucially, we wanted to listen to the industry and give them an opportunity to shape a show that is totally about them and their needs. Their views also hugely supported our motivation to reschedule. We felt really encouraged by the research which pointed to a continuing demand for an indoor trade exhibition and it was also promising to see November as the preferred date. There was a reason that we went from an outdoor summer show to an indoor show, and I think these survey results underline the fact that SALTEX, in its current format, works for the sector.”

In addition to a core audience of regular visitors, SALTEX continues to attract new first-time visitors. An encouraging 34% visited SALTEX for the first time in 2019 compared to 28% in 2018, 27% in 2017, 26% in 2016 and 23% in 2015.

8 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2020

SALTEX is appealing more to the younger generation in the industry too, which is further supported by the GMA’s wider range of activities.

There was an increase of 6% in visitors aged between 16-30 at SALTEX 2019.

Other notable increases have seen a rise in landscapers, local authorities and those working in junior, assistant and deputy positions. ■

For SALTEX sales and sponsorship: Matthew Knight: matthewknight@rabdf.co.uk Charles Neale: charlesneale@rabdf.co.uk Luke Perry: lperry@thegma.org.uk For SALTEX invoicing enquires: Alan Clarke: accounts@thegma.org.uk

GaNTIP UPDATE DURING COVID-19

Back from the brink Following a multi-partner approach that included input from the Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme, Sutton Bonington FC’s pitch is back from the brink and the outlook for 2021 is much brighter

SUTTON BONINGTON Playing Fields is a fairly typical parish council site with limited budget and maintenance. And, as a result, by spring 2020 the pitch had a significant population of broadleaved weeds. However, a disastrous turn of events saw the surface mistakenly sprayed with a total herbicide, rather than a selective one, with the unfortunate result of killing the majority of the grass sward.

The club’s first attempt to address the situation involved applying to the Football Foundation’s Pitch Preparation Fund that was launched in response to Covid-19. Grant funding was awarded but little success was achieved in establishing new growth in the damaged areas.

Turning to Leicestershire and Rutland FA for help from The Football Association’s Grass Pitch Improvement Strategy (which has superseded the Pitch Improvement Programme), county FA support pitch advisor Mike Aplin conducted a site visit. He found that a significant renovation was needed and, in conjunction with GaNTIP, produced a basic schedule of works. A collaborative effort between the County FA and the Football Foundation led to a further grant award covering 75% of the project costs.

Leicester City FC’s newlylaunched Sports Turf Academy Technical Services team undertook the renovations. Prior to turf

Sutton Bonington FC’s pitch is recovering well, ready for the new season

stripping to 15mm deep, the pitch was sprayed to prevent the reemergence of weeds and weed grasses. Then a tractor-mounted scarifier cleaned any remaining debris and about 80 tonnes of spoil was removed. The pitch was then disc seeded in six directions using 20 bags of high quality, five-cultivar perennial ryegrass mixture, with 30 tonnes of compatible sand dressing being spread and a high-phosphate slow-release fertiliser applied to support establishment.

The work was completed on September 8 and, with the pitch subsequently establishing strongly, work continues by all interested parties to support the club in preparing the revamped playing surface ready for the new season. ■

Julien Morris GaNTIP regional pitch advisor, East Midlands

Visit www.thegma.org.uk for details of the Grounds & Natural Turf Improvement Programme

thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 9

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE | TURF TANK

Turf Tank makes its mark in the UK In the last three years, the popularity of robotic line markers has grown in the UK, and after huge success in the United States and Denmark, Turf Tank is delighted to be to making its mark in Great Britain too FOR THE DANISH manufacturing company, Turf Tank, breaking the British market with their robotic line markers has taken some serious groundwork. And this has led to major changes in operating practices, including the appointment of sales and service personnel in the UK and a full back-up service from the technical team in Denmark.

Before the official appointment of Matt Murry and Alex Robinson as Northern and Southern Sales Managers, the company had already established a reputation for accuracy and reliability, with multiple Premier League clubs on-board with the concept. Now sales are reaching across independent schools and universities, local authorities, professional sports clubs as well as contractors, covering a whole range of sports.

Providing robots to these customers stemmed from GMA (SALTEX) exhibitions and from here the company has seen interest in the robot grow rapidly. Alex says: “The biggest impact I see at the venues using the Turf Tank One is the amount of time they are saving. Marking out multiple sports pitches from scratch takes a lot of time, so in some cases, we can save grounds staff days’ worth of labour.

“A large part of the timesaving is making sure the lines are marked out perfectly, and ensuring the robot is easy to operate so we offer a full installation and back-up service, and if there are any issues, we’re always at the other end of the phone to sort things out.”

In terms of accuracy and speed, the statistics speak for themselves. Marking an 11-a-side football pitch from scratch takes approximately 25 minutes, while overmarking requires nothing more than pressing start on the tablet for the selected pitch. Larger templates, such as a 400m running track, can be completed in 1 hour 45 minutes with numerous other Matt Murray and Alex fully customisable templates Robinson (L-R) join Turf Tank available. By having access to as UK Regional Managers

10 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2020

The Turf Tank marking running track lines

Turf Tank’s support team, any template you need can quickly be created, so you’re able to mark out any site for any sport.

A different level Turf Tank is the only company to offer a base station with its robot. It provides an accuracy of +/- 1cm over 100m and ensures that the robot will overmark lines with supreme precision and mark out new pitches with ease. The base station allows the machine to be operated without cellular or real-time kinematic (RTK) connectivity and coverage, with no annual subscription or contract required. Using the closed system means the marker can be used anywhere with reliability while matching the marking speed of every robotic line marker on the market.

While the product is clearly impressive, the attainability is often questioned so, in anticipation of this, Turf Tank made rental packages with the aim of making robotic line marking affordable.

“I know from my previous roles the importance of line marking, both in terms of time and quality, and that is what makes the Turf Tank One such a good machine,” Matt begins.“Contractors see the benefit of being able to cut pitches or complete other jobs while they use it.

The elite clubs have a method of marking that meets their exceptionally high standards but saves them a

TURF TANK | ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

massive amount of time, while people who work at schools like the variety of sports they can mark for. While everyone has different reasons for using it, they all get the full range of benefits. Because we knew it would have a universal appeal the subscription models were put together. Within those are unlimited software updates and product warranty, and the option to use your preferred paint without affecting that warranty. All models can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of the customer.”

Something Turf Tank has on their side is the testimonials they get from those using the robot.

Working well for Countrywide Grounds Maintenance Wayne Middleton is the Director of sports turf contractor Countrywide Grounds Maintenance, Shropshire. “Alex has been very patient with us,” Wayne explains. “We first met him at Saltex and then had a demo of the robot in January 2020 on a very wet field. We were over the moon with how it performed. When we bought it in August, he was straight out and showed us how to use it, and if we need little pointers or a quick talk through something, he’s always happy to help.

“We have come from an agricultural background where we used GPS on our tractors so, we set out to look for a GPS line marker because we knew what the technology was all about. The Turf Tank stands up very well to the

Wayne Middleton Countrywide Grounds Maintenance

agricultural technology we have used. I mark eight football pitches for a league, and they get marked every week, and I’ve gone back in and overmarked them, and it hasn’t missed a beat. Each pitch takes 20 minutes, and the accuracy is always spot on.

“I can go and mow a football pitch and then set that off to start marking while I cut another pitch which makes great use of the time. We can also mark at night, which is a big plus for us going into winter because it means we can beat the weather and still provide a good service.” ■

For more information visit www.turftank.com

BEST PRACTICE | GMA HALL OF FAME

Colin Hoskins Editor

STEVE BRADDOCK – A GAME CHANGER!

Steve Braddock with his wife, Shuk, and daughters Jasmine and Lily at the Emirates Stadium

As Steve Braddock, head groundsman at Arsenal FC’s London Colney training ground, is inducted into the Grounds Management Association Hall of Fame, he looks back on his 40 years in the industry. It’s been a period when his mentoring skills have become as renowned as much as his turf care dedication, professionalism and attention to detail – qualities that have shaped his widely-revered grounds management expertise AS STEVE BRADDOCK emerges this month from the nation’s second Covid-19 lockdown – a lockdown which, as a vulnerable person, prevented him from even visiting his beloved Arsenal FC training ground – the universallyacclaimed turf guru continues his personal health war on a second battlefront: his fight against skin cancer which has now developed further to affect his bones. “The last couple of years have really brought it home to me that nobody is immune to life-threatening illness,” he says. “I know I am faced with an upwards battle, but I will give it my best shot. I was told last November that I had around three months to

12 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2020

live, but I am still here!”

Recounting the introduction of the first lockdown, in March, Steve says: “It was really difficult for me when I was told to take a laptop and work from home. But given my vulnerable state, it was for my own safety and, to be honest, I’m not sure I would have been able to cope with all the extra work that has been needed on site. I am very lucky that my staff have stepped up to the plate and they have made me really proud of their achievements.“ His team at London Colney includes his deputies Daniel Bickerton and Andrew Purser – “they have both stuck with me from day one at the training centre” – as well as Stuart Aiston, “who has suffered me for about 15 years”. Steve comments: “If it wasn’t for these people, along with others who have been with me longer than a five-year stretch, I would not have been able to achieve what I have at the training ground nor, indeed, would there have been such an impressive conveyor belt of good grounds professionals produced by Arsenal FC.” Steve is full of praise for Arsenal FC, the club’s stadium and facilities director John Beattie and former club manager Arsène Wenger “who has always believed that the pitch is as important as the player.” “They have always supported me in everything I’ve done and provided the appropriate resources

GMA HALL OF FAME | BEST PRACTICE

Part of Arsenal FC’s London Colney training ground

– both in terms of experiments in turf care and products as well as in the way I have trained and mentored my staff,” he adds. The amenity suppliers Steve has worked with over the years are also praised: “They have always embraced my enthusiasm for innovation and their input has also been indispensable.”

Management style He admits that ‘tough love’ has been a central theme of his staff management, training and mentoring strategies. “I don’t believe there’s a rule book on how to manage a team of people.

Because everyone is different, what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for another.

Managing people successfully is a knack; it’s like having the natural ability to look after sports turf.”

Indeed, Steve’s innate ability to simply look at the turf and know when and how much to water and fertilise, when to apply herbicides and pesticides, and how short (or long) to cut has not only earned him revered status among his peers, but along with his mentoring skills was a key factor in Steve collecting the 2009 Grounds Management Association (nee IOG) Lifetime Achievement Award. Now, as he surpasses more than 40 years in the industry, his inspirational innovation and leadership, knowledge and passion have led to his induction into the

GMA Hall of Fame, joining the late Eddie Seaward MBE of All England Lawn Tennis Club fame.

“What gives me so much satisfaction is listening to past employees who have gone on to achieve great things saying there were times when I was very difficult to work with, but that they now understand why I am like I am.

From my point of view, I know I’m a hard taskmaster and I think there’s nothing worse than people who don’t fulfil their potential.” Naturally, he insists that his team members must be ‘on board’ with his way of thinking which he admits is very disciplined and finicky – even to the point of obsessiveness.

“I’ve always been the same ever since I started in grounds care at the Royal Veterinary College, which I joined basically as a stop-gap until an apprenticeship became available in the fire service.

However, it was at the college where I started to establish a reputation for producing high-class pitches, learning as I went along [‘basic’ turf care NVQs were gained while at Arsenal]. A chance meeting with George Graham, then manager at Arsenal FC, led to an interview for the head groundsman’s role at the old

Steve Braddock – an inspirational force “Steve ‘Brads’ Braddock’s induction into the Grounds Management Association Hall of Fame is in recognition of his outstanding career at the forefront of professional football at Arsenal FC, as well as his contribution in influencing and shaping the careers of many others.

His innovation and leadership, knowledge and passion are truly inspirational.”

Geoff Webb, CEO. Grounds Management Association

thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 13

BEST PRACTICE | GMA HALL OF FAME

Team members with Steve for more than five years, from left: Dan Osborne, Keith Miller, Sam Purser, Anthony Edmends-Fahey and Lewis Smith. The team also includes Mike Bath and Malcolm Twitchin who were unavailable for the photograph

Staff that have been with Steve for less than five years, from left: James Franklin, Tom Bowditch, Louie Moore and Jack Elkins. The team also includes Jeremie Male and James Attfield who were unavailable for the photograph

Skin cancer – check it out!

Steve Braddock’s desire to highlight how “even the most innocent looking skin mark” can quickly evolve into a lifethreatening disease prompts his plea to encourage anyone with a scab or a mole “to get it checked out – don’t leave it.”

He adds: “My problem started with a mark on my back, which I had removed.

But six months later and with pain throughout my body, an MRI scan revealed that unfortunately the cancer had travelled to my bones.”

Initially prescribed an immunotherapy treatment – which proved unsuccessful – Steve is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

“Importantly, the doctors tell me to keep as active as possible,” says Steve, “which is why I try to complete 10,000 steps a day when not suffering the aftereffects of chemo or being in lockdown.”

Steve’s deputies, from left:- Dan Bickerton, Andy Purser and Stuart Aiston

Highbury stadium. I didn’t think the interview went that well. I remember being asked whether I had any questions and instead of enquiring about things like conditions of employment, all I could think to ask was whether David Rocastle would be fit for the coming season!

Job satisfaction “Being an Arsenal fan and getting the job was like putting a kid into a sweet shop, and I’d like to say that you could see an improvement in the pitch during my first season. But disaster struck in the second season, with the surface falling apart. We knew the pitch was past its sell-by date so, during that summer, we had a new surface installed by Hewitt Sportsturf. That lasted from the 1989/90 season right up until the club moved to the new Emirates Stadium in 2006, thanks to monumental pitch care achievements by my successors at the stadium, Paul Burgess – who stepped up from being my deputy when I moved to London Colney – then Paul Ashcroft who has been in charge ever since Paul went to Spain.”

14 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2020

Steve’s move to London Colney in 2002 has allowed him to feed an insatiable appetite for knowledge, he says, and while the remit at the training ground is to have the pitches as good as the stadium surface, the 15-hectares site has given him the freedom to experiment. While cancer has really taken over Steve’s life during the past two years, it’s not stopping him from continuing to push the boundaries of turf care by constantly seeking alternatives (in terms of products and techniques) that may challenge convention. “The London Colney site has given me the freedom to investigate every aspect of turf care – for example, new seed varieties, fertilisers, water applications and growth retardants.

You name it and over the years I’ve probably investigated it. And now, despite my illness, I am continuing with a project that, if successful, could be a game changer in terms of global warming as well as dealing with waste disposal!”

Even during this chapter in his life when he is faced with serious illness, 56-year-old Steve’s enthusiasm for innovation and improvement will not surprise anyone who knows him. He is, indeed, a game changer in his own right and is a much-deserved inductee into the Grounds Management Association Hall of Fame. ■

GMA LIVE Winter is Coming Decompaction, Drainage & General Repairs of Winter Sports Pitches Date: Thursday 10 December 2020 Time: 7.00-8.00pm This session will provide you with all the latest hints and tips to get your pitches winter-proofed, as well as helping you deal with the ever-present issues surrounding decompaction and drainage. Our expert speakers include Ian Mather-Brewster, Key Account Manager (ECB) with the Grounds & Natural Turf Improvement Programme, Julien Morris, member of the Grounds & Natural Turf Improvement Programme team, and GMA’s specialist consultant, Alex Vickers.

Topics to be covered include: • Playing season maintenance – hand forking, surface repairs, aeration, tractor mounted / pedestrian slitters and other maintenance tips • End of season renovation – scarification, de-compaction (linear deep tine) and top dressing • Drainage – primary drainage, pipe systems, secondary drainage, sand slits and gravel banding • The importance of maintenance systems and their cost implications This session is free to attend. Join us on Thursday 10 December. Please sign-up here: https://bit.ly/2UZBamV

Grounds Management Association has continued to network with sports bodies and Government to provide the latest guidance for the sector. Our primary focus always remains the safety, as well as the physical and mental wellbeing of everyone working in the industry. We also understand that each working situation and environment during this challenging time is a case-by-case scenario.

BEST PRACTICE | UNIVERSITY CHALLENGES

Part of the Highfields campus, showing its proximity to Nottingham town centre

INTEGRATING ‘TOWN AND GOWN’ WITH SUCCESS

Andy Carmichael Freelance writer

The University of Nottingham’s award-winning grounds team successfully marries the maintenance of high-quality playing surfaces with Green Flag-winning open space management and presentation

16 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2020

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGES | BEST PRACTICE

SIR JESSE BOOT, he of the chemist fame, is known for his donations to the city of Nottingham – not least being his financial assistance in building the then University College.

Perhaps less familiar is the keen interest he held in establishing sports facilities and the health benefits of physical exercise. They were “an integral part” of the campus he helped fund.

Today, just over 90 years later, I am chatting remotely with Greg Smith who, alongside David Beadle, manages the grounds department at the University of Nottingham. While David “is a tree man”, Greg’s remit is managing and maintaining the modern vision of Sir Jesse’s sporting landscape, having moved to the organisation in 2015 from Notts County Football Club. This responsibility covers multiple sites; from the 300-acre main campus on the outskirts of the city to the modern Jubilee extension a mile further on, as well as the Sutton Bonington home of biosciences and veterinary medicine in neighbouring Leicestershire. It is a lot of green space and it needs the effort of a further 38 members of staff split across the locations to maintain them to the expected standards.

A measure of their success is the fact that in addition to being named the 2019 Grounds Management Association (GMA) Redexim Charterhouse/Kubota University Grounds Team of the Year, the university has also received the Green Flag award for landscaping and grounds management annually since 2003.

the 25mm that was both familiar to Greg from the professional version of the sport and the height the university maintained a few years ago.

The slightly raised cut, he explains, gives the grass plant that extra bit of support and they have “seen fewer weed incursions and fewer worm casts.” The cricket pitches host play at 6mm, with student use being supplemented by local side Attenborough Cricket Club. Greg is a big believer in “the more play the square gets, the better it plays”.

Plenty of play There is certainly plenty of play at the university (in normal times). As well as the natural turf there are the multiple artificial surfaces, management of which won the team a GMA award in 2016. I get a sense of the scale of the work at the university when Greg discusses the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) Championships. This sees teams from academic institutions compete in sporting events throughout the year (Nottingham has over 100 teams alone), before many of them meet in the final BUCS Big Wednesday event. This was due to be held at the university in late March, for

Ongoing maintenance While some of the staff have been furloughed on two occasions this year, Greg has been working throughout the lockdowns (although he has spent part of last month recovering from Covid-19!), earlier this year completing three days a week ‘on the tools’ and two days in his office. He is quick to praise the “fantastic” team during what have been unprecedented times.

Particularly so as the changed circumstances in the spring allowed for more renovation than ever.

Instead of the usual 32,000 resident students, there have been “around 180 or so who couldn’t get home”, making for a quieter campus but one where nature would not simply provide sports surfaces if left unchecked.

There are many playing surfaces across the three campuses; 28 natural turf football pitches, eight for rugby, and two cricket squares, plus pitches for softball and American football. The football pitches are kept at 30mm, a rise from

There is always work to be done, to keep the many pitches at the Uninversity of Nottingham in tip-top condition, and ready to host the various sporting teams

thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 17

BEST PRACTICE | UNIVERSITY CHALLENGES

Greg Smith, Nottingham University

THE MORE PLAY THE SQUARE GETS, THE BETTER IT PLAYS the third year in succession, testament to the standard of the facilities and the team’s ability to host such a large-scale and prestigious tournament. Greg tells me that such events are planned for at least a year, or more like two.

Outside of the academic world, such activity may be less well-known than professional tournaments. But, given the range of sports played and number of competitors involved, they are just as much, if not more, of a logistical challenge.

In addition to the BUCS finals, the grounds team prepares surfaces for the European Touch Rugby championships and hosts World Archery events as well as the UK Ultimate Frisbee national finals – the latter being played on a pitch like a narrow football field at 100m by 37m.

Helping with marking out all these varied sports is a new robotic line marker from Rigby Taylor. Greg is enthusiastic about the time the machine is saving – “at least half a day a week and it is never furloughed”, he says, allowing the team the chance “to get on with other things”.

While some of the traditional sports pitch measurements were pre-set, the line patterns for the more niche games were shared with the supplier which developed a programme to suit the university’s needs.

18 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2020

Keeping up the quality A similar labour-saving decision is to move the nutrition programme away from regular liquid fertiliser application to twice-a-year feeds. Given the number of pitches to manage and the volume of play (estimated at 15,000 hours of sport to the student community and over 17,000 hours for local, national and international users) what may be considered regular tasks elsewhere take on a significant time implication at the campus grounds.

The cricket pitches were scarified during the first lockdown, and the team has its own deep tine de-compactor and aerator. Having learned his trade as a youngster sitting on a tractor during the winter months, Greg is a firm believer in “opening up pitches” to improve their long-term quality. Such images will resonate with some readers and his words offer sound advice. Greg acknowledges the “good budget” he has from “very supportive” managers, for overseeding, top dressing and chemical applications, and the grounds department reduces the demands on this by growing all their own plants. Many of these were planted up alongside the A road adjacent to the main university site, and the positive feedback is “what it’s all about” for Greg.

This integration of ‘town and gown’ and the continued pursuit of excellence in sports facility provision would no doubt delight the university’s famous benefactor. ■

Greg and his team are also responsible for maintaining artificial pitches

Machinery matters In addition to the Rigby Taylor robot line marker – the TinyLineMarker PRO – the University of Nottingham’s grounds team utilises a wide range of machinery and equipment, including: Mowers: • Jacobson (250 fairway) • John Deere (300D fairway) • Dennis (2 x 510 and 1 x 610 – all with cassette options) • Hayter (2 x Harrier) Tractors: • Case (75 and 95hp) which use attachments for top dressing, fertiliser and gritter spreaders, chemical sprayers and mole ploughing • Kubota 35 hp • Also available is a Charterhouse seeder, a Vertidrain and two Greentech slitters

BEST PRACTICE | COMMUNITY CRICKET

“This year has been particularly difficult for everyone but ours was the only ground fit enough to play cricket on,” says John Ayling

AILING PITCHES GET THE AYLING TOUCH! Now 85 years old and enjoying retirement in south west France, John Ayling continues his amazing grounds care career by not only maintaining “one of the best cricket pitches in France” but also by freely offering advice to cricket clubs throughout the country

Colin Hoskins Editor

J OHN AYL I N G ’S association with Damazan Cricket Club in France (south east of Bordeaux) began in 1996. While holidaying in south west France (a region where he had spent many summer breaks) the club chairman asked John to visit the ground. “The grass wicket was sitting above drainage that had been laid across the square, which was far from ideal, but the club had thankfully secured a grant to install an artificial wicket,”says John.

“I emigrated to France in 2000 and have been maintaining the Damazan pitch since then. In due course, I decided that the wicket needed to be moved to the middle of the ground, since at that stage there was only a 30m boundary on one side,” he continues. “This meant using a digger to remove a 30m by 3m strip and transferring the sub-base of calcaire (crushed chalk) from the old wicket to the new, topping it off with sieved calcaire. It was then watered and compressed with a shatter plate, after which the shock pad

20 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2020

and mat were both winched tight then nailed down.”

Now considered one of the best cricket pitches in France (one measure of its popularity is that club members jointly travel more than 1,500km for a home game!) the Damazan ground operates on a very small budget – “certainly not enough to buy equipment,” says John. It features John Ayling-designed sightscreens and scorebox, as well as a trailer that was converted by John from a boat trailer.

“I also managed to get hold of a set of three gang mowers which were being discarded, converting them into a triple roller. We were also gifted a 4ft roller which can be filled with water, and we have a sit-on mower that is used most of the time towing a small set of gang mowers.”

John concludes: “This year has been particularly difficult for everyone but, with club members’ help, ours was the only ground fit enough to play cricket on after a three-month ban on mowing!” ■

COMMUNITY CRICKET | BEST PRACTICE

A family tradition…

Since leaving service in the Household Cavalry in 1958, John Ayling – a carpenter by training – has enjoyed a long career in various grounds care positions in the London region. He has worked in the Harrow Council Parks Department, at the sports grounds of Schweppes and Hoovers, and at the Carreras Sports Ground in Stanmore, Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge stadium, Birkbeck College and St Benedict’s School before retiring and moving to south west France.

Grounds management is clearly in the Ayling family blood. John says his choice of career was influenced by his father, who was groundskeeper at the Church Lads Brigade ground in Harrow, and that he is “very proud of his two sons who today hold key positions in the UK turf care sector” – Richard, as grounds manager at Merchant Taylors’ School, and Ian who is assistant head groundsman for the RFU at Twickenham.

Basic but functional - Damazan CC’s clubhouse (left) scoreboard (bottom left) and rollers

Success leads to more success

Thanks to John Ayling’s hard work and expertise the Damazon cricket pitch now has the reputation of being one of the best in France

John’s success at maintaining the Damazan pitch soon attracted plaudits throughout France and several years ago led to his election as commissioner for grounds

by France Cricket. “This role lasted about two years, until France Cricket changed its mode of operation, and on one occasion it meant I had to travel to Paris to inspect and report on eight grounds – which at that time were in poor condition – and offer advice for improvements.

“I continue to give advice to any club when required, and have recently overseen the installation of a new artificial wicket at Toulouse Cricket Club – some years ago I did the same at a ground in Auch, near Toulouse – as well as giving help by email to several new clubs in the north of France.”

thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 21

TECHNICAL UPDATE

TECHNICAL UPDATE | WATER MANAGEMENT

READY, STEADY, RECORD!

Paul Bannister Amenity Training and Consultancy

Reflection and review is designed to help a business learn from its mistakes and, while record keeping is time consuming, it is essential to this process THE PACE OF LIFE and work is a factor which prevents many managers from keeping records, especially those linked to health and safety, and risk assessment. According to the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Section 3 (1): “Every employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of (a) the risks to the health and safety of employees to which they are exposed whilst they are at work; and (b) the risks to the health and safety of persons not in his employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him of his undertaking.”

While there is an obligation to demonstrate these guidelines have been met, many of the records required are easy to keep and require little time. The frequency of recording is important; never more so than when an inspection is due or following a claim.

Recording training sessions can be a key starting point to ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities and will help demonstrate compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Sections 2 (c): “the provision of such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of employees.”

Staff should sign the training records which should be countersigned by the person providing the training – thus providing accountability. Training should be an ongoing process.

Risk and COSHH assessments, as well as method statements, are often handed over to the employee in a large folder with little or no explanation other

Keeping records is an essential part of running a business

than with the message: “read these, let me know if you have any questions, then sign the front page”!

The recording of information should be part of normal working practice, indicating a positive health and safety culture. Some mandatory records are kept with ease, including pesticides application, alarm servicing and accident records. But many can be missed – such as fixed electrical wiring inspection, boiler servicing, fire drills and disposal records.

A number of methods can be used to aid record keeping, ranging from a paper-based diary approach through to online systems – one of which is available from Ground 2 Control.

This system includes functionality for resources management and health and

22 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2020

safety. A key feature is the ability to build the system to suit the business. It is so important that users understand the process and input their own information. With all records, however, the key is to allocate responsibilities to specific people, sharing the results/ outcomes and ensuring a method to review. Also, never let things lapse or be missed. ■ • T he GMA is currently updating its Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work. To be notified once these documents are available for purchase, please email: learning@thegma.org.uk Visit www.ground2control.com for more details. Paul Bannister can be contacted via www.amenitytraining.co.uk

IN ACTION

The right mix

groundsman Ed Mowe, the question was Using the right combination of Headland how to maximise the efficacy products, at the right time, has paid of a fungicide dividends for Leicester Tigers Rugby Club application given the approaching conditions. The answer was a tank mix of Dedicate and Tangent SDR from Headland Amenity – applied in a window of just 60 minutes with impressive results.

Assisting Ed with the maintenance at the Welford Road Stadium and Oval Park training ground is a team of two grounds staff and an apprentice; with Headland’s sports turf specialist Alex Hawkes on hand to provide The pitch at Leicester Tigers Rugby advice on all things nutritional.

Club is now looking fantastic “While we wouldn’t ordinarily gamble on spraying in a weather A weather forecast of significant window as tight as one hour, we rainfall combined with warm, trusted Alex’s recommendation and humid temperatures means only it was a decision that paid off,” one thing for grounds managers says Ed. “We sprayed the Dedicate – high disease pressure. For and Tangent SDR mix, it ‘stuck’ to Leicester Tigers Rugby Club head

First class facilities Limagrain seeds help Oxford University’s sports sites stay in prime condition Oxford University has a long history of sporting success as well as academic achievements. The man tasked with maintaining the university’s sports facilities is Jon Buddington, who has been grounds manager there for two years.

As a frequent user of Limagrain seed throughout his 30-year career, Jon was not surprised to see Limagrain’s MM50 seed performing well on a newly constructed cricket square upon the start of his tenure at the university.

“The new cricket square was

overseeded with MM50 and because of the great results we continued to use it,” he said. “Now we overseed with MM50 at the end of the cricket season and put a bit on pre-season just before we start rolling. It has very good wear tolerance and we hardly ever get any debris.”

MM50, a blend of fine-leaved ryegrasses, is ideal for cricket squares and outfields. This hard-wearing mix has rapid germination, very fine leaved appearance, high shoot density and is tolerant to very close mowing, along with high disease resistance. These attributes produce a fantastic sward that has great colour all year round. It is also widely praised for its rapid recovery.

In the early stages of his role, Jon’s attentions turned towards the winter pitches. His supplier, MW Turfcare, advised trying Limagrain’s MM60 seed on the rugby and football pitches. This 100% ryegrass formula is perfect for renovation and divot repair, has a high disease resistance, strong aesthetic

24 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2020

the plant and we emerged from the extremely high-pressure period with a stadium pitch clear of disease.”

Applied in June, Tangent SDR is a natural spray additive that utilises the sticking effect of Terpineol to enhance spray retention on the grass and improve uptake of the spray. “It has fantastic low dilution rates making it a cost-effective way of making applications rainfast to maximise results,” says Ed. “On this occasion, it was tank-mixed with Dedicate turf fungicide as a protectant against Fusarium Patch and Leaf Spot. We have also been using Tangent SDR with a plant growth regulator at our training ground which is frequently subject to strong winds. The ‘sticking’ effect has undoubtedly helped us to save on chemical, and therefore money, there as well.”

Find out more at www.headlandamenity.com

MM seed is first-class at Oxford University

qualities and offers fast germination – which is boosted by the inclusion of Headstart Gold.

“We renovate and overseed with MM60 at the end of the rugby and football seasons. Generally, we tend to apply MM60 to these pitches at the end of May and we get very good germination. We have a strong colour all year round.”

For more information visit www.lgseeds.co.uk/mm

IN ACTION

Major renovation Bespoke PRG mix from DLF significantly improves the form for Billingbear Polo Club Having been laid for over 25 years and showing the signs of significant thatch build-up, the fields at Billingbear Polo Club were fully renovated for the first time in the autumn of 2019. Part of the King Power Polo group, the renovation was conducted by Shorts Agricultural Services, with a bespoke mixture by DLF delivering the deeprooting, hard wearing coverage demanded for equestrian use.

“A renovation of this scale had never been conducted before but with the field becoming slippy and areas breaking up easily, the time was right,” explains Billingbear head groundsman Damian Chec. Long-

A Lancashire junior football club has taken delivery of a Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi8 HD deep aerator after some sage advice from two top industry professionals.

Volunteer groundsman, Mark Bolton at Brinscall Village Juniors FC, had a behind the scenes tour of Wembley in October 2019, meeting head groundsman, Karl Standley.

Five months later, Karl and Scott Brooks, who was then still the head groundsman at The FA’s St George’s Park, visited Mark at one of the five pitches used by the Lancashire club.

“They recognised ours is heavy

Good advice Wiedenmann GXi8 HD proves central to maintenance plans for Brinscall Village Juniors FC

standing contractor partner Shorts was called in to fraise mow, aerate, seed and topdress the surface.

“When it came to the seed, we had a specification to work to which we gave to Craig Spooner at DLF Seeds,” says James Winfield, manager at Shorts. “I’ve worked alongside Craig in the past and know that DLF will deliver a mixture that meets the spec provided but that also takes into consideration any complexities of each individual site. The support and advice we received was excellent.”

To deliver rapid establishment, quick germination and a hardwearing sward, Craig blended a bespoke 100% perennial ryegrass mix featuring top-rated Johnsons Sports Seed cultivar Monroe – adding exceptional recovery and disease resistance to the list of mixture properties. James and the team applied the seed in September and, despite very challenging weather conditions over the winter, only minor overseeding was required

clay soil,” said Mark, “and advised that the pitches should be aerated every five weeks to put fractures into the clay to get it open. They suggested, as Wiedenmann aerators are incredibly fast, I should try one.

So, that’s what we did. Ben Cook, from dealer Balmers GM at Burnley, and Wiedenmann UK’s Mike James and Andy Kerr came to demonstrate when restrictions allowed.”

In September 2020, Brinscall Juniors was awarded £45,000 thanks to Lancashire FA and a Football Foundation grant. With the funds, the team bought a Wiedenmann Terra Spike, as well as an Iseki tractor, a Wessex RMX mower and a Charterhouse multi-sport.

The Terra Spike went straight into use removing compaction, improving drainage and promoting root growth with all pitches initially spiked to a depth of 175mm using 12mm tines.

The fields at Billingbear Polo Club in Berkshire have now been completely renovated

in the spring in one particularly compacted area of the pitch. “We achieved good, strong and even growth,” comments James.

The deep rooting nature of perennial rye has also helped to improve the surface’s playability when fixtures re-commenced in early September 2020.

“The issues we were having with divots and areas breaking up have now been completely eliminated,” adds Damian.

For more information visit www.dlf.co.uk

The Wiedenmann Terra Spike has made work much easier at Brinscall Village Juniors FC

“Already, I’ve used the GXi8 on our Abbey site to get standing water away from a corner. One particular area where thatch is a major issue will be hollow-cored in spring to get sand deep into the soil profile, then the plan is to continue light tining across the summer with 8mm tines. We’ve also promised to assist local schools with free aeration of their pitches.”

Find out more at wiedenmann.co.uk

thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 25

PRODUCT SHOWCASE PRODUCTS HIGHLIGHTS OF 2020

MAJOR EQUIPMENT

Major TDR mower The Major TDR mower has proved a vital piece of kit for Blackpool Council.

The council is among many that have faced challenges due to austerity cuts in recent years. But despite this, it has seen major achievements, including improving local amenities.

In 2019, Blackpool’s Stanley Park was awarded Best UK Park by Fields in Trust, a UK-wide charity that safeguards recreational spaces. With a local population of almost 160,000 and a total green amenity area of around 150 hectares, the maintenance team at Blackpool Council takes great pride in keeping local amenities in tip-top condition, and the Major TDR mower plays a big part in achieving this.

Blackpool’s lead operations supervisor for grounds maintenance is Nick Horner. “Our responsibility as a grounds maintenance team includes local parks, sports facilities, the nature reserve, the local airport, schools, verges and green open spaces - including all the greens on Blackpool’s promenade,” he said.

With a team of 26 grounds maintenance professionals Nick and his team are kept busy. They have learned over the years which equipment works and which costs the council both time and money.

Tasos Lambrou, an operator with Blackpool Council, explained: “The difference between using cylinders and the Major TDR mower is night and day cost wise. The developments to rotary machines over the years means that they cut as good as a cylinder.”

Nick added: “On the nature reserve and conservation areas, there are mandatory requirements in how we cut and

clear areas – but the Major TDR gives us so much operational flexibility, with very a low cost of operation, that we can use it in any type of amenity area.”

There has been a significant increase in people’s use of their local parks during the coronavirus pandemic. Tasos Lambrou notes the pleasure that local children get from the improved sports pitches. “It’s great to see the kids turn up every week. When the goals are up and the pitches are marked out, it looks out of this world,” he enthused.

“I’d go so far to say that the Major TDR roller mower has helped us at Blackpool to provide a far better amenity for our residents, with a lower cost of operation and with a longer working life,” continued Nick. “That has to be a significant benefit to our community.” www.major-equipment.com

PRICE TU RFCARE

Ventrac 4500 tractor

Grounds management is comprised of numerous operations – from the intricacies of maintaining fine turf to ensuring large estates are kept in an organised manner.

26 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2020

The recently introduced Ventrac 4500 all-terrain, multi-purpose compact tractor, with more than 30 dedicated attachments, is a machine that provides year-round solutions to help the busy grounds manager with a multitude of grounds care operations.

One of the most popular mowing decks, of the five available for the Ventrac, is the Tough Cut, a specialist deck for mowing long grass, heavy brush and bracken.

A large baffled front opening helps direct materials into the deck and prevents debris from escaping.

Three heavy-duty blades counter rotate to cut and deposit waste evenly without windrowing. The

blades are sharp on both sides so they can be used on right- or left-hand spindles, allowing for extended blade life. Capable of tackling saplings up to 2.54mm (1 inch) in diameter, the Tough Cut makes short work out of overgrown thickets.

It can be adjusted to three cutting heights: 76mm, 92mm and 108mm. Easy servicing of belts and pulleys is provided by the hinged and removable cover. The tilt-up deck provides easy access to the blades. In its dual-wheel configuration it can tackle slopes of up to 30 degrees in complete safety. www.priceturfcare.com

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS OF 2020 | PRODUCT SHOWCASE

RAIN BIRD

R-VAN nozzles Rain Bird’s R-VAN nozzles set high standards in performance, with nine models required for 45 to 360 degree coverage and ranges from 2.4 to 7.3m. Units are colour coded for easy identification and can be quickly hand adjusted for arc and radius. By pushing down and turning the nozzle cap, the arc can be increased by up to 270 degrees and by turning the radius adjustment dial clockwise, the throw distance is increased without needing to use a separate adjustment tool.

Areas of any shape can be irrigated.

The precipitation rate of the R-VAN nozzles is matched with the Rain Bird 5000 series rotors. Long-distance watering is effectively increased to

up to 10.7m within the same zone.

Precipatation rates are also matched across all the different types of R-VAN nozzles, making irrigation design layouts and zoning much easier.

Producing gentle rotating streams of water, R-VAN nozzles provide uniform coverage with lower precipitation rates.

This lessens the risk of wasteful run-off that can lead to ground erosion. R-VAN

nozzles can require up to 33% shorter run-times, providing significant water savings, and are ideal for applications where there are time restrictions on irrigation cycles. R-VAN nozzles have high wind resistance and can be used in windier conditions without misting. www.rainbird.eu

B E LCH I M CROP PROTECTION

Enclean biocide The amenity sector is set to benefit following the approval of a new product for the professional biocide market.

Enclean, containing 500g/l of the active ingredient Nonanoic acid, has just received registration and will strengthen and expand Belchim Crop Protection’s product range into the amenity sector says Belchim amenity specialist William Weld.

“Enclean has been greatly anticipated. It’s a natural plant origin biocide specifically designed to remove algae from a wide range of hard surfaces including pavements, greenhouses (outside), patios, roofs, wooden decking and fence panels. Enclean’s active ingredient Nonanoic acid is extremely effective, non-corrosive and quickly degrades into natural elements. It offers good operator safety and has no environmental hazard classification. It also has a very low dilution requirement making it one of the easiest biocides to use; one litre of formulated product will cover the same area as 5 litres of most other surface cleaners,” he adds.

Enclean comes in 1l packs, with a dilution rate of one pack per 14l of water offering users 550m2 of coverage from a single 15l knapsack sprayer using an Evenspray red 0.4 nozzle. According to William, this is four times the coverage of most other biocides under the same operating conditions.

“Enclean will help to simplify the application of surface cleaners whilst delivering excellent results on algae,” he concludes. www.belchim.co.uk / www.rigbytaylor.com (distributor)

thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 27

PRODUCT SHOWCASE | PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS OF 2020

AGRIGE M

Nutrigrow MossTop Agrigem’s premium brand Nutri-grow MossTop has certainly made an impact throughout 2020. This quality fertiliser is the essential fertiliser for use during the cooler months on any green areas covering sports turf, pastures and lawns.

Whilst it is commonly used during the cooler periods, Nutrigrow MossTop can also be used during the spring.

Treating turf and grass in the cooler months is fundamental as part of any pitch/ground preparation care programme. Using MossTop can significantly reduce the moss population due to its high level of iron (Fe). Containing 6% nitrogen, 5% phosphate, 10% potassium and 6% iron, MossTop also contains a balanced amount of nutrients which are important for treating turf in the cooler months.

MossTop is a mini granule compound formula which allows an even coverage during application. Its slow release formulation will gradually release over six-weeks. It is recommended to also use one of the supporting fertilisers within the Nutrigrow product range which has a high nitrogen content to encourage lush, rapid spring growth.

STIHL

RMA 765 V cordless mower

www.agrigem.co.uk

2020 will always stand out for the arrival of electric technology and battery power to the UK for sustainable landcare. The innovation and technology of the FT25G electric tractor from Farmtrac is cutting-edge.

No more emissions and no more pollution, the 72V lithium-ion battery powers a 18kW electric motor, which is ample to tackle those small and mid-duty jobs around a wide variety of grounds applications. Charged from a domestic socket from 0 to 100% in eight hours and able to run for up to seven hours, operational use isn’t affected by the decision to go green. Oil-immersed brakes, power steering and position control hydraulic linkage add to the range of features on the FT25G. Professor of soil erosion and conservation at Cranfield Soil and AgriFood Institute and president of the IAgrE, Jane Rickson says: “With lithium-ion battery technology and quick charge time, this compact and agile tractor represents a significant development in agricultural engineering. We were impressed by the tractor’s huge potential in a range of land-based industries both here and overseas, including horticulture, livestock and amenity use.”

STIHL continues to expand its range of highperformance mowers with the introduction of the new RMA 765 V, a professional cordless mower with a 63cm cutting width, ideal for landscapers tackling large grass cutting jobs.

Powered by a 36V high capacity lithium-ion battery from the STIHL PRO cordless system, the robust RMA 765 V is ideal for work in noise-sensitive areas and is highly manoeuvrable thanks to the zero turn function of the front wheels. Both front and rear wheels are height adjustable from 25mm-100mm.

The new mower boasts a five-speed control panel, featuring an eco-mode and a battery power level indicator to ensure professional users have full sight of the performance of the machine at a quick glance, and the ergonomic mono-comfort handlebar, with super soft grip, is adjustable to three different heights.

The aluminium and polymer hybrid housing features front, side and gearbox protection, as well as the polymer inner housing being impact and abrasion resistant. In addition, the 63cm cutting deck utilises synchronised multi-blades that lift the grass, cut it efficiently and blow the grass cuttings into the grass catcher bag.

Designed with a foldable handlebar, the STIHL RMA 765 V cordless mower is easy for users to transport and convenient to store. Additional features include a diagnostic connection for servicing and a safety key required for operation.

reesinkagriculture.co.uk

www.stihl.co.uk

REESINK

Farmtrac FT25G electric tractor

28 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2020

CLASSIFIEDS | GMA

TO ADVERTISE

in the classified section of Grounds Management Please contact: 0203 859 7099 sales@jamespembrokemedia. co.uk

thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 29

TECHNICAL UPDATE | COVID-19 ADVICE

GROW WITH THE GMA

Understanding the science of turf care

Colin Hoskins Editor

Tom Bilton, currently deputy head groundsperson at Brighton & Hove Albion FC, highlights how his accreditation to the GMA Level 3 Technical Diploma has provided him with in-depth knowledge of the science of turf care How long have you been involved in grounds management?

Now 29 years old, I have been involved in the industry for around nine years. After leaving college, my first job was in landscaping, for a contractor, and I built an adventure play park.

Along with this I was doing regular private work in gardens, from building brick walls and patios to undertaking complete landscaping projects. When the play park was complete, I moved across to the contractor’s parks and gardens department which saw me cutting play parks, football pitches and gardens around the town. I spent a couple of years doing this before joining the University of Sussex, which at that time Brighton & Hove Albion FC was using as a training ground. The university’s head groundsperson for the sports pitches was retiring and I spent three months learning as much of the role as possible before taking over.

What is your current place of work, job title and role? What tasks do you undertake?

I currently work at Brighton & Hove Albion FC as a deputy head groundsperson at the club’s training ground. My tasks are varied, from staff management and the implementation of health of safety and standards, through to the everyday maintenance of pitches, surrounds, lawn areas and planting. Back in the office, I also liaise with coaches and other staff, provide pitch allocations for the teams and keep up-to date work profiles for each pitch.

You’ve recently been accredited to the GMA Level 3 Technical Diploma. What was the driver for this qualification?

I wanted to expand my knowledge and have the qualification to back this up. The science behind what we do in our industry interests me, so having a more in-depth knowledge of this has helped me a lot.

What other training have you undertaken before this?

I spent two years at Plumpton College studying a National Diploma in Horticulture, and various jobrelated qualifications have followed.

What is your next step – in terms of both training/qualifications and aspirations for career progression?

Visit www.thegma.org.uk/learning for details of the Grounds Management Association’s education and learning programmes

30 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2020

I would always like to work in sport, and it would be great if I could in some way incorporate this with my love of travelling. ■

Tom says his work at Brighton & Hove Albion FC’s training ground is wide and varied