THE
GROUNDSMAN WWW.IOG.ORG
FEBRUARY 2019 £4.00
ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE IN GROUNDS MANAGEMENT
STORMING AHEAD
How the grounds team at Edgbaston bowled over the judges at the IOG Industry Awards
Burleys: best in class The dream team for bowling greens
INS IDE
GaNTIP UPDATE: THE YEAR AHEAD MARCH MAINTENANCE TIPS PRODUCT SHOWCASE: AERATION AND BTME REVIEW
Contents REGULARS
February 2019 PRODUCT SHOWCASE
05 Welcome
Rising to the challenges
Top aeration units, plus what went on at BTME page 37
06 Update
The latest turf care news
13 SALTEX news
Feedback on a great show
24 GaNTIP: Update
The achievements of 2018 and a look ahead to 2019
27 In action
GKB machines and Limagrain
31 Award sponsor
14
Advice from Headland Amenity
33 Award sponsors
Tips from Ransomes and DLF
35 In action
ICL and Rigby Taylor
37 Product showcase
Aeration and BTME review
45 Tools & guidance
Weather and maintenance
FEATURES 14 Best practice
One great year leads to another at Warwickshire CCC
18 Best practice
ON THE COVER
18
The awardwinning Edgbaston ground (see p14)
Game changer – contractor Burleys
22 Tech update
Plant protection products
28 Fields in Trust
Why it pays to protect our parks and green spaces
50 Grow with the IOG
The importance of the IOG Young Board
22
28
THE GROUNDSMAN
Editorial address: 28 Stratford Office Village, Walker Avenue, Wolverton Mill East, Milton Keynes MK12 5TW t: 07785 293077 Managing editor Karen Maxwell e: kmaxwell@iog.org t: 01908 552987 Features editor Colin Hoskins e: editor@iog.org t: 07785 293077 Product editor Lizzie Hufton e: lizzie.hufton@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk t: 01225 337777 IOG membership and general enquiries t: 01908 312511 e: membership@iog.org Magazine subscriptions Sue Fernandes t: 01908 312511 e: accounts@iog.org Subscriptions £72 UK, £82 Europe, £112 rest of world Publisher James Houston Head of design Simon Goddard Group ad sales manager Lee Morris e: lee.morris@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk t: 0203 859 7097 Published by James Pembroke Media The Groundsman is published monthly by the Institute of Groundsmanship. All material is copyright of the Institute of Groundsmanship and may not be reproduced without permission. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any advertisement appearing in the journal and cannot be held liable for editorial omissions or errors. The views expressed in the journal are not necessarily those of the Institute of Groundsmanship.
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www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 3
Welcome Rising to the challenge
Contributors
Karen Maxwell Managing editor
In this issue, we focus on Gary Barwell and his team at Edgbaston. Gary won the 2018 IOG Professional Grounds Person of the Year Award, sponsored by Ransomes and DLF, and his team also won the Professional Cricket Grounds Team of 2018 award, sponsored by Headland Amenity. In the interview, Gary reveals that he “will always employ genuinely good lads”. He says: “If you’re a good person with strong values and work hard, we can teach you the necessary skills. We’re trying to break the stereotype of the grumpy grounds person and move beyond the 'just cutting grass' cliché.” His honest statement shows that the industry is in good hands but it also begs the question, “What is the public opinion of the role of the grounds person in 2019?” Have we moved the image and portrayal of the profession forward? I would argue that we have many examples of excellent individuals at all levels who are breaking down commonly held, historic stereotypes – but there is more we can do to accelerate this view. The IOG is in the process of putting together its ‘Grounds4Sport’ campaign as well as conducting a wide-ranging survey (due to complete in September). The campaign will aim to accentuate the positives of the turf care sector, but we do also recognise the challenges faced.
Colin Hoskins Features editor
Dr Colin Mumford Bayer technical manager
Jason Booth GaNTIP programme director
In this issue, Fields in Trust makes the excellent point that “the true value of parks is not what they cost to maintain or could realise as a capital asset if sold for development, but the wellbeing value they contribute to the communities who use them for play, sport and recreation”. Also in this issue, Dr Colin Mumford covers the ongoing challenge regarding pesticide withdrawals. How do we chart the future and react, given the likely expansion of restrictions placed on chemicals today and into the future? The Amenity Forum (which the IOG work with) is an industry champion for obtaining some balance to this aspect.
Alison McCann Policy manager, Fields in Trust
So, whether it’s about taking the grumpy out of groundsmanship, attaining appreciation of our parks and the people who maintain them, or managing legislative changes, this edition highlights some of the issues we face and which the IOG is working to overcome. Greg Rhodes Freelance writer
Geoff Webb Chief Executive The Institute of Groundsmanship Alastair Rowell
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National accounts manager for grounds, Reesink
Update
READ MORE
IOG NEWS
Read all the latest news and updates, and discover what members are entitled to www.iog.org
THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM THE IOG AND THE INDUSTRY
NEW GROUND
L FORWARD
L
LEAMINGTON FC HAS moved closer to building a new stadium following the purchase of land that could accommodate the complex. Warwick District Council has acquired the land, which has been identified as the best site for the proposed 5,000-capacity stadium which will include a 3G pitch, conference facilities, a health club, cafe and community facilities.
Sydney Gardens in Bath is one of six parks t at will bene�t om Lotte cas
PARK LIFE
Funding success for parks L Sydney Gardens in Bath is one of six parks across the UK that will receive a share of £13.8m National Lottery cash. The money will be spent reinvigorating the parks as vital community spaces by restoring historic features and planting, creating new facilities and improving habitats for wildlife. Other parks that will benefit are South Cliff Gardens in Scarborough’s South Bay (£4.66m); Castle Park in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire (£1.94m); Fairhaven Lake and Gardens on the Fylde coast, Lancashire
(£1.47m); Ellington Park in Ramsgate, Kent (£1.64m); and Stevens Park in Dudley (£1.4m). Sydney Gardens, which will receive £2.74m, was much loved by novelist Jane Austen, who lived nearby. The Heritage Lottery Fund’s chief executive, Ros Kerslake, said: “More than £950m of National Lottery money has been invested in regenerating public parks and urban green spaces so far and they remain a priority into the future.” • For more about protecting our parks and green spaces, see our Fields in Trust feature on page 28.
ac e ci al a een ee e at i stea ol l b e was awa e tstan in ont ib tion o t e ea s onso e b acobsen at t e wa s at o is wo to el t e omeless ac w o was imsel omeless at ol ntee s wit o on i twatc an t o t an a eal o onations a ne in a e es onse
6 THE GROUNDSMAN February 2019
FUTURE VISION
NEW COMPLEX CONTRACTORS HAVE started preparatory work for the new £45m Meadowbank Stadium in Edinburgh. Graham Construction will carry out internal and ground works before demolishing the old building in the spring and starting work on the new centre in summer 2019. A fly-through video has been created to give future users an impression of how the new cutting-edge complex will look when it opens in 2020: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=KlMD6_nKCW0
PL ANNING PROGRESS
L FOLLOWING A TWO-YEAR wait, Luton Town FC has been granted planning permission to build a new 17,500-seater stadium in the town centre. Chief executive Gary Sweet said: “The decision ends almost 70 years of waiting for the club which has been trying to relocate since the 1950s.”
U P D AT E
INDUSTRY UPDATE
Free groundscare seminar IOG CONSULTANT ALEX Vickers is one of several speakers taking part in a Groundscare Seminar at St Albans School, Woollam Trust Playing Fields, on Tuesday 19 February. The free event, organised by Dennis & SISIS, will feature Alex’s talk on managing drainage on sports fields; Rob Kendle of ATB Sports Solutions: Renovating and rejuvenating a surface; Dr Iain James of TGMS : Getting the most out of a sportsground construction project; Keith Kent, RFU head groundsman,
“The free event will feature Alex’s talk on managing drainage” Twickenham: Winter sports pitches to cricket outfields – what do we do next?; and ECB pitches consultant Chris Wood: 50 years in cricket – looking to the future. To register your interest please email roger.moore@dennisuk.com
DAN’S THE MAN
Photo: Matt Cale
WESTFIELDS’ GROUNDSMAN DAN Sanders has been named Midland Football League’s Premier Division
Dan Sanders receives his award
CBGA WORKSHOP DURHAM CRICKET BOARD Groundstaff Association (DCBGA) will be running a Pre-Season Maintenance and Season Planning workshop at Emirates Riverside, Chester le Street, Durham DH3 3SH, on Monday 11 February, from 6pm to 8pm. This session is open to everyone and will cover the preseason maintenance of cricket squares and outfields, as well as planning for the season. For more information contact Martin Stephenson on 07739 856564.
ADAPTING TO CHANGE
Groundsman of the Year. Dan, from Clehonger, was presented with his certificate by Midland Football League representative Gary Foxall at the home match versus Sporting Khalsa on 12 January. Westfields’ chief executive Andy Morris said: “Dan Sanders has been our groundsman since we took occupation at allpay.park in 2003. He has transformed what was an old unused recreational field into a firstclass football ground.”
IN MEMORY
TRIBUTES TO A ‘TRAINING TRAILBLAZER’ CLIVE PINNOCK, REESINK’S training ambassador who worked for the company for 34 years before retiring last spring, has died after a short battle with cancer. Clive achieved a Level 4 in the Landbased Technician Accreditation scheme (LTA) in 2016, one of the industry’s highest training accolades, and helped to grow and shape Reesink’s training department into what it is today. Managing director David Cole said: “I have known and worked with Clive off and on since the early 1990s. He channelled his enthusiasm into giving generously of his knowledge to everyone he came across and in doing so improved the technical ability of many greenkeepers, groundskeepers and technicians.”
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PRE-SEASON PLANNING
UPDATING EVENTS
WIN FOR WESTFIELDS’ GROUNDSMAN
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NEWS
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MORE DATES AND locations have been confirmed for the Amenity Forum’s free half-day updating events, Adapting to Change, which will offer updates on topical issues. The IOG will have a presence at several of these events and is urging all members who can attend to sign up. • Shropshire, Maxwell Amenity: 7 February • Cardiff, Complete Weed Control: 21 February • London, Parks for London: 27 February • Everton FC, Rigby Taylor: 28 February • Greenmount, NI, ICL: 6 March • North Kent, Headland Amenity: 12 March • Surrey, IOG: 19 March • Lincolnshire, Agrigem: 26 March • Durham, Complete Weed Control: 27 March • Gloucestershire, DLF Seeds: 3 April • Bracknell, Syngenta: 4 April • Perth, Scotland, Scottish Government: 10 April • Buckinghamshire, Manor Estates: 11 April • York, Green-tech: 17 April To book your place, email admin@amenityforum.net twitter.com/the_iog
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 7
MOVERS & SHAKERS Meet the people taking on new challenges in the industry
1 JOE HENDY
ADVANCE GRASS SOLUTIONS
ADVANCE GRASS SOLUTIONS has appointed Joe Hendy as regional technical sales manager for Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset. Joe started his career as a seed analyst before becoming an in-field technical manager for an established amenity business. He has extensive knowledge of seed and fertiliser and is FACTS qualified. AGS MD Sam Honeyborne said: “We had a strategy to identify experienced turf specialists to support our growth plan. Joe is well known in this area, the heart of our original business, and will strengthen our position with his diverse customer base and knowledge.’’
Andrew Rodwell
SCH SUPPLIES
ANDREW RODWELL
Joe Hendy
2 DENNIS DOCHERTY & CHRISTOPH WIGGER JOHN DEERE
Dennis Docherty
Christoph Wigger
JOHN DEERE HAS made changes to its European senior management team. Dennis Docherty has been appointed vice-president, agriculture & turf sales and marketing for Europe, North Africa and the Near & Middle East. He succeeds Christoph Wigger, who is now vice-president, global crop care platform for Deere’s worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division. Since Dennis joined John Deere in 1998, he has held numerous roles in sales, strategic planning and marketing for key divisions of Deere & Company, Construction & Forestry and Agriculture & Turf. Christoph joined John Deere in 1991. In his new role he will focus on expanding the firm’s crop care portfolio with emphasis on precision agriculture.
3 MANU SAWHNEY
INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COUNCIL
THE ICC HAS appointed Manu Sawhney as its new chief executive. Indian-born Sawhney, the former chief executive of Singapore Sports Hub and managing director of ESPN Star Sports, will join the organisation in February, before formally taking over the reins from David Richardson in July following the ICC Men’s World Cup in England and Wales.
8 THE GROUNDSMAN February 2019
Manu Sawhney
THE FOUNDER AND managing director of SCH Supplies is standing down after 33 years at the helm of the garden machinery manufacturer. Andrew Rodwell, who celebrated his 80th birthday in December 2018, is handing over the reins to Ian Holder and John Free, who have both been with SCH for 14 years. Andrew started the Suffolkbased firm in 1986 after becoming frustrated by the lack of suitable lawn care attachments to fit his garden tractor. He set about designing and manufacturing the attachments he wanted and then started selling them to friends. The company now employs 25 people, who design, manufacture and deliver a wide array of products from grass care systems to trailers, waterers and flail mowers. Andrew said: “I hope SCH’s loyal customers and dealers will show Ian and John the same support that they have shown me, and I would like to thank everyone involved in the continued success of the company.”
U P D AT E
NEWS
NEWS Local teams will bene�t
GR ASSROOTS GAME
Council pledges £26k for pilot pitch improvement scheme A COUNCIL IN Northampton is investing £26,000 in a pilot scheme to improve grass pitches at three of its footballing hotspots. Improvement work such as spiking, fertilising and seeding will take place throughout the year at the Racecourse, Lings playing fields and Far Cotton recreation ground.
The pilot was announced by Northampton Borough Council’s cabinet member for the environment, Mike Hallam. He said: “Over the summer, meetings had been held with the local and national football associations to investigate how to improve pitch quality in Northampton. This is a very positive project.”
TECH UPDATES
SCIENCE AIMS TO STOP WEEDS MORE THAN 60 contractors and invasive weed eradication specialists attended Invasives Science Live 2018, which showcased the latest research and technological innovations in invasive weed control. The event in Cardiff was hosted by ICL, Complete Weed Control and Green-tech in association with Advanced Invasives and focused on the control of Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam.
Speakers included Bayer’s Barrie Hunt, Roundup technical development manager, who discussed legal implications and best practice regarding the use of glyphosate. Dr Dan Jones of Advanced Invasives gave an insight into the firm’s seven-year-long field trial on Japanese Knotweed control – the largest such trial in the world. Find out more at icl-sf.com/uk-en/ news/invasives-science-live-2018/.
EDUCATION
RACECOURSE TRAINING IS A HIT THE IOG HAS received great feedback from many of the 16 delegates who attended last month’s Level 2 Racecourse: Turf Maintenance training course at BRS Newmarket, run by IOG trainers Alan Lewis and Richard Linley. Phil Helm from Goodwood, who attended the five-day course, said it proved to be an eye opener for grounds people who want to better understand what’s associated with racecourse turf management. “The course includes the basics of soil science, plant botany and pests and diseases. Irrigation, machinery, best practice and health and safety are also covered and the tutors’ delivery really helped to cement detail to memory.” Contact: learning@iog.org for information on all IOG courses. The team from John O’Conner
TOP SITE
MAINTENANCE FIRM WINS BALI AWARD JOHN O’CONNER GROUNDS Maintenance has won the Grounds Maintenance – Limited Public Access category at the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) National Landscape Awards. The firm was recognised for its work at Emergency Planning College (EPC), The Hawkhills, a training provider for public, private and voluntary organisations. John O’Conner received the award with its client Serco for its work at the 240-acre estate, which includes landscaped gardens, woods and natural parklands.
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www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 9
PRODUCT UPDATE
S H OWC A S E
Find the best units for aerating your grounds this spring on page 37
New rotary mower and batterypowered chainsaw
The new pedestrian mowers from Etesia have been designed with ease of use and maintenance in mind
1 PEDESTRIAN ROTARY MOWERS ETESIA
ETESIA HAS LAUNCHED two new 46cm cutting width professional pedestrian rotary mowers. The PHTS3 is a single-speed selfpropelled mower, while the PHE3 is a push variant. Following the same concept of the PRO46 range of pedestrian mowers, first launched in the early 1990s, both models feature Xenoy cutting decks for increased strength, shear washer
10 THE GROUNDSMAN February 2019
crank protection, individual height of cut adjusters, a new 22mm handlebar design, the latest Honda GCV170 engine and are supplied complete with 80-litre grass box and rear deflector as standard. The Honda GCV Series of engines provide best-in-class power and torque, reliable starting and reduced noise and vibration. Maintenance is easy, with the large petrol filler cap allowing operators to view the fuel level while filling. The extended oil dip-stick makes filling easier and it has a host of other features expected from a professional machine. Extremely versatile, both new models are capable of mowing with or without collection in all conditions, or for high-quality mulching with the addition of a mulching plug kit accessory (PR46E). Both new models are sold with a comprehensive Etesia two-year professional warranty. www.etesia.co.uk
58V BATTERY 2 CHAINSAW ECHO
ECHO HAS INTRODUCED an all-new 58V battery chainsaw to its growing range of lithium ion outdoor power equipment. The CS-58V4AH has the cutting performance of its petrol counterparts, with the additional benefits of battery power. It makes little noise when running, while the lack of vibration compared to a petrol model greatly reduces stress and fatigue for the user. Battery power also means no emissions, so no filling with two-stroke fuel and no need to store petrol. The CS-58V4AH uses a 4Ah battery which gives you plenty of run time for logging and felling small trees, and the quick charger will have it rapidly charged to reduce downtime. The lithium ion battery also fits other 58V battery products in the range so you can run a trimmer, hedge trimmer, lawn mower and power blower using the same battery. Additional batteries can be purchased as a back-up for when you need to get on with bigger jobs without interruption. The 0.043 gauge cutting bar gives a sharp and smooth cut and the automatic oiler gives the chain optimum oiling for longer life. There is easy side access to the chain tensioner to allow quick chain adjustment, and the oil tank is translucent for easy level checks. www.echo-tools.co.uk
Lack of vibration reduces fatigue
By Chris Bennett SALTEX press officer
EXHIBITORS PRAISE ‘VALUABLE’ SHOW The post-show survey reveals the business benefits for firms which exhibit at SALTEX
T
he SALTEX 2018 post-show survey has revealed that an overwhelming number of exhibitors reported hugely successful business results, with many claiming that it was the most valuable event to date. The 300 SALTEX exhibitors travelled from 18 countries, including the Netherlands, Finland, Turkey, Sweden, Israel, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Italy and France. Some exhibitors travelled from as far afield as North America, Korea, Canada and China to showcase their products and services. The core area at SALTEX 2018 was the machinery, power and hand tools segment, with 56 per cent of exhibitors showcasing equipment in this category. A further 28 per cent specialised in sports surfaces and facilities; 27 per cent represented landscaping products and services; 24 per cent were from the turf, seeds, aggregates and treatments sector; 15 per cent represented arboriculture and horticulture; 13 per cent showcased commercial visitors; nine per cent specialised in
synthetic surfaces; and seven per cent were manufacturers of play equipment. The post-show exhibitor survey reveals that more than 82 per cent of exhibitors feel SALTEX is integral to their business strategy. “SALTEX plays an important part in our marketing platform,” said Roger Moore, Dennis & SISIS sales and marketing manager. “The show is ideal for launching products and meeting existing as well as new customers. The 2018 show was incredibly busy, so SALTEX is very important to us.” Every exhibitor agreed that attending the show enabled them to maintain and promote their company profile. Ninety-six per cent said that they generated new leads, 87 per cent used SALTEX as a platform to launch new products and 82 per cent took orders as a direct result of the event.
A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY
“It’s always a fantastic opportunity to network, meet current and potential customers, and to showcase our latest machinery,” said Karen Proctor, director of global marketing at Ransomes. “We had a lot of good leads at the show, including many demonstration requests.” Echoing Karen was Louise Amos, business communications and marketing support manager at Aquatrols. “We had a busy stand and plenty of engagement with groundskeepers who weren’t previously aware of our products,” she said. “It was our most valuable SALTEX yet.” The quality of visitors was rated excellent by 84 per cent of exhibitors and it didn’t go unnoticed that those visitors had travelled from 44 different countries.
“SALTEX is a great time of year for visitors and the NEC has great travel links,” said Derek Smith, amenity sales and marketing manager for Johnsons Sports Seeds. “We had visitors from Hungary, the Czech Republic, Spain, Denmark and Norway.” Vince Brauns, European product manager at EGO Europe, believes SALTEX offers a fantastic platform to showcase its products to a dedicated audience. “It allows us to get close to dealers and large end users, especially if we are promoting new products. There isn’t another show in the UK that has the same type of audience. It seems to grow year on year and from 9am until close we were really busy.” SALTEX 2019 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, on 30-31 October. For more information visit www.iogsaltex.com. Follow SALTEX on Twitter @IOG_SALTEX and Facebook www.facebook.com/IOGSALTEX
i
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 13
ELITE CRICKET
The award-winning Edgbaston grounds team: (standing, left to right) Mark Johnson, Gary Barwell, Ben Smith, Brandon Johnson, Martin Porter; (being held) Dave Keen; (kneeling at front) Oscar Kendall and Jack Tombs
BEST PRACTICE
TRIUMPH AND CHALLENGE
By Greg Rhodes Freelance writer
A memorable year beckons for Edgbaston’s award-winning grounds team in what will be a watershed 12 months for cricket in England
W
arwickshire County Cricket Club’s return to Division One after relegation in 2017 is backed by a pledge to pursue silverware in all competitions this season. For head groundsman Gary Barwell, who lifted his own glittering prize in 2018 as winner of the Alex R Miller Ransomes/DLF Groundsman of the Year, 2019 presents an even stiffer challenge as he and his awardwinning grounds team strive for sustained turf care excellence in what is being heralded as cricket’s ‘Golden Summer’.
14 THE GROUNDSMAN February 2019
“My award was the culmination of 25 years’ hard work but just a point in time to progress from,” says Gary, 43, whose career kicked off in 1993 with two weeks’ work experience at Leicester City FC, his home football team. He then spent 16 years at Leicestershire CCC before moving to Trent Bridge in 2009, where he became deputy head groundsman. In 2011, Gary became head groundsman at Edgbaston, where he is now in his ninth season. He is a perfectionist who routinely puts in an extra 500 hours over summer to “get everything right”. It’s all part and parcel
of the team’s turf care commitment at an international venue, foundation ground and the practice ground across the river Rea. “We are a cog making Warwickshire work and preparing pitches for first class cricket is our way of playing a part in club history,” he explains. “If I put in the extra hours, I know the team will, too. Success means the club can bid for prestige matches, and that creates need and demand from players – our nets are used 8am to 5pm but we have lost the second set to ground redevelopment so the remaining practice strips need to withstand even heavier use.”
BEST PRACTICE
ELITE CRICKET
Clockwise from left: Mid-season vertidraining before bottom dressing the pitch; the Edgbaston square will stage international, championship and new o mat � t es this year; cricket nets are used from 8am to 5pm each day
”The Ashes test on 1 August will require the highest-profile pitch we’ll have prepared since the third England test in 2015” Global passion about cricket focuses the media spotlight firmly on facilities and Edgbaston will host more international fixtures than ever this season. “When India played Pakistan here in 2013, viewing figures were reportedly one billion,” Gary reveals. “That’s when your work really comes under scrutiny.” On major match days, up to eight camera crews can crowd the square, compared with the usual two. “The level of intensity is massive,” says Gary. Many of the 17 pitches on the Edgbaston square will stage a host of high-profile international, championship and new format fixtures. The crowded itinerary includes the Ashes opener, seven T20s, the Vitality Blast Finals Day, five Royal London One Day Internationals and five Cricket World Cup games, not forgetting seven championship dates. “These are exciting times for us,” declares Gary. “The Ashes test on 1 August will require the highest-profile pitch we’ll have prepared since the third England test in 2015.” Running a top team is “all about the culture,” explains Gary. “Everyone has
earned their place and deserves to be heard. If you are genuine in your approach, you’ll shine. My approach is simple: work hard, be honest and deliver the level of expectation every time.” His approach seems to have paid off as Edgbaston won a second IOG accolade in 2018 – the Headland Amenity Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year. Deputy head groundsman Mark Johnson, 51, is Gary’s ‘right-hand man’. He’s been at Edgbaston since 1989 and he is “highly knowledgeable, works hard and very much practically based,” says Gary. Former policeman Ben Smith, 32, is taking his IOG Level 1 qualifications. “He’s improving year by year and will be progressing up the ladder in the future.” Brandon Johnson, 19, is also taking Level 1. “He’s an outstanding prospect – punctual, hardworking and a good all-rounder.” And nothing’s too much trouble for Martin Porter, 54, says Gary. “He came here after more than 20 years at golf courses. He does the jobs nobody sees, like irrigation, putting out flags to cover sprinklers so other team members can tackle the outfield and vertidraining.
QUICK-FIRE ROUND Favourite film: I love all the Carry On films. Favourite food: Takeaways, you’re talking fish and chips. Sit in, it has to be Mexican. What is your best advice to groundscare professionals? Be true to yourself. Who do you admire in the sector? Steve Birks is probably my biggest influence, although there are too many to name. I was thrilled to hear from Andy Jackson [Stoke City head groundsman] and Neil Stubley [head of courts and horticulture at AELTC] after winning the IOG award. Hobbies: I’m too old to play football now but I’m a massive Leicester City fan. I help to run my daughter Megan’s Cosby Thunderbolts U9s football team. I also play golf, but not as often as I’d like to.
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 15
ELITE CRICKET
“The IOG’s Young Board of Directors bring a fresh pair of eyes to the sector, pushing for progress” Martin ticks all the boxes.” Dave Keen, 47, arrived in 1995 and is Gary’s yardstick for gauging the team potential of job applicants. “He is extremely diligent. If you don’t get on with Dave, you don’t join the team.” Gary values highly the timeline of experience that connects younger professionals with more experienced ones. “I learned so much from Steve Birks, head groundsman at Trent Bridge,” he recalls. “I was also blown away by the knowledge of more experienced groundskeepers – Mick Hunt, Eddie Seaward and Keith Kent to name a few – and talk about them to my team in the context of their vast experience. That continuity of transfer from younger to older generations is critical.” Many more opportunities exist for young groundskeepers now, Gary believes, thanks to bodies such as the IOG’s Young Board of Directors. “They bring a fresh pair of eyes to the sector, pushing for progress while opening career paths for those entering the industry. The lower end needs to be better paid to attract more talent, though.”
A SAY IN THE FUTURE
Gary likes to be involved in discussions about Edgbaston’s future provision and 2019 is a particularly pertinent time as ground redevelopments loom. “Bridging the main ground and practice site is one option that would allow all our machinery and equipment to be stored in a single
MACHINERY MATTERS Equipment includes: SGL lighting rigs x 3 Allett Shaver x 2 Allett Buffalo x 3 Allett C34 Allett Regal x2 Autoroller x3 Rainbird sprinkler system with 40 irrigation heads SISIS Rotorake TM100 SISIS Combirake
16 THE GROUNDSMAN February 2019
Edgbaston uses three SGL lighting i st o o t t e season
maintenance area, saving time and maximising security,” he explains. “Building the shed in the corner of the main ground under the new stand would allow us to catch rainwater for use on the square and outfield and that would save running costs. In the run-up to the India test series last season, we were applying 147,000 litres of water nightly: capturing just 10 per cent of that as rainwater in underground tanks would make a dent in our water bill.” Looking further ahead, Gary foresees solar panels on the shed in the next five to 10 years. “The days of saying ‘that’ll do’ have gone,” he says. “Our fleet will be allelectric eventually as part of that move.”
BAKING THE CAKE
Return to Division One means escalating media coverage and intense scrutiny of the square. “There’s always demand to play on the middle strips,” Gary explains. “We have nine Sky TV pitches for 14 Sky games now. “After the final fixture, we cut the square at 2mm, scarify, remove all debris then water heavily before seeding with R9 mix,” he explains. Four or five bags of pre-seed fertiliser follow, then topdressing with Ongar Loam Plus 30 per cent clay, spreading and drag-matting crossways and vertically. “We leave the square for two or three weeks before starting the biological programme – liquid seaweed applied monthly, hydrates and sulphurs to break up the soil, then base fertilisers. We cut to 22-25mm if needed but we don’t force it. We spray if disease shows up.” Mid-February sees pre-season rolling in Union Jack formation, using blotters in
two directions for a couple of hours, then Autorolling in three or four directions without water in the barrels.
MID-SEASON
Fourteen days pre-fixture, the team trims and cleans out the selected strip, lightly scarifies to see soil, a 12mm cut and drenches with water for two days. Eleven days out, Gary takes the first moisture content reading. “About 38 per cent moisture content is the target, so we’ll roll with the 2.5 Autoroller with added weight to squeeze moisture up from depth.” The process continues for four hours on days 11 and 10 pre-game, then from day nine through to day four the team applies the lighter Autoroller for about an hour a day. “Brushing begins on day nine as well as a SISIS Combirake/brush every time we roll,” Gary explains, “along with a magic eight hours of rolling.” Two days before match day, the Combirake/brush is applied. “We’ve left the grass to grow through the process so we will look to cut now from 1215mm, dependent on the game, meanwhile brushing regularly. Cut height drops from 12mm to 7mm as match day approaches. On match day, it’s 5mm and brushing three or four times.” Does Gary give the club a home advantage? “Ashley Giles, Warwickshire’s director of sport and the new director of England cricket, says we play on the best pitch we can and the best team will win.” The IOG hosts cricket courses from Level 1 to 3. Contact learning@iog.org for more information
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BURLEYS
BEST PRACTICE
BOWLED OVER BY BURLEYS The success story of grounds maintenance contractor Burleys continued in 2018 with a demonstration of IOG award-winning fine turf expertise at Crouch Bowls Club in East Sussex
18 THE GROUNDSMAN February 2019
Head of �ne turf at Burleys, Hadrian Lear
BEST PRACTICE
BURLEYS
By Colin Hoskins Features editor
W
ith such laudatory comments from Crouch Bowling Club as “our club has now got one of the best greens in the county” and “the greens have improved year on year and in 2018, despite the heatwave, they bowled superbly and have been envied by visiting clubs,” it’s no surprise that the efforts of the fine turf team of contractor Burleys has now been recognised nationally with the 2018 IOG Industry Award for Bowling Greens Team of the Year. But the expertise of the East Sussexbased greenkeepers is not limited to the six-rink bowls club at Seaford, near Newhaven; their skill at maintaining bowling greens and sports surfaces is being recognised at a number of sites throughout the county, including: • Eastbourne – two bowling greens; • Newhaven – a site with one bowls club plus 12 cricket wickets; • Seaford – 12 cricket wickets; • Lewes – one bowling green and two cricket squares, each with 10 wickets, plus two grass tennis courts; • Bexhill, Hailsham and Golden Cross – each with one bowls green; and • The Olympic rugby training pitches at Brighton University. The Hampden Park Bowls Club site in Eastbourne was formerly renowned for having one of the worst bowling greens in East Sussex, but since Burleys’ consistent and first-class approach the site is now fully booked in-season and in 2018 hosted the Eastbourne Open. Burleys’ team of four greenkeepers is led by head of fine turf, Hadrian Lear, who gained accreditation in amenity horticulture in 1991 and has since held contracting roles around Sussex, joining Burleys four years ago.
Hadrian mowing the greens; gradient repairs (below) and the ProCore machine (bottom right)
“While it’s true to say that in the intervening years I’ve self-learned the intricacies of greenkeeping and picked things up as I’ve gone along,” Hadrian reflects, “I’m now currently enrolled on a Level 3 fine turf course as part of the company’s continual professional development plan. “This includes team members complementing their PA1 and PA6 spraying certificates with NVQ accreditations and on-the-job training. We also regularly attend Surrey Cricket Foundation seminars, for example.”
BESPOKE SERVICE
With his colleagues Neale Gould, Robert Moth and Chris Williams – plus semiretired Graham Simmons who is on site at the Lewes tennis/cricket/bowls site – the team undertakes all year-round maintenance of the surfaces as well as the
“Burleys’ success is as much about customer liaison and encouraging community spirit as it is about professional groundscare”
spring and autumn renovations, offering a service tailored to each site’s needs/ budgets. In addition to sports surfaces, Burleys also plants autumn and summer bedding, ensuring that visitors to bowls clubs enjoy a pleasant and relaxing space. Hadrian explains that the maintenance of the Crouch greens, and all others, follows established greenkeeping routines – including regular use, when budgets allow, of Air2G2 and Toro ProCore 648 aerators as well as Graden sand-injection. Regular mowing, spiking, fungicide treatments, ditch cleaning and watering are complemented by deep scarification, grading and topping with sand, fertiliser, loam, iron and seeding. “In addition, we use the Seavolution seaweed-based fertiliser, mixed with iron, which I find is especially good for root growth while the iron also deters moss and ‘hardens’ the grass, plus the Turf Shield Pro garlic-based product is applied to combat leatherjackets; and it seems to keep the worms at bay, too.” All amenity supplies are via Sherriff Amenity. Hadrian also finds that the disease incidence is lower at sites nearer the coast. www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 19
BURLEYS
Hadrian (second left) with team members, from left, Robert Moth, Neale Gould and Chris Williams
WHO IS BURLEYS? Royal Warrant Holder (for the past 12 years) and with accreditations to OHSAS 14001, 9001 and 18001, Burleys is part of the TCL Group – a landscape services, estate management and play space service provider with around 700 employees throughout the UK. The grounds maintenance operation includes the Lewesbased team (40 staff) covering East Sussex who offer a range of services such as fine turf, shrub and grass management, weed management and on-site gardeners. Clients include district, town and parish councils, universities, police and sports clubs with a diverse portfolio of green spaces – parks, housing estates and nature reserves in addition to sports facilities. The company’s fine turf expertise stretches back more than 60 years.
20 THE GROUNDSMAN February 2019
“The wind keeps the dew at bay at these locations. It is essential to constantly brush the dew off the greens that are further inland, to minimise any problems. The Air2G2 (which injects at a depth of up to 12 inches) also has a significant effect on soil compaction, porosity and respiration levels, as well as the worm population, and the use at certain sites of the Foamstream process to eliminate weeds using just hot water and foam is very beneficial. Hadrian says lifting the greens’ edges, re-grading and reducing the thatch have all enhanced green speeds. “The greens are usually held at 5mm then taken down to 3mm for competitions, when they are cut daily,” he explains. “Otherwise each green is usually cut Monday, Wednesday and Friday – alternating with Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at other sites. “We standardise on a fescue grass seed mix with a small amount of bents for the bowls greens and a ryegrass mix with a small amount of fescue for the cricket squares.” The grass mix for the bowling greens is a Sheriff Amenity mix of 40 per cent Calliope and 40 per cent Wagner (both chewing fescues) with 20 per cent Highlands
(bent) and the grass mix for the cricket squares and wicket repairs is 35 per cent Claudine and 35 per cent Berlioz (perennial ryegrasses) plus 30 per cent Calliope.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Owned by Seaford Town Council, Crouch Bowling Green was founded in 1935 and today plays over 70 fixtures a year. “It’s all about communicating with each club to ensure the greens are ready,” says Hadrian. “We always go out of our way to ensure this remains the case and this level of customer support is a Burleys mantra.” Aside from the extreme weather encountered last year – during which the greens continued to play well – the Crouch club was also vandalised. Burleys is now working closely with Lewes District Council to encourage the newly formed Neighbourhood First Wardens to patrol the area. “Burleys’ success is as much about customer liaison and encouraging and being integral to community spirit as it is about professional groundscare,” concludes Hadrian.
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For more information, visit www.tclgrp.co.uk
PLANT PROTECTION
T E C H N I C A L U P D AT E
THE CHANGING FACE OF PLANT PROTECTION
The rules regarding plant protection products have been under the spotlight, perhaps more now than ever before. Bayer’s Dr Colin Mumford explains the changes and gives his predictions for the future
L
ike them or not, plant protection products (PPPs) have a role to play in the maintenance and upkeep of good-quality playing surfaces and surrounding areas, whether they be a fungicide, insecticide or herbicide.
By Dr Colin Mumford Bayer technical manager
22 THE GROUNDSMAN February 2019
THE INTEGRATED APPROACH
PPPs should only be considered and integrated into a maintenance programme once all the relevant cultural and biological practices have been taken into account and carried out where practicable. Cultural methods are the physical actions performed by a turf professional. These include scarifying to reduce organic matter, aerating to relieve compaction, or simply mowing to control the height of the turf
canopy. Biological practices essentially introduce live constituents to the turf. Examples of this include overseeding to introduce new grass varieties or species to improve the sward composition, or applying entomopathogenic nematodes to control nuisance insect pests, such as chafer grubs and leatherjackets. The monitoring of influencing factors is equally important in modern day groundskeeping. Measuring, recording, and analysing factors such as the weather will enable the calculation of growth degree days and growth potential, for example. This enables management decisions to be as well-informed as possible. The use of PPPs should be the final piece in the ‘integrated jigsaw’.
T E C H N I C A L U P D AT E
PL ANT PROTECTION
INFLUENCING FACTORS Weather Growth degree days Growth potential Nutrient status Organic matter content Soil pH Soil moisture Evapotranspiration Irrigation efficiency
“A number of active ingredients (AIs), which are the main ingredient in a pesticide product, have been withdrawn in recent times” The regulations regarding PPPs are constantly reviewed and changes can occur. The changes are made to ensure products don’t exceed thresholds for a wide range of issues, such as toxicology (safety to humans) and eco-toxicology (safety to the environment). All UKregistered products are reviewed periodically by the Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD). A number of active ingredients (AIs), which are the main ingredient in a pesticide product, have been withdrawn in recent times. Insecticides containing imidacloprid or chlorpyrifos, which were important for the control of chafer grubs and leatherjackets, had their authorisation withdrawn in 2016 and 2015 respectively. Fungicides containing myclobutanil or prochloraz were also withdrawn, and iprodione, an important contact-acting curative AI, was removed from the market in 2018. This year will see the loss of further products as the sales of herbicides
Time for preventative application Spores are present but dormant
Stage in lifecycle of weed, pest or disease
and fungicides that contain glufosinate and propiconazole will end in 2019. With constant changes in legislation, it is likely there will be further losses of AIs as existing products may not comply with new rules. So, what can manufacturers of PPPs do to retain products in the future? The answer is simple, surpass the regulatory requirements – but this is not as easy as it sounds.
optimise the efficacy of an AI by getting it to the disease pathogen in a more effective manner. The flip side of the lower AI loading in a fungicide is that the timing of the application will become more important. Most new fungicides will target preventative or early curative applications and will be less effective if applied at later stages of a disease’s development.
THE FUTURE LANDSCAPE
An important aspect of retaining products for future use is the stewardship of the product. Using a product in accordance with its label requirements will ensure its correct use. Labels are legal documents and their contents can change year-onyear, so it’s important to always read the label and not rely on knowledge of the product from using it previously. The label will tell you what personal protection equipment is required; when, where, and how much or often you can apply the product; and if a buffer zone is required when treating turf in close proximity to a watercourse. PPPs remain an essential tool for the majority of grounds personnel and greenkeepers to achieve a good standard of playing surface. While the sports turf industry has lost chemistry in recent years, we expect new and existing products with improved technology and regulatory foresight to continue to be available to tackle weeds, pests and disease.
Manufacturers of PPPs will have to adapt to the regulations as they change over time. For example, manufacturers must now show the minimum effective amount of an AI that a product requires to achieve control of a weed, pest or disease. An iprodione-containing fungicide typically contains 5,100g AI per ha compared with 250g AI per ha in a newer product. In the case of fungicides, lower AI loading is achieved by producing products with turf specific formulations that
STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT
Pre-disease Stage
Water quality
Stage one
Stage two
Stage three
Stage four
Stage five
Spore Germination Spores are present but dormant
Very first signs of Microdochium development Visible to the naked eye
Early Microdochium spreading
Microdochium spreading with mycelial growth
Fully developed Microdochium
Typical preventative and early curative application timings for Microdochium patch
PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP
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For more information, visit www.bayer.com www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 23
NEW YEAR, NEW CHALLENGES Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme director Jason Booth reflects on the achievements of the scheme and looks forward to future success
T
he IOG-led Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme (GaNTIP) has not only provided the country’s first evidencebased research into natural turf pitches and expanded on the regional support network for volunteer grounds staff established 10 years ago by the IOG and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), but now also provides extensive collaborative support across both football and cricket, plus demonstrates the benefits of good practice to other sports. Significantly, GaNTIP has played its part in some momentus achievements over the past year: Helping increase participation in football by 13 per cent and in other sports by seven per cent Playing its role in funded projects worth
over £84m Enabling Football Foundation grant funding of £44.4m Helping 20,423 volunteers run football facilities Assisting in the construction of 36 new grass football pitches Enabling the installation of 244 new goal posts. In addition, GaNTIP has helped to develop the relevant tools, assistance and support required at grassroots level, including: Creating an action plan to improve the service to cricket groundskeeping via County Grounds Associations (CGAs) and County Pitch Advisors Assisting the FA in creating an online hub for volunteer groundskeeping Assisting in developing bespoke IOG
By Jason Booth GaNTIP programme director
training and membership for CGAs and County Football Associations (CFAs) Assisting with the development of a selfassessment app for groundskeeping Creating the IOG’s Pitch Grading Framework, a career pathway that embraces pitch quality at all levels of sport. The programme is also playing its part in the ECB Board’s new five-year strategy. The ECB Board has agreed the following next steps, which are scheduled to come into effect in 2020: The County Partnership Agreement Playing conditions for the new competition A new structure for current County competitions. Tom Harrison, ECB CEO, said: “The game has made huge progress this year [2018], through collaboration, constructive debate and detailed discussion. The outcomes of this combined work are vital for the growth and sustainability of cricket, at all levels, in England and Wales.” GaNTIP has carried out extensive research and preparation in readiness for the above strategies and we are well placed to contribute and execute any aims and objectives required by the respective sports. Great strides have been made over the past five years, and the programme and the IOG are now seen as an integral part of those National Governing Bodies (NGBs) within the programme, as well as other NGBs which are monitoring our progress and showing great interest in what has been achieved. Visit www.iog.org for more details about the Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme
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24 THE GROUNDSMAN February 2019
FEB
MAR
APR
09
Kent
Addington CC
Level 2 Cricket Pitches: Applied Turf Culture
13
Kent
Sutton Valence School
Level 2 Winter Pitches: Applied Turf Culture
13
West Cornwall
Hayle FC
Level 1 Winter Pitches: In Season
14
Cambridge
Fenner’s Cricket Ground
Level 3 Cricket Pitches: Advanced Turf Culture
14
Kent
Sutton Valence School
Level 2 Winter Pitches: Applied Turf Culture
17-20
York
York Racecourse
Level 3 Racecourse: Management Skills
20
Leeds
Leeds United FC
Level 3 Winter Pitches: Advanced Turf Culture
20
Newcastle
Royal Grammar School
Level 1 Cricket Pitches: In Season
21
Leeds
University of Leeds
Level 2 Effective Maintenance of Artificial Surfaces
23
Luton
Luton Town Indians CC
Level 1 Cricket Pitches: In Season
27
Dublin
GAA National Games Development Centre
Level 1 Effective Maintenance of Artificial Surfaces
02
Pontypridd
University of South Wales
Level 1 Winter Pitches: In Season
04
Surrey
Charterhouse School
Level 2 Cricket Pitches: Applied Turf Culture
09
Bristol
University of Bristol
Level 2 Effective Maintenance of Artificial Surfaces
16
Bolton
Ladybridge High School
Level 2 Effective Maintenance of Third Generation (3G) Pitches
23-24
Cheltenham
Cheltenham Racecourse
Level 1 Racecourse: Turf Maintenance
IN ACTION
ST ANDREWS BRUSHES WITH SUCCESS Keeping the synthetic pitches at St Andrews’ University Park in top condition is easier thanks to GKB’s Rotobrush and Quick Clean units The synthetic pitches at St Andrews’ University Park need to be kept in prime condition to match the renowned grass pitches on the site, and the team called in maintenance firm Greentech Sportsturf, based near Stirling, and its GKB equipment to make sure they perform to the highest standards. The 3G rubbercrumb pitch is a full-size, floodlit, FIFA 2 Star World Rugby Approved pitch and has to meet the needs of a number of teams across different sports, hosting rugby, football, Ultimate Frisbee and lacrosse games. The sand-dressed
The Rotobrush helps with compaction
pitch at the park is equally in demand, with regular use by community sports programmes and weekly sports leagues including hockey and football. Ahead of the season, Greentech had to decompact and deep clean the surfaces. To do this, the company employed a GKB Quick Clean unit, which removes coarse dirt, small particles and loose fibres. A GKB Rotobrush prepares the surface for cleaning and helps to get rid of moss and algae around the pitch edges.
THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR CHARTERHOUSE When difficult weather hit the pristine pitches at Charterhouse, the experts at Limagrain came to the rescue
Lee Marshallsay heads up the grounds team
As one of the country’s top independent schools, with a huge range of sports facilities, Charterhouse in Surrey needs constant care and attention to keep its grounds in order – but the pristine green grass was at risk last summer following the long spell of dry, hot weather. Grounds manager Lee Marshallsay called in his contact at Limagrain to help find a solution. Already a happy customer of the company, having employed its MM50 seed to great effect across the school’s cricket squares, Lee invited Limagrain’s amenity seed specialist, Richard Sheppard, to inspect the school’s
“In conjunction with the Quick Clean, we use a GKB Rotobrush with its extra rigid bristles for deep compaction and that loosens up the infill for us,” says Ewan Peddie, Greentech synthetic turf manager. “Then we run our Quick Clean over the surface, taking out any contamination from the playing surface, as well as extracting any loose fibres.”
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For more information visit www.gkbmachines.com
grounds. The company was able to provide a bespoke solution. Lee says: “Last summer, coming away from a really dry spell, Limagrain created two tailor-made mixtures for us – one a complete rye mixture and the other a combination of both rye and fescue. This was to be used mainly on our golf fairways and also on some other areas that have less disturbance. It established really well and had great coverage in every area it was used.” Lee is happy to have this support in looking after the school’s many and varied sports facilities. “Richard comes in and we have a walk around the site to look at where we have used Limagrain products; we look at what we want to try and achieve and he goes away and thinks about what mixtures could work and improve the site. If I ever have any questions I can always call him.”
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For more information visit www.lgseeds.co.uk
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 27
FIELDS IN TRUST
By Alison McCann Policy manager, Fields in Trust
IT PAYS TO PROTECT PARKS
A new report commissioned by Fields in Trust reveals the benefits of our parks and green spaces – both to the economy and our wellbeing
T
here has been much concern in recent years about the need to balance crucial investment in parks and green spaces with the challenge of diminishing maintenance budgets. There are fears that a downward spiral of reduced maintenance could lead to poorer quality facilities, resulting in less frequent usage and increasing the likelihood of the disposal of green spaces for housing or commercial development. Yet rather than being a drain on limited resources, new research commissioned by Fields in Trust shows that parks and green spaces actually deliver over £34 billion of health and wellbeing benefits to UK residents each year. This represents greater life satisfaction and improved physical and mental health, directly from regular use of parks and green spaces. Fields in Trust is an independent charity; since 1925 it has protected parks and green spaces in perpetuity and currently protects 2,809 spaces across the UK. It works with
“Our research shows what we all intuitively know: green spaces are good – they do good and they should be protected for good” 28 THE GROUNDSMAN February 2019
landowners, community groups and policy makers to champion the value of our parks and green spaces at both local and national level, and through a legal agreement with landowners it ensures parks and green spaces are secured for community play, sport and recreation – in perpetuity.
FINANCIAL PRESSURE
There is a public perception that our parks and green spaces will always be there, but as a non-statutory service, parks and green spaces are increasingly under financial pressure. Fields in Trust took the view that it is important to evaluate the impact of our work and provide a robust evidential basis for what we do. Our new research shows what we all intuitively know: green spaces are good – they do good and they should be protected for good. We need to provide solid evidence to demonstrate this to policymakers and politicians, so our research was compiled using HM Treasury-approved methodology. As well as quantifying over £34 billion of value to people’s wellbeing the report, Revaluing Parks and Green Spaces, demonstrates secondary cost savings of at least £111 million per year for the NHS, just on prevented GP visits from those who
FIELDS IN TRUST
PA R K S A N D G R E E N S PAC E S
HEADLINE FINDINGS The Total Economic Value to an individual is
£30.24 PER YEAR (£2.52 per month), and includes benefits gained from using a local park or green space and nonuse benefits such as the preservation of parks for future generations. The Wellbeing Value associated with the frequent use of local parks and green spaces is worth
£34.2 BILLION
PER YEAR Parks and green spaces are under inc easin �nancial ess e
regularly use parks – this doesn’t include the cost of treatment or prescriptions – so actual savings to the taxpayer will be significantly higher. While in the overall NHS budget this is a small percentage, it could pay the annual salary of around 3,500 additional nurses.
ADDED VALUE
Our research puts a value on something that doesn’t have a price at the point of entry. Much like libraries and museums you don’t pay to visit your local park or green space – and we want it to stay that way. Yet just because something doesn’t have a price it doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a value. The true value of parks is not what they cost to maintain or could realise as a capital asset if sold for development – but the wellbeing value that they contribute to the communities who use them for play, sport and recreation. In addition to health benefits, there are growing indications of the social impact that access to parks and green spaces can deliver – increasing community cohesion as people mix with neighbours at community events. Last October the government published A connected society: a strategy for tackling loneliness, which also includes
references to parks and green spaces as places easily accessible to all members of the community. Taking all the health and wellbeing impacts into account, our research study also calculates that parks and green spaces provide a total economic value to each person in the UK of just over £30 per person per year – that is quantifiable benefits gained from using local parks and non-use benefits such as knowing they are preserved for future generations. When welfare weighting is applied this value increases for individuals from lower socioeconomic groups and also people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. When local and central government are setting budgets and priorities they should consider not only what parks and green spaces cost to maintain – but also what they contribute in health and wellbeing benefits to our communities.
to the entire UK adult population. Parks and green spaces are estimated to save the NHS around
£111
MILLION
PER YEAR
based solely on a reduction in GP visits and excluding any additional savings from prescribing or referrals.
You can download the full research report, Revaluing Parks and Green Spaces, from www.fieldsintrust.org/ revaluing. The Fields in Trust Strategy, Green Spaces for Good, is available from www.fieldsintrust.org/our-strategy
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www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 29
IOG INDUSTRY AWARD SPONSOR
PREVENTION RATHER THAN CURE The number of weapons in the turf manager’s arsenal is shrinking, so tackling plant health before disease can take hold is becoming ever-more important A preventative approach results in stronger turf
C
hanges in pesticide legislation are continuing to have a deepening effect on sports turf quality. In 2017, we lost the most effective fungicide combination, Tebuconazole and Prochloraz, and in the summer of 2018, the industry lost the remaining contact curative active, Iprodione. Turf managers are having to shift their emphasis to a proactive approach to plant health, utilising nutritional inputs as a management tool. In terms of disease management, the reduction in curative products available has been a game-changer and has
effectively ended the option of reactive fungicide applications. Using preventative fungicides to control Fusarium Patch (Microdochium nivale) will continue to be an essential tool in the turf manager’s armoury – especially during the moistureladen autumn and spring months. However, producing a grass plant that is strong and healthy, therefore making it difficult for disease to take hold in the first place, is now more important than ever. This approach takes a longer term, strategic view of turf disease management. Headland started to explore this area in 2007 and has commissioned trials at the STRI every year since, to improve the products used and the results offered. The result of these years of research and trials are a number of disease management strategies, which feature both the timely application of preventative fungicides, and the use of nutrients to maximise plant health going into and during, the main disease periods.
Headland’s industry-leading ‘20-20-30’ tank-mix is now a proven strategy, which uses preventative applications of liquid plant health products that work together to strengthen the plant, reducing the reliance on costly repeated fungicide applications. The latest approach uses the ’20-2030’ mix (Liquid Turf Hardener, Turfite, Seamac Proturf) together with Mantle, a new product launched in 2018. Trials conducted in 2017/18 and ongoing in 2018/19 have shown the efficacy of this approach with excellent reduction in active Microdochium nivale compared to the untreated control. To achieve optimum results, this tank-mix combination is designed to complement a full IPM program that includes fungicides and cultural control of surface organic matter. Timing is essential. If disease activity is kept in check during October and November, then turf managers stand a better chance of a much healthier sward coming through into the new season. This preventative approach can also considerably reduce the need for curative chemical applications, reducing costs by up to 50 per cent compared to using fungicides alone. While chemistry continues to be a fundamental tool in preventing outbreaks of disease, a pro-active, enhanced plant health strategy must be combined with careful maintenance practices. For more information about the ‘20-20-30’ strategy see www.headlandamenity.com
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www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 31
IOG INDUSTRY AWARD SPONSOR
MACHINERY DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION You need to think ahead if you want to ensure you choose the right equipment It’s that time of year when thoughts start to turn towards annual budgets, maintaining machinery fleets and the purchase of new machinery to meet the challenges of 2019.
Operators may need extra training
The purchase: Purchasing machinery often involves team discussions, demonstrations and negotiations before you can place an order. The delivery should be the culmination of the process, and a confirmation that you’ve purchased the right piece of kit, from the right brand, the right dealer and the right salesman. Pre-delivery inspection: The supplier should have prepared the machine for your use. This may include assembling the machine to the ordered specification, so check this will be completed on time and double check the specification at the time of ordering.
By Nigel Church Product trainer, Ransomes
Ensure the pre-delivery inspection (PDI) also includes a test of the machine and accessories. The delivery: Make sure a convenient delivery appointment is made and time is booked with the main machine operators. Your dealer will tell you how long this process should take, and your key staff will need to be available for the installation. Ongoing training: Don’t forget that a new or inexperienced operator will also need extra training to ensure that they can safely and competently operate a piece of machinery.
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For more information visit www. ransomesjacobsen.com/europe
NEW SEED RANGE FOR 2019 Following two years of research and investment, DLF is launching the new DLF Select quality programme and seed range In a world where it is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve high purity standards, DLF has developed a new programme to safeguard quality. Environmental factors and changes in pesticide regulations have brought
DLF consultants have i enti�e t e cleanest �el s
increasing challenges to those trying to achieve clean surfaces. DLF field consultants, working closely with specially selected growers, have identified the cleanest fields to grow and harvest only the purest crops to produce 00 and S purity rated seed. DLF Select 00 quality guarantees the highest purity based on a standard ISTA analysis. In a standard sample of the ‘00’ quality grass seed there is found 0.0 per cent other seeds. For the even more demanding customer, a 10x sample search is performed for the ‘S’ grade. The superior S1 standard guarantees the result of 0 other seeds, while S2 indicates 0 coarse grasses with only traces of non-harmful dicot species. Besides the DLF Select purity grades S1, S2 and 00, DLF also offers professional
By Mekke Jespersen Head of corporate product management
grade A1 & A2 for the professional amenity market, which also offer a vast improvement on the baseline EU purity rules and standards. DLF Select has seen major work and investment through all levels of planning, growing, harvesting, cleaning and logistics to secure the delivery of the purest seed to our customers. We have introduced new procedures throughout the process including separate storage to avoid any potential contamination, and specialised cleaning departments. The post-clean ISTA certified analysis ensures that the seed is labelled at the correct quality grade.
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For more information visit www.dlf.com www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 33
IN ACTION
TAKING THE LONG VIEW AT LEICESTER John Ledwidge has been using ICL products for years and now the firm supports his work at Leicester City FC As grounds manager at Leicester City FC, John Ledwidge has a responsibility to make sure the club’s stadium and training grounds perform to Premier League standards. To that end, he uses ICL products to keep the turf in top condition, having become familiar with the firm in the early days of his groundskeeping career, as a volunteer at Coventry City FC. John says: “It all stems back to when I was at Coventry City and I first started seeing the products being
John is grounds manager at LCFC
used on the pitch. But my association with those products from an early age hasn’t influenced our decision making – it is purely because of the results we get from the products. ICL products have worked for us and have consistently given us great results.” As well as providing the right products for the pitches he is responsible for, John looks to his key suppliers, including ICL, to help provide knowledge and expertise to
him and his staff at LCFC. “Ultimately, we know the products that we like, but for me it’s the advice and education that ICL can offer to my members of staff,” he says. “We want them to know exactly why they might be using a fertiliser or a bio-stimulant and that’s the good thing about having ICL on board.”
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For more information visit www.icl-sf.co.uk
IN LINE FOR SAVINGS Switching to Rigby Taylor’s TinyLineMarker has saved time and labour for one grounds management firm
Sometimes a small machine can make a big difference to grounds staff, as Kent-based grounds and facilities management specialist Medway Norse discovered when the company invested in a new TinyLineMarker (TLM) from Rigby Taylor. The robot line marker can mark a fullsized football pitch in just 20 minutes, compared with one-and-a-half hours manually – which makes a huge difference to the 68 football pitches Medway Norse looks after. It’s not just the time saving that appeals, says Colinda Le Gall, Medway Norse’s operations manager – grounds. “As a result of needing just one person to mark the pitches using the TLM – instead of two by conventional transfer
wheel methods – the investment will also mean that the available resource will be able to be redeployed on other pitch maintenance tasks. “So we will be able to carry out additional pitch maintenance all year round, and that will surely lead to better quality playing services. It’s all about improving and adding services to users within the same budget model.” The lightweight TLM, which uses the latest GPS technology, takes the input of pitch line dimensions and multiple pitches via an app and re-positions them to best fit the site using Google Maps. Once stored, the lines are never lost, even if they disappear when the pitch is out of use for a while.
Colinda Le Gall with the time-saving TLM
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For more information visit www.rigbytaylor.com
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 35
Product showcase
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AERATION AND BTME REVIEW The 345HD turf aerator is perfect for smaller areas
Two ballast containers help with soil penetration
GROUNDSMAN INDUSTRIES
Walking on air
FOR EASY ACCESS on smaller areas, the Groundsman 345HD turf aerator is a compact pedestrian machine that can fit through most garden gates and aerate everything from gardens to parks and sports grounds. For bigger jobs, Groundsman Industries has a range of tractormounted models. Their elliptical plunge action drives the tines down into tough compacted areas to a depth of 15cm, with little surface disruption.
SCH SUPPLIES
VARIETY AND VALUE To keep areas clear after aeration, Groundsman’s Flexblade Core Collector attaches to any aerator to core and collect in one pass. When attached, the system catches more than half of cores before they touch the ground, with the rest scooped from the surface by the Flexblade. It works with swathe widths from 60cm up to 210cm, and is also available for compact tractors and turf vehicles. www.groundsmanindustries.com
TERRAIN AERATION
DEEP BREATHING THE TERRALIFT FROM Terrain Aeration relieves compaction and the problem of standing water in the long term with its unique action. The machine hammers a hollow probe one metre into the soil, then releases compressed air up at up to 20Bar (280psi). The process is repeated using two-metre spacings on a staggered grid, so that each shot interconnects with the others. On the end of each air blast, dried seaweed is injected. This sticks to the walls of the fissures in the ground and expands and contracts with the moisture content in the soil – allowing it to ‘breathe’. KEEP IN TOUCH
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The holes created by the Terralift are backfilled with aggregate to maintain ventilation and, after topdressing and mowing, the pitch is ready to go again. www.terrainaeration.com
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Improving compaction on a bowling green
Institute of Groundsmanship
WHEN BUDGETS ARE tight, having a unit that can serve multiple purposes can provide a good value for money solution for grounds teams. The 40in Grass Care System from SCH Supplies includes an aerator but also comes with a range of interchangeable attachments, meaning it can be employed throughout the year to help care for turf. The unit’s heavy duty aerator has 10 aeration discs on a solid steel axle and breaks down the surface pan of grassed areas, even when compaction has made the area hard to penetrate. Two 25L ballast containers add weight to help break through hardened ground, for an effective operation. The system also includes a range of additional attachments, such as corers, slitters, rollers and more. The slitter and hollow tine corer attachments can be used to help circulate air, water and nutrients in the soil, but don’t break up the soil as well as the specially-designed aerator stars. The Grass Care System is also available in 36in, 48in and 60in versions and is one of over 200 British-built machines available from SCH. www.schsupplies.co.uk
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www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 37
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
A E R AT I O N Terra Spikes work fast so you can avoid poor weather
WIEDENMANN UK
SPIKE IN PRODUCTIVITY WIEDENMANN UK’S TERRA Spike units are designed to help grounds staff carry out aeration quickly, taking advantage of precious gaps in poor weather at this time of year. Fast and accurate, the units are easy to control so heave and depth can be managed to accommodate changing conditions. “When weather is unpredictable they give customers a greater window of opportunity and, as a consequence, earn their keep that bit faster,” says Chas Ayres, Wiedenmann UK’s sales manager. “With an aerator designed to work efficiently down to 275mm and up to speeds of 5kmph, there is more scope to take advantage of prevailing conditions. The decision to ‘go’ is made a lot easier if you can
do the job in half the time, missing adverse weather conditions and busy situations. Professional rugby and football clubs reckon they can do a pitch from post to post in 3.5 hours.” There are 11 machines in the Terra Spike range, with a range of working widths from 1.35m to 2.1m and working depths from 21cm to 40cm. www.wiedenmann.co.uk
“They give customers a greater window of opportunity and, as a consequence, earn their keep faster”
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Machines for all Aeration applications.
www.charterhouse-tm.co.uk | 01428 661222
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
A E R AT I O N
The ProCore 648’s popularity is down to its e cienc
REESINK TURFCARE
CLEAN CUT CORING
THE TORO PROCORE 648 is Reesink Turfcare’s best-selling pedestrian aerator, and that’s largely down to its clean and efficient performance. The unit’s wheels run in front of the aeration head and out of the way of the coring path, so that the operator won’t drive over the fresh holes or the pulled cores, so clear-up is quicker and easier. The 48in working width makes for a productive and efficient unit, taking less time to cover more ground. The unit is designed for smooth operation even over uneven and rolling grounds. The tine depth is automatically maintained during operation to follow the undulations of the ground to give consistent coring of up to four inches. It’s also built for user comfort, with arms
“The tine depth is automatically maintained during operation to follow the undulations of the ground” that work in pairs to counterbalance the coring action, helping to reduce hopping, rocking and vibration. www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
BTME REVIEW
BARENBRUG
SEWING THE SEED FOR A GOOD YEAR BARENBRUG SHOWCASED TWO brand new grass seed cultivars at BTME in January. Both additions to the brand’s Sport range, Barrisse strong creeping red fescue has been added to Fairway and Baromario has been introduced to the firm’s new perennial ryegrass blend Multi Sport. Multi Sport is a four-way mix using seed produced entirely in
“Multi Sport uses seed produced entirely in the UK, supporting British farmers and offering a sustainable product”
Barenbrug showcased a range of seed at BTME 2019
the UK, supporting British farmers and offering customers a more sustainable product. Baromario is highly ranked in BSPB/ STRI Turfgrass Seed as winter sport and lawn ryegrass, so this blend can be used in high traffic areas. In addition to the new cultivars, visitors to Barenbrug’s stand
could also find out about the rest of the Sport range, including number one varieties Barolympic perennial ryegrass, Barlineus Chewings fescue and Charles browntop bentgrass in products such as Ultrafine, Medal, Fescue and All Bent. www.barenbrug.co.uk
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
BTME REVIEW
Technical manager Glenn Kirby with Ryder-treated turf
SYNGENTA
MAKING LIGHT WORK
SYNGENTA TECHNICAL MANAGER Glenn Kirby was at BTME to launch a new function on the GreenCast weather service, which will help groundskeepers make the most of sunlight using Ryder turf pigment treatments. “Managing light levels impacting on plants is now recognised as a crucial part of an Integrated Turf Management programme, especially in shady stadium environments,” said Glenn. “Ryder turf pigment has been shown to enhance the naturalistic green colour of turf surfaces throughout the season, and also offers the chance to manage and mitigate against harmful levels of light affecting plants.” The new function on GreenCast
now shows forecast light intensity levels for the coming five days, displayed as light intensity in µmol per square metre per second, for any kind of sports facility. “Once you begin to understand good levels of light and excessive light, you will begin to understand and adjust your maintenance
programmes to cope with this littleunderstood stress,” he said. www.syngenta.co.uk
“Managing light levels impacting on turf is a crucial part of turf management”
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
BTME REVIEW
TURFIX
Progress at Pitchmark
PITCHMARK USED BTME to launch its new subsidiary, Turfix, which will act as the company’s sole UK distribution arm. The new business will offer products from Pitchmark, ICL, Harrod Sport, Tildenet and BMS as well as bespoke advice and education. “We have developed very good relationships with other manufacturers in the sports turf industry worldwide,” says The Pitchmark Group’s chairman, Mark Rodman. “We have a highly experienced team with years of knowledge of a wide variety of products. Pitchmark is a line marking specialist brand, and so in order to offer complimentary product ranges
we felt creating a new structure was the best approach.” Turf support managers at Turfix have all worked as groundspersons or greenkeepers so they have a full understanding of their customers’ requirements and will be able to spend more time with clients to offer advice and tailored solutions for their needs. www.turfix.co.uk
The OxyShot is easy to transport to high-use areas
CHARTERHOUSE
A SHOT IN THE ARM AT BTME 2019
The Combiseeder can be used for overseeding and initial seeding
GKB
GOING BIG AT BTME GKB MACHINES TOOK a larger stand than usual at this year’s BTME, to build on the success of previous years at the show and to display a wider range of its machinery. Among the units on display was the GKB Combiseeder, which enables grounds staff to complete seeding and surface aeration with minimum disturbance. The machine creates over 1,500 holes per square metre and includes drag brushes to incorporate seed and topdressing. It can be KEEP IN TOUCH
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used both for initial seeding and for overseeding. Also at the show was the GKB Vstrong, a sturdy scarifying machine that can work at up to 12kmph for maximum productivity; the GKB SP100 Spreader, which has been developed to meet customer needs with easy mounting on to turf trucks; and the new Topair 120 – launched at the show – which is a new aerator/roller that can be used with compact tractors. www.gkbmachines.com
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42 THE GROUNDSMAN February 2019
Institute of Groundsmanship
THE NEW OXYSHOT aeration unit, launched by Charterhouse Turf Machinery at this year’s BTME, will kick-start growth, relieving compaction and improving drainage. Maintaining a network of pores and fissures in topsoil is essential to keep grass plants healthy and the OxyShot is an ideal tool for doing this. Produced in response to industry demand for a machine similar to the ‘Robin Dagger’ air-injection unit, it uses a 25mm probe to inject air into the soil in four directions at a pressure of up to 110psi and to a maximum depth of 500mm (which can be reduced to 250mm with an optional probe). As a pedestrian unit, the OxyShot is ideal for use in conjunction with other methods of aeration and helps relieve compaction and improve drainage without chemical applications. Its compact size means it is easy to transport and can be used for targeted treatments in high footfall areas. www.charterhouse-tm.co.uk
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PRODUCT SHOWCASE
BTME REVIEW
GRUNDFOS
PUMP UP PERFORMANCE
Martin Lishman asked operators for feedback during the design stages
MARTIN LISHMAN
SIZE IS NO OBJECT MARTIN LISHMAN WAS at BTME so that visitors could find out more about the firm’s extensive range of sprayers. The company produces sprayers suitable for all kinds of uses, from 120L pedestrian units for smaller areas to 600L tractormounted units for large grounds. The sprayers already have a following across the country. On football pitches, smaller sprayers help to avoid compaction on the turf. At Leicester City FC, the grounds team use a MicroSpray with 3.5m
boom and rate it for its ease of use and minimal disruption to the pitch. For larger areas, Martin Lishman’s tractor-mounted units have tanks ranging from 200L to 600L, an integral hygiene tank as standard, and a circuit rinse clean water tank placed at a low level for easy filling. “In the design stages, we asked operators to test the sprayer’s practicality in use,” says managing director Dr Gavin Lishman. “Hence, all filters are easily accessible and valves are at a convenient operating height. The standardised electronic controls on the larger models are a feature designed to ensure that hoses containing chemicals are kept clear of the operator during use.” www.martinlishman.com
SHOWCASED AT BTME, Grundfos has introduced a range of new highflow CR multistage centrifugal pumps to replace the existing CR/N 90, 120 and 150. Reliability is the key characteristic of the new models, with each component of the pumps designed to be as robust as possible; pre-shipping testing ensures that every complete pump is validated. They are also made to save power with much better efficiency of operation, while they can operate as standalone units or as part of integrated systems. The new pumps can offer predictive and condition monitoring and they are preconfigured, tested and wired so they can be set to work straight away. www.grundfos.co.uk
REESINK TURFCARE
New and improved BTME 2019 SAW the launch of two new Toro fine turf machines. As The Groundsman went to press, full details were yet to be revealed but the launches included a reduced-noise ride-on mower and a new pedestrian mower with improved handle and suspension for better operator comfort. The pair of new offerings were joined on the Reesink Turfare stand with the Outcross, Toro’s first super-duty utility vehicle. The unit can tow up to 16,000lb and has an optional cargo bed that can hold up to 4,500lb. Visitors to the stand were also able to see the latest flagship machines for greenkeepers,
including the Reelmaster 5010-H mower, the RM3555-D mower, and the Workman GTX-E, the firm’s mid-duty electric utility vehicle. www.reesinkturfare.co.uk
The new range of pumps are much mo e e cient in operation
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 43
Tools & guidance MAINTENANCE CALENDAR AND WEATHER UPDATE
MARCH OPERATIONS BOWLING GREEN
Aerate whenever possible usually with slit tines, although some greenkeepers will be moving over to solid tines. The green might benefit from a light rolling to smooth the surface following the ravages of winter. It is important to take a soil sample and check that the correct amount of moisture is available before commencing this operation. Some greens in the south of England may be ready for a light topdressing at the end of the month, although be careful not to smother the grass. Ideally wait until April though if the bowls season starts early. Commission the irrigation system before a typical dry spell appears. Sweep and clean out ditches.
CRICKET SQUARE
Rolling and consolidation of the cricket square should be the priority this month. Start with a relatively light roller, say 5cwt, and gradually move up to a mediumheavy, say 30cwt or so, one by the end of the month. The square should be regularly drag-brushed and the height of cut should be reduced to about 18mm. A light scarification may be possible if growth is reasonable, but be careful not to overdo it. Ensure the square is correctly set out with the corners being at exact right angles. KEEP IN TOUCH
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CRICKET OUTFIELD
Check for any small undulations in the outfield and use topdressing to even them out. Make final repairs to worn areas especially in the bowlers’ run-up.
FOOTBALL
Keep the surface as presentable as possible by drag-brushing and divoting as required. Light sand dressings on thin and bare areas may help to maintain a dry surface. Aerate pitch whenever possible. Additional overmarking will probably be required where grass coverage is absent or sparse. A light topping when the ground is dry will also help.
GOLF
Aerate whenever possible – usually with slit tines, although some greenkeepers will be moving over to solid tines soon. The desire to topdress towards the end of March should in most cases be avoided. It's best to wait until good grass growth to help the material be incorporated as quickly as possible. Consider spending as much time as possible on the fairways, such as aeration, topping and divoting before the main spring renovation.
RACECOURSE
Re-commission the irrigation system. Prepare for the start of the flat racing season by increasing the mowing frequency. www.facebook.com/theIOG
Be careful not to set the height of cut too low otherwise a cold spring will slow any grass regrowth. Aerate if soil conditions permit.
too much and leaves large ruts may be required, if soil and weather conditions allow. Constant divoting would also be helpful.
RUGBY UNION
TENNIS
Early spring growth could require the pitch to be topped. Aerate if soil conditions permit. Do not aerate just because a pitch might not have had this operation carried out for some time, it could cause more harm than good if soil conditions are unsuitable. The end of season is now in sight so keeping the pitch playable is essential. Don’t worry too much about excessive wear at this time of year as spring growth will start to ‘kick-in’ and will assist in slowing a thinning sward and may even increase overall coverage.
RUGBY LEAGUE
The playing season should be underway. Weather conditions and damage from games will dictate what needs to be done. The most important tasks to complete are divoting to repair the surface and try to stand up as much grass as possible. If the weather conditions are favourable then you could apply seed and spring/summer feed. If the surface is drying up, a rolling may be required before it firms up too much. On the amateur side, you will be coming towards the end of the season. Don't worry about too much damage now as spring is just around the corner. Keeping your pitch up to a standard to play on is the most important issue. Rolling of the surface before it dries out
Institute of Groundsmanship
Solid tine aerate, if suitable conditions permit. Start light rolling of the court. An early ‘false-spring’ may require frequent topping of the grass, but be careful not to lower the height of cut too early.
SYNTHETIC CRICKET PITCHES
Synthetic cricket pitches need preparation, too. After a wet winter – and especially after a wet summer, too – pre-season work to synthetic pitches is as important as pre-season work to natural surfaces. Over the winter, aggregatebased pitches expand as they soak in moisture from their surrounds, releasing compaction. This needs to be addressed before the season starts to ensure pitches continue to play well, and during March and April they should be rolled, with a light roller, to compact and squeeze the moisture out. If this is not carried out, more moisture will be absorbed in subsequent years and the base will rapidly deteriorate. Pitches without shockpads should have the surface fully removed and the aggregate levelled and compacted directly by raking and luting, as the base surface can be damaged by ball impacts from the previous season. A little annual care and attention may save the cost of having to employ specialists to rectify a major problem in the future.
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www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 45
TOOLS & GUIDANCE W E AT H E R
FEBRUARY TOP TIPS • Be aware of stress on turf plants when frost follows warm days – increasing susceptibility to disease attack • Use contact fungicides during periods of slow or zero growth • If soil temperatures rise to trigger grass growth, switch to a fungicide which includes additional systemic protection
COLD STARTER
F
ebruary 2018 is going to be long remembered for the onset of the Beast from the East – with prolonged freezing temperatures and massive disruption. The records show temperatures falling to -12°C in central England; days when it reached a maximum of -5°C in Cumbria; and 21cm of snow in one day in Durham. However, while temperatures were hitting new lows at the end, it was only the third coldest February average in a decade for many. Before the Beast blew in, temperatures reached over 14°C in Glamorgan mid-month, for example.
FEBRUARY 2018 WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS:
Temperatures were more than 0.6°C down on the long-term average, but
1.3°C lower than average for recent years – reflecting the generally warming temperatures In the east of Scotland there was frost on more than two-thirds of nights Sunlight levels were well above the norm, at 147% of average for the UK Despite heavy snow, precipitation was 20% below average for the UK, and over a third down in the south of England.
In fact, like many months, February had typically been seeing average temperatures well above the norm. Since 1997, all bar three seasons have seen temperatures above the long-term average of 2.9°C for February, with 2010, 2013 and now 2018 the exceptions. After the dry start to the winter this season, which kept Microdochium Patch
UK FEBRUARY WEATHER FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS Average temp (°C)
Sun (hours)
Days with air frost
Rain (mm)
2016
2017
2018
2016
2017
2018
2016
2017
2018
2016
2017
2018
3.9
5.3
2.4
85
55
96
114
94
64
12
6
16
2018 was a story of variability; starting and ending frosty, but with a mild spell through the middle.
(Fusarium) disease in check, widespread outbreaks kicked off around the New Year. It could flare up from old scars or thatch at any time in wet, mild conditions. Protecting the turf with Medallion TL fungicide applications before forecast disease risk periods can knock down infective spore levels and provide longlasting results. Intermittent turf growth, as a result of warm days and cold nights, can put extra stress on turf plants. Multi-active fungicides including both contact and systemic activity can help to cover all risks.
LIGHT RELIEF FOR STRESS
By the end of February, typical day length should have extended to some 650 minutes – close to 11 hours. More importantly, the Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) element of the light spectrum utilised by plants also starts to increase rapidly through February. Turf managers can review grass growth curves on GreenCast to optimise timing of agronomics, including Primo Maxx and Qualibra wetting agent programmes to enhance turf health. It is the first step to creating strong plants more able to withstand periods of stress and to use good growing conditions for recovery – providing an early start to better spring playing surfaces. www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 47
RECRUITMENT
IOG
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o a e tise in t e classi�e section o The Groundsman please contact:
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www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 49
GROW WITH THE IOG
By Alastair Rowell National accounts manager for grounds, Reesink
MARTIN MAKES HIS MARK Martin Stephenson is stepping down from his role with the IOG’s Young Board of Directors, but he will continue to champion the board’s efforts to break down the barriers faced by young people who want a long-term career in the industry
M
artin Stephenson has spent the past four years as an IOG Young Board director helping to promote the industry he loves and addressing some of the perceived barriers to a long-term career in the sector. Despite his age, his groundscare CV is impressive. After studying work-based horticulture in sports turf at East Durham College, Martin kickstarted his career as a groundsman at a cricket club before moving to Ashbrooke Sports Club, Sunderland as assistant grounds manager. Awards followed him wherever he went – three in total including the coveted 2013 IOG Most Promising Sportsturf Student of the Year award, now sponsored by Toro and Reesink. Learning from those with experience is one of the best ways to progress. Equally important is listening to the experiences of those starting out in the profession. Here Martin shares his experiences of working with the Young IOG Board. “I joined the board to raise the profile of the
Martin, left, receiving his 2013 IOG Most Promising Sportsturf Student of the Year award from Chris Gray, IOG (then) head of education
50 THE GROUNDSMAN February 2019
“It was an absolute honour and brought many opportunities” industry among the younger generation,” explains Martin. “It was an absolute honour and brought many opportunities. I’ve networked with the greats of the industry and developed skills that will benefit my career. It’s improved my confidence, my organisational and communication skills, and given me the opportunity to travel to stadia in France and Belgium.” Martin, who now works in sales for Turfcare Specialists, is passionate about the industry, despite no longer working as a groundskeeper. “I miss being a groundskeeper for a sports venue – that’s in your blood for life,” he says. “But progression in the North East was very difficult. I’d have had to consider a move to the south or overseas to further my career. I’ve also heard reports that poor starting salaries and demanding working hours are putting people off entering the industry, or are instrumental in a career change. “That said, I’ve come across people whose passion is so strong that those things haven’t been a deterrent. People who want it badly enough will find a way to make it work.” So, what can young groundskeepers do to help their development? Martin’s advice would be to
get on as many courses as you can with the IOG and local colleges. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your peers – there’s a great network out there ready to help,” he adds. “Volunteering on match days at your local sports club to gain experience and help you understand what is expected at the highest level of the industry will also benefit your overall development.” Martin’s time on the Board has come to an end due to age constraints but he continues in an advisory role with Durham Cricket Board and maintains a great interest in how the role evolves and the industry moves forward. Geoff Webb, IOG chief executive, says: “The IOG’s Young Board of Directors is a great way for groundsmen and women to get involved in and help shape our industry. Membership unlocks doors and offers limitless opportunities and experiences. The Board’s social media network stands at over 1,000 members, which shows there’s real passion for and interest in our profession.” Martin’s career path is a good example of the opportunities possible for ambitious and determined young people. There’s a skills shortage in the sector and helping to address some of the barriers that might be deterring new recruits is essential for attracting a new generation to the industry. Reesink Turfcare’s role with the IOG, developing the skill sets and confidence of these young groundspeople and providing them with opportunities and experiences, should go some way to address the situation. Reesink Turfcare and Toro sponsor the IOG’s Young Board of Directors. For more information, visit www.iog.org/who-we-are/whos-who/ young-board-directors
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