Grounds Management Magazine - Autum 2026

ISSUE 36 AUTUMN 2026

WELCOME Shaping the future I must start by congratulating my colleague Jason Booth, who will take over the role of GMA CEO in March next year. I have no doubt in Jason's abilities. He will be fantastic and I'm sure will take the association to new heights.

As a governing body, the GMA takes advocacy seriously and you'll find some interesting findings on our sector within the GMA Workforce Insight Report on page 14,and this valuable data will be used to help the GMA support everyone who works within our sector.

As demand rises, we continue to develop and grow our learning portfolio - with our new tennis course being the latest off the blocks (see page 9 for details). We also continue to celebrate excellence within our profession, and its army of volunteers, through our annual Industry Awards. Nominations are now open for 2027 so please get your entries in.

This summer's vagaries of weather are ii THISSUMMER'S increasingly impacting the way in which grounds VAGARIES OF teams approach surface preparation. The recent WEATHER ARE construction of a showcase Wimbledon court in INCREASINGLY the middle of New York city and the 'lay and play' IMPACTING THE surfaces approach within the FIFA World Cup WAYINWHICH tournament highlight a trend that is likely to continue GROUNDS TEAMS as stadia venues focus more on a mix of sport APPROACH SURFACE and entertainment.

PREPARATION The demands on grounds staff across all sports continue to rise - due to the changing climate, multi-use expectations and an uplift in carrying capacity. Yet the people within our industry prove time and time again to be innovative, adaptable and incredibly resilient.

Geoff Webb, GMA CEO

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT Editorial address: 28 Stratford Office Village, Walker Avenue, Wolverton Mill East, Milton Keynes MK12 5TW t: 01908 312511

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GMA membership and general enquiries: t: 01908 312 511/ e: membership@thegma.org.uk Magazine subscriptions: Khatija Mgari t: 01908 312511 e: accounts@thegma.org.uk Subscriptions: £30 UK/ £50 Europe/ £70 rest of world

Published on behalf of the Grounds Management Association by: Think, 65 Riding House Street, London, W1W ?EH t: 020 37717200 Editor: Karen Maxwell t: 07866 736597 e: editor@thegma.org.uk Director of communications: Jennifer Carter e:jcarter@thegma.org.uk Managing editors: Kirsty Surgeon Designer: Abbie Bunton Client engagement director: Kieran Paul

To advertise in this magazine: Ben Muschamp t: 07939 633601 e: bmuschamp@thegma.org.uk

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GROUNDS AUTUMN 2026MANAGEMENT

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ISSUE 36 AUTUMN 2026

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT BRIEFING 7

INDUSTRY NEWS The latest news from across the grounds-care sector

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GMAUPDATE A GMA trainer's review of his behind-the-scenes visit to Wimbledon; SALTEXto celebrate its 80th edition; nominations now open for GMA Industry Awards 2027; share your views in the GMA membership survey; highlighting the 'Ask the Expert' member benefit; give your feedback on the GMA's Workforce Insight Report

16 PAS UPDATE How club volunteers have raised pitch standards at Leeds Maccabi GC to safeguard sustainable community sport for future generations

FEATURES

TECHNICAL

18 BEST PRACTICE: CASTLEFORD TIGERS RLFC Castleford Tigers' Stuart Vause on how he single-handedly maintains the club's award-winning playing surfaces as well as its wider operations

31 DEALING WITH DRAINAGE ISSUES AT BOSCAWEN PARK Flood-related cancellations are now a thing of the past at Truro's Boscawen Park, thanks to the GMA's Turf Care Advisory Service

24 BEST PRACTICE: FROM VOLUNTEER TO PROFESSIONAL Ben Welsh's career progression from an eager volunteer at Langwathby FC to a bright future at Carlisle United FC

35 A GUIDE TO SYNTHETIC SURFACES FOR OUTDOOR SPORT SAPCA highlights the different synthetic surfaces, their maintenance and their correct end-of-life disposal

26 SPECIAL REPORT: AMENITY MANAGEMENT The Amenity Forum offers guidelines and best practice for using products to manage weeds, pests and diseases at your place of work 50 60 SECONDS WITH ...

Georgia Edge on how her experiences at Christchurch's Hagley Oval and the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club led to her dream role at Lord's CC

39 INACTION Products and services used by Teeton Valley Stables in Northamptonshire, Premier Turfing contractors, Haileybury School, Hamilton Park Racecourse, Reading FC and grassroots cricket clubs across the UK 43 MAINTENANCE TIPS Autumn operations 47 PRODUCT NEWS Product launches from Greenbest, Origin Amenity Solutions, STIHL, EGO and Pellenc, plus dealership news from Kubota

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GROUNDS AUTUMN 2026MANAGEMENT

CAMPEY CELEBRATES 40THANNIVERSARY Campey Turf Care Systems' 40th anniversary event, at its Bosley branch in Cheshire, brought together more than 400 people from across the industry to recognise four decades of innovation, education and partnership.

The day's theme was the 'past, present and future', highlighted with a replica of the Delorean Back to the Future car representing the past, present and future of turf care. There were also examples of historical equipment, current machinery and a glimpse into Campey's next chapter with the development of the Bosley site.

Opened in 2022, the branch offers additional showroom, machinery and stock capacitysupporting Campey's expansion into agriculture, horticulture and professional landscaping.

Throughout the past 40 years, Campey has grown into a global business supplying machinery and supporting customers in more than 100 countries.

assistant then head groundsman at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

His extensive experience gave him invaluable knowledge in his role as senior lecturer in sports turf at Pencoed College of Agriculture and Horticulture in Bridgend - a position he held until his retirement.

REGINALD MARRIOTT

PETER GILLARD The GMAwas saddened to hear of the passing of Life Member Peter Gillard, who served on the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG, now the GMA) branch and national committees, and as a senior examiner for industry qualifications during his long and respected association with the organisation.

During his grounds management career, Peter gained his National Diploma in Turfculture and worked at private sports grounds, Glamorgan Golf Course and in the Parks Department at the Welsh National Sports Ground in Cardiff. He also gained valuable experience as a greenkeeper at Guest Keen Bowls Club in Merthyr Tydfil and was

The GMAwas also saddened to learn of the passing of Reginald (Reg) Marriott, who was extremely proud of his long-standing connection with the IOG (GMA).

Reg was a Fellow of the IOG (GMA) London South West region and worked as head of parks and cemeteries for his local council.

When he retired aged 52 due to ill health, he taught turf management at night school.

He had a particular interest in vintage turf machinery and enjoyed representing the association at outdoor shows, including the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, for many years.

At home, Reg had a life-long passion for his greenhouse and garden, and in his later years spent many happy hours teaching his five grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren how to sow seeds. His family say he encouraged his carers to get involved in gardening too.

EVERTON BOB LENNON RETIRES Everton FC's head groundsman, Bob Lennon, has retired after nearly four decades of dedication to grounds management across Goodison Park stadium and Bellefieldtraining ground.

Reflecting on his departure, the 66-year-old said: "It's been an absolute

joy working with the people here. It's been more like a hobby than a job."

Bob joined the club from Liverpool City Council in 1988 and has worked under 14permanent managers at the club, and remembers the demands of Colin Harvey, Howard Kendall and Walter Smith. He also remembers Joe Royle's compliments on the good work that the grounds staff did, and a card from Jimmy Gabriel addressed to "the Forgotten Army; the men who toil the soil".

During his long tenure at the club, Bob lost only a handful of matches to the unpredictable British weather, ensuring the turf remained world class for both the men's and women's games.

ForBob'sfull story,visitbit.ly/4eHAzzR

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■ S~LTEX

SIGN UP FOR SALTEX Don't forgot to register your place at the 80th edition ofSALTEX, taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 11-12 November.

Scan the QR code or visit: bit.ly/ Saltexregistration

BRIEFING GMA UPDATE

BEHIND THESCENES ATWIMBLEDON A reflection of three days working alongside the grounds team at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC)

BY BOJAN JOVANOVIC, GMA LEARNING PROGRAMME LEAD

My biggest takeaway was the level of organisation. Every activity had a clear purpose, every team member understood their role, and every decision was supported by experience and evidence.

From the moment I arrived, it was clear that Wimbledon operates through careful planning rather than last-minute reactions. Court allocations had been finalised, briefings were concise and effective, and everyone knew exactly where they needed to be.

SCIENCE SUPPORT

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ew sporting venues carry the prestige and history of The Championships, Wimbledon.

Every year, millions of viewers admire the immaculate grass courts, yet few appreciate the planning, preparation and teamwork required to produce some of the finest natural sports surfaces in the world.

I recently spent three days shadowing the Wimbledon grounds team at the AELTC before and during the opening day of The Championships. Working alongside Neil Stubley, Mark Ferguson, Jonathan Entwistle, Will Brierley and the wider team provided a valuable opportunity to see how one of the « world's leading sports-turf operations 15prepares for its premier event.

While the visual presentation of the courts is impressive, I was equally interested in the scientific processes behind the scenes.

Working alongside the STRI performance testing team highlighted how data supports daily decisionmaking. Measurements included surface hardness, turf health, surface firmness, ball bounce consistency and overall court uniformity.

Each reading was repeated several times before average values were discussed with senior managers.

Drone technology was used during the opening day of the tournament.

High-resolution aerial imagery helped the agronomy team monitor turf colour, wear patterns and presentation from a different perspective.

Combined with laboratory analysis and performance testing, this demonstrates how technology complements modem grounds management and enables experienced people to make informed decisions.

TEAMWORK IN ACTION Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the operation was the teamwork.

From senior managers and agronomists to court assistants, irrigation specialists and officials, everyone worked towards a common goal.

Communication was clear, responsibilities were understood and every individual contributed to the success of the event.

Experiencing the event's opening morning from inside the operation was unforgettable. When spectators began to arrive through the gates, the grounds team had already completed mowing, line marking, final inspections and presentation work. And by the time the first players stepped onto court, an enormous amount of work had already been completed. Even after play ended, maintenance continued as teams prepared the courts for the next day.

LESSONS LEARNED As someone responsible for education and training at the GMA, I returned from my visit to Wimbledon with a greater understanding of the technical and operational aspects of elite sportsturf management.

The whole experience reinforced several important lessons that apply whether you are maintaining a village sports club or preparing Centre Court: • Excellent preparation reduces pressure.

• Teamwork and communication are as important as technical skill.

• Objective data strengthens professional decision-making.

• Attention to detail creates consistency.

• Continuous learning never stops, even at the highest level.

Thanks to Neil, Mark, Jonathan, Will and the rest of the Wimbledon grounds team for allowing me to shadow them, and for sharing their knowledge and experience.

I'm incredibly grateful for the time they spent with me.

NEW TENNIS COURT MAINTENANCE COURSE The GMA has recently launched its online Introduction to Tennis Grass Court Maintenance course, designed to support grounds staff and volunteers looking to develop their understanding of tennis court preparation and 1 maintenance. For more information, click on

the QR code or visit: bit.ly/GMAtenniscourse

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■ S#\LTEX

SALTEX ZOZ6: CELEBRATING 80EDITIONS Europe's premier grounds management exhibition prepares to mark eight decades of driving progress within the grounds industry while staying true to its roots

SALTEX Learning LIVE offers more than 30 educational sessions that keep the industry up to date on working practices

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ince 1938,SALTEXhas played a key role in bringing the grounds management industry together. The event has created a space where professionals and volunteers can meet, share ideas, discover new products and support one another.

Now, as SALTEX prepares for its 80th edition, it is also celebrating recognition from the wider events industry. The show's organiser, the GMA, was shortlisted for the Independent Event Organiser Award at the AEO Excellence Awards 2026.

The theme of this year's milestone event is 'Rooted in History. Driving

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Progress'. The theme is a nod to both the long history of SALTEX and its continued focus on growth. The AEO nomination highlights the success of the show and places the GMA alongside some of the most respected event organisers in the UK.

A SHOW THAT HAS GROWN WITH THE INDUSTRY

SALTEXbegan life as the National Association of Groundsmen Annual Exhibition, which was first held at the Burlingham Club in London in 1938.

At that time, the event focused mainly on traditional groundskeeping tools and techniques. Over the decades, however, ,, THETHEME OFTHIS both the show and the industry have changed significantly.

YEAR'S MILESTONE EVENT Today's grounds management sector IS'ROOTED INHISTORY. is more advanced than ever. It includes DRIVING PROGRESS'.

ITIS modem turf care methods, hybrid ANODTOTHELONG HISTORY playing surfaces, robotics, sustainability OFSALTEX ANDITSCONTINUEDpractices and smart equipment.

FOCUS ONGROWTH SALTEX has adapted alongside these

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changes, making sure it stays relevant to professionals working across a wide range of environments.

In 1994,the exhibition officially became known as SALTEX,which stands for Sports Amenities Landscaping Turf Exhibition. The new name signalled the growing scope of the industry and the wider audience attending the event.

Another important step came in 2008, when SALTEXmoved to the NEC Birmingham. The change provided a larger venue, better transport links and a reliable indoor space, which allowed the event to expand even further.

Today, SALTEXis recognised as Europe's premier grounds management exhibition. Each year it attracts thousands of visitors and hundreds of exhibitors. These include organisations and professionals from sport, education, local authorities, landscaping, estates management and contractor services.

Despite its growth, the core aim of the show has always been to bring people together to learn, connect and drive the industry forward.

SALTEX

showcases the latest innovations and brings people together to learn and network

SUPPORTING THE INDUSTRY AT EVERY LEVEL One of the most important aspects of SALTEXis how it supports the industry beyond the event itself. The show is owned and organised by the GMA. This means that any surplus generated from SALTEXis reinvested directly back into the sector.

This funding supports a wide range of initiatives, including training programmes, education opportunities and work to promote the profession.

It also helps encourage new people to join the industry and supports the development of the future workforce.

This approach ensures that SALTEX is not just a commercial event but a platform that actively contributes to long-term growth and improvement across the sector.

The GMA's commitment to reinvestment and industry support is one of the reasons it has been recognised by the AEO Excellence Awards. Being shortlisted for the Independent Event Organiser Award highlights the organisation's dedication to quality, impact and community value.

Commenting on the achievement, Sarah Hunter, head of events at the GMA, says that being recognised alongside

some of the UK's most established event organisers is a major success for both the association and the SALTEXteam. She also notes that the shortlisting reflects the hard work, passion and commitment that go into delivering an event that continues to support and bring together the grounds management community.

LOOKING AHEAD TO SALTEX2026 The 80th edition of SALTEXis set to be a special event. It will not only celebrate the history of the exhibition but also highlight the future of the industry.

Visitors can expect to see the latest innovations, hear from leading experts and explore new ideas that are shaping the sector.

SALTEX2026 will take place on 11 and 12 November at the NEC Birmingham. The event will bring together professionals and volunteers

from across the industry, offering valuable opportunities for learning and networking. It will also provide a chance to reflect on how far the profession has come over the past eight decades.

As the industry continues to evolve, SALTEXremains a key event that supports progress. The combination of its long-standing history and forwardlooking approach makes it an important fixture in the calendar for grounds management professionals.

S~LTEX

GROUNDS

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AUTUMN 2026MANAGEMENT

ENTRIES OPEN FOR GMA INDUSTRY AWARDS ZOZ7 Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground will host next year's awards ceremony, thanks to the reinvestment of SALTEX proceeds and invaluable sponsor support

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e're delighted to announce that our flagship celebration of the industry, the GMA Industry Awards, will return on Thursday 11 March 2027 at the iconic Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester.

Now entering its 16th year, the awards continue to recognise and celebrate the outstanding individuals and teams who work tirelessly to create and maintain the playing surfaces that make sport possible. From dedicated volunteers at grassroots clubs to highly skilled professionals managing elite sporting venues, the awards shine a spotlight

on the people whose expertise underpins sport at every level.

Since launching in 2009, the GMA Industry Awards have become a highlight of the grounds management calendar. Over the years, the event has been held at some of the UK's most renowned sporting venues and has

ii THEAWARDS ENSURE THAT THESECTOR CANCONTINUE TOCELEBRATE ITSPEOPLE AND RECOGNISE THESIGNIFICANT IMPACT THEY HAVE ONSPORT

BRIEFING GMA UPDATE

established a reputation for recognising key achievements across the sector. The awards provide an opportunity for the industry to come together and celebrate the vital contribution of those working behind the scenes.

reinvestment of proceeds from SALTEXand, thanks to the support of our valued sponsors, help to ensure that the sector can continue to celebrate its people and recognise the significant impact they have on sport and communities nationwide.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER The 2027 awards ceremony promises another memorable evening, bringing together grounds professionals, volunteers, suppliers, contractors and industry organisations from across the UK and beyond. Guests will enjoy a prestigious awards presentation, a three-course dinner, entertainment and valuable networking opportunities with peers from throughout the sector.

The awards continue to play an important role in raising the profile of grounds management and recognising the dedication required to deliver safe, high-quality playing surfaces across a wide range of sports.

Importantly, the awards are made possible through the continued

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NOMINATE NOW Nominations and entries for the 2027 awards are now open, offering the opportunity to acknowledge colleagues and teams who have gone above and beyond over the past year.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ben Muschamp at: bmuschamp@thegma.org.uk MORE INFORMATION

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To nominate an individual or team, or to submit an entry, click on the QR code or visit: gmaindustryawards.uk

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Need extra grip? The Profihoppers come with intelligent 4WDi all-wheel drive system and by utilising a unique auger collection system can work in incredibly damp conditions.

The Groundkeeper is a tractor-mounted mower that offers impressive first-class quality and reliability. A hopper capacity from 1,350 I to 3,500 I and working widths from 1.35 m to 2.10 m enable large areas to be covered.

The Groundkeeper is a tractor-mounted or trailed mower that offers the same impressive build quality and flexibility with increased hopper capacities available for working large areas.

Profihopper - more compaction built-in for maximum work rates and less emptying.

Contactyourlocaldealer or phone us on 01302 751 200

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HAVE YOUR SAYON YOUR MEMBERSHIP Take part in our annual survey and let us know what matters most to you

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Our members' feedback helps us shape and develop our membership offer, such as GMA Connect events

ach year, we ask GMA members to tell us what is working well, what could be improved and where you would like to see us focus our support in the future.

Our annual membership survey is one of the most important ways we listen to members across the grounds management community. Whether you work in sport, education, local authorities, estates, volunteer-led settings or the wider industry, your feedback helps us to understand the real challenges, priorities and opportunities facing members on a day-to-day basis.

The insight you share helps shape the GMA's membership offer, resources,

14 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT AUTUMN 2026

events, training, advice and wider sector support. It also helps us make sure we are focusing our time and investment on the areas that matter most to you.

The survey only takes a few minutes to complete, but your views can make a real difference. We are keen to hear from as many members as possible,

,, THEINSIGHT YOUSHARE HELPS USMAKE SURE WEARE FOCUSING OURTIMEAND INVESTMENT ONTHEAREAS THAT MATTER MOST TOYOU

including those who use their membership regularly and those who feel there is more we could do.

Please take part in this year's survey and help us to continue to develop a membership offer that reflects, supports and champions the grounds management community.

TO ACCESS THE SURVEY To take part in the survey, scan the QR code or visit: surveymonkey.com/r/

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GET EXPERT HELP ASPART OFYOUR MEMBERSHIP Navigate the challenges of grounds management with the support of the Ask the Expert service

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ometimes, the most valuable support is having someone experienced to sense-check an issue, point you in the right direction or help you feel more confident in your next step. That is exactly what the GMA's Ask the Expert service is designed todo.

For many members, the day-to-day challenges of grounds management are rarely straightforward.

Weather, technical know-how, materials usage levels, budgets, volunteer capacity, staffing, machinery and overall expectations can all pull in different directions.

Available as part of your GMA membership, Ask the Expert gives members access to specialist advice across a wide range of grounds management topics. The service provides a direct route to trusted guidance from those who ~~--understand the realities of the sector. It offers a useful sounding board, helping members to work through practical questions and to consider options that are appropriate to their setting.

Ask the Expert can be particularly useful for members

who may not have regular access to specialist support within their own organisation. It can also help moreexperienced grounds professionals gain a second opinion on a specific issue or decision.

For clubs, schools, community sites and volunteer-led organisations, it provides reassurance that advice is available when questions arise.

If you have a grounds management question, need help navigating a particular challenge or would value expert input before making a decision, make use of your membership and submit an enquiry through the Ask the Expert service.

Your question does not need to be perfectly formed. If it matters to your site, your team or your playing surface, it is worth asking.

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INFORMATION MORE To access the service just sign in to your MyGMA portal and click D on Ask the Expert from the benefit list. Scan the QR code to access your MyGMA benefits list.

HELP SHAPE WHAT COMES NEXT Download the Workforce Insight Report and join the conversation on the future of our industry Earlier this year, the GMA launched its latest Workforce Insight Report, bringing together valuable data and sector feedback on the people, skills and workforce challenges shaping grounds management.

The report highlights both the scale and importance of the profession, alongside some of the pressures being felt across the industry. From recruitment and retention to skills development, career pathways, pay, wellbeing and workforce planning, the findings

provide a clear evidence base for where support, investment and collective action are needed.

We are currently carrying out consultations across the industry to explore the report's findings in more depth, and understand what meaningful, practical support should look like for the sector.

There is still time to take part, and we would welcome feedback from members, employers and others working across grounds management. If the findings reflect your experience, if there are areas you feel need greater attention or if your organisation has examples of good practice to share, we would like to hear from you.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed and shared their experiences so far. Your input has helped build a stronger picture of the realities facing grounds

teams, employers, volunteers and organisations across the sector. That insight is already informing the GMA's ongoing work and the development of our Fair Work Strategy.

We will be sharing the next steps for the Fair Work Strategy at SALTEXat the NEC Birmingham from 11-12November.

In the meantime, please download the resource, share it with colleagues where useful, and take part in the consultation to help shape a fair, skilled and sustainable future for the sector.

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GROUNDS AUTUMN 2026MANAGEMENT

SAFEGUARDING COMMUNITY SPORT ATLEEDS MACCABI FC How the football club's pitches have gone from 'unsafe to play', with referees cancelling matches, to 'advanced' standard, thanks to a team effort by the local council, West Riding County FA, the Football Foundation, PAS, a contractor and some incredible volunteers

BY CHRIS HUNTER, FORMER GMA REGIONAL PITCH ADVISOR (FOOTBALL - NORTH EAST)

The Wild Cats, for girls aged five to 11,are just one of the groups that now enjoy playing at Shadwell Lane

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eeds Maccabi football club has a long-standing presence in Leeds, with adult, youth and junior football delivered for many years across a range of council- and school-managed sites.

For more than two decades the club, located at Shadwell Lane, had accommodated two nvn grass football pitches, but a sustained lack of investment and limited routine maintenance had led to significant surface deterioration.

Drainage issues had caused regular waterlogging and burnt-in line markings had resulted in surface cracking and unsafe playing conditions. Extensive wear meant that fixtures were frequently cancelled, and the club ultimately lost its adult team because the site became unsuitable for competitive football.

16 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT AUTUMN 2026

According to Leeds Maccabi FC volunteer Charlie Rosenberg, "the pitches just deteriorated and it got to the point where nobody wanted to play on them".

Charlie says that recognising the shortage of playable grass pitches across the city, the club's committee decided to contact Leeds City Council and West Riding County FA to find a solution that would enable long-term pitch improvement and sustainability.

"Proper investment to sort the drainage issues on the two flat pitches was badly needed to bring them up to standard. The council and West Riding County FA suggested that we connect with the GMA's Pitch Advisory Service (PAS) to enable us to unlock Football Foundation funding," Charlie explains.

SUPPORTIVE PARTNERSHIP This linked-up partnership approach let to a programme of PAS-led improvements and demonstrable pitch recovery. This in tum gave the local council confidence in the project and enabled Leeds Maccabi FC to secure a 25-year lease on the site and safeguard long-term access to grass-pitch provision at Shadwell Lane.

PASalso helped the club unlock Football Foundation investment from its Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund.

PITCH IMPROVEMENTS PASrecommended some key pitch improvements including: temporarily reducing pitch provision from two pitches to one to allow recovery; rotating the playing area to spread wear evenly; intensive renovation

BRIEFING PAS UPDATE

The grounds team at Leeds Maccabi FC have used a verti-draining, overseeding and fertiliser programme to transform the pitches

of goal mouths in year one; vertidraining, overseeding, scarification and targeted fertiliser applications; gradual reintroduction of a second pitch following surface recovery; and an ongoing contractor-led maintenance programme informed by PASadvice.

"Our pitch contractor, Richard Hardcastle, was fantastic," says Charlie.

"His expertise, combined with PAS advice, allowed us to create a roadmap of how we could improve our pitch provision. For example, we rotated the pitch, which temporarily shut the other pitch down, to enable us to gain two great pitches for the next season.

Intensive work on the club's goal mouths has reaped rewards

"We put a lot of investment in the first year into the four goal mouths, which then enabled us to reopen the two pitches last season. We have put a second year of work into them both - which included verti-draining, overseeding and fertiliser, and they look absolutely fantastic."

OUTCOMES AND IMPACT Over the three-year programme, the pitches at Shadwell Lane have progressed in quality from 'poor' to 'advanced' and Leeds Maccabi is now one of the most sought-after grass pitch venues in the local area.

"The project has reconnected the club with its local community - generating renewed interest, volunteer support and long-term sustainability - and there's a significant reduction in match cancellations, despite challenging winters," Charlie says.

In the current season alone he says that more competitive matches have been hosted at the venue than across several previous seasons combined, highlighting a dramatic improvement in pitch availability and reliability.

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The club has also launched FAWild Cats sessions for girls aged five to 11and expanded overall community use at the site, with walking football and women's teams increasingly popular.

And to top it all, Leeds Maccabi FC now has an 11v11home venue for the first time in its history - creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

, , THEPROJECT HAS RECONNECTED THECLUB WITHITSLOCAL COMMUNITY - GENERATING RENEWED INTEREST, VOLUNTEER SUPPORT ANDLONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY

CLUB HOUSE CONNECTIONS As part of a progressive programme of improvements, Leeds Maccabi volunteer Colin Abrahams says the club has adopted a vacant council community centre, which was in need of urgent repair.

He says: "It was such a shame to see a much-used community centre closed and subsequently left empty, as Leeds City Council deemed the building beyond economic repair and not essential for the community. We saw the opportunity to not just build a fabulous club house and storage facility for Leeds Maccabi and other pitch users, but to also reopen an amazing space for use by the whole community.

It was too big an opportunity to not make happen.

"Since it was announced that we were undertaking repairs, we have had a massive amount of interest from local groups wanting to use the space during the week, and we have also reopened the car park for the local primary school to use for its park-andstride scheme."

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BEST PRACTICE CASTLEFORD TIGERS RLFC

EARNING HISSTRIPES

Stuart Vause's extensive grounds and facility management roles at Castleford Tigers RLFC have earned him huge respect from the club, players, supporters and the wider grounds management industry. We find out why his one-man operation is so successful

BY COLIN HOSKINS, FREELANCE WRITER

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ot much has changed for Stuart Vause, head groundsman at rugby's Super League club Castleford Tigers RLFC, since he took on the role in 2015. He is still the sole groundsperson charged with maintaining and managing the award-winning playing surfaces at the club's 11-acreWheldon Road site, including the club's OneBore Stadium and a new 4G training pitch.

18 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT AUTUMN 2026

Stuart's continual improvements to the playing surface have been recognised at the GMAAwards - he has won Professional Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year four times, the latest of which was in 2026.

If maintaining the surfaces wasn't enough, Stuart also continues to be the West Yorkshire venue's handyman for running facility repairs, and prepares and cleans the stadium on match days,

as well as readying team kits, dressing rooms and the match officials' area.

RISE OF THE ROBOT One element of the job that has changed is the recent addition of a batterypowered Husqvarna robot mower, which has made a significant impact on his workload - and the club's budget.

The robot, he says, "can work 24/7, which not only improves my work-life

BEST PRACTICE CASTLEFORD TIGERS RLFC

balance, but also enables me to focus on using the Dennis G86o mower for game preparation and presentation.

"Used primarily during the preseason, the robot consistently cuts the pitch at a height of 32mm. Because I maintain the surface at 30mm, that means I'm using the Dennis mower to take off significantly fewer clippings probably only two or three boxes a week - which results in the highest possible standards of pitch presentation. The robot not only helps the environment, but it also saves on fuel costs by using just £85 of electricity per year. I've also noticed that it has saved us money on fertiliser, since the grass 'greens up' well with the shot of nitrogen produced by the robot's fine clippings."

SYNTHETIC SUPPORT The other significant change is the new 4G training pitch, which replaced the original natural turf surface. Stuart explains that this will be available for hire "and will bring in important revenue that I can tap into for my main pitch fertiliser and spray programmes".

All these enhancements are part of the ii THEROBOT NOTONLY club's ongoing improvement programme HELPS THEENVIRONMENT, and substantial investment in the site BUTITALSO SAVES ONFUEL during its centenary year. They also COSTS BYUSING JUST f.85OF include the creation of a new fan zone ELECTRICITY PER YEAR. l'VE and the conversion of a standing area in the stand into a seating area.

ALSO NOTICED THAT ITHAS SAVED USMONEY ONFERTILISER

PITCH PERFORMANCE

The club has also secured a major new sponsor to complement an impressive list including its main sponsor, CBR Engineering. Balmers GM has signed a three-year deal for grounds-care equipment supply and support, including machine servicing and an equipment replacement programme. Indeed, Balmers GM support enabled Stuart to invest in the Husqvarna robot mower.

Several other site developments have been completed, including the creation of new dugout areas, the renovation of the dressing rooms (for home and away teams, as well as for match officials) and the construction of a new office block, alongside a new player and family room.

Stuart says: "The OneBore Stadium pitch, in particular, performed better than ever in 2025, even during the testing droughts we had," Stuart says.

"All the teams managed to play their home games there, which is really pleasing as this helps generate income for the club, and the first team was able to train here earlier than normally [usually March/April, but last year in February and this year in early January].

"However, it wasn't easy to keep the pitches alive - with only one sprinkler that takes 180 minutes to travel the length of the pitch, on a number of occasions I had to come to the stadium to turn it around every three hours."

He adds: "In addition to the fixtures for the Tigers' seven teams [men,

21

GROUNDS AUTUMN 2026MANAGEMENT

, , THESITEWASUSED ATLEAST 13TIMES EACH WEEK LAST YEAR, WITH THESTADIUM STAGING 132 GAMES ANDEVENTS, AND THETRAINING FIELD BEING USED 242TIMES women and wheelchair] plus community events and RFL training camps at all levels, other achievements last year included hosting the Yorkshire versus Lancashire academy series and a training session for the Wales national team."

Stuart says the site was used at least 13 times each week last year, with the stadium staging 132 games and events, and the training field being used 242 times. "The first team trains on the pitch through to the start of October, including captain's runs, and community children's games take place at half time at every home game. On six occasions we hosted three games in three days, and on five occasions the pitch was used for eight days in succession."

All these events, of course, endorse the quality of the playing surface that Stuart consistently produces, as he affirms: "I pride myself on pitch presentation - and, of course, playability - because this is what visitors and users judge me by. Every game is televised so I have to be on top of everything - for example, ensuring that the surface is at the correct height and is aesthetically pleasing, which includes bright and straight lines. It makes all the difference.

The pitch is always divoted after every training session and game, with the Honda rotary mower used to remove any loose debris. The surface is also irrigated before and after every game to aid recovery, appearance and grass root development.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE It is, however, fair to say that Stuart's role is very different from those of other head groundspeople, as he solely undertakes mowing, aeration, scarification, spraying, marking, fertilising and divoting. He utilises an array of machinery to achieve this: the Dennis mower, which has an eightblade cylinder and brush attachment, is complemented by a Kubota tractor that uses a rear-mounted roller mower,

22GROUNDS MANAGEMENT AUTUMN 2026

Stuart has always professed that he is "living my dream by being part of the rugby club I fell in love with as a schoolboy". He says: "I've followed the Tigers as long as I can remember. And after spending 30 years with the local council's grounds department while also volunteering in various roles at the Tigers since 2004, I jumped at the opportunity in 2015 to officially join as head groundsman."

His professional prowess has regularly caught the eye of the GMA Awards judges, too, as he has been in the finals every year since he started at the club and was runner up/shortlisted in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Admirably, he won the Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year award in 2017, 2019, 2025 and 2026 (no awards were staged in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19).

It's no surprise that he is highly skilled and well trained to fulfil his wide remit of responsibilities.

In addition to NVQ Level 3 in Sports Turf and Greenkeeping, plus City & Guilds Levels 1, 2 and 3 in Horticulture, Stuart holds accreditations in brickwork, NEBS (management), health and safety, CPC (driving) plus chipper and chainsaw use, Working at Height, fire training and PA1and PA6a pesticide application.

sprayer and pitch groomer; while the Honda rotary is the choice for aftergame clean-ups. There's also a Redexim Verti-Drain and a Linemark UK line marker, as well as knapsack sprayers, strimmers, a backpack blower, divot forks, drag brushes, dew brushes and a wide range of hand tools.

"This equipment lets me perform most tasks in house without being dependent on other people, timescales and the weather," he says. "It makes my job a lot easier and, most importantly, it enables me to consistently improve the surface.

This, in turn, means we can stage more games, bringing in more revenue."

All machines are sharpened and serviced by Balmers GM and club

Setting out the pitch using the Linemark UK line marker

employee Rob Lilley is on hand for the occasional minor job.

There's no Koroing during end-ofseason renovations on the 100-yearold natural turf pitch - simply the application of around 60 tonnes of sand (with help from the local authority that Stuart previously worked for - see 'Living the dream', left), verti-draining and seeding with Agrovista Amenity's TechnoTurf brand. In addition, while Stuart carries out any in-house maintenance/repair tasks, co-sponsor Barhale Construction takes care of any larger jobs.

AND THERE'S MORE Stuart is also responsible for preparing the stadium for hosting events by ensuring the toilets, media areas, changing rooms, match officials' area, showers and terraces are clean and safe.

Then there's post-event, off-the-pitch clean-up, including removing any rubbish from the terraces and main stand, as well as cleaning of the changing rooms.

He also orders the kit and organises the

ii I HAVE TOBEONTOP OFEVERYTHING, ENSURING THAT THESURFACE ISAT THECORRECT HEIGHT AND ISAESTHETICALLY PLEASING, WHICH INCLUDES BRIGHT ANDSTRAIGHT LINES names and numbers to be printed on shirts. He is responsible for packing and loading the kit, along with the required medical and physio equipment, onto the kit van for away games.

"I've always done what needs to be done," concludes the 58-year-old, and that often means interruptions to family and social life, "so I'm glad I've got a very understanding daughter, Ellie".

Indeed, his philosophy of always doing what is right for the pitch - and the club - is what has earned Stuart the respect of his club, the players and supporters, as well as the whole of the wider UK turf-care industry.

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GROUNDS AUTUMN 2026MANAGEMENT

BEST PRACTICE COMMUNITY SPORT

Adam Cooper talks to Ben Welsh about his career pathway - from his role as an eager volunteer at Langwathby FC to his bright future at Carlisle United

BY ADAM COOPER, GMA REGIONAL PITCH ADVISOR (FOOTBALL - NORTH WEST)

I

first came across Ben through his regular posts on social media, which tracked his volunteer grounds work at Langwathby FC in the Eden Valley,near Penrith, Cumbria. Back then, he was very new to his role at the club but his passion for grounds was obvious from the start.

In 2022, I had the pleasure of meeting Ben at a Pitch Advisory Service (PAS) workshop at Cleator Moor Celtic FC, which was delivered by Cumberland FA. I found him to be a quiet, modest and unassuming young man and, now that he's showing great potential at Carlisle United FC, his charming character is still the same today.

STARTING OUT Ben's route into the industry began when he was 18 years old. He was an apprentice mechanic and also volunteered as a football coach at Langwathby FC. The club's groundsperson was looking for someone to help prepare the sports pitches and Ben was quick to offer a helping hand with the football pitches on the multisport cricket and croquet site.

Fast forward five years and having helped to gain financial assistance for the club, from the Football Foundation's Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund and Machinery Fund, and with advice from Cumberland FAfacilities lead Craig Lewis and me, Ben has helped to transform the Langwathby FC pitches. They have been so improved that during the 2025/26 wet winter season, the club had no league cancellations, other than league-wide

24GROUNDS MANAGEMENT AUTUMN 2026

Ben's passion for his new job within ii STICK WITHYOUR DREAM his social media posts did not go IT'SNOTALLPLAIN SAILING BUT unnoticed by others in the industry and IT'SWORTH THEEFFORT. TALK Salford City FC offered him some match TOOTHERS WHEN YOUCANAND day work. Ben accepted enthusiastically, TAKE THEADVICE SERIOUSLY which led to match day work at ones linked to amber weather warnings, which are common in North Cumbria.

The club also managed to complete its league season in good time to allow for several post-season friendlies.

Considering that the site is on a flood plain next to the river Eden, in an area of high average rainfall, this is an incredible achievement.

MOVING ON, RIDING HIGH In October 2025, armed with his new-found knowledge in grounds management, as well as his mechanical expertise, Ben took up an apprenticeship at Carlisle United FC.

Manchester United FC too.

Not surprisingly, Ben has had a few opportunities within the industry, but, living up in the Eden Valley,he chose to stay local at Carlisle United and says he really enjoys working with head groundsperson Dave Mitchell and the rest of the team.

"Dave has supported my career progression through GMA qualifications and also encourages me to attend industry CPD insight days," Ben says.

Ben's role includes maintaining the stadium pitch as well as eight w pitches across the club's three training "' "0 0 sites. However, Ben still volunteers u :;;c his spare time at Langwathby FC c3 <( where he uses a pedestrian Dennis

G86o to cut and present the pitches.

He is also a big fan of the SISIS Quadraplay to help with pitch preparation and repair.

PEER SUPPORT So who does Ben look to for inspiration within the industry? He lists his good friend - and GMA awardwinning volunteer - Tom Banks at Kirkoswald FC as being a major influence on his growing knowledge in pitch management and community support.

Ben says he's impressed with Tom's pitch improvement journey at Kirkoswald and the work of a small band of local volunteers who continually provide sport for their local communities in a very difficult climatic area of the country.

Ben also highlights the important role oflocal contractors for enhanced maintenance and renovation work at Langwathby.

When asked about the best piece of advice he's even been given, Ben says, "to do the right thing at the right

time, based on the weather and ground condition," which I agree with entirely.

And his advice to young people starting out in the industry? "Stick with your dream - it's not all plain sailing but it's worth the effort. Talk to others when you can and take the advice seriously," he says.

Not surprisingly, Ben says his ambition is to be a head groundsperson one day and, with his outstanding passion and drive, I have no doubt that he will achieve this in the not-toodistant future.

25

GROUNDS AUTUMN 2026MANAGEMENT

SPECIAL REPORT WEEDS, PESTS AND DISEASE CONTROL

ARE YOU COMPLIANT INAMENITY MANAGEMENT? Best practice is essential when using products to manage weeds, pests and diseases at your facility. The Amenity Forum shares some guidelines to help you comply with OCR regulations set by the Health and Safety Executive

BY CORRINA URQUHART, AMENITY FORUM CEO

T

he Amenity Forum is urging amenity businesses, contractors, local authorities, housing providers and other land managers to review their compliance arrangements following recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) pesticide enforcement findings, which showed that action was required following 97 per cent of official control visits carried out during 2025.

The findings, discussed at the Amenity Forum Updating Event in May this year, highlighted a number

of recurring compliance issues affecting organisations across several sectors, including amenity management, horticulture and forestry.

KEY ISSUES The most common issues identified related to pesticide storage, stock control, record keeping, inspection requirements for pedestrian-operated equipment and registration under the Official Controls Regulations.

These findings reinforce the need for organisations to maintain robust

management systems, ensure staff remain competent and up to date, and regularly review compliance arrangements. They also highlight the importance of ongoing training, continuing professional development and the adoption of best practice.

This good practice isn't simply about meeting legal requirements - it's about protecting people and the environment, and maintaining public confidence in the work the amenity sector undertakes everyday.

By taking proactive steps now, organisations can reduce risk, improve compliance and demonstrate their commitment to professional standards.

THE GOLDEN RULES Get appropriate training and stay updated. Users of pesticides and

those who permit others to use them have a legal obligation to

26GROUNDS MANAGEMENT AUTUMN 2026

ensure that all reasonable precautions are taken to protect human health and the environment.

Pesticide users and advisors must be competent and hold a relevant certificate to apply professional products safely. Operators also need to undertake regular training, and keep up to date by attending events, workshops, and online or in-person courses.

hard surfaces have product labels that contain directions for use and state where the product can be applied. Best practice will always seek to minimise pesticide use.

Buy pesticides from reputable distributors. This will minimise the

a professional product, ensure it will be used by someone who holds an appropriate certificate of competence.

Store pesticides correctly. This is a legal requirement. Only use authorised products and comply with conditions specified on the product label. Similar products can be formulated differently, so it is crucial that users read and understand how the product must be used, and that individual products in a store can be clearly identified.

Develop and implement integrated approaches. Carefully plan integrated

risk of purchasing non-approved or counterfeit products, which is against the law. Suppliers should have trained staff to advise on safe, proper and economic product use. When buying

control strategies for specific situations and ensure you have considered the level of control required and the solutions available - including cultural, biological and mechanical options as well as pesticides.

Biological methods are increasingly available and should be considered when developing the appropriate approach.

All herbicides approved for use on

ii BYTAKING PROACTIVE application equipment. It is a legal STEPS NOW, ORGANISATIONSrequirement that pesticide application equipment used where the operator CANREDUCE RISK, has their feet off the ground must be IMPROVE COMPLIANCE tested annually by the UK-wide National ANDDEMONSTRATE Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) once THEIR COMMITMENT TO it is five years old. Although other types PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS of equipment, including knapsacks,

Maintain and regularly inspect

27

GROUNDS AUTUMN 2026MANAGEMENT

SPECIAL REPORT WEEDS, PESTS AND DISEASE CONTROL

have no such legal requirement, it is best practice to inspect and record them regularly. If an incident occurs, this recording will form an integral part of demonstrating best practice. All equipment must be regularly calibrated to ensure that there is no under- or overdosing of pesticides, and must be set correctly so that applications are confined to the target area.

Adopt sustainable practices. There

are national sustainability targets, as well as locally implemented ones.

Adopting sustainable best practice involves the three pillars of economic, environmental and social factors.

This starts with an audit of current practice, on which improvements can be made. Increasingly, Government policy will require organisations to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practice.

Protect workers and the public. It is

a legal requirement to ensure that all reasonable precautions are taken to protect human health when storing, handling or using pesticides. For example, employees must wear suitable protective equipment and may need their health monitored, and the product should not be allowed to drift onto neighbouring properties.

This a legal requirement in areas frequented by the public, conservation areas, and on certain transport infrastructure and sealed surfaces to demonstrate pesticide use is being minimised. Organisations carrying out operations are strongly advised to adopt an approved assurance scheme and hold the Amenity Standard to fully demonstrate to the public their commitment to best practice.

Protect water. Care should be taken to avoid polluting water. Users should determine whether they are in areas such as surface water safeguard zones or drinking water protected areas, and should also take account of weather conditions. Assess whether the wind is blowing at a level that may increase the risk of spray drift and consider current or forecast rain over the following two days to prevent pesticide draining into watercourses. Check if the surface type

28GROUNDS MANAGEMENT AUTUMN 2026

Above: All equipment must be calibrated to ensure no under- or overdosing of pesticides

is permeable (soil or grass) and take account of the topography, as these factors are crucial in assessing risks when advising on, storing, handling and/ or applying the pesticide. In certain situations, authority to spray close to water courses will require official authorisation from an appropriate body.

Be prepared for external inspections and regularly check guidance. The

HSE has the power to inspect premises and practices regarding adherence to the Official Control (of plant protection products) Regulations (OCR). It is a legal requirement for users of these products to register them with the HSE, including information on the products used, their storage type and locations.

It is very important to be prepared for an inspection - if and when it may occur. Government and industry bodies provide advice (in paper form and online) to help ensure plant protection products are used safely and sustainably, and a key source of information is the UK Amenity Forum.

Keep records. It is a legal requirement for distributors and users to keep records of pesticide sales and use.

Clear and accurate records play an important role in helping to assess the effectiveness of plant protection approaches. Records are also an important management tool.

REVISIT THE RECENT AMENITY

More than 60 members and industry representatives attended the latest Amenity Forum Updating Event, which brought together expertise from across the amenity sector.

The event included updates on the forthcoming GB glyphosate consultation, the latest data on pesticide inspection visits from the HSE, integrated pest management approaches, digital record-keeping, and the role of technology in supporting professional standards and compliance.

Speakers also explored the practical implications of evolving environmental expectations and regulatory scrutiny for operators across the amenity sector.

If you were unable to attend the live event, you can view the full edition on YouTube via: youtube. com/watch?v=6_GDAiGSVf4

■

FIND OUT MORE For further information on safe and sustainable management of weeds, pests and diseases, visit the Amenity Forum website at: amenityforum.co.uk

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TECHNICAL YOUR INDUSTRY-LEADING REFERENCE GUIDE

Contractor lnscapes began work on the project in summer 2025

Left: Typical waterlogging on the Boscawen Park pitches before the project began Below: Works had to be restricted to the shallow topsoil and stony upper subsoil

design for the site that would allow football to be played throughout the winter months.

BESPOKE DRAINAGE DESIGN To work out how best to drain the pitches, I visited the park to assess the nature of the soils and the issues posed by the unique site conditions, including the underlying waste contaminated with heavy metals and the potential risk of unexploded munitions within it.

This effectively ruled out any works that would expose the waste material at the surface and meant that all drainage works had to be restricted to the clean topsoil and very stony, compact upper subsoil. Budget constraints and the high stone content of the soil meant it was not feasible to remove the gentle undulations by cultivation and grading, leaving intensive drainage as the main way to improve pitch conditions during the winter, coupled with the creation of a shallow sand carpet over the surface.

The final design required the installation of new lateral drains linked to a series of collector drains supplemented by sand slits at close centres. A sand carpet was spread over this to help protect the installed drains from being capped with soil during play

32GROUNDS MANAGEMENT AUTUMN 2026

ii ALLDRAINAGE WORKS HADTOBERESTRICTED TOTHECLEAN TOPSOIL ANDVERY STONY, COMPACT UPPER SUBSOIL and to further cover the stones in the topsoil. The layout of the drains had to take into account the shallow fall on the site and limited outfall depth (due to the tide and the need not to dig into the deeper waste material), and required the contractor to exercise very tight depth control on the drains as they were installed. This needed laser-guided trenching equipment to ensure that an even fall on the pipes was achieved despite varying surface levels.

Finally, the outfall to the river had to be designed to let water out at low tide while stopping water flowing back in when the tide rose above the level of the outfall pipe. This could not include a flood flap on the end of the pipe as the Environment Agency no longer maintains the bankside.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL Inscapes (Greensport Trading Ltd) won the contract, beginning works in the summer of 2025 and completing on

time and on budget in early autumn.

The contractor had to work around the issues posed by a difficult site and very tough ground conditions, as well as the logistics of moving material into a popular part of Cornwall through the middle of a hot and dry summer, with all the issues of many tourists on the road and around the site itself.

The hot dry weather, although ideal for the works, did create issues with dust, requiring some lateral thinking.

The quality of the work carried out by Inscapes was excellent, with careful attention to detail, especially with regard to depth control and drain layout. The pitches were seeded just as the weather turned and helped by warm air and soil and what turned out to be one of the wettest Cornish winters in the past 30 years the grass quickly established full cover in eight weeks.

Most pleasing was the fact that the pitches could be mown throughout the winter due to the excellent performance of the drainage system.

This allowed for regular mowing, which has further thickened the sward and promoted tillering in the grass. The result is pitches with good surface levels and superb grass coverage

TECHNICAL INSIGHT DRAINAGE

that have been dry throughout the extremely wet winter.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT Charles Smith, the site foreman for Inscapes, was pleased with how the work went. "Overall, it was a rewarding job to be part of," he explains. "The works progressed smoothly with minimal disruption through good planning and communication across all teams. It was a well-coordinated project, which meant each stage of works was completed without any delays. Any small issues that came up were quickly sorted through clear communication. The quality of work stayed consistent throughout and the job was finished on time and to a great standard."

According to James Rees, Inscapes' sales director, the project's major challenges included the need to implement an effective dust suppression system for the trencher, particularly in dry conditions where dust could impact visibility and machinery performance.

"Careful planning and consistent monitoring were essential to ensure safe and efficient operation throughout the works," he says.

Planning of the material in and out of the job was another challenge. "It was a big job that needed to be organised well to keep disruption to a minimum, especially as this was a live park and sports hub. We also needed very careful planning due to the potential presence of unexploded munitions in the ground.

"The pitches are now draining well and looking healthy, even after periods of heavy rainfall, and the GMA, Truro City Council and project management company Ward Williams were excellent to work with.

"If clubs want to keep their pitches playable for longer throughout the year, investing in drainage systems like this is essential. It improves playability in wet conditions, helps to maintain turf quality and reduces long-term maintenance costs. In any project, early planning and clear communication are key to getting the best results and minimising disruption," James concludes.

, , THEPITCHES ARE NOWDRAINING WELL ANDLOOKING HEALTHY, EVEN AFTER PERIODS OFHEAVY RAINFALL

MORE INFORMATION

■

For more information regarding the GMA Turfcare Advisory consultancy, which provides independent advice and guidance for pitch improvement projects of any scale, please visit: thegma.org.uk/services/ turf-care-advisory Sand slits installed at close centres to supplement a series of collector drains

33

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TECHNICAL INSIGHT SYNTHETIC TURF

AGUIDE TOSYNTHETIC SURFACES FOR OUTDOOR SPORT Looking to install a synthetic turf pitch? We examine the different types, their maintenance and correct end-of-life disposal

BY COLIN CORLINE, TECHNICAL LEAD, SPORTS AND PLAY CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION (SAPCA)

I

f you have ever considered the development of a synthetic turf pitch, you will have come across the many names, terms and product types that people have for them.

Whether it be artificial grass pitch, artificial turf pitch, synthetic turf pitch, 1G, 2G, 3G or 4G, they are all basically variations of the same thing a synthetic surface formed by stitching or weaving polyethylene or polypropylene yarn through a backing material to form a product that can be used for playing sport.

SYSTEM DESIGN First-generation (or 1G) surfaces are dense, non-filled and often watered surfaces usually used for hockey, especially at the elite end of the game, and sometimes for cricket.

Developed in the 1970s, 2G surfaces are still used today, mainly for hockey - but also often for football and multi-

sports. These are sand-filled or sanddressed artificial grass surfaces with a pile height ranging from 10mm to 25mm, and filled or dressed with graded silica sand. The shorter pile products, 10mm - 16mm, are predominantly designed for tennis and, more recently, padel.

From 1998 onwards, we've had 3G surfaces, developed specifically to mimic the performance of a natural turf football pitch, and feature 35mm to 65mm pile height carpets with a combination of stabilising sand infill and an additional sports-performance infill material - which traditionally comprises granulated end-of-life rubber tyres. However, more recently organic materials are being used - such as cork, olive pits and engineered wood products. The surface is designed to be used for football, rugby, Gaelic sports and American football.

The most recently developed playing surface is 4G. Designed primarily for

, , A46SURFACE HAS AMUCH DENSER YARN STITCH PATTERN, WHICH MEANS THERE ISNO NEED FOR ANINFILL football, this surface has a much denser yarn stitch pattern, which means there is no need for an infill to provide the required sports performance.

Depending on the sport and the level of sport being played, consideration should be given to the design of the product - whether it needs to incorporate a shockpad, a specific type of infill, an adapted field design to ensure that infill cannot be lost from the playing area or designed to suit a specific sport.

The level of sport being played will also dictate the quality of the playing surface needed. In the case of football, requirements for a

35

GROUNDS

AUTUMN 2026MANAGEMENT

TECHNICAL INSIGHT SYNTHETIC TURF

professional club's fields that have to classify as FIFA Quality Pro are different from those of a community club facility that needs a FIFA Qualityapproved product.

Left: The level of football should dictate the artificial surface required

MAINTENANCE MATTERS All synthetic turf surfaces require a level of professional maintenance to ensure that the playing surface retains its performance characteristics.

It is fair to say that some playing surfaces need more maintenance than others. Indeed, a shorter-pile tennis or padel surface with less infill requires far less regular maintenance than a 3G football field, which needs regular brushing to keep the infill mobile, evenly distributed and free from compaction.

At the time a new facility is handed over to a client, a formal Operations and Maintenance Manual is supplied, outlining the relevant maintenance requirements. This provides guidance on the methodology for maintaining the facility, and this advice should always be followed. The industry is constantly innovating with pitch surfaces and infill types so what works well for one facility may not be suitable for another. Different products and systems (carpet, infill combination and shockpad) often require variations in maintenance methods.

We would always recommend using a Sport and Play Construction Association (SAPCA)-accredited maintenance provider for quarterly maintenance

, , ONCE THE EXISTING SYNTHETIC TURF ISCUT AND LIFTED ITBECOMES AWASTE PRODUCT, WHICH MEANS THAT ITCANNOT BEREUSED FOR ITS INTENDED PURPOSE ANDHAS TOBERECYCLED on a 3G pitch, although experienced groundspeople can often carry out the weekly maintenance in-house.

SAPCAmembers are thoroughly vetted, not just for the quality of their work but also for their professionalism and working practices, their financial sustainability and reputation within the industry. A list of these companies, alongside all types of contractors, consultants, manufacturers and suppliers, is provided on the SAPCA website at sapca.org.uk.

END-OF-LIFE PROTOCOL At the end of life of the synthetic turf playing surface (including the infill(s) and, if being replaced, the shockpad) it is the responsibility of the field owner/ operator to ensure that the material is disposed of in accordance with waste hierarchy. In normal circumstances the existing playing surface will be lifted by the company replacing the pitch, so the client needs to ensure and understand that they are disposing of the material in the legal and correct manner.

Once the existing synthetic turf is cut and lifted it becomes a waste product, which means that it cannot be reused for its intended purpose and has to be recycled. If this is not feasible, it should be disposed of using a licensed waste management operator.

In England, the regulator of waste management is the Environment Agency. The devolved nations have different regulators, albeit with the same remit to oversee and control the waste management regulations.

SAPCAhas developed a Recycling Protocol, which will become live on the website later this year. This protocol aims to have a list of compliant recycling operators to ensure that the industry is seen to be self-regulating and that endof-life synthetic turf systems are being treated, disposed of and/or recycled legally in the UK.

:::~o~==-~ ■ For more information on end-of-life disposal, click on the QR code

guide/end-of-life-disposal-guidance Synthetic grass tennis courts often have 2G surfaces with a 10mm-16mm pile

36 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT AUTUMN 2026

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IN ACTION INDUSTRY CASE STUDIES

MAINTAINING SPORTS GROUNDS ACROSS THEUK

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

MANSFIELD SAND DELIVERS JUMPING SURFACE ATTEETON'S ARENA For international show jumping trainer Dan Delsart, surface quality isn't just a detail - it's the foundation. He has created an arena at Teeton Valley Stables in Northamptonshire, and carefully selected materials from Mansfield Sand have delivered a surface that prioritises both performance and horse welfare.

Horse safety is paramount at Teeton

Dan's arena reflects his commitment to creating a surface as close to natural grass as possible. "We built the facilities ourselves with the objective of recreating a surface that felt as natural as possible underfoot," he explains.

Having competed and trained across Europe and the UK, Dan had seen many surfaces and knew exactly what he required. "I wanted a good sand that was able to drain and hold moisture, so the surface wouldn't become dusty," he says.

This led him to Mansfield Sand, which combined materials with fibres from its Combi-Ride to create a hybrid surface designed for performance and durability.

Dan says 15to 20 horses use the facility every day. "The surface feels natural under the horses' hooves, which means there's no impact and blockage of movement when landing." mansfield-sand.co.uk

GKBSPM4OO POWERS PRODUCTIVITY FORPREMIER TURFING For contractors working in demanding environments and to tight schedules, machinery needs to be robust and reliable. That's why Lincolnshire's Premier Turfing Ltd relies on GKB Machines. Owner Ian Mawer has recently added to his fleet with the purchase of an SPM400 topdresser, which joins a GKB Sandfiller, Combinator and DrainMaster.

Premier Turfing is a leading sportsturf contractor delivering construction, renovation and maintenance services for winter sports pitches, cricket outfields, racecourses and golf courses.

"The GKBbuild quality really stands out, and we've become accustomed to that reliability and efficiency," Ian says.

He visited the GKBMachines stand at SALTEX2025, where he discussed the options with long-standing contact Tom Shinkins. "Tom knew exactly what

we were after and his recommendation of the SPM400 has ticked every box."

At 4ID3,the SPM400 is one of the largest available topdressers on the market. Part of the Sandspreader range, it has an additional material handler for filling bunkers and drainage machine hoppers. 'We will use it to spread sand on end-of-season football or rugby renovations, as well as for drainage projects and in conjunction with the GKB DrainMaster," says Ian. gkbmachines.com Spreading sand with the GKB SPM400

KRESS ROBOTIC MOWERS A GAME-CHANGER AT HAILEYBURY SCHOOL Kress robotic mowers are playing a key role in helping the grounds team at Haileybury School in Hertfordshire maintain consistently high standards across the 500-acre estate. The machines have become an important part of the school's wider strategy to manage a busy, high-pressure site more efficiently.

'We're a '365-day-a-year' school," says head of grounds and gardens Andy Richards. 'We've got students, lettings, tournaments and events throughout the year, so the pressure on the grounds never really stops."

Haileybury's journey into robotic mowing began when noise became an issue in the main school quad.

'We had complaints during exam periods, so we needed a mowing solution that could work quietly and out ofhours,"explains Andy.

He says the Kress demo was a game-changer. "To see a mower cutting in straight lines and producing a proper striped finish was amazing. Everyone was blown away."

Unlike most robotic systems, Kress machines use satellite-guided navigation combined with its own RTK network, removing the need for on-site antennae. This maintains the aesthetic of the historic grounds while enabling operation without line of sight and even under tree cover. The result is greater flexibility in the areas that can be maintained, with fewer operational limitations.

'We've got a range of Kress robots now and they're an integral part of our toolkit. We use them where they fit best and move them around depending on demand," says Andy. kress.com/en-gb

39

GROUNDS AUTUMN 2026MANAGEMENT

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SISPITCHES REVEALS A SURGE IN HYBRID CRICKET PITCH INSTALLATIONS INGRASSROOTS CLUBS ACROSS THEUK Grassroots cricket is embracing hybrid pitches at pace across the UK, according to the latest installation figures from SIS Pitches.

The global sports surface specialist has delivered multiple installations at 30 local clubs and schools in the past year alone, signalling growing interest in the technology at all levels of competition after its 2019 sanctioning and subsequent widespread uptake across the sport's professional ranks.

SIS's grassroots projects now span the length of England and the company's presence has grown in Northern Ireland as well.

Prized for their durability under tough playing conditions, hybrid cricket

pitches allow up to three times as many fixtures as natural turf surfaces without compromising performance.

This grassroots growth builds on SIS Grass Hybrid's strong track record at the top levels of the game with installations at Edgbaston in 2025 and at 17 of the 18 teams competing in the English County Championship.

Recent projects at this level include repeat installations at Somerset and Warwickshire, as well as new hybrids for Yorkshire, Hampshire, Northamptonshire and Glamorgan.

For 2026, SIS has also agreed to deliver six hybrid pitches at the new women's ground for Middlesex CCC.

Maintaining a consistent, highquality racing surface is a yearround challenge at Hamilton Park Racecourse, but head groundsman Prentis Russell believes a wellplanned nutrition programme, supported by Agrovista Amenity, is helping the track perform at its best.

Hamilton's layout places demands on the track's surface, and the soil profile also poses challenges. "It's clay-based, so we must constantly think about drainage," Prentis says.

He has worked with Agrovista Amenity technical manager Stewart Carbray to build a fertiliser programme tailored to the track.

Spring and summer nutrition is built around Absolute Premier 12-6-6and 20-10-10, mini-granular compound fertilisers designed to deliver balanced nutrient input and consistent growth. The programme continues into the autunm with Evolution Naturelle Sport Autumn 7-0-21,which provides a gradual nutrient release. amenity.agrovista.co.uk

Prentis Russell at Hamilton Park

sispitches.com

BARONESS MOWERS STILL MAKING THECUTATREADING FC

The LM2700 mowers' exceptional cut

For Scott O'Nyons, head of grounds at Reading FC's stadium and training ground, longevity and reliability of equipment are operational necessities - and delivering exactly that is a trio of Baroness LM2700 mowers. After more than a decade of service, they continue to deliver reliable performance and an exceptional quality of cut.

"From a productivity perspective, we explored the options available in the ride-on, multi-unit market and took delivery of our first Baroness LM2700

in 2013,"he says. "Impressed with its performance, we added a further two to the fleet."

Although they have clocked up a huge number of hours, Scott says the machines have been incredibly reliable and the club has never had to replace a single cylinder reel.

Baroness continues to work with Scott's team to refine the cutting setup by fine-tuning bedknife angles and grinding settings for the desired finish. baronessuk.com

41

GROUNDS

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THE8O1H EDITION OFSALTEX

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TECHNICAL MAINTENANCE TIPS

AUTUMN OPERATIONS

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

•

BOWLING GREENS

• Continue to carry out routine cutting and be mindful of the end-of-season renovation works window approaching.

• Source materials and aim to complete planned end-of-season works as soon as possible following completion of the fixture schedule.

• Ditches should be cleared of their fill material, cleaned and washed down.

• Carry out repairs to banks when work on the green is complete.

• Once scheduled end-of-season works are complete, other work should include: • drag brushing or switching regularly to remove dew, maintaining a dry surface with upright grasses - this will also help to disperse any worm casts • keeping the grass topped if required • keeping a close eye on the condition and health of the surface as mild, humid, autumnal weather provides ideal conditions for disease attack • aerating at varying depths when the conditions allow • removing leaves from the green.

•

CRICKET SQUARES

• Significant renovation should only take place once the playing season has been completed. Work can then be carried out to ensure the square is prepared for the following season. To start renovations, you need to make sure that ground conditions are suitable, including.

• ensuring the ground is initially dry near the surface to aid effective scarification.

• shaving the grass to less than 5mm to allow effective scarification.

• as new seed needs moisture to germinate, irrigating regularly if there's little rain until the plant has established - the ground temperature in autumn is warm, which will speed up germination.

• With mild and wet winters more common, growth continues through autumn and the winter months.

• Regular surveillance of the square is required to investigate outbreaks of fungal disease and detect excessive grass growth. Do not roll the square until February/March.

• During mild spells, occasionally top the grass to ensure that the sward growth is not weakened in the spring by removing too much growth in a short period of time. Before cutting, remove any debris to prevent damage to the mower.

• Winter brushing helps the surface remain dry and reduces disease by keeping the sward healthy.

• Try to aerate before the end of the year as the soil is getting wetter.

• Fertiliser can be applied to maintain the health and appearance of the grass. Apply when the immediate surface is free from damp but there is still some moisture in the soil. Avoid dry, frosty or windy conditions, as this can result in uneven distribution and scorching. Always check the calibration of the machine before fertiliser application to ensure that the spread rate is correct.

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• Reduce the frequency of cut and raise the height of cut after the final game.

Repair areas of wear as required.

43

GROUNDS

AUTUMN 2026MANAGEMENT

TECHNICAL MAINTENANCE TIPS

• Regularly inspect for pest and disease attacks as the weather changes; the use of a drag brush to remove morning dew and stand up the grass will be beneficial.

• If transitioning to winter sports, an application of a balanced, controlledrelease fertiliser will be required to sustain growth and maintain grass plant health.

• Aerate throughout autumn, and decompact to maintain surface drainage potential and root development.

•

FOOTBALL PITCHES

• Repair divots to maintain an even playing surface.

•Alight topdressing or overseeding will make good any areas that are suffering from poor levels of coverage.

Germination sheeting can be applied to make the most of the remaining good growing conditions.

• Slightly raising the height of cut in high-wear areas can help to maintain an improved level of ground cover for a longer period.

• If weeds are a problem, this is the last realistic opportunity for any selective herbicide application before heading into the autumn.

• Into the autumn, aerate or decompact the pitch when the ground conditions are suitable.

• Frequent brushing to remove morning dew is good practice - this should be done ahead of cutting if conditions allow.

Brushing in dry conditions will help to disperse worm casts and clear leaves from the pitch.

• Cutting may still be required, although try to keep it as high as possible to allow for maximum amount of coverage going into the winter.

• Dressing and overseeding of high-wear areas may be required as the season progresses. Ensure that hand-forking takes place beforehand. Cover and keep irrigated.

e

• mowing grass to a shorter length to expose thin areas • applying fertiliser • overseeding thin and bare areas • topdressing thin and bare areas • light rolling • irrigation, particularly seeded and thin areas.

• Into the autumn, the course should be prepared ahead of the start of the National Hunt season. Courses used just for flat racing will be rested over autumn and winter; prepare fences and jumps prior to the start of the season.

• Fallen leaves could be a major problem on some parts of a course. Continue to clear as they fall.

•Alight topping of the grass may still be required and/or a roll to firm.

•

• ~~~llouRsEs

• Autumn is the main renovation period for flat racing courses, with works to include: • scarifying (or chain harrowing with the tines facing downwards) • deep aeration

44 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT AUTUMN 2026

rr11JEPITCHES

• The end-of-season renovation window is drawing near. Works should involve: • scarifying or raking/chain harrowing to help reduce thatch • overseeding at a suitable rate with a perennial ryegrass mix • topdressing, which will depend on budgets and materials available alternately, dress up and restore any isolated, worn or damaged areas • decompacting the profile through a mechanical vertical or linear method • applying an autumn/winter controlled-release fertiliser, but be mindful not to apply a feed containing iron (Fe) so soon after seeding.

• Throughout autumn, drag brushing and switching the surface will be advantageous to stand up the grass and dispense with morning dew.

• Keep on top of pitch repair where coverage or levels are low, along with clearing ofleaves as they begin to fall.

• Cut as required, topping in line with growth and as weather conditions allow.

• Aerate as and when weather and surface conditions allow.

RUGBY UNION PITCHES

• Continue routine cutting, but lower the frequency, and raise the height of cut as the weather changes and in line with grass growth.

• Aeration and decompaction operations are key to maintaining drainage potential and aid root development into autumn.

• Repair divots and scrum damage as a priority - use a hand fork.

• Ensure sufficient nutrient availability to sustain recovery and disease resilience throughout the winter. Feed with a balanced, controlled-release product into the autumn.

• Use a combination grooming tool or drag brush to remove morning dew, and disperse worm casts - this will also help stand up the grass plants.

•

TENNIS COURTS

• Renovate as soon as possible following the last game. A typical renovation programme includes: • irrigation to soften the surface soil profile • initial aeration to penetrate the surface layer • further irrigation to soften the lower soil profile • further aeration - this time at a greater depth • scarification to remove thatch build-up and lateral growth • cleaning the surface of debris or arisings • overseeding - this is especially important along the baseline and service boxes • topdressing with a suitable loam - the amount will depend on the degree of wear and aeration equipment used • applying a conventional pre-seed fertiliser.

• Into the autumn, as the weather begins to change: • lightly top the grass when the conditions allow • earthworm activity may be high so regularly switch or lightly drag brush the court surface to remove dew and disperse casts • keep an eye open for disease, especially if mild and humid conditions occur • remove fallen leaves to avoid smothering the sward • aerate if ground conditions are favourable.

~ MANAGEMENT ·, I , · ASSOCIATION

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LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT JOB? @mTHE RIGHT CANDIDATE? OURJOBS BOARD CONNECTS EMPLOYERS ANDJOBSEEKERS Whether you're advancing your career or hiring for a new role, we help match skilled professionals with relevant opportunities - quickly and effectively.

Search current vacancies on our homepage, or get in touch with our team for recruitment assistance on 01908 312 511 or jobs@thegma.org.uk

PRODUCT NEWS TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES

PRODUCT NEWS A round-up of the latest tools, technologies and services from GMA Corporate Supporters

GREENBEST SMARTLAWN PROCAST 20 RAISES THEBAR INGRANULAR SPREADING Designed for the accurate and efficient application of granular fertilisers, seed and other granular products, the ProCast 20 expands the SmartLawn range, providing contractors with a professional-grade spreader built for day-to-day use.

The SmartLawn ProCast 20 features a 20kg hopper capacity, a precision flow control system, directional spread control and a heavy-duty chassis designed to withstand regular transport and operation.

The spreader has been developed to help operators improve application consistency, reduce product waste and increase efficiency on larger jobs.

To support customers from day one, GreenBest has also worked closely with the manufacturer to provide full-rate and half-rate spreader settings for all

ALLPRO TAKES STIHL'S BATTERY TECHNOLOGY INTOA NEWERA

The ProCast 20 is a pro-quality spreader

SmartLawn granular fertilisers. These settings are available on product labels, within the SmartLawn product guide and online via the SmartLawn Spreader Settings page.

The ProCast 20 requires minimal assembly and includes a full user manual, with replacement parts available through the GreenBest sales office. greenbest.co.uk

OASGROWS PARTNERSHIP understanding how technology could be enhanced to better serve the end WITHTINYMOBILEROBOTSuser. The result of its knowledge and Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) has extended its exclusive UK distribution agreement with TinyMobileRobots, a partnership that sets high standards for line marking and robotic solutions and strengthens its ties with one of the sector's leading innovators.

This renewed partnership combines TinyMobileRobots' advanced range of robotic platforms with more than a decade of industry experience within the OAS team. With the addition of OAS' established customer relationships, Duraline and Impact paint ranges, and comprehensive service infrastructure, customers benefit from cutting-edge technology, as well as training and support.

Richard Walton, OAS managing director, says: "From the beginning, TinyMobileRobots demonstrated a second-to-none level of understanding.

From robotic engineers to grounds professionals working at all levels of the game, its focus has always been on

research, and our feedback from the field, is a product range that's intuitive, highly efficient and easy to use."

Daniel Breum, CEO of TinyMobileRobots, says: ''Working with a partner of OAS's calibre and reputation in the UK market is a privilege. Our relationship has evolved and our organisations interact on multiple levels daily, driven by a shared goal to deliver an exceptional customer experience." tinymobilerobots.co.uk

OAS extends TinyMobileRobots alliance

STIHL has unveiled its ALLPRO battery system, a next-generation professional battery platform designed to deliver more power, faster charging and increased flexibility for forestry, landscaping and groundscare professionals.

Developed to support demanding day-to-day applications, the ALLPRO system represents a major step forward in STIHL's battery technology offering for professional users. The new system opens up more opportunities for professionals to transition from petrol-powered equipment to battery alternatives, while remaining compatible with STIHL's existing AP battery system, including more than 80 tools.

At the heart of the ALLPRO range is a new generation ofhighperformance batteries engineered to provide increased power output, longer running times and significantly longer service life, while maintaining the robust durability expected from STIHL products.

The system also introduces ultrafast charging capabilities. When paired with the appropriate STIHL mobile fast charger, batteries can be charged to 80 per cent capacity in just nine minutes, helping to minimise downtime and maximise productivity.

The launch of ALLPROforms part of STIHL'swider batterytransformation strategy, opening up many applications where customers previously had to rely on combustionpowered equipment. STIHL continues to invest in battery innovation technology, underscoring its ambition to position itself as a leading provider of outdoor power equipment. stihl.co.uk

47

GROUNDS

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NEWWEARABLE BATTERY SYSTEM FROM EGO EGO, a leading specialist in cordless outdoor power equipment, is expanding its PRO X series with a new Backpack Harness and PGX Power Bank.

Designed to help professionals work for longer with less fatigue, the new BHX2001 PRO X Backpack Harness combines high-capacity portable power with ergonomics, while the PGX2500PB PGX Power Bank provides super-fast, efficient charging both on the job site and overnight.

Engineered for all-day use, the Backpack Harness uses EGO's PeakPower™ technology to power tools with two EGO ARC Lithium™ batteries simultaneously, benefitting from

extended runtime and making downtime to swap out batteries a thing of the past.

The harness, which offers premium padding and an ergonomic design, distributes weight evenly with its horizontal battery layout, allowing for improved balance, enhanced comfort and reduced strain during long shifts.

Meanwhile, a simple plug-and-go system ensures quick connection to any PRO X handheld tool - and, for increased flexibility, the included ADB1000 adapter enables compatibility with EGO's full product range. egopowerplus.co.uk

PELLENC'S RASION 3 EASY SETSNEWSTANDARD FORLOW-NOISE PROFESSIONAL MOWING Pellenc has released the Rasion 3 Easy, a professional-grade 60cm self-propelled mower designed to redefine the balance between heavy-duty performance and whisper-quiet operation.

As urban environments increasingly demand reduced noise and zero emissions, the Rasion 3 offers a powerful solution for contractors and municipal teams. Engineered for high-frequency use, it combines a 60cm cutting width with a surprisingly light frame weighing just 28kg.

It features a unique zero-tum radius system and front castor wheels that can be unlocked for 360° agility or locked for precision stabilitywhen working on slopes, and the cutting height has been expanded to include new 85/95mm

settings to handle diverse terrain and varying grass lengths.

Despite its lightweight design, the Rasion 3 is heavy duty. Its side and front bumpers protect the castor wheels and chassis, while a reinforced blade support and collection bin ensure longevity in harsh environments. It also has waterproof wheels for consistent traction and performance in damp conditions.

With a maximum sound level of 95dB, the Rasion 3 can be used in noise-sensitive areas such as hospitals and residential zones - and, when paired with the ULiB 1500 battery, it's capable of maintaining up to 5,40osq m or providing up to five hours of continuous mowing on a single charge. etesia.co.uk/pellenc

Hughes Agri will cover north Shropshire

KUBOTA APPOINTS HUGHES AGRIOSWESTRY Kubota (UK) Ltd has added to its agricultural and grounds-care dealer network with the appointment of Shropshire-based dealer Hughes Agri Oswestry to strengthen coverage in the north of the county and the north/ mid-Wales border region. ''We are pleased to welcome Hughes Agri Oswestry into the Kubota dealer network as we continue to develop our business based on past successes," says Henry Bredin, division manager of Kubota (UK)'s agricultural and grounds-care machinery business.

"The appointment of Hughes Agri as a full-line Kubota tractor dealer will provide ongoing support to customers operating in these areas, in addition to delivering sales, service and aftercare for Kubota's agricultural and grounds-care product portfolio."

Established in April 2025 as a spares and repairs business following the closure of the family-run Hughes Bros operation, Hughes Agri Oswestry has continued to provide after-sales service, spares and warranty support for Kubota customers in the area.

Run by a cooperative of six equal partners and employing two additional members of staff, the firm has been structured to make the most of each partner's individual strengths.

In addition to M-series tractors, Hughes Agriwill handle Kubota grounds-care equipment, including the new EK1compact tractor and FC4 series of out-front, commercial ride-on rotary mowers. kubota-eu.com

49

GROUNDS AUTUMN 2026MANAGEMENT

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, , BEING ABLE TOWORK ATTHIS YEAR'S ICCWOMEN'S TZO WORLD CUPHAS BEEN ANINVALUABLE EXPERIENCE FOR ME Above right Georgia Edge with some of the team at Lord's Cricket Ground

A rising sports-turf professional, Georgia Edge has progressed from Christchurch's Hagley Oval to Wimbledon and now Lord's, bringing her passion to one of the world's most iconic grounds

BY KAREN MAXWELL

A V

What was your route into grounds management?

I've always been passionate about sport, playing rugby and hockey before committing to cricket - I played at regional level for the Canterbury Magicians. While at home in Christchurch, New Zealand, and studying for my Sports and Recreation degree, I landed a seasonal grounds job at the Hagley Oval during the summers of 2023 and 2024. I was then offered the opportunity to work the 2025 season at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (ALTEC)for the Wimbledon Championships, which meant moving to the UK. However, as cricket is my passion, I am now working at Lord's Cricket Ground - and still pinch myself everyday!

50 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT AUTUMN 2026

A V

What did you learn from your past experiences?

I learned plenty of turf management skills and science at Hagley Oval and have expanded this knowledge at the AELTC and Lord's.

In between my seasonal work in the UK, I also visited Hyden - a small town in Western Australia - where I drove tractors, harvested grain and expanded my knowledge of agriculture, which directly links to sports turf.

A Vat

What are your daily duties lord's?

I look after the main outfield with mowing, irrigation, implementing the grooming programme and setting up the field for games. I also help to maintain the main square, which involves verticutting and cutting the square, watering, rolling and pitch repairs. I also assist the team on the nursery ground, where we prepare training pitches for play.

We have a great team culture here - spending more time together than apart during the summer. We're all great mates and have a lot of fun while getting the job done to the highest standard.

Head groundsman Karl McDermott [see p18] creates an incredible team environment where everyone feels empowered and an important part of the team, and we drive ourselves to be the best we can be. He also gives us plenty of responsibility and independence to allow us to solve problems and develop

our skills. Being able to work at this year's ICC Women's T20 World Cup and the recent Test match has been an invaluable experience for me.

A V

What's your most memorable moments so far?

The 2025 Wimbledon Championships was such an amazing event. Seeing the professional athletes that I knew from TV and witnessing our efforts in the lead-up to an event of that magnitude was incredibly rewarding.

Being a member of the international all-women's grounds team at the Women's Rugby World Cup at Allianz Stadium last year was also incredible, as we got to work with a great group of people from different backgrounds at one of the biggest games in women's sporting history. I also got to watch my good friend from school, Jorja Miller, compete in the Bronze Medal match.

It's great that two people who started in the same place and took on different careers somehow ended up at Twickenham together.

A V

How could we attract more women into the industry?

By highlighting the positive experiences of women working in the industry, and by gaining support from female athletes who play on the surfaces we prepare for them. For example, seeing Marlie Packer from the Red Roses collaborate with Meg Lay on renovating her lawn was fantastic.

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