Grounds Management - Spring 2024

Celebrating 90 years of the GMA

WELCOME

Ninety years strong

This year marks 90 years since a small group of groundsmen formed the National Association of Groundsmen in 1934. Since then, the association has substantially grown its membership and put in place key member benefits to support today’s grounds personnel in their vital role in ‘making sport possible’.

With an eye on the association’s future needs, while firmly reflecting the original pledge to ‘improve the status of grounds personnel and the standard of grounds management’, our Board of Directors welcomed two new members: Jim Buttar from Twickenham Stadium and Phil Fifield from Brighton FC, who will help to take the GMA forward.

One of the many benefits we offer our members is industry-linked educational opportunities and it is fitting that we have recently been reaccredited to the matrix Standard – a government kite mark for quality of service. In this issue, we offer an update on apprenticeships, as well as a tribute to retiring GMA trainers Richard Linley MBE and Alan Lewis, who have helped to establish such high educational standards.

We also feature an inspiring interview with Lee Marshallsay at Eton College. As the overall 2023 GMA Award winner, this feature links back to the role of our founder, WH Bowles, who was also head groundsman at the college in 1934.

With plans for a membership restructure under way, 2024 is set to be a transformative year for the GMA as we continue to support our members into the future.

Geoff Webb, GMA CEO

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT

REGULARS

4 TWO-MINUTE UPDATE

News from across the industry

7 BRIEFING

The GMA celebrates 90 years; matrix reaccreditation; new Board members; 2023 Award winners revealed; SALTEX gears up for 2024

32 NGB UPDATE

RFU pitch maintenance funding

35 PAS UPDATE

Focus on county cricket

36 TECHNICAL INSIGHT

Sustainable weed, pest and disease management

39 IN ACTION

Products and services used by Trench Bowling Club, Grass Plant Ltd, Hove Prep School, Overton Farm, Cleveland Land Services and Middlesborough FC

43 MAINTENANCE TIPS

Spring operations

47 PRODUCT NEWS

Sygenta’s Turf Advisor; Kubota RTV utility vehicles; Reesink and

Toro parts; Pellenc gets LONGTIME label; Stihl’s batterypowered brushcutters; OAS’s TinyLineMarker sales double

50 60 SECONDS WITH…

Wellington School apprentice Bethany Gibbs

FEATURES

16 BEST IN CLASS

Lee Marshallsay and his awardwinning team at Eton College

22 SPOTLIGHT ON APPRENTICESHIPS

Dr Jonathan Knowles on how the association is raising the bar in sportsturf education

24 COURSE SPECIALISTS

Richard Linley MBE and Alan Lewis’ pivotal role in setting learning standards for racecourses

28 CLIMATE CHANGE – YOU AIN’T SEEN NOTHING YET

Meteorologist Jim Dale explains why all groundscare professionals need to take global warming seriously

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2 MINUTE UPDATE

ECB LAUNCHES CRICKET SUSTAINABILITY PLAN

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has published its new Environmental Sustainability Plan for Cricket. The wide-ranging scheme maps out the steps the ECB will take to make the sport more sustainable.

With the theme of ‘every action counts’, the plan focuses on ensuring the ECB provides the leadership and support to inspire everyone in cricket to achieve its sustainability goals.

The football Foundation’s funding boost will provide women and girls with equal access to playing opportunities

Football Foundation to elevate grassroots football funding in 2024

Following a record-breaking year in 2023, delivering £76m to improve grassroots facilities across England, the Football Foundation is gearing up to make 2024 even bigger, thanks to funding from the Premier League, the FA and government.

Focused on its objective to ensure everyone has access to a great place to play, the charity is offering advice and funding opportunities linked to goalposts, floodlights, grass pitch improvements and enhanced community facilities.

Robert Sullivan, CEO of the Football Foundation, said: “This year, we will provide more great places to play than ever before.

To help drive that, the ECB is the first cricket national governing bodies to sign up to the UN Sport for Climate Action framework, which provides science-based targets.

The ECB has invested more than £10m in tackling climate change in the last 20 years. However, it understands the need to do more to ensure flooding, drought, pollution and extreme heat don’t stop play.

Kathy Gibbs, ECB’s sustainability manager, said: “Cricket is more susceptible to climate change than most other sports, so the most important thing we can do is to support everyone within the game so that they feel able to achieve their sustainability ambitions.”

n For more information, visit: bit.ly/48A61ud

“Good-quality facilities not only have a transformative impact on physical and mental wellbeing, but also play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities from the roots up.

“Thanks to the support we receive from our partners at the Premier League, the FA and government, the Football Foundation is ready to deliver the facility improvements that every community needs and deserves.”

The funding programme will include the first Football Foundation (small-sided pitch) PlayZone and new Hubs for year-round playing opportunities, and will provide women and girls with equal access to playing opportunities.

n For more information about funding for grassroots women’s football, visit: bit.ly/3S3o84R

AGROVISTA ACQUIRES ADVANCE GRASS SOLUTIONS

Agrovista has completed its acquisition of leading sportsturf agronomy services business Advance Grass Solutions (AGS). The move brings together some of the most experienced teams in the professional turf management sector.

Agrovista UK managing director Chris Clayton said: “AGS is a business that we have long admired and one that has delivered sustainable growth with an expanding customer base. This acquisition will enable Agrovista Amenity to extend its reach into customer channels in which it is currently underrepresented, and better leverage the combined offer to our current and future customers.”

Jamie Bennett, chairman and CEO of AGS, said: “This acquisition will combine the strengths of both companies, enhance the product portfolio and increase the technical knowledge of both teams.”

Existing customers are encouraged to continue working with their current account manager and service provider until further information is provided.

OBITUARY: RAYMOND NASH

We are sad to announce that Raymond Nash – whose father, Len Nash, was a founding member of the National Association of Groundsmen (NAG) in 1934 – passed away in December last year, aged 93.

Raymond was a thirdgeneration groundsman. His grandfather, Jack Nash, was a cricketer and groundsman at Glamorgan County Cricket Club from 1910 to 1925 and his father, Len, worked for LMSR London Midland Scottish Railway sports club.

Club. In 1955, he became head groundsman at the Household Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park after a chance meeting with the founder of NAG, Billy Bowles BEM.

GMA trainer Richard Linley awarded MBE

According to his son John, Ray followed his family career path into grounds management at G A Harvey Barclays Bank in Ealing, Sutton Seeds, the Royal Masonic School in Watford and Christchurch Sidcup Cricket

According to John, the club was created by Prince Phillip and Ray lived in the on-site crown house – called the Flying Barn – and created six polo grounds during his 17 years at the club. He then joined Huxleys Garden Machinery before moving to Bridgend, South Wales, where he became head greenkeeper for Pontypridd and Whitchurch Golf Club. He also worked as head greenkeeper at Mid Glamorgan Cricket Club before he retired.

The GMA sends sincere condolences to Ray’s family.

OAS Turf, Science and Technology Centre expands R&D team

Origin Amenity Solutions’ (OAS) research and development team has been strengthened by the appointment of Jack Taylor, who joins as turf trials technician.

Jack will be based at the Turf Science and Technology Centre at Great Dunmow in Essex, where he will assist the research and development team by maintaining the trials site, carrying out scientific trials, collecting data and offering customers wellresearched products combined with best-practice advice for their sites.

Jack has a background in the horticultural industry, including plant maintenance, propagation and nursery management. He will also manage the OAS greenhouse, looking after a range of small-scale pot trials and analysing the data that is generated.

OAS Research and Development director Geoff Fenn said: “We offer training workshops to empower turf professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain and improve turf quality, and Jack will be a core part of our delivery team in addition to his involvement with our research and consultation services.”

Former inspector of courses at the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Richard Linley has received an MBE for Services to Horse Racing in the King’s New Year Honours.

As well as his role for the BHA, Richard had been a much-respected and invaluable trainer on the GMA’s Racecourse Turf Management course until his recent retirement, and the GMA would like to congratulate him on this truly welldeserved honour. An interview with Richard and GMA trainer Alan Lewis can be found on page 25 in this issue.

TOM BAILEY JOINS PRICE TURFCARE SALES TEAM

Former sales manager at RT Machinery Tom Bailey has joined Price Turfcare, the UK distributor of the Ventrac 4520 all-terrain compact tractor and multiple accessories.

Tom joined RT Machinery in June 2015 as a trainee area sales manager, rising through the ranks to sales manager in November 2022. Prior to this, he worked as gardener for the National Trust, a senior gardener at Coworth Park and craft gardener at SAS analytical software developer in Berkshire. In 2019, Tom won Price Turfcare’s Dealer Sales Achievement award.

Commenting on his appointment, Price Turfcare MD Rupert Price said: “Tom is a welcome addition to our sales team. His sales record at RT Machinery was second to none and he fully understands the attributes of [the Ventrac 4520] and its accessories, as well as the golf and groundscare industries across the south of England.”

OAS R&D director Geoff Fenn (left) welcomes Jack Taylor (right) as turf trials technician

THE LATEST INDUSTRY HEADLINES FROM THE GMA

GMA celebrates 90 years of commitment to groundscare

This year marks the GMA’s 90th anniversary and we will be celebrating the organisation’s evolution into a pillar of the grounds management sector with a range of initiatives

Over the past 90 years, the GMA in its various forms has worked hard to support and raise the profile of those who work within the industry. From its humble beginnings it has grown to become a formidable force in the groundscare sector, with an increasing emphasis on promoting diversity and inclusion, continual professional development and raising awareness of the importance of the profession to sport.

The GMA will mark this milestone year with, among other things, a new website, refined membership packages and a 90-year commemorative brand identity. It will also launch a GMA Ambassador programme to further raise the industry’s profile within the sports sector. (See ‘90th anniversary promotion’, page 9.)

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Ten original founders joined W H Bowles BEM, head groundsman at Eton College, at the London Stone pub on Cannon Street in London to form the National Association of Groundsmen on 10 January 1934. Its purpose was to improve

Eton College’s W H Bowles BEM founded the National Association of Groundsmen in 1934

the status of grounds personnel and the standard of groundscare across the UK. Since then the association has developed and adapted with the changing needs of the sector.

ITS PURPOSE WAS TO IMPROVE THE STATUS OF GROUNDS PERSONNEL AND THE STANDARD OF GROUNDSCARE ACROSS THE UK

In 1938, the organisation hosted its first Annual Exhibition at the Hurlingham Club in London. Now known as SALTEX, this event has grown into the most important, and most visited, grounds management event in the UK and Europe.

In its aim to upskill the industry workforce, the first National Association of Groundsmen industry qualifications were launched in 1953 and have developed, along with changing practices

and technological advances, into a comprehensive suite of GMA training courses and qualifications, which are now recognised by key national governing bodies of sport.

The organisation evolved into the Institute of Groundsmanship in 1969 and in 2020 it was rebranded the Grounds Management Association (GMA).

RAISING OUR PROFILE

To help promote the sector within the wider sports industry, the GMA launched the Industry Awards in 2008 and created the Young Board of Directors in 2011 to help to introduce young people to career opportunities within the sportsturf sector.

For nine decades the GMA has remained the leading not-for-profit membership organisation representing grounds managers, grounds personnel, grounds maintenance managers, greenkeepers and all others involved in the management of sports pitches, landscape and amenity facilities.

Commenting on the GMA’s 90th anniversary, GMA CEO Geoff Webb

THE GMA CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE NATION’S ENJOYMENT OF SPORT AND OUR ETHOS OF ‘MAKING SPORT POSSIBLE’ HAS NEVER BEEN MORE RELEVANT

said: “The UK grounds management sector is now seen as the world leader in sportsturf management and this achievement has been made possible through 90 years of support for the

90TH ANNIVERSARY PROMOTION

sector, including 77 SALTEX exhibitions, industry-leading educational resources and sportsturf management advice and support for sports clubs across all levels through the GMA’s ties with the Football Foundation, Premier League, Sport England and the government-funded Pitch Advisory Service programme.

“With support from key national governing bodies, the GMA continues to support the nation’s enjoyment of sport and our ethos of ‘making sport possible’ has never been more relevant than it is today.”

In celebration of its 90 years of operation, the GMA will be:

n Introducing a commemorative brand to celebrate the association’s formation.

n Launching a new website to optimise GMA members’ digital experience.

n Launching refined membership packages for individuals, organisations and businesses.

n Delivering a GMA Ambassador programme to help raise the industry’s profile.

Two new members join Board of Directors

Following the GMA’s recent annual general meeting, the association has appointed two new members to its Board of Directors: Jim Buttar, grounds and technical operations lead at the RFU; and Phil Fifield, head groundsman at Brighton and Hove Albion FC.

Jim has replaced David Roberts of Training Unlimited, previously head grounds manager at Liverpool FC, who reached the end of his nine-year tenure as sector director for professional sport.

Jim brings more than 26 years’ experience of sportsturf management to his role. He started his career as an apprentice at a private school in Cambridgeshire, and since then he has delivered football playing surfaces within the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA European Championship

and FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and more recently the African Cup of Nations.

He currently leads the grounds team at the RFU, managing the Twickenham stadium pitch, and offers strategic advice on behalf of the RFU’s Rugby Grounds Connected programme for grounds volunteers.

The new GMA Board’s independent director, Phil Fifield, started his career as an apprentice at Portsmouth FC

Phil Fifield Jim Buttar

in 2005. Since then, he has worked in consultancy and advisory roles, and has visited 30 countries across five continents as a turfcare professional, offering tournament delivery and pitch development programmes for FIFA, UEFA, the Confederation of African Football and the Asian Football Confederation men’s and women’s events.

Along with Jim and Phil’s Board appointments, existing Board member Kimiyo Rickett was successfully reelected to her position as sector director for local authorities.

Commenting on the appointments, GMA CEO Geoff Webb said: “Our Board is essential in steering the direction of the GMA and ensuring activity aligns to our strategy, so it is vital that we have experienced and knowledgeable directors on the Board.

“Jim and Phil fit that description perfectly. Both will bring insights and perspectives that will ensure the GMA delivers what our members and the wider industry want from us.

“I would also like to say a huge thank you to David Roberts, who has supported the GMA in making significant progress during his time on the Board.”

The RFU’s Jim Buttar and Brighton and Hove Albion FC’s Phil Fifield bring “insights and perspectives” to the GMA

SGL AND JOHAN CRUIJFF ARENA JOIN FORCES IN PURSUIT OF ENERGY SAVINGS

With sustainability front and centre at the Ajax football stadium in Amsterdam, the venue decided to install a full SGL LED lighting system, with impressive results…

For a long time, the pitch has been a fully fledged professional business model for the multi-purpose Johan Cruijff ArenA stadium. With the playing surface being an essential part of the venue’s ecosystem, the focus on social responsibility and sustainability has also expanded to this ‘field of play’.

That’s why, over a year ago, the ArenA’s management decided to completely replace its conventional HPS grow-lighting system to a full SGL LED system and was able to save 6% of the stadium’s total yearly

energy consumption (which equals roughly the annual power consumption of 150 Dutch households).

Because of their shared belief in a data-driven approach and continuous technological development, SGL recently entered an innovation partnership with the Johan Cruijff ArenA and are now on a joint mission to optimise sustainability within the industry.

ENERGY SAVINGS

With the transition to LED technology, the grounds team at the ArenA were up for the challenge to save

THE RESULT WAS A 20% REDUCTION IN ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN COMPARISON WITH THE PREVIOUS HPS GROWLIGHTING TECHNOLOGY

significantly on energy usage while maintaining the desired high-quality pitch.

Using SGL technology, they can now gather as much data about their pitch as possible to make informed decisions on resource usage. The TurfPod monitors the

microclimate and SGL’s growth models calculate the amount of light needed for optimal grass growth.

With heat being one of the main energy consumers, the trick is to precisely align the infrared usage with the grass’s needs.

Its closed stadium design and retractable roof mean the ArenA is able to preserve a lot of heat within the stadium. As such, the venue required little additional heat from the infrared system on the lighting units in 2023. This resulted in a 20% reduction in energy consumption in comparison with the previous HPS growlighting technology.

LOOKING FORWARD

Together, they have already made significant strides towards sustainable pitch management. However, as always, they are looking ahead. The Johan Cruijff ArenA pitch serves as the innovation centre to collectively increase growth analysis, product testing and monitoring the coming years to further optimise pitch performance and resource efficiency.

SGL is every bit as hungry for progress as the Johan Cruijff ArenA SGL and, therefore, it says is very proud to be working with the stadium in the quest for the pitch of tomorrow.

The SGL LED lighting system saved 6% of the stadium’s yearly energy consumption

Association maintains excellent standards in learning services

The GMA’s reaccreditation to the matrix Standard supports our continued focus on helping people to extend their knowledge and progress their careers

The GMA has once again been accredited to the matrix Standard, a Department for Education-owned international standard for services delivering high-quality information, advice and guidance.

Reaccreditation further enhances the GMA’s reputation as a leading provider of education and development within the grounds management industry. Following an assessment of GMA staff and services, the matrix Standard

reported that the GMA had “excelled in several areas of its delivery of services”.

SKILLS FOR SUPPORT

The matrix Standard ensures that all teams at the GMA have the skills needed to support members of the grounds management community in their development. Statements from the matrix Standard’s report highlighted that the GMA has developed a strong culture around encouraging continuing professional development for members of staff, which will in turn benefit members, learners and all others who engage with GMA products or services.

The variety of formats for the delivery of information, advice and guidance

from the GMA was also commended. Offering education through a wide range of formats ensures that there are learning and development pathways to suit everyone’s needs. The matrix Standard commented that the combination of formats “come together to give an overall and cohesive understanding to the recipient/learner”.

Another highlight was the GMA’s positive impact on providing learners with long-term development of skills that can aid career progression. The report noted that GMA learners said that their experience helped them to “appreciate progression opportunities in line with career aspirations”, showing that the GMA helps learners not just improve their knowledge, but also their understanding of what opportunities they can pursue throughout their career.

Commenting on the GMA’s success, Roger Chapman, head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the GMA. We believe that at the heart of high-quality advice and support services are strong leadership, excellent service and a focus on continual improvement, all underpinned by effective use of the resources available.”

CONFIDENCE BOOST

GMA CEO Geoff Webb added: “With workforce development being a key strategic pillar of GMA activity over the coming years, ensuring that we are continuously meeting high standards in service delivery is essential.

“The matrix Standard offers a benchmark to measure ourselves against, so to meet the high standards expected in reaccreditation gives us confidence that we’re continuing to support the sector.”

n For more information on the GMA’s education and career development opportunities, click on the Learning Prospectus on the GMA’s website or contact the Learning team at: learning@thegma.org.uk

The matrix Standard highlights the GMA’s strengths in aiding learners’ career progression

SALTEX returns with more products, learning and networking than ever

OEurope’s leading grounds management show builds on decades of success in 2024 different sporting communities, while the Community Sports Zone offered grass pitch maintenance and funding advice to the grassroots and volunteer visitors.

ne of the longest running and most successful industry trade shows in the UK, SALTEX is the groundscare industry’s annual national platform for product innovation, industry expertise, learning and networking. And this year’s show will be no exception.

Last year’s event welcomed over 7,900 visitors to the two-day exhibition, and enjoyed a 20 per cent increase in international attendees in addition to those who travelled to the NEC in Birmingham from across the UK.

The addition of new feature areas such as the Clubhouse networking hub brought together people from across

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

These features are set to be enhanced even further at this year’s 78th annual free-to-attend event, which will also include educational insights from leading industry experts, pitch improvement and facility funding guidance via the NGB-supported Pitch Advisory Scheme, plus learning and career progression guidance.

Incorporating all the top industry brands, SALTEX is the ideal platform to showcase product innovation and technological development that can help sports club, school and estate managers, landscapers and contractors to maintain top-quality surfaces across the UK and Europe. It also provides the perfect opportunity to network with industry colleagues and customers.

n SALTEX is at Birmingham NEC on 30–31 October 2024.

n Contact: Emily Herrington (saltexsales@thegma.org.uk) for more information.

GMA Awards ceremony celebrates the stars of the turfcare sector

Outstanding contributions to grounds management recognised at glitzy event at Headingley Stadium

Late last year, the very best in the grounds management industry were celebrated at the GMA’s dazzling awards ceremony kindly supported by platinum sponsor ISEKI and hosted by sports broadcaster Hayley McQueen.

More than 300 guests – from grounds staff, industry experts and suppliers to sport’s national governing body representatives – were in attendance at Headingley Stadium in Leeds.

During the event, 17 award categories recognised leadership, innovation and outstanding achievement across every aspect of groundscare, from grassroots pitches to professional stadia.

TALENT OLD AND NEW

The event highlighted the new talent emerging on the scene, with women winning two awards: Wellington School’s Bethany Gibbs took home Young Groundsperson of the Year and Goucester CCC’s Meg Lay won Newcomer of the Year. Meanwhile, longtime industry luminary Rod Heyhoe (see below) was honoured with a Hall

Broadcaster Hayley McQueen hosted the event

ROD HEYHOE ENTERS HALL OF FAME

The GMA Awards ceremony celebrated industry legend Rod Heyhoe, who became the latest GMA Hall of Fame inductee.

This annual award honours those who have made a significant contribution, given exceptional service or had a major impact on the grounds management industry.

Having taken early retirement from senior management in the commercial world, Rod has injected his skills, energy and persistence into a passion for grounds management gained from many years of dedication to his beloved Lightcliffe Cricket Club.

Joining a small group of likeminded individuals, Rod became a focal point for the GMA in Yorkshire

to promote knowledge and instil confidence in grounds practitioners of all ages – and his positive impact on the industry over the last 40 years has been undeniable.

Commenting on Rod’s role within the industry, Geoff Webb, GMA CEO, said: “He is a true stalwart of the industry and the passion and enthusiasm he brings to his role has constantly buoyed those around him.”

Rod becomes the latest inductee into the Hall of Fame, joining industry luminaries such as the late Eddie Seaward and Steve Braddock; ‘Mr SALTEX’ Derek Walder; legendary cricket groundsman Keith Boyce; and last year’s inductee, Roy Rigby.

of Fame induction and Eton College’s Lee Marshallsey won the coveted GMA Grounds Manager of the Year award (see ‘Best in class’, page 16).

Outstanding achievements in public and private sports venues were also recognised, as well as inspiring young grounds professionals and exceptional environmental practices.

A Special Recognition Award was also launched at the event. This shines a light on a unique and inspiring individual who represents everything that is positive about the industry. In 2023’s Awards it was given to Zeynu Bedru of Harrogate RUFC.

HARD WORK AND INNOVATION

GMA CEO Geoff Webb said of the event and winners: “With the industry playing such a vital role in the country’s enjoyment of sport, the talent celebrated throughout the Awards ceremony was testament to the hard work and

2023 GMA award winners

Young Groundsperson of the Year (Sponsored by Origin Amenity Solutions

Bethany Gibbs, Wellington School

Newcomer of the Year

Meg Lay, Gloucestershire CCC

Volunteer Grounds

Team of the Year

Clapton Community FC

Community Grounds

Team of the Year

(Sponsored by national governing bodies)

Yeovil Recreation Centre

Environmental and Sustainability Impact (Sponsored by Syngenta)

Leicester City FC

Bowls Grounds Team of the Year

Wantage Bowling Club

Best Managed Artificial

Surface of the Year

Yeovil Recreation Centre

Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year

(Sponsored by Avant Tecno UK)

Lingfield Park

Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year

Marylebone Cricket Club

innovation of grounds staff across the sector, and we were delighted to see exceptional examples recognised for their achievements.

“Some of the highlights during the evening included the two women who received the Young Groundsperson of the Year and Newcomer of the Year awards. Opening the sector to a wider demographic has long been an objective of the GMA’s work, so their outstanding achievement is a real sign of progress.

Professional Tennis Courts

Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Infinicut)

Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club

Professional Rugby Union Grounds Team of the Year

Bath Rugby

Professional Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Agronomic Services)

Leeds Rhinos

Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year

Stockport County FC

Professional Football Grounds Team (Elite) (Sponsored by SGL)

Leicester City FC

University/College

Grounds Team of the Year

Loughborough University

Independent School

Grounds Team of the Year

(Sponsored by ISEKI UK & Ireland)

Eton College

Special Recognition Award

Zeynu Bedru, Harrogate RUFC

The GMA Grounds Manager of the Year

(Sponsored by DLF Seeds Ltd)

Lee Marshallsay, Eton College

“The top awards, presented to Rod Heyhoe and Lee Marshallsay, represented the full spectrum of exceptional grounds management within the volunteer and the professional sectors, as they received recognition for their outstanding contribution. The story of Zeynu Bedru, who received a Special Recognition Award, and his journey as a refugee from Eritea to Harrogate RUFC, also summed up the wonderful community our industry creates.”

Meg Lay with her Newcomer of the Year award

Lingfield Park won Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year

Zeynu Bedru was presented with the Special Recognition Award

Eton College took home two Awards

Success for Clapton Community FC volunteers

BEST IN CLASS

After Eton College’s GMA Awards success, we talk to grounds manager Lee Marshallsay about the team’s considerable workload on the 1,500-acre site and the importance of continuing professional development

BY COLIN HOSKINS, FREELANCE WRITER

Lee Marshallsay admits he was struck by mixed emotions when he was announced Grounds Manager of the Year at the 2023 GMA Industry Awards. “I will never forget the shock – and pride – I felt after hearing my name just after the Eton College grounds team had collected the award for Independent Schools Grounds Team of the Year,” says the grounds manager of the renowned Berkshire-based site.

“I was lost for words – and people know that I can usually talk for England – when I realised I was the

first groundsperson from the education sector to win this award, especially considering those who were also up for the title,” he says. He adds that he also felt immense pride having led an independent school grounds managers’ networking group for several years and, of course, the connection between Eton College and the GMA [née the National Association of Groundsmen], which was formed by Eton’s head groundsman W H Bowles BEM in 1934.

EXCEPTIONAL WORKLOAD

Lee’s modesty belies the considerable achievements that he and his colleagues consistently gain in improving the groundscare routines at the 1,500-acre site. Their workload is considerable, with the remit (in sports surfaces alone) covering 38 grass football and rugby pitches; 11 grass cricket squares; a nine-hole golf course; and various artificial surfaces including four hockey pitches, 24 tennis courts (rising to 56 in the summer) and 16-lane cricket nets. They also maintain nine artificial cricket pitches, field games and athletics (400m track), plus Eton’s unique Wall Game (with elements of both football and

Lee Marshallsay says he was “lost for words” when he picked up the GMA Grounds Manager of the Year 2023 Award

rugby) and the landscaped surrounds for rowing at Dorney Lake.

On average, the college’s winter sports pitches over two terms (20 weeks) are used to between eight and 12 hours of play a week, contributing to the overall 160 and 240 hours of play at the site. In addition, a local state school uses some of the winter sports and cricket pitches, which also host the Berkshire schools’ finals day, and the Old Etonians football and cricket teams. If that wasn’t enough, Eton’s grounds team also manages and maintains a local park and three football pitches on behalf of Eton Council.

“The playing surfaces at educational sites are not in the public eye like those in professional sports,” Lee says, “but the groundscare routines here – and I’m sure at every independent school – are performed to similarly high standards. Our customers are our students and their parents, and it is essential that every aspect of the site is presented to the highest standards, from playing surfaces, gardens and landscaped areas to long grass/wildflower areas, borders, trees and pathways. We leave no stone unturned to ensure everything is always pristine.”

That philosophy led to the Eton team being awarded runner-up in the 2022 GMA Independent Schools award category 18 months or so after Lee joined Eton from Charterhouse School, where he spent four years. He had previously spent 12 years at Harrow School since leaving college aged 18.

EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY

“Since I joined, the 31-strong Eton team have embraced two years of progressive development,” Lee explains. “This includes continual investment in machinery, equipment and facilities, including a new grounds department and a dedicated mechanics area that can accommodate the maintenance of all equipment, including the use of new blade-grinding equipment. We also embrace technologies that help us to achieve steady improvements in the playing surfaces, with continual tweaks to our cutting, aeration (linear and spiking), brushing, fertilisation and topdressing routines.”

According to Lee, the introduction of a Turf Tank line-marking robot also means “the team can now mark 34 pitches in seven days rather than seven weeks” – that’s 900 man hours reduced by twothirds – which frees up team members for

IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT EVERY ASPECT OF THE SITE IS PRESENTED TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS. WE LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED TO ENSURE EVERYTHING IS PRISTINE

other activities. For example, in 2023 they reconstructed two wickets on the first XI cricket square, managed the construction and re-levelling of the main rugby pitch plus irrigation for travelling sprinklers, created new wildflower areas at Dorney Lake, installed bug hotels, renewed all football and field game goals, and increased sand spreading from 100 to 1,000 tonnes.

Lee continues: “Our new weather station helps us to predict potential disease hot spots, while soil moisture is accurately monitored and managed by Soil Scout sensors (on two football pitches and on the first team cricket square) and a POGO meter. Further, a TurfKeeper online management system checklists our daily management, as well as providing a database for stock, chemical and fertiliser logs, and machinery service and repairs.

Meeting school needs

Eton College’s playing surfaces are in use six days a week and accommodate the following activities:

n 28 school and 50 house football teams train two to three times a week and play at least once a week.

n 17 rugby teams train three times a week and play once a week – and there’s an annual 25-house sevens tournament.

n 24 school cricket teams train three times a week and play

matches twice a week, plus 50 house teams play inter-league and cup matches.

n 18 school hockey teams are complemented by 50 house teams (senior and junior) for inter-house games.

n The college’s 25 tennis teams and 50 house teams play interhouse competitions.

Essential maintenance

Eton College’s grounds team have a range of turfcare equipment at their disposal, including a number of mowers: Dennis FT510, G860 (with cassette systems), PRO 34R and Razor; Toro Sidewinder; five-deck Baroness; and Trimax Snake. They also use an Amazone verti-cutter.

Winter sports pitches are cut at least twice a week – the first-team pitches are cut at least three times a week – and there is regular verticutting on open areas plus monthly aeration. Increased topdressing has also helped with pitch levels, drainage and performance. Eight pitches (for football and field games) are maintained with no fertilisers, chemicals or overseeding. During the Easter break, these are left to grow and naturally recover before, in June, being cut and baled for hay, which is sold and the proceeds donated to local charities.

The cricket squares are worked on throughout the year and renovations are done by the grounds team using a KORO FIELDTOPMAKER. The squares are regularly cut throughout winter, complemented by regular brushing and liquid feeds when the conditions allow.

The golf course is open all year round. As well as school use, it has a 400-strong public membership. The greens are cut daily, while tees, approaches and fairways are cut twice a week. Semi-rough areas are cut weekly with aeration every month and sand dressing is applied to the greens throughout the growing season. The greens are renovated twice a year.

Slow-release fertiliser is used on all winter sports surfaces and the cricket outfield, and a foliar feeding and PGR programme is used ‘on the top’ during summer and autumn. There is also a liquid feed and wetting agent programme for the golf greens.

THE INTRODUCTION OF A TURF TANK LINE-MARKING ROBOT ALSO MEANS THE TEAM CAN NOW MARK 34 PITCHES IN SEVEN DAYS RATHER THAN SEVEN WEEKS

Above: Manual line marking, but a Turf Tank robot has recently been put to good use as well

Right: Border landscaping in the grounds

Below: A Först woodchipper makes light work of tree branches

Below: The Eton grounds team have a dedicated mechanics area for the maintenance of all equipment

WE NEED TO FIND WAYS TO ADDRESS THE RECRUITMENT DILEMMA – PERHAPS BY WORKING TOGETHER TO PROMOTE HOW THE

GROUNDSCARE INDUSTRY DOES OFFER REWARDING CAREERS

“Such technologies undoubtedly help us to work smarter and adapt our routines to suit the conditions,” says Lee. “That’s indispensable nowadays to tackle the effects of climate change (rain and heat) on Eton’s playing surfaces that sit on silty loam. Only one grass pitch has built-in drainage, yet despite the vagaries of the weather there are minimal game cancellations. In addition, we also have budget constraints – like everyone else, I have a figure I must work to – as well as staff retention and turnover issues, not to mention the seemingly ever-changing constraints surrounding chemicals and fertilisers.”

CPD IS KEY

It’s not surprising to discover that education and training is fundamental to Lee’s team success. “I always engage positively with any team member over continuing professional development (CPD) because I emphasise its importance to the individual. Indeed, I believe this industry can give you everything you need if you want it.”

Going forward, Lee says he and his team will continue to focus on dayby-day improvements by, for example, increasing data collection and use. “I’d like to make small percentage gains in everything we do; even the smallest tweaks to cultural practices often make a difference.”

Aged 37, Lee is a champion of the benefits of working in the independent school sector: “We generally have good kit, and I believe the work-life balance is possibly the best in the industry with relatively minimal weekend working and unsocial hours of overtime. However, like my peers across other industry sectors, we need to continue to try to find ways to address the recruitment dilemma – perhaps by working together

Above left: The team also maintain areas not related to sport

Above right: The football pitches are kept in pristine condition

Right: A seating area offers a quiet place for reflection amidst sensitive planting

more to promote how the groundscare industry does offer rewarding careers.

“With signposted career pathways, this industry can take you anywhere if you take advantage of the opportunities available. Just 20 years ago I was in college studying for a sportsturf and greenkeeping accreditation; today I lead a strong team of award-winning professionals at one of the most prestigious sites in the world.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: BEN WRIGHT

SPOTLIGHT ON APPRENTICESHIPS

Exciting developments in sportsturf education can provide opportunities for progression and development within turf management – and hopefully attract more people into the sector

BY DR JONATHAN KNOWLES, HEAD OF SPORTS TURF ACADEMY, LEICESTER CITY FOOTBALL CLUB

Providing quality apprenticeships and training opportunities is crucial in driving our industry forward and ensuring we secure a future workforce, and there were numerous positive developments in sportsturf education in 2023. This includes the introduction of the new Advanced Sports Turf Technician Level 3 and a revised version of Level 2 Sports Turf Operative, while the Level 2 Golf Greenkeeping has also been modified and updated.

In a previous issue of this magazine, I discussed the industry’s progress in sportsturf apprenticeships, focusing on the transition from Framework to Standards (see ‘Raising the bar’, Grounds Management, Winter 2022, page 16). This shift involved moving from NVQs and Work-Based Diplomas to the new standards regulated by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

The most notable differences included a minimum of 12 months of learning leading to an independently examined ‘End-Point Assessment’ graded as pass, merit, distinction or fail. Additionally, it is noteworthy that apprenticeships are between 95 and 100 per cent fully funded by the UK government.

The urgent need to focus on creating an advanced sportsturf apprenticeship was driven in part by the cessation of the Framework Level 3 Sports Turf Apprenticeship, which finished in the summer of 2020, resulting in a lack of apprenticeship progression from Level 2 in sportsturf.

To address this gap, between 2021 and the early part of 2023, a focus group (Trailblazer Group) consisting of volunteer employers, training providers

and industry associations, including the GMA, developed the aforementioned new Advanced Sports Turf Technician Level 3, which was introduced in October 2023 and encompasses both sportsturf and greenkeeping.

This apprenticeship is tailored to the responsibilities of technical turf professionals, such as those aiming for a supervisory and technical role in sportsturf and/or greenkeeping. This development represents a significant achievement in providing opportunities for progression and development in turf management.

SUSTAINED ENHANCEMENT

Arguably, the last 20 to 30 years have seen increased professionalisation in the turf industry, which in turn has led to the

widespread enhancements of turf playing surfaces over that time.

To sustain this trajectory amid contemporary challenges – specifically, climate change, regulatory shifts, sustainability concerns, financial security and the acquisition of new talent – we require ongoing education, coupled with advancements in technological solutions, to continuously enhance the performance of natural grass playing surfaces. This is crucial for progress.

However, unless those of us currently working within the industry provide opportunities for change, progress will slow down for everyone. Potentially, this may lead to a talent vacuum, with individuals seeking progression elsewhere, either outside of the industry or overseas. Indeed, based on several

industry surveys, conference discussions and summit topics, attracting new talent for the next generation of turf professionals is widely acknowledged as a significant challenge.

Essentially, apprenticeships are one of the drivers for opportunities and change for individuals and, more broadly, for the turf industry.

Having met many turf apprentices and managers/employers of apprentices across the UK, it is unmistakable that this type of learning programme is making a significant difference to businesses, people’s careers and their day-to-day livelihoods. However, the question arises: are we witnessing enough apprentices joining the industry? Not to be contentious, but this might be indicative of the challenges the industry faces in recruiting. Perhaps – and many share this view – there is insufficient information about careers in turf.

Numbers released by an apprenticeship-awarding organisation in November 2023 suggested that approximately 40 to 50 Level 2 Sports Turf Operative Apprentices were achieved per year on average since 2020. This figure is about a 10th of horticulture apprenticeship achievements. While horticulture is arguably a larger sector than sportsturf, it is known that sportsturf (including greenkeeping) is the second-largest sector after production horticulture. This raises the question of whether sportsturf is attracting enough apprentices, or providing enough information and opportunities for them.

IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT TURF

It is important to note that not all turf apprenticeships are solely about maintaining turf. There are a variety of apprenticeships within turf that, while not directly associated with turf maintenance, equally contribute to our progressive industry.

Take land-based service engineering apprenticeships. For example, machinery manufacturers John Deere and Kubota UK have a history of offering Service Engineering apprenticeships at Level 3. These advanced apprenticeships cover engineering, electronics, hydraulics, diagnostics, communication skills, computing, and sales and marketing. They integrate hands-on experience with the latest products and diagnostic equipment, combined with classroom and online learning.

Left: Level 3 Service Engineer apprentice at Leicester City FC’s Sports Turf Academy

Right: An apprentice learns about turf management

Below: Arthur Haynes and Savannah Brown, John Deere’s 2023 Service Engineering apprentices

Manufacturers and facilities alike are investing in apprentice turf engineering technicians, as seen at Leicester City FC’s Sports Turf Academy, where two Level 3 Service Engineer apprentice technicians work with two senior technician mechanics, providing a valuable service to the grounds team. This type of apprenticeship is crucial for the future of turf, advancing a new generation of technicians at the forefront of turf technology while supporting the efficient maintenance of turf facilities and venues.

WHAT’S NEXT?

In addition to the new Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician, a revised version of Level 2 Sports Turf Operative (version 1.2) has been released for new starters. The Level 2 Golf Greenkeeping was

also revised (version 1.2) and updated. Regarding further career progression and driving the progress of turf forward, there are discussions and potential developments underway in 2024 for a new Level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager Apprenticeship.

Despite the questions and areas for improvement in turf apprenticeships, the overall future of sportsturf apprenticeships appears highly positive.

n For apprenticeships information, visit: instituteforapprenticeships. org and search ‘sports turf’.

n For information about career progression via the GMA’s Grounds Management Framework, visit: thegma.org.uk/GMF-careerprogression

COURSE SPECIALISTS

Grounds Management catches up with renowned GMA racecourse management trainers Richard Linley and Alan Lewis as they retire from their roles

BY ANDY CARMICHAEL, FREELANCE WRITER AND SPORTSTURF ACADEMIC

Recently I had the good fortune to meet with GMA racecourse groundscare trainers Richard Linley and Alan Lewis, and I could have happily listened to them all day as they shared their depth of knowledge, experience and anecdotes.

Richard, who was awarded an MBE for Services to Horse Racing in December last year, has recently retired from his role as senior inspector of courses for the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). Alan is similarly stepping back from his full-time consultancy work for the turf industry. Both are remaining involved with the sector to a reduced extent, but their talk of a potential wine-tasting trip was a clue to where their future interests may lie and of the friendship they have built over the years.

While Richard has been involved in horse racing for most of his life, from jockey to course inspector to his most recent position, Alan began his professional interest in the sport just over a decade ago, when as an established turf advisor and trainer he took on the

delivery of the GMA’s training courses. Wanting to understand the challenges of the job and the value he could provide, Alan met with Richard and the two have worked closely to drive higher standards ever since.

“The GMA training courses were established some years ago with the intention of moving the management of racing surfaces onto a more practiced footing, with the right people, tools and training in place,” Richard explains. “When Alan joined the team there was still an issue of perception and one of our key tasks was to move away from the idea of a racecourse being an agricultural field. For example, we needed to reverse the perceived wisdom of applying an unchanging seasonal fertiliser because ‘that’s how it had always been done’.”

NOTHING BUT THE BEST

Throughout their time working together, Richard and Alan have clearly enjoyed success, as surface standards in the sport have very much improved. “This is how it should be because the horses have to have the best of everything,” Alan explains. The challenges they both identify, however, are both man and horse made. “No other sport surface suffers as much damage as a racecourse,” Richard says, adding that after a race meet it may

ALAN CROWHURST, ALAMY

Left: Racecourse turf needs to be top tier for the safety of horse and rider Below (left to right): Jason Booth, GMA COO; Steve Prinn, who takes over as turfgrass tutor; Alan Lewis; Richard Linley MBE; new horseracing tutor Kevin Jones

take up to six weeks to restore the course to an acceptable standard.

However, nowadays horse racing, as with many other sports – including Alan’s much-loved cricket – has a much longer and busier calendar, with fewer opportunities to repair and restore the turf. This places huge pressure on both people and resources. Alan suggests that there is no reason why people who run sport cannot have play all the time, but he says: “Maintenance is key and without time to do the work properly the turf quality will invariably suffer.”

He stresses the importance of increasing the groundsperson’s value within a sport organisation, which, over the years, is something both Alan and Richard have strived to promote.

TRAINING IS KEY

They are both full of praise for the horse racing authorities for their stipulation that those managing a course must attend approved training courses. Indeed, the BHA’s General Instructions require qualifications in turf management for at least two members of a course’s grounds staff – and Richard says that many courses actually go above and beyond this requirement. In fact, he says that “under Alan’s guidance and absolutely brilliant knowledge” the courses required by the BHA have become “an extremely worthwhile stepping stone for grounds staff to progress their careers within the wider industry”.

According to Alan, the recent improvements in racecourse management means the maintenance needed for racing turf is no different to that required for

a winter sports pitch – albeit on a much larger scale. Moreover, Richard says: “Such is the size and location of many racecourses, you can often move from areas of relatively benign subsurface material to solid rock, with different soils within the same stretch.”

THE COURSES REQUIRED BY THE BHA HAVE BECOME A ‘WORTHWHILE STEPPING STONE FOR GROUNDS STAFF TO PROGRESS THEIR CAREERS’

Taking up the reins

Richard and Alan have welcomed the tutors who will be taking over their roles.

Steve Prinn MSc is taking over from Alan as turfgrass tutor. He has over 25 years’ experience teaching sportsturf maintenance and management. He is also a consultant on playing surface construction and maintenance.

Kevin Jones (BHA) will replace Richard as British horeseracing tutor. He is is a retired jockey and BHA racecourse inspector.

They both feel there remains potential clouds on the horizon for racing from an environmental perspective, with the expectation that the management of water will continue to be a huge issue. They share concerns that there is not sufficient planning for water scarcity, nor preparations being made at a time “when racing has never been subject to so much”.

While average rainfall may offer consistent numbers, it is the timing of rain episodes that is changing. For example, Richard says one racetrack he’s worked on needs “protecting from frost in January and then irrigating in March”.

MODERN THINKING

For those who take up the reins in racecourse management in the future, another issue Richard would like to see tackled is the identification of true radius and camber for each bend on a track. “This would assist course managers and their grounds staff when setting up the course for racing, which may help in reducing interference when negotiating bends,” he explains. “It’s a great example of the science and mathematical knowledge we are keen to promote as essential skills for the groundsperson’s role in the modern era.”

This kind of thinking and the changes the two highly experienced friends have made in the management of racing turf have provided increased self-esteem for racecourse grounds staff in recent years. And if their future does indeed include a trip to vineyards, I am sure there will plenty of people around the circuit happy to raise a glass to them both.

Above: Richard (left) and Alan (right) have played a pivotal role in improving the management of racecourse grounds and bringing the perception of course turfcare firmly into the 21th century

CLIMATE CHANGE? YOU AIN’T SEEN NOTHING YET

A meteorologist’s view of why we need to take global warming seriously and do what we can – however small – to help reverse the trend

BY JIM N R DALE, FOUNDER, SENIOR METEOROLOGIST, BRITISH WEATHER SERVICES

So, here we are at the climate crosshairs, with 2023 being the warmest year on Earth for at least 120,000 years and we had (at the time of writing) at least two days when average global temperatures exceeded 2°C above preindustrial levels.

It might not have felt like a hothouse at times – and certainly not right now when you might be more concerned about flood threats opposed to debilitating heatwaves and droughts –but the climate ‘Titanic’ remains firmly on course for the ominous iceberg that awaits.

Not concerned? Well, you should be. Indeed, groundspeople and all those involved in the upkeep and wellbeing of the Earth’s surface are positioned near the front of the Titanic as lookouts, with their feet firmly planted on the deck and eyes staring towards the horizon.

RECENT WEATHER EVENTS

You may have already noticed some changes in the behaviour of your own patch. The UK’s record-breaking heat of June, September and October in 2023 followed on from the record-breaking

40.3°C the year before. However, if you happen to have straddled those events, as well as the autumn storms and floods, then simply join the dots around the world from major and sometimes catastrophic occurrences, such as the wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, or the shocking Derna dam-busting floods in Libya.

The unnaturally high winds in Maui and weak dam structures in Derna may have contributed massively to both disasters, but underpinning the pair was prolonged drought in one and unprecedented biblical rainfall

Above: Wildfires rage through British Columbia, Canada, last year, inflicting air pollution on millions of Americans

Below: Extensive flooding caused by Storm Babet in the UK in October 2023

ALAN HARBOTTLE, ALAMY

in the other. There were plenty of other impacts caused by climate shifts, such as the record-breaking Canadian wildfires and the devastating floods in Somalia that lifted bodies from cemeteries and carried them into a local town like some horror movie – only it was very real.

If you are of the mind to reject the evidence or have dismissed the incontrovertible evidence supplied by climate scientists from the likes of NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the World Meteorological Organization, you should ask yourself what exactly your denials are based on.

Your gut feelings could be far from a safe indicator of climate change –and beyond that is the perilous world of social media, heavily polluted by politicians spouting misinformation.

It is, however, fair to say that there are people who are genuinely concerned but

yet to be convinced, to whom I would politely offer a key word if I may – and that is ‘education’.

UNDERSTANDING THE FACTS

Most of us strive to be educated in pivotal fields we don’t fully understand, and I too continue to learn in the fastmoving and fast-changing profession that I inhabit. The Met Office and the organisations I have already mentioned (and many others) have superb websites that provide unbiased, simple information concerning climate change, including verifiable data sets. Yes, you will find anomalies and questions not yet answered – after all, we are now alive in a brand-new epoch called the Anthropocene, where mankind is the dominant force, a force for good, and bad, where we have created our own successes, dilemmas and outright dangers.

Trusted resources

There are a number of reputable websites you can turn to for reliable information on climate change, the science behind it and evidence that the effects are happening right here, right now. Here are just a few:

n The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: noaa.gov

n The World Meteorological Organization: wmo.int

n NASA: science.nasa.gov

n Met Office: metoffice.gov.uk

MAYBE IT WILL TAKE A FEW DECADES OR EVEN A CENTURY OR TWO. IT MAY BE A VERY SLOW PROCESS, A SLOW DECLINE AND A SLOW DEATH, WHERE WE DON’T FULLY REALISE OUR FATE UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE

Just to put a little flesh on that: there are nine known environmental ‘tipping points’ and straying too far towards any one of them could mean the end of human life on Earth. Let me make it clear, the planet itself will survive after we are long gone, much as it did (albeit with recovery periods) following the five previous mass global extinctions. It’s just the human race and other inhabitants that will be exterminated.

DAVID MCGILL, ALAMY

GLOBAL 2m SURFACE TEMPERATURE ANOMALIES: 1940–2023 VS 1850–1900 IPCC BASELINE

Three of the nine headings in the ‘The nine environmental tipping points’ (see below right) are coloured red – and red spells danger. With climate, biomass and biodiversity, we are already treading on very thin ice and heading to a point of no recovery. Lose one of the three and as a species we are doomed.

The problem is that we cannot yet say how long we might be able to stand up on this rapidly thinning ice and what it may mean to us in the interim period. Maybe it will take a few decades or even a century or two. It may be a very slow process, a slow decline and a slow death, where we don’t fully realise our fate until it’s too late.

Or maybe we finally come to our senses and earnestly turnabout, perhaps assisted by technology, but more likely a strong will to survive.

I am not a ‘climate alarmist’, far from it. I’ve been doing this job for over 40 years and in all that time I’ve witnessed the shifting sands with my own eyes. However, at the same time I’m an optimist and we have to be full-on positive if we are to emerge from what we have created. Maybe the effort required to turn the ‘Titanic’ around won’t fully mend things in our respective lifetimes, but what we do now is for our children, grandchildren and for generations to come.

FUTURE CONCERNS

With climate change and the El Niño phenomenon to contend with, we have all got to be on our toes. What we have ahead of us is something of an unknown, not just in whether we see sudden wintry blasts, but what comes after that by way of storms, floods, droughts, excessive heat and other unsavoury happenings. We are steaming towards this immense ‘iceberg’ and there will be chaos along the way, simply because nothing has changed as far as fossil fuel emissions are concerned, and more heat in the atmosphere will make for more danger and with it more catastrophes.

WITH CLIMATE, BIOMASS AND BIODIVERSITY, WE ARE ALREADY TREADING ON VERY THIN ICE AND HEADING TO A POINT OF NO RECOVERY

Left: Global surface temperatures have shown a marked increase since 1850

Above: High summer temperatures make sportsturf management a challenge

We can turn a corner; we can be sharp and alert to the dangers. We can change our ill-gotten practices and let no one say it won’t make a difference – it will. And when it does, you can say that you did your bit.

n Jim Dale is author of Weather or Not? The Personal & Commercial Impacts of Weather & Climate and the co-author of Surviving Extreme Weather: The Complete Climate Change Preparedness Manual, available from April 2024.

Jim@britishweatherservices.co.uk X @BritWeatherSvs

The nine environmental tipping points

1. Climate.

2. Biomass: forests, wetlands, grasslands etc. It’s what goes to feed and enrich the Earth and oceans.

3. Biodiversity: other species, such as insects, animals, plants etc.

4. Water, specifically the water cycle and the lack of fresh water.

5. Nutrients: natural chemicals, elements that make us what we are.

6. Ocean acidification: the PH value of what covers 71% of the planet.

7. Man-made pollutants: nuclear, plastics, clothing, general waste products.

8. Aerosols: traffic fumes, contrails, particles etc.

9. Ozone layer: our stratospheric shield from the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet light.

Key Now at severe risk Moving towards the edge Currently safe

DATA: NCEP CLIMATE FORECAST SYSTEM 1979–2023, COPERNICUS adj. 1940–1978 © Professor Eliot Jacobson

TACKLING PITCH IMPROVEMENT

We talk to the RFU’s Ted Mitchell to find out how grassroots rugby clubs can access funding through the Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund

BY KAREN MAXWELL, EDITOR

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) believes that goodquality, natural-turf playing surfaces are essential for growing the rugby community at grassroots level, which is why the ability for rugby clubs to access the Football Foundation’s Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund is a game changer. This new partnership between the RFU, the Football Foundation and Sport England will ensure that grounds staff and volunteers have the right knowledge, support and equipment to improve pitch standards and increase playing opportunities. Furthermore, the programme is closely linked to the

Pitch Advisory Service (PAS), which is supported by the GMA.

According to Ted Mitchell, the RFU’s national facility development manager, out of the 26 clubs across the country that took part in the initial programme pilot, the RFU has already granted £423,186 in funding to 19 clubs, with a further £124,782 in pending funds for the remaining five clubs that have stayed within the scheme.

HOW IT WORKS

“Clubs that have a legitimate need to improve their playing surfaces, and comply with the necessary application criteria, can access grants for up to

£14,400 per pitch [maximum funding available for two pitches per club],” Ted explains. “Once granted, this funding is spread over six years to help clubs deliver an enhanced, and sustainable, pitch maintenance programme, and raise pitch standards through expert advice, training, equipment and materials.

“These pitch standards are measured via the appropriate pitch ‘level’ criteria set out in the GMA’s Grounds Management Framework with participating clubs aiming to improve their pitch standards to ‘good’ level or above.”

THE PILOT PROCESS

Ted explains that the clubs invited to take part in the initial pilot – located across the country from Northumberland to Cornwall – had pitches that were categorised as ‘basic’ standard or below [based on the criteria set out in the GMA’s Grounds Management Framework] and had previously shown an interest in pitch improvement by attending one of the RFU’s national Honda Grounds Connected guidance meetings (see opposite page).

The participating clubs also showed an appetite to improve their surfaces to enable more people to play rugby at their facility. They were invited to join a couple of informative webinars that walked them through the funding application process.

Regarding webinar content, Ted says: “The first webinar shared information on how to input pitch data into the Football Foundation’s PitchPower app and how to use the app to engage with the GMA’s PAS programme to help them better understand how their pitches were performing and, crucially, understand the current standard level of their pitch and how this standard could be improved.”

In the second webinar, Ted says the clubs were given advice on how to complete a successful funding application, as well as how to use this funding to build an effective pitch maintenance programme over the six-year funding period.

THE ROLLOUT

This pilot proved to be an invaluable learning opportunity for the RFU. “It has allowed us to reflect and refine the programme to suit club needs by providing an opportunity to monitor the application process and the funding rollout. It has also enabled us to gain feedback from club participants regarding the advice and support required at each stage of the scheme.”

Now working within the next phase of the programme, Ted says that the RFU has already connected with a select

RATHER THAN WAIT FOR EACH FUNDING WINDOW TO OPEN AND TRY TO MAKE A SPECULATIVE APPLICATION, RUGBY CLUBS NEED TO ACTIVELY ENGAGE WITH THE RFU NOW

number of rugby clubs located across the country that are already using the PitchPower app.

“The clubs that have stated an interest in joining this funding cycle [which runs through February to the middle of March] have been invited to an ‘introduction’ webinar to help them with their initial application.

“Once these applications have been assessed, we expect that by the end of the playing season a high percentage of engaged clubs will already have access to funds to help with their pitch maintenance plans and/or machinery needs,” he explains.

CLUB ENGAGEMENT

According to Ted, the RFU is constantly reviewing this programme and plans to deliver at least another three application windows, which will result in available funding over the next couple of years.

However, he advises that it is crucial that, rather than wait for each funding window to open and try to make a speculative application, rugby clubs need to actively engage with the RFU now.

“Clubs need to complete an expression of interest or invite a PAS pitch advisor to visit the club to offer some initial help and advice via the PitchPower app,” he says.

“If clubs show a commitment to developing their skill sets and improving their pitches by actively engaging with the programme now, then by the time the RFU launches funding windows three, four, five and six, they could be the clubs that will benefit.”

Honda Grounds Connected events

Another way for clubs to express their interest in the programme, and potentially be invited to take part, is by attending the RFU’s Honda Rugby Grounds Connected events, which will be taking place at sports facilities across the country this year.

These offer technical advice from industry experts and practical pitch maintenance demonstrations. PAS pitch advisors will also be there to give advice and guidance on how to use the PitchPower app. They also offer an opportunity for people to meet fellow grounds volunteers as well as industry experts who are able to share information regarding the right equipment and materials needed to improve pitch standards.

Far left: Grassroots rugby clubs can enjoy great playing surfaces with help from the Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund Left: Clubs whose pitches need improvement can apply for grants of £14,400 per pitch (with a maximum of two pitches)

Let the games begin

The GMA regional pitch advisors have been working with county cricket boards and grounds associations to help cricket clubs and grounds managers reach their long-term aims in 2024

BY ANDY WELSBY, GMA REGIONAL PITCH ADVISOR – NORTH & MIDLANDS (CRICKET)

We’ve all heard the comment: “You must have nothing to do during winter, as the grass doesn’t grow.” Although we may try to explain that just isn’t the case, many of us have probably got to the point where we shrug our shoulders and say: “Yeah, it’s quiet,” rather than try to explain that we do more than just cut the grass and, in fact, our work during the winter months is the foundation for next season.

A good surface takes yearround effort, particularly in cricket ground maintenance.

As volunteer and professional grounds people spend the off-season preparing and planning for the next season, the Pitch Advisory Service (PAS) Cricket team has been busy doing the same. This is the time where we collaborate with the county cricket boards, pitch advisors and grounds associations. We’ll put together plans to

support clubs and grounds managers, create and tweak strategies for long-term aims, and get the whole network together to update them on new tools to improve the service they provide.

Over the past two years we’ve worked with the cricket boards to increase the County Pitch Advisor (CPA) network and 30 new pitch advisors from around the country completed their

training in January 2024. These new recruits now bring the total number of CPAs to more than 100, and they are ready to get out to clubs and give advice to improve squares and outfields up and down England and Wales.

PITCHPOWER FOR CRICKET

As well as training the new CPAs, we’ve also been busy training the established

SEVEN TRAINING WORKSHOPS WERE HELD BACK IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2023

Above: Cricket has been a focus of the PAS, which has recruited 30 new CPAs

Below: PAS cricket workshop in full swing

network on the PitchPower app for cricket. The PAS Cricket team have connected with the Football Foundation to shape the PitchPower app to fit cricket over the past 18 months and now we’re ready to release it for CPAs to use to complete their ground assessments.

Seven training workshops were held back in November and December 2023, from Somerset to Durham, providing the CPAs with a ‘how-to’ guide to PitchPower, gathering their feedback, and allowing them access to go out and test the new app.

By the time the first ball is bowled in 2024 everything will be in place to make it a year of real change for the better by creating a buzz around effective cricket grounds management.

PAOLO PARADISO, SHUTTERSTOCK

PEST MANAGEMENT

Sustainable management of weeds, pests and diseases

We explain how effective weed, pest and disease management is an essential component of sustainable practice that protects the environment and people

BY PROFESSOR JOHN MOVERLEY OBE, CONSULTANT, JMM SOLUTIONS

The need to control and manage weeds, pests and diseases is a requirement for all involved in maintaining and developing sports spaces. Indeed, it is a vital part of keeping these areas safe, healthy and fit for purpose.

Excessive weed growth can create slip hazards on hard surfaces and impact playing conditions on sports pitches. Even in created environmentally friendly areas, control of certain species is important to avoid competition problems. Effectively, weed management is an essential component of sustainability and protecting the environment and people.

LEGAL ISSUES

Prior to the UK leaving the European community, weed management was subject to various directives, including the Sustainable Use Directive. Arising from this, each member country had to have a National Action Plan in place, which established legal requirements and guidance, and was applicable to all involved in weed, pest and disease management in agriculture and horticulture. The current plan is based on guidance and establishing targets. However, there are also legal requirements

in terms of operator training, sprayer testing and obligations when purchasing plant protection products.

Following the UK’s departure from the EU, the National Action Plan is under review and a new one was due well over a year ago. This means the current one still applies. There are, however, some clear messages emerging from government that are very relevant to management operations. Paramount will be the emphasis on ensuring all approaches to the task of weed, pest and disease control are undertaken in the most sustainable manner by adopting an integrated approach.

What ‘sustainability’ means can sometimes be misunderstood – and the same applies to the term ‘integrated’. Some jump to the conclusion that it means not using pesticides; some use the language of seeking alternatives. In truth, taking an integrated approach involves assessment of all the factors and methods involved so as to choose the most appropriate mix for a given situation that is economic, efficient and effective – and minimises impact upon the environment and protects the public.

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE

For any given situation sustainable practice begins with producing a plan often referred to as an integrated management plan, which needs to consider the following points:

l Is control essential and could the need for it be eliminated or minimised by improved management and better planning of its use and requirements?

l If it is needed, what level of control is required? For example, does it need

IT’S NOT ABOUT GIVING UP PESTICIDES AS SUCH, BUT ENSURING THEIR APPLICATION IS TARGETED

complete control, or could a certain level of disease, weed or pest damage be tolerated?

l The plan will review all the various approaches and methods available either as single methods or combinations. These include cultural, mechanical and plant protection products. These approaches will then be evaluated in terms of cost, effectiveness, safety, and health and environmental impact, and ideally be subject to life-cycle analysis to measure carbon impact.

l In creating the plan, it is also important to seek coordination of activities across all involved in managing the facilities.

l Following this review, an approach will be determined and adopted. If the approach involves the use of plant protection products, checks

VLADIMIR KONSTANTINOV, SHUTTERSTOCK / PAKULINSERGEI, SHUTTERSTOCK

will be listed to ensure such products are safely stored meeting legal requirements, and that fully tested and inspected equipment is used by appropriately certificated and trained operatives.

l The plan will also include a method of review and will be updated regularly to take account of developments and innovations.

All of this can seem quite daunting, but it does not need to be complex or involve lengthy documentation. It does, however, require evidence that all stages have been considered. The outcome is a demonstration of best sustainable practice. In my opinion, a sustainable practice is best practice.

PESTICIDES OR NOT?

Any article on this topic cannot avoid addressing the debate on pesticides. There are active lobby groups that

Above: Weeds can be a problem when growing on hard surfaces such as pavements

Inset: Clear surfaces are less of a slipping hazard

Bottom left: Pesticides have a role to play in integrated weed control

believe that all such products are unacceptable and unsustainable. However, it is important to take a balanced and evidence-based view.

Undoubtedly, in years gone by some of the pesticides used have been proved to be unsafe and removed. However, existing products are rigorously tested (far more so than for many other domestic ones) and subject to ongoing review. Strict regulations apply in terms of their storage and use. Again, the emphasis is that being sustainable is not about giving up pesticides as such,

but ensuring that where their use is needed, application is targeted and minimised in an integrated approach. It’s also worth noting that the term ‘plant protection products’ now also encompasses biological products.

FOCUS ON CARBON

In all the approaches, carbon emissions and footprint must be considered. A recent comprehensive study undertaken by independent experts looked at a range of approaches to weed control on streets in Cardiff. Its results were very significant in that, looking at all the factors and including carbon implications, using plant protection products, far from being the least sustainable approach, was indeed the best for that particular situation.

Taking a balanced and integrated approach to weed, pest and disease management is the best

policy – indeed, many are almost certainly adopting such approaches without knowing. I recently spoke to a manager of sportsturf pitches in a city. She described her approaches and was surprised to hear from me that she was already very much adopting sustainable practice – she just didn’t realise it.

All of us can and should aim to contribute to a more sustainable integrated approach to weed, pest and disease control.

n John Moverley is the former chair of the UK Amenity Forum, and has considerable experience of the sector and strong networks. He is the owner of JMM Solutions, a consultancy specialising in providing policy advice and assistance to amenity businesses seeking to develop sustainable practices.

Maintaining sports grounds across the UK

Six organisations explain how they utilise industry products and services to ensure their grounds and facilities are kept in top condition

OAS MICROBIAL PROGRAMME KEY TO TRENCH BOWLING CLUB’S ‘BEST KEPT GREEN IN SHROPSHIRE 2023’ AWARD

Trench Bowling Club in Telford recently celebrated its 100th anniversary by winning the Best Kept Green in Shropshire 2023 award. The club has 45 playing members and competes in the Mid-Shropshire Bowling League.

Greenkeeper David Evans and a team of volunteers have been preparing the green since 2014. David explains: “The green is in the best condition it has ever been.” He adds: “In 2018, the greenkeepers at Bowring Bowling Club in Telford recommended Symbio, so I decided to move away from synthetic fertilisers and pesticides and work with Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) to produce an integrated management plan.”

This resulted in less thatch, an improvement in drainage, a reduction in dry patch plus greater root development and sward density. It also improved the overall presentation and reduced the need to topdress.

The programme includes Symbio Compost Tea and Fungal Additive, CMS Shoot, Super Seaweed, Supa Yucca, Liquid Aeration and MycoGro organic granular fertiliser. n Find out more at: originamenity.com

AMS DELIVERS OUTSTANDING SURFACES AT HOVE

After intensive in-house operations to relieve severe compaction failed to deliver the desired results, grounds and gardens manager Adam Bedson decided to bring in AMS Contracting Ltd to undertake a full renovation of one of the sports pitches at Hove Prep School in Sussex.

The school is one of three sites that belong to Lancing College, and offers sports facilities that support a packed programme of year-round play and coaching.

Adam says it became evident that the overuse of playing surfaces over the years had contributed to severe compaction problems that had become almost impossible to recover. “Kit hired previously failed to rectify the problem so we reached out to Ashley and Myles Strange at AMS, who immediately put us at ease.

“As this was a large-scale project, the school bursar naturally had a lot of questions, which the AMS team answered in an in-depth and timely manner, and this helped to secure the funding we needed to get the project under way,” he says.

The full pitch renovation included surface removal, soil profile upgrade, laser levelling, seeding and a nutritional programme.

“The team were on site from sunrise and non-stop until the early evening. They understood our need to get the work done so we could get the surfaces back into play as quickly as possible.

“Within seven days we went from a sandy field to a green hue of seed germination. Since then, the pitch has matured to full strength and the pupils are enjoying playing on it.” n Find out more at: amscontracting.co.uk

…and after

David Evans on the award-winning bowling green

REDEXIM VERTI-DRAIN 2519 BOOSTS GRASS PLANT EFFICIENCY

After 15 years of reliable service running a fleet of smaller Redexim Verti-Drain models, Martin Guy, owner of Grass Plant Ltd, says the addition of a high-speed Verti-Drain 2519 has brought new-found efficiency to his projects.

Grass Plant constructs and maintains natural sportsturf surfaces across the South East. “Agronomic expectations are on the rise, but due to play demands and climatic conditions, the time available to deliver these standards is getting smaller,” he explains. “This meant increasing demand was placed on our high-speed aerator, so as soon as the 2519 was introduced we were one of the first to try it out.”

The Verti-Drain 2519 can cover up to 8,739sq m per hour when spaced at 165mm, making it the most productive aerator in its category. Its ability to accept a range of tine options and working to variable depths of up to 250mm mean it is well suited to an array of applications. “It’s adaptable, which is critical for us considering the broad spectrum of places where we work,” Martin says.

n Find out more at: redexim.com/uk

GKB DTA120 A PERFECT FIT FOR CLEVELAND LAND SERVICES

Tasked with delivering reliability and efficiency for both contracting and self-drive hire, a Deep Tine Aerator (DTA) from GKB Machines has ticked every box for Cleveland Land Services in Teesside.

Purchased to replace another aerator in the summer of 2021, the robust versatility of the 2.1m DTA has seen it well used on a variety of projects and sports surfaces including football pitches, racecourses and golf course fairways.

Cleveland Land Services has a reputation for industryleading innovation and customer service, providing a high standard of completion on nationwide projects for over 50 years.

With an equipment bank spanning the group, it was the task of Andrew Willis, general manager of the Selfdrive

division, to find a replacement for a well-used aerator on its hire fleet. “Following a demonstration of the DTA210, we decided that the price, the build quality and the specification were a great fit for us,” he says.

The DTA210 combines a 2.1m working width and maximum working depth of up to 40cm, making it an excellent solution for large and/or heavy compacted applications. There are other models in the DTA range.

“We’ve been using it on our own contracting work, primarily football pitch maintenance. When not used internally, it’s been hired to a host of turf managers, who all find the machine incredibly efficient and simple to operate,” Andrew says.

n Find out more at: gkbmachines.com

The GKB DTA210 in action

Marin Guy is impressed with the Verti-Drain 2519

NEW TORO IRRIGATION SYSTEM SCORES AT MIDDLESBROUGH FC

Four pitches at Middlesbrough FC’s training ground at Rockliffe Park are seeing the results from improved accuracy, full coverage and the powerful control from a new Toro irrigation system.

According to senior grounds supervisor Jack Cunningham, the growing-in process was the best it had ever been.

The club invested in the Toro Lynx LAC control system, 54 Infinity sprinklers and 74 B Series sprinklers with Turf Cups in phase one of a project that will, in time, see another two pitches follow suit.

“There’s a lot to like about this combination,” Jack says. “The LAC system and being able to control the water application with pinpoint accuracy from a desktop or mobile device is a game-changer.”

Regarding the B Series sprinklers with their trajectory settings, Jack says: “We have a windy site and the B Series trajectory settings mean that’s now not a problem. They’re easily altered to counteract the wind. The back nozzle doesn’t affect the front nozzle so can use the same set of parts for the perimeter and in-field sprinklers.”

“Being able to easily take the top off, change the decoders and alter trajectories without having to dig the heads out and risk damage to the turf is very good,” he says. “We can turn the sprinkler by hand and using the moisture control I put the water where I want it and in the quantity I want, which means we’ve had the best grow-in and maintenance of our playing surfaces.”

n Find out more at: toro.com/en-gb

VERSATILE AVANT 755I LOADER TRANSFORMS FAMILY BUSINESS

Richard Overton, the steward of a family business established in the 1900s, has praised the transformative power of the Avant 755i Loader in improving its operations.

With a deep-rooted history in agriculture, the Overton family has witnessed the evolution of their business from its humble beginnings, where Richard’s grandfather toiled to expand their landholding, to today’s activities ranging from potato cultivation to cold storage, a livery yard and landscaping. The turning point in their operations came with the decision to diversify, a strategic move that required a versatile and reliable piece of equipment. Richard, having previously relied on two 3.5-tonne machines, sought something more adaptable.

“I always had an eye on the Avant,” he says. “We needed it at both of our

sites, so we went for the 755i model because I believe it’s the biggest you can legally tow.”

The Avant 755i Loader, renowned for its compact design, its high-flow auxiliary hydraulics for attachment versatility, its high lift capacity and drive speed, belongs to the 700 series designed for multi-use tasks such as cleaning, property maintenance, farm operations and landscaping.

The decision to opt for a cabequipped model reflects the Overton family’s commitment to year-round productivity. “We bought the best machine we could get,” says Richard, who opted for the GT cab, which comes with heating, sound-absorbing interior, windscreen washer and wiper, cab air filter, and front and rear mudguards as standard.

n Find out more at: avanttecno.com

Middlesbrough FC ’s pitch has benefitted from Toro irrigation Richard Overton with his Avant 755i

GENA MELENDREZ, SHUTTERSTOCK

SPRING OPERATIONS

The GMA’s seasonal maintenance guide to help you keep your sports surfaces in top condition all year round

Bowling greens

n Drag brush or switch to remove morning dew, and monitor disease pressures and earthworm activity.

n Ensure all machinery is serviced and ready for the demands of the season ahead, test irrigation equipment, and clear and refresh ditches and perimeters along with any other odd jobs.

n As the weather improves and temperatures rise, increase cut frequency in line with growth, gradually reducing the height of cut.

n Apply a suitable spring fertiliser to maintain and encourage optimum growing conditions for the grass plant.

n Once the threat of harsh frosts passes, perform planned spring renovation tasks. These can include topdressing, light scarification or verticutting and overseeding.

n Increasing cut frequency will assist in firming the surface, but introduction of a specific rolling programme might be needed – if so, increase weight gradually, roll in multiple

directions and ensure profile moisture levels support this.

n Aeration operations will assist in improving the quality and performance of the surface. Some greenkeepers will transition to solid tine aeration during this period to prevent slits opening later in the season.

Cricket squares

n Continue dispersing morning dew and inspecting for any signs of disease – monitor or treat as required.

n Take time to repair ends that may have sparse coverage or isolated low

levels – covering with germination sheeting will accelerate establishment, but be mindful to regularly check the activity underneath.

n Rolling and consolidation of the cricket square should be a priority as the weather changes. Begin rolling when conditions allow with a relatively light roller and gradually move up to a medium-weight unit or increase ballast. Look to carry out even roll coverage in a ‘Union Jack’ pattern.

n An application of a suitable fertiliser will help to kick-start desired growth rate and optimum growing conditions for the grass plant.

n Gradually reduce the height of cut in line with cut frequency, but be

aware of any potential change in the weather.

n A light verti-cut may be possible once growth is reasonable, but be careful not to overdo it too early on.

n Ensure the square is correctly set out with the corners at exact right angles, and that the pitches are correctly marked and numbered according to the pitch plan for the season ahead.

Cricket outfields

n Regularly check for damage, especially if used for winter sports, and make repairs when conditions allow,

paying attention to bowlers’ run-ups.

n Cut the outfield as growth demands, gradually increasing frequency and slowly reducing the height of cut ahead of the season beginning.

n Drag brush to disperse worm casts before commencing cutting to avoid blunting newly sharpened mower blades.

n If budgets allow, spring overseeding and an application of a controlled-release fertiliser will improve the coverage and surface aesthetic.

n Monitor the outfield for weeds and make plans to apply selective herbicide when growth is strong and conditions allow.

n If conditions allow, aeration or decompaction early in spring could improve the quality, performance and drainage potential of the outfield for the season ahead.

Football pitches

n Continue to brush the pitch to open the sward and stand the grass back up when cutting is not required.

n As conditions improve, increase cut frequency and gradually reduce the height of cut to a desirable level to thicken the sward.

n An application of a controlled-release spring fertiliser will assist in promoting growth and enhance recovery.

n Keeping the pitch safe and playable is essential. Make repairs as the

weather improves and divot the pitch to ensure the surface remains safe. Make isolated light sand dressings, and seed and spike in thin and bare areas.

n Decompact using solid tines, or spike rather than slit at this stage if soil conditions permit in early spring.

n Plan end-of-season works as early as possible – book renovation operations to take place and order required materials.

Horse racecourses

n Recommission the irrigation system.

n Increase frequency of cut in line with growth to sustain a true surface.

n Continue to carry out repairs after meetings and perform general area maintenance such as post strimming to maintain good presentation.

n Aerate or decompact as conditions become suitable into early spring.

n Apply the controlledrelease spring base feed once growth is regular and temperature stable.

n Apply a selective herbicide to control weed coverage.

Rugby league pitches

n Make timely repairs and divot the surface back true following play.

n As the weather conditions become

favourable, overseeding and an application of a controlled-release spring/ summer fertiliser can be applied to improve cover.

n Increase cut frequency at a suitable height to encourage growth and sward thickening.

n Continue regular drag brushing to stand the grass up and improve airflow around the plant.

n Perform aeration or decompaction operations when conditions allow to aid gaseous exchange and root growth.

Rugby union pitches

n Early spring growth could require the pitch to be topped rather than brushed – only gently top off at a suitable height.

n Excessive wear at this time of year may be present, but as spring growth starts to kick in it will assist in recovery of a thinning or sparsely covered surface. As conditions improve, cut more regularly to encourage tillering and sward thickening.

n A controlled-release spring fertiliser will assist in promoting growth and enhanced recovery.

n Keeping the pitch playable is essential and so continue to make repairs and divot the pitch to ensure the surface remains safe.

n Aerate or alleviate compaction using solid tines if soil conditions permit. Do not aerate just because a pitch might not have had this operation carried out for some

time, as it could cause more harm than good if soil conditions are unsuitable.

n The end of season is now in sight, so plan ahead for renovation works, order materials and book in services.

Tennis courts

n Continue brushing to remove morning dew while inspecting for any early signs of disease.

n Shallow solid-tine aerate, or sarel roll if conditions allow.

n Begin light rolling of the courts if ground conditions are suitable. As conditions improve, rolling should become more regular to help firm up the court ready for play commencing.

n Make repairs by overseeding and lightly dressing any low areas or patches of poor coverage.

n Apply a suitable spring fertiliser to encourage sustained growth and allow for light verticutting to be introduced.

n Ensure the courts are correctly set out with the corners being at exact right angles so all future operations such as cutting and rolling are in line with the courts.

n Mowing frequency will be gradually increasing in line with growth. At the same time, the height of cut can be gradually lowered from the winter topping height to that required for the start of the playing season.

n For more season maintenance tips, visit: resources.thegma.org.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

THE LATEST TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES FROM GMA CORPORATE PLUS MEMBERS

DAILY PLANNING A BREEZE WITH SYNGENTA’S TURF ADVISOR APP

The new Turf Advisor app from Syngenta offers greenkeepers, turf managers and agronomists instant access to a wealth of key information and advice to help make better decisions for dayto-day planning.

The Turf Advisor app provides essential weather data and turf management models, presented in a clear dashboard that can be tailored and adapted through the season to focus on specific challenges.

The displayed data sets in Turf Advisor have been specifically selected as factors that influence turf health and management,

including rainfall, leaf wetness, humidity, soil temperatures, day length and evapotranspiration.

It displays the historic weather data for recent days, which will have impacted on current turf health and quality, along with the forecast information for the coming days to help turf managers understand where they sit in a weather pattern and make appropriate management decisions. The app also makes many of the Syngenta turf disease forecasting models more accessible and easier to use.

n Find out more at: syngenta.co.uk

TORO & REESINK PARTS PROVIDE EASY, ECONOMIC SERVICING FOR BETTER COST OF OWNERSHIP

When servicing equipment, Toro and Reeskink suggest genuine parts for an improved total cost of ownership – the data-driven perspective for determining the economic value of the investment.

“It’s the quality of the design and the unparalleled attention to detail that make Toro machinery stand out, and it’s the same with Toro parts,” says Michael Hampton, parts manager at Reesink Turfcare. “They’ve all been tested and retested to make sure they can withstand the daily stress that keeping the course in top condition demands. Genuine Toro parts are designed to help keep equipment running like the day they were bought to stretch that investment further.”

The Toro parts Reesink sells for after-market service are the same parts used on the production lines to build the original equipment. Reesink offers 24-hour delivery for most parts and it has schemes to take care of routine maintenance. There are three ReeAssure schemes, all of which make servicing easy and flexible. And, of course, for guaranteed reliability, only genuine parts are used.

n Find out more at: reesink.co.uk

REESINK

SYNGENTA

Toro parts are designed to keep equipment running as new

The Turf Advisor app gives instant access to turf health data sets

PRODUCT NEWS

THE LATEST TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES FROM GMA CORPORATE PLUS MEMBERS

KUBOTA

Kubota RTV range delivers power, performance and versatility

STIHL

The Kubota RTV range of utility vehicles offer robust performance even over the most challenging of ground conditions. Precise control is assured thanks to Kubota’s innovative variable hydrostatic transmission, making it a versatile solution for tasks around estates, racecourses and sports grounds.

The RTV-X1110 offers the ultimate in durability and off-road adaptability. Powered by an economical 24hp Kubota diesel engine, the RTV-X1110 can go where other utility vehicles can’t thanks to its unique drive train arrangement and dynamic engine braking.

A more compact option is the Kubota RTV 520. Combining working comfort with superior performance from the 18hp two-cylinder engine, the RTV 520 delivers quiet and dependable power for greater flexibility in work areas and maintenance schedules. Its rugged, heavy-duty metal load platform, solid under-body protection and front axle ground clearance of 225mm make it suitable for all professional groundscare applications.

n Find out more at: kubota-eu.com

STIHL UNVEILS BATTERY-POWERED BRUSHCUTTERS TO RIVAL PETROL MODELS

STIHL has launched the most powerful battery-powered brushcutters in its AP System, which offer unrivalled power and efficiency to professional users.

The FSA 200 and FSA 200 R boast a power output up to 60 per cent higher compared with the FSA 135, giving the brushcutters a comparable performance to the petrol-powered FS 361 C-EM clearing saw. This ensures efficient, versatile cutting and a genuine alternative to powerful petrol models.

Available in bike-handle and loophandle models, the FSA 200 features three speed settings so users can tailor their cutting experience for different materials, maximising battery life and overall efficiency.

The professional AV system of the FSA 200 enables extended use with minimal vibration, further enhanced by the hard-wearing clamping screw, facilitating easy folding of the handlebar for transport.

The FSA 200 has an automatic blade-detection feature, which increases the maximum RPM when a grass blade is in use to ensure optimal cutting performance. n Find out more at: stihl.co.uk

STIHL battery-powered brushcutter technology ensures optimal clearing performance

The Kubota RTVs can boldly go where other vehicles fear to tread

ORIGIN AMENITY SOLUTIONS

OAS’s line-marking team show off their TinyLineMarker lineup

PELLENC

A coup for Pellenc with four of its products awarded LONGTIME label

Committed to the durability of its products, Pellenc has obtained LONGTIME® certification for four of its professional tools. It is the first manufacturer of professional tools, motors and batteries to benefit from this label.

One of the most effective strategies to reduce the environmental impact of a product is to extend its lifespan, and Pellenc has been mobilising its R&D teams to offer equipment that is more durable, robust and repairable over time.

As a result of its efforts, the Helion 3 electric hedge trimmer, the Airion 3 electric blower, and ULIB 1200 and 1500 batteries have been awarded the European LONGTIME label after a strict and impartial control carried out by Apave Certification.

This demanding process made it possible to assess the compliance of these products with the 41 criteria of the label, which focuses on robustness, repairability, and the monitoring and maintenance of the tools.

LONGTIME is the first European and independent label that identifies and promotes products that are designed to last.

n Find out more at: pellenc.com

OAS ANNOUNCES IMPRESSIVE SALES OF TINYLINEMARKER ROBOTS

Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) says the increasing popularity of GPS line-marking robots has resulted in sales of TinyLineMarker doubling in the last year.

OAS is the sole UK distributor of the TinyMobileRobots brand. The most recent product, the TinyLineMarker Pro X, was launched in September 2022. It builds on the success of the previous model, the TinyLineMarker Pro, offering increased productivity, precision, efficiency and advanced functionality.

Nurture Landscapes, a leading landscaping, and grounds maintenance contractor, recently purchased its third TinyLineMarker robot – the Pro X – and is already considering purchasing a fourth to add to its fleet.

“The TinyLineMarker robots have revolutionised our line-marking efficiency and quality, and we’re delighted to be able to expand our use of this technology to meet our clients’ needs,” says Vincent Gilroy of Nurture Landscapers. “The productivity gains, precision and consistency of the TinyLineMarker robots are some of the reasons for our continued investment. The Pro X takes it to the next level with its accuracy, speed and run time.”

n Find out more at: originamenity.com

Pellenc products have been given the LONGTIME certificate of durability

‘ THE APPRENTICESHIP ROUTE IS A GREAT WAY OF LEARNING FOR PEOPLE WHO DON’T WANT TO SIT AT A DESK ALL DAY’

The GMA’s Young Groundsperson of the Year, Bethany Gibbs, talks about job satisfaction, great teamwork and how she hopes to promote the industry

BY KAREN MAXWELL

This award recognises outstanding young groundspeople in the early stages of their careers –why did you join the sector and what part of your role motivates you?

I joined the industry by accident really. I didn’t enjoy school, so I was working at McDonald’s and looking for apprenticeship opportunities when I found an advert for an apprentice groundsperson at Wellington School in Somerset.

I applied for the role, I got the job and over the past three years I’ve never looked back.

I love being outdoors, so feel extremely lucky to have found a vocation that allows me to work outside.

For me, the apprenticeship learning route has been a really good way of gaining practical experience while learning the theory on why and when to do key tasks to improve the surface. It’s a great way of learning for people who don’t want to sit at a desk all day.

I enjoy all aspects of my job and what motivates me the most is watching the schoolchildren enjoy playing sport on the surfaces I’ve helped to maintain.

What sportsturf surfaces do you work on?

The school has four cricket squares in the summer term, and five rugby pitches and two full-sized football pitches in the winter term. We also maintain a synthetic hockey surface and tennis surface, as well as a tarmac tennis court.

I basically do any task that’s needed. For example, in the winter I help cut the

rugby pitches, mark them out and harrow them as needed. In the summer I mow and roll the cricket wickets and cut the outfield.

How has working within a team given you more confidence in your role?

The school’s grounds team consists of two gardeners and three groundspeople – and I’m the only woman.

We all work really well together. My teammates are very supportive. More importantly, we also have great banter, so I can honestly say that I love going to work!

Simon Cook, my boss, gave me plenty of advice while I was studying for my Level 2 Grounds Turf Operative. I

THE APPRENTICESHIP LEARNING ROUTE HAS BEEN A REALLY GOOD WAY OF GAINING PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

passed with merit and was one of the first students at Bridgwater and Taunton College to gain a distinction in the identification of weeds, grass, diseases and disorders module. Maybe that’s why he nominated me for the GMA award!

How could this award help you progress your career and encourage more young people to join the sector? Both winning this award and my team’s ongoing support have given me the confidence to continue to learn. I’m looking to start my Level 3 qualifications, and want to do spraying and chainsaw courses in the near future.

I hope to stay in touch with other women in the industry and to promote my working day on social media to raise awareness of the sector and the benefits of being a part of it. I’ve also joined the GMA’s Young Board of Directors and will be helping with its Schools into Stadia as well as its Women in Turf initiatives.