Grounds Management - September 2020 Preview

Making sport possible

FRONT RUNNERS

The grounds team at Warwick Racecourse

SCREEN STARS

GMA’s online courses prove a big hit

TOP TOOLS

The latest spreaders, top dressers and brushcutters

COVID-19 UPDATE A message for you from Australia

NATURALLY GIFTED Swindon Town’s Marcus Cassidy on success with a natural soil-based pitch

September 2020 | £4.00

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT

ONLINE TRAINING NEW online training courses.

Suitable for both professional and volunteers the new GMA online Level 1 modules cover a range of sports and allow you to gain an awareness and general understanding of the tasks involved in maintaining playing surfaces in a cost-effective way.

There are 3 modules to each training course.

How much does each course cost? £25.00 (Incl. VAT)

Each module has an informal self-assessment test, plus there is a formal end of course multiple-choice assessment test, which is also online.

How to register? www.portal.thegma.org.uk/ education/courses/search For more info? www.thegma.org.uk/learning/training or email: learning@thegma.org.uk

• Requirements of the grounds person and pitch • Maintenance activities (Equipment and Machinery) • Safe use and storage (Materials)

CPD points awarded You will receive a certificate of completion which can complement your own CPD activity. This course is also worth 3 CPD points / 3 CPD hours.

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

SEPTEMBER 2020

WELCOME You are not alone With employers now facing the Government’s winding down of its furlough scheme, the prospect of unemployment looms large for many employees. UK unemployment figures are expected to rise during the coming months and our sector is not immune.

Regrettably, there have already been casualties – and more turf professionals face an uncertain future.

At the outset of the pandemic, the GMA established a Covid-19 section on our website (www.thegma.org. uk/covid-19-0) with links to useful resources including the Money Advice Service (www.moneyadviceservice. org.uk/en/hub/coronavirus-moneyguidance). This offers free, impartial money advice for everyone.

We would advise our members to seek help and advice should the need arise. Many do have union representation, but others may feel they are on their own. While GMA members have access to a free and confidential legal helpline, we can also direct you to those who can offer support with issues where we don’t have the appropriate resource.

The GMA’s ‘Grounds for Sport’ campaign has publicly stated the need to think long and hard before any organisation makes grounds staff unemployed. In tandem, we have also highlighted how our industry faces a recruitment crisis in both professional and volunteer sectors. As we have always done, we will do all in our power to support our members who continue to make sport possible.

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REGULARS

FEATURES

4

Industry news News from the GMA and around the industry

10

Amenity Forum conference The future for our industry

12

7

GMA update The new GMA online courses are proving a hit

Best practice: Swindon Town FC Marcus Cassidy on 20 years of success at Swindon

9

SALTEX news Anticipation is building for SALTEX 2021

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11

GaNTIP update How the programme is helping to bring cricket back to London’s parks

Best practice: Warwick Racecourse Making sure the going is good at this award-winning track

18

Technical update Exploring the role of biopesticides

20

Covid-19 Down Under A turf grass manager from Sydney has a message for you

22

In action Products from BigChange and Dennis

25

Product showcase Brushcutters, top dressers and spreaders

30

This magazine is printed using paper from responsible sources

Grow with the GMA Adrian Barnes on how he keeps his knowledge and skills up to date

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT Geoff Webb Chief Executive Grounds Management Association

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Editorial address: 28 Stratford Office Village, Walker Avenue, Wolverton Mill East, Milton Keynes MK12 5TW | t:01908 312511 GMA membership and general enquiries: t:01908 312511 | e:membership@thegma.org.uk Magazine subscriptions: Jo Cornford | t:01908 312511 | e:accounts@thegma.org.uk Subscriptions: £72 UK | £82 Europe | £112 rest of world Published by: James Pembroke Media ■ Editor: Colin Hoskins | e:editor@thegma.org.uk | t:07785 293077 Publisher: James Houston ■ Product editor: Lizzie Hufton | e:lizzie.hufton@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk | t:01225 337777 Head of design: Simon Goddard ■ To advertise in this magazine: t:020 3859 7097 | e:sales@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk

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

thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 3

UPDATE

UPDATE | NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF

THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM GMA AND THE INDUSTRY

Groundsman honoured with stadium name Southern Counties East football side Punjab United has renamed its Gravesend home ground in memory of former groundsman Steve Cook, who passed away in July. The club said: “He was a fantastic guy, loved by everyone at the club and by all who knew him.

The owners, Chipie and Sonny Sian, wanted his legacy at the club to continue. Cookie was there from the beginning and he helped transform the ground and make it what it is today.”

Photo: The FA

Government moves to change red diesel rules

Paul Wade says his work comes from “a love for the club”

AWA R D

Orpington FC’s Paul Wade scoops FA Grassroots win PAUL WADE, GROUNDSMAN at Orpington FC, has collected the Grounds Team of the Year award for the club in the FA Grassroots Football Awards, which were announced in August.

Paul has been with the club for over 15 years in a variety of roles including club secretary and safeguarding officer, but these days he spends three days a week managing the 16 pitches at the club’s Goddington Park home in Kent.

His work includes dealing with the borough council and other park users, and making tough decisions about when to call off activities for safety or to protect the grounds.

He also takes responsibility for the upkeep of the pavilion, changing rooms and toilets.

Dean Francolini, under 10s manager, told The FA: “Green space is crucially important for kids to be outdoors and active. To maintain these as Paul does is really important because without pitches there’s no football. Paul is one of those people that if you take him out of the club, everything falls apart.”

Paul said: “It’s more than just about football, it’s about everybody in the community getting something out of this space and what the club can give back to the community.”

Find out more about the awards at www.thefa.com

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice is hereby given that the AGM of the Grounds Management Association will be a ‘virtual’ online meeting held on

4 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | SEPTEMBER 2020

Use of red diesel may be restricted to workers in the agriculture, rail and non-commercial heating sectors under new proposals from the Government.

This could have serious consequences for grounds care workers who currently use red diesel in their vehicles or equipment. The Government is currently seeking input into a consultation on the changes, and anyone who would like to get involved can contact Max Nicholls at the Sport and Recreation Alliance on mnicholls@sportandrecreation.org.uk

BTME 2021 cancelled BIGGA has cancelled BTME, which was due to take place in January 2021 in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The show’s education programme, Continue to Learn, will go ahead as an online event. BIGGA has also revealed that it intends to host a ‘festival of turf’ during summer 2021 to allow networking and interaction between exhibitors and prospective clients. Details of the revised programme will be released via the website and social media channels.

In the meantime, don’t forget that the GMA’s SALTEX event will provide a fantastic networking and education opportunity for the industry in March.

Read more on page 9

Wednesday 25 November 2020 from 12pm to 1.30pm Further information will be provided in the magazine, website and social media pages during the coming weeks.

SALTEX UPDATE

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

SALTEX 2021 moves into next gear Early indications for the 75th edition of SALTEX, scheduled for the Birmingham NEC on March 3 & 4, 2021, are extremely positive following overwhelming industry support and the welcome news that Government has given exhibitions the go ahead to restart from October TH E HI STORIC 75th SALTEX may be a huge first step towards the industry’s recovery, says Grounds Management Association’s CEO Geoff Webb: “We believe there comes a point where we lay the foundations for recovery and we want SALTEX 2021 to be a catalyst for this to showcase products, demonstrate the innovation in this industry, engage, network, renew acquaintances and generate new business for our exhibitors. We are making every provision to build assurance for a positive ‘return on investment’ for our exhibitors.”

As Geoff says, SALTEX is ‘the’ place to do business and the show’s independently audited year-on-year figures demonstrate the steady growth of SALTEX these past years. The post-SALTEX 2019 survey revealed that 96 per cent of exhibitors generated new sales leads and 82 per cent took orders on the show floor. The visitor survey showed that 79 per cent of visitors had purchasing responsibility and 77 per cent had the ability to sign off on amounts of more than £50,000.

It is no surprise that SALTEX 2019 exhibitors are still reporting a high conversion rate from the leads generated at the show.

These figures have resulted in SALTEX 2021 witnessing a recordbreaking loyalty period with over 75 per cent of exhibitors returning, including many stand upgrades and an influx of debut exhibitors.

The new Spring dates have not only been welcomed by exhibitors.

Chris Bennett SALTEX press officer

A large proportion of visitors have voiced their support for the 2021 show with many claiming they will be on the hunt for new products and services (see right).

As GMA focuses on delivering a successful event, with the protocols that may be in place, Geoff says the event is in safe hands: “The NEC is one of the foremost venues in the UK and as such is at the heart of discussions as to how to run events safely and securely. The GMA has also taken advantage of its membership with the Association of Exhibition Organisers (AEO), which is working closely working with the Events Owners Association (EOA), the Association of Event Venues (AEV) and the Event Suppliers and Services Association (ESSA) to look at the impact of the pandemic.

“We’re proud to have built excellent working relationships and it has allowed us to learn from others, network and input into the guidance now issued and being supported and used by Government.

“We are currently mapping out several scenarios based on restrictions that may be in place in Spring 2021, so the event runs safely and efficiently, while creating a positive experience for both visitors and exhibitors.” ■

“SALTEX provides an opportunity to meet manufacturers and to see products in the flesh. As the show gets closer, we will be aware of specific problems we need to resolve and will then look for solutions” – David Roberts, Liverpool FC’s senior manager of grounds management “Given the diverse range of exhibitors, we can see product innovations which may inform future purchasing decisions. The event is being staged at an excellent time of year; visitors will be able to purchase products they could be using just weeks later. The show dates also enable visitors to arrange demonstrations during the active growing season” – James Wright, grounds & gardens team leader, University of Leeds

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @GMA_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/GMASALTEX

thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 9

AMENITY FORUM | CONFERENCE

Online opportunities

Planning for the future The Amenity Forum Conference – a fully online event – will include an impressive range of specialist speakers and cover key topics for the industry

Professor John Moverley OBE Amenity Forum Chair

AMONG THE MANY quotes attributed to Einstein, the following seems most pertinent as we look to the future: “The significant challenges we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking that we were at when we created them.” Dealing and learning to live with the impact of the pandemic will need new thinking. For example, with high unemployment and pressure on many incomes, will local authorities have to make further cuts in amenity area management?

Our sector can either wait for others to resolve matters or be proactive and recognise that potential solutions need to be grasped!

Understanding the issues Our annual conference has become a must-attend event for those who wish to debate these issues, to see what opportunities exist and to learn about new developments. This year’s event is entitled ‘Planning for the Future’ and with Government reviewing policies and legislation on all aspects of weed, pest and disease management – including revised National Action Plans and a pending review of pesticide policy – the title is apt!

The first three speakers will set the policy context, leading with a Government representative who will provide an update on the current reviews and identify key issues. There will also be an update from Alistair Leggatt from Affinity exploring issues relating to the water sector and pesticide use followed by a presentation from the head of horticulture at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission on how it is responding to policy change. Additional presentations from practitioners will provide information on how different areas of amenity

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The Conference will be held on October 15 using specialist facilities for easy online access to the full conference programme and opportunities for questions with all speakers. The slide presentations will be made available to registered delegates after the event.

• The delegate rate is £50 + VAT. For more information and to book, contact Admin@amenityforum.net • The full programme can be accessed here: www.amenityforum. co.uk/conference/

activity are responding to the need for integrated approaches to amenity management. The third section of the event will focus on education and training including presentations by Jason Booth from GMA and Jim Croxton from BIGGA. The afternoon’s schedule will include details of current research on invasive weeds and up-tothe-minute findings on life cycle assessments. A leading academic will discuss the opportunities and pitfalls of biological control. Dr Penny Hundleby, a senior scientist, will provide views on how genome editing might change our approaches to amenity management. We will conclude with a view of the future by Keith Kent, formerly head groundsman at the RFU. The pandemic has highlighted how important our open spaces are. None of these would be safe and healthy if they weren’t maintained by professional operators using safe and tested approaches. This is a time for us to stand up and be proud of what we do and why we do it. I really do feel there is opportunity here. Those who work in amenity may suffer (like those in many other sectors) but the sector can rise and, yes, prosper.

But we need new thinking and bravery.

I started with Einstein and I will conclude with Darwin, who said: “It is not the strongest of the species that survives nor the most intelligent, but the one that is most adaptable to change.’’ ■

Find out more about the activities of the Amenity Forum at amenityforum.co.uk

GaNTIP UPDATE DURING COVID-19

Putting cricket back into London’s parks

Daniel Bradley GMA regional pitch advisor, Greater London

The Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme is playing a key role in helping the London Cricket Trust boost participation LAUNCHED IN OCTOBER 2018, the London Cricket Trust (LCT) is a charitable partnership that brings together London’s four County Cricket Boards (Middlesex, Surrey, Kent and Essex) to facilitate England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) investment into non-turf pitches [NTPs] and net facilities with the aim of “putting cricket back into London’s parks”. Indeed, the LCT’s activation of park sites through the installation of new facilities is helping to support and sustain growth in participation while also creating a platform for increased social integration of young Londoners.

Phases 1 and 2 of the programme have seen the installation of new facilities at 20 sites, including NTPs and net complexes. Phase 3 has shortlisted 34 sites with the proposed installation of up to 32 NTPs and eight net facilities, equating to

The London Cricket Trust and GaNTIP aim to boost participation

funding of approximately £500,000.

‘Site activation’ (see box, right) depends on support from local authorities and, in November 2019, the Cricket in London 2020 and Beyond event brought together key representatives from 32 local authorities to explore how the power of cricket can connect communities and promote health and wellbeing, and how the LCT can support these aims. The Grounds Management Association staged a workshop at this event, focusing on sustainable surface repair and renewal.

Ongoing GMA/Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme regional pitch advisor (RPA) support of LCT projects now involves working with the ECB and County Cricket Boards on site assessments to ensure that the proposed locations and grounds are fit and safe. As the RPA for Greater London, I also provide maintenance guidance to local authorities in line with the vision to safeguard long-term accessibility through good management. ■

Cricket in the capital Increasing access to cricket facilities in London’s parks is a key endeavour to grow participation, with approximately 30% of all cricket sites owned and managed by local authorities, and only 11% of cricket facilities in the capital being owned and managed by clubs.

Relatively few state schools within London have their own grass pitches – only 10% of schools in the capital play competitive cricket – so park cricket is very important.

The established London Cricket Trust (LCT) site criteria and selection process involves: • At least two schools and two clubs need to be committed to using the facility on a regular basis • The respective County Cricket Board/ECB and LCT trustees must approve the site • A nominated ‘champion’ must take responsibility for the site, including checking that the pitch/nets are properly maintained, and undertake spreading the word about availability.

For more information: twitter.com/LdnCricketTrust or londoncrickettrust.weebly.com

thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 11

BEST PRACTICE | ELITE FOOTBALL

WEST COUNTRY WIZARD Marcus Cassidy’s consistently high pitch scores have certainly put Swindon Town FC’s County Ground stadium in the English Football League spotlight during the past decade or so. But last year, his pitch wizardry also earned him muchdeserved industry-wide recognition when he won the GMA Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year Award

SW I N D ON TOW N F C head groundsman Marcus Cassidy last year enjoyed enviable award-winning status in football pitch maintenance. Not only did his solo work on the club’s County Ground pitch win the EFL League Two grounds team of the year award but his diligence and expertise was also recognised by his team being named as the 2019 GMA Professional Football Grounds Team, the category open to all clubs within English Leagues 1 and 2, National League and National League North/South, as well as the Scottish Championship and Leagues 1 and 2, plus the professional leagues in Ireland and Wales.

But you could say that Marcus is somewhat accustomed to such glory since he also enjoyed his 13th consecutive season of having a pitch score that was above the league average – to add to being highly commended in the EFL award for season 2017-18 and winning the title in 2012-13. Rated by match referees and visiting

12 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | SEPTEMBER 2020

Colin Hoskins Editor

teams’ managers before the shortlisted pitches are marked by STRI, his EFL success “gives particular personal satisfaction and a great sense of achievement” because it has been achieved with a natural grass soil-based pitch – “the only such surface to be acknowledged in this way across all four EFL divisions”, he says, explaining that “hybrid pitches tend to dominate, setting a playing surface standard that all managers expect”. He adds: “To be recognised alongside them is as good as winning to me.”

Driven by dedication Marcus, 39, has clocked up 20 years of non-stop service at the west country club, and things certainly haven’t got easier during that time – his apprentice, who moved on in March 2019, hasn’t been replaced. So today, what continues to make him tick season after season? What drives him to consistently present a first-class playing surface on a pitch which, laid in the early 1990s, can at best be described as ageing? “It’s what I do; it’s my passion – you could say I’m institutionalised,” he says nonchalantly.

Indeed, his dedication to the job might also be gauged by events over the past few months since Covid-19 reared its ugly head. The workload has meant that Marcus has taken only a handful of days off due to a mini renovation and the need to prepare and manage the surface for the club’s schedule that anticipates the league starting competitive matches on September 12 but with friendly games and training sessions before then.

The stadium would host 30-35 games, plus league and cup fixtures, in a usual season, as well as twice-weekly training sessions to bring total usage up to 55. Normally, too, after the last game of the season, the pitch would see community/local cup final use and would host corporate events, which often results in a six-week period for the new surface to grow in after renovations. The coronavirus pandemic,

ELITE FOOTBALL | BEST PRACTICE

After 20 years of working on the pitch, Marcus says he knows it like the back of his hand

thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 13

TECHNICAL UPDATE

TECHNICAL UPDATE | WATER MANAGEMENT

BIOPESTICIDES – A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO CHEMICALS

Dr Minshad Ansari Bionema founder & CEO

While an increasing number of chemicals have been withdrawn over the past decade due to concerns over human safety and the environment, biopesticides are an effective, eco-friendly alternative and cost-effective solution to turf pest control What are the most damaging pests to sports turf and how can these be identified?

This is the key time of year to control leather jacket and chafer grub infestations – the most economically important turf grass pests.

Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane fly. Eggs are laid in August/ September and hatch within 10 days.

The larvae eat voraciously until the following July, then pupate and emerge as adults in August/September to mate and continue the cycle.

Chafer beetles lay their eggs in July/August. The grubs hatch in autumn and over-winter in the soil before emerging in the spring to feed again.

These pupate in late spring and emerge as adults in early June, ready to mate and begin the cycle.

A turf sample should be taken and checked in the spring and autumn.

The infestation level is calculated by counting the number in each hole and multiplying by 10: 10–20 suggest a preventative approach; 20 or more suggest an eradicative approach.

How do biopesticides work and are they as effective as chemicals?

Biopesticides, including plants, nematodes, bacteria, fungi and minerals, are less toxic than chemical pesticides. They decompose rapidly and can be targeted at specific pests to avoid harming beneficial insects. The science lies in matching the correct natural enemy to each pest. Beneficial nematodes, for example, actively search for insect larvae, entering the insect then releasing lethal bacteria that kills them within 24-72 hours. The nematodes breed within the dead insect, reproduce in thousands, within two weeks, and these search for more larvae.

Chafer grubs apparent during a turf check

How should biopesticides be applied?

They can be applied using conventional spraying. Before applying nematode treatment, clean the equipment with clean water and use a nozzle diameter of at least 0.8mm to allow the nematodes to pass through. The grass should be cut and tine aerated before spraying to facilitate nematode access.

After application, the soil surface should be watered to wash off nematodes stuck to grass stems then kept moist for two weeks. A single application in the autumn (to kill newly-hatched larvae) is a preventative approach; an eradicative approach is two applications, directed

18 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | SEPTEMBER 2020

at pupae/larvae in the spring and newlyhatched larvae in the autumn.

Check two weeks after application – by digging a sample hole to expose any remaining larvae in the soil. ■ Bionema, a bio-technology research organisation, is developing gamechanging biocontrol technologies such as nematode solutions, a natural insectkilling fungus, micro capsule technology that delivers biopesticides direct to the insect cuticle, and manufacturing and storage options that suit international environmental needs. Visit bionema.com for more information.

PRODUCT SHOWCASE BRUSHCUTTERS

PELLENC

EGO

Professional touch with Pellenc

Light work

Pellenc’s new professional ‘onboard’ battery range – Pellenc Alpha – includes the new Excelion Alpha brushcutter/grass strimmer and two new batteries (P260 and P520) which can be directly fitted to the tools or to a new harness.

The Excelion Alpha cuts dense patches as well as soft grasses.

Its Alphacut cutting head and high rotation speed offer highquality mulching, even on tough grasses. The Excelion Alpha has well-designed ergonomics, high manoeuvrability and excellent cutting visibility. With the high-capacity Alpha 520 on-board battery, it is a compact tool for work that lasts up to three-and-a-half hours.

To complement this, the Pellenc Alpha back harness can be equipped with the new P260 and P520 batteries in order to use them with all tools within the Pellenc range, and has been designed with comfort in mind.

The EGO Professional STX3800 brushcutter has been designed to combine comfort, durability and high performance.

It uses a brushless motor to maximise performance, prolong product life and reduce vibration for operators.

Paired with EGO’s Arc Lithium-ion battery technology, the STX3800 delivers impressive run times with its power source housed in robust weatherproof casing.

The power comes from EGO’s BAX1500 commercial backpack battery which in turn powers the robust 2kW motor. Power is channelled through the light yet strong carbon fibre shaft. Unlike alloy shafts, it won’t bend and lose its shape over time, which helps to keep vibration levels to a minimum.

When using the BAX1500 backpack battery, the new STX3800 runs for up to 420 minutes, which drops to 300 minutes when being used in line trimming mode.

www.pellencuk.com

www.egopowerplus.co.uk

ETESIA

PRICE TU RFCARE

Easier with Etesia

The tough get going

Having to delay a first cut following the coronavirus lockdown has meant some grounds managers are having difficulty, but the Etesia Attila AH75 brushcutter makes the task easier.

The Attila AH75 clears a variety of tough vegetation – long grass, weeds, bracken and brambles. Ease of operation and manoeuvrability ensure good efficiency.

The machine is powered by the Honda GXV 390 engine and fitted with a T3 transmission combining differential lock and front wheel locking system with a simple height of cut adjustment from the new handlebar design, which allows movement into offset for use on slopes. It can mow on slopes up to 20 degrees, thanks to the hydraulic transmission with differential lock.

User comfort has been addressed with antivibration rubber handles and a central handlebar that allows easier access to low controls.

One of the most popular attachments for the Ventrac 4500 compact tractor is the Tough Cut deck.

Front-mounted, using Ventrac’s unique quick coupling system, it excels when knocking down and mulching vegetation in large overgrown areas.

Visibility of the deck is excellent for the operator and the manoeuvrability of the tractor unit, with its articulating and pivoting FlexFrame, allows it to work effectively on uneven ground. With its low profile and eight wheels, it can operate safely on slopes of up to 30 degrees.

Users appreciate the Tough Cut deck’s features.

Peter Pattenden, the golf courses and estates manager at Carden Park, is a 30-year veteran in the industry. He says: “We manage over 1,400 acres at Carden Park. The Tough Cut deck is superb for land management as it can cut through saplings, bracken and gorse, helping to maintain the areas that consume hours of staff time.”

www.etesia.co.uk

www.priceturfcare.com

thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 25

GROW WITH THE GMA

Reaping the rewards Recently accredited to the GMA Level 3 certificate in Supervisory Management, Adrian ‘Aidie’ Barnes, 47, explains why grounds care has given him a rewarding career

Colin Hoskins Editor

How long have you been involved in grounds care and how were you introduced to the industry?

I have been in the professional grounds care and amenity horticulture industry for just over 20 years. Initially due to the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak and movement restrictions, and needing to diversify from agricultural contracting, I picked up some drainage work on local authority sports pitches. For the next 15 years, I very successfully worked as a main or subcontractor on many diverse projects including sports pitches, course and grounds construction, MoD contracts, civil works and highway vegetation management, as well as drainage, fencing and landscaping projects – often managing site, contract and financial, strategic and staffing operations.

I grew up on and spent my early years on a farm and, at school, rural and environmental science study options gave me as a nonacademic 15-year-old a route to avoid the classroom! Upon leaving school in the late ‘80s, the youth training and day release scheme for land-based industries was the main apprenticeship-type option open – with a wage of £29.50 per week. I completed seven years of full-time formal training at Staffordshire College of Agriculture and Harper Adams, then went into full-time agricultural employment.

What is your current place of work, job title and role?

I am the environmental chargehand at Tamworth Borough Council – leading, managing and developing the mixed ability team and the strategy for the maintenance and renovation of castle grounds, heritage and conservation

Adrian’s farming background gave him a route into horticulture and grounds care

areas, bowling greens, sports turf and town centre amenity areas. My role includes designing and managing various projects, formal and ornamental planting from concept, and budgeting and procurement of resources to completion. Using best practice techniques, my experienced plant husbandry and grounds care skills have successfully delivered several Royal Horticultural Society Gold awards.

You’ve recently been accredited to the Level 3 certificate in Supervisory Management, with Distinction. What was the driver for this qualification?

I like to keep my brain active and have a refresh now and again. The grounds industry’s techniques and practices are moving so quickly, and the GMA training appeared to be at the front edge and the best route to keep up to date with best practice.

What is your next step?

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

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I would like to complete my Level 5 and my BASIS qualifications. Regarding career progression – not sure at the moment. Suggestions on a postcard please!

I have had many fantastic opportunities and relationships within the grounds and agriculture industries. I’m blessed to have survived for over 20 years and still be working, enjoying it and helping the next generation of grounds professionals. ■

ADRIAN’S KEY TRAINING • DipAg (Level 4) (Distinction) • CertAg (Level 3) (Distinction) • NVQ Levels 1 and 2 land-based industries (including sports turf and horticulture elements) • GMA Grounds Management Level 3 • GMA Applied Turf Culture winter pitches Level 2 • GMA Applied Turf Culture Bowls • Lantra courses: Supervisory essentials for head groundsmen and greenkeepers, Basic Tree Inspection and Survey, Stem Injection and Control of Invasive Species, plus NPTC PA1, 2A and 6