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But first we need to access this new pool of talent to train. According to the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG), the number of young people embarking on a career in groundsmanship is in decline – and with over 40% of the workforce over the age 50. This worrying trend, says the IOG, is leading to a ticking time bomb see the report on page 20. Do also read about my recent trip to Tyrol Alps in Austria, to the STHIL Competence Centre (where they too report a need for new recruits), where the German manufacturer designs and tests all their groundscare equipment and many of their cordless products. Finally, I’d like to introduce another columnist to our magazine. Paula Warman, of The Landscaper's Circle, will be sharing her tips on starting up, expanding and the general running of business drawing on her own experiences. She kicks off with tips on making 2020 the year for you! So for now, as we end our 20th year, the team at The Landscaper Magazine wish you joyful festive season, and we look forward to hearing from you with your latest news, products and ideas next year.
maggie.walsh@sheengate.co.uk www.landscapermagazine.com
@landscaper_ed /TheLandscaperMagazine
Cover Story: Bluebird is relaunching in the UK with its new range of 125v Lithium-ion battery and petrol-powered turf care equipment – including aerators, power rakes, overseeders, sod cutters, hover mowers and stump grinders. Bluebird, supported by E.P. Barrus, build commercial grade machines for professionals.
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As I write, another year draws to a close. Despite the best efforts of our parliamentarians to confuse, contradict and at times simply lie to win allegiance in the never ending BREXIT debate, business across the land battle through and try to weather out any storms they see ahead. Well, at least that is what I have witnessed from landscapers, groundscare teams, suppliers and contractors while editing the magazine this year. We at the Landscaper Magazine have been celebrating our 20th anniversary this year. Now owned by Sheengate Publishing, the title has had its share of weathering storms. Like many of our readers who during the past 20 years have seen innovations and new technology change the way they work, the publishing industry has also had to adapt - to a digital age with smart devices allowing information and communication on tap 24/7. Greg Bedson questions if this smart technology is so beneficial in his industry report on page 18. He also reflects on the influences that has brought the landscaping industry to its present state, taking a look at changing attitudes, the impact of our industry on the environment and how we training our next generation of landscapers and groundscare teams.
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Editor’s letter
LANDSCAPER
INTERESTING TIMES
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We welcome any news, points of view or feature ideas. Please email maggie.walsh@sheengate.co.uk
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INTERNATIONAL B2B FAIR OF HORTICULTURE, GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE
Tel. +39 (0)2 6889080 • info@myplantgarden.com • www.myplantgarden.com
20 CONTENTS editor Maggie Walsh 07787 555 798 maggie.walsh@sheengate.co.uk contributors Greg Bedson Paula Warman sales manager Jason Studd 0208 939 5600 jason.studd@sheengate.co.uk group sales manager Stewart Turner 0208 939 5600 stewart@sheengate.co.uk design and production Lucas-studio.co.uk
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circulation and subscriptions Maggie Walsh maggie.walsh@sheengate.co.uk
Winter Issue 2019/2020
The Landscaper is owned and published by Sheengate Publishing Ltd.
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The Landscaper is an entirely independent magazine. It is not a member of any trade association or society. Sheengate Publishing Ltd Unit A4 Kingsway Business Park Oldfield Road, Hampton TW12 2HD 0208 939 5600 www.sheengate.co.uk www.landscapermagazine.com
BALI Awards.............................................. 15 Industry Report....................................... 18 SALTEX Review........................................ 22
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BTME Preview ......................................... 32 Landscapers Circle ................................ 34
managing director Alex Whitney
Turf & Groundscare ............................... 37
publisher Con Crowley Nothing in this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers. Readers intending to purchase goods or services from advertisers should make their own enquiries if in any doubt. Every endeavour has been made to ensure that all the information published in this magazine is as accurate as possible. Neither the publishers nor their agents can be held responsible for any errors or omissions; nor shall they be liable for any loss or damage to any person acting on the information contained in the magazine.
Viewpoint ................................................. 31
Arborists ................................................... 40 Feature: Stihl ........................................... 42 Horticulture.............................................. 47
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The Landscaper | Issue 243 | December 2019/January 2020 Winter Issue
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NEWS
Funding available for commercial horticulture students Funding to the value of £1000 is available to students of commercial horticulture through the British Protected Ornamentals Association (BPOA) – Peter Seabrook Bursary. The scholarship, which is part of the David Colegrave Foundation (DCF) Scholarship Season, supports Peter Seabrook in his effort to encourage new entrants to the horticulture industry. Last season, the £1,000 award was won by James Pike who works as a grower at Hortico Plant Centre in Pinkney, Sherson. James returned to college to complete an RHS Level 3 course in Horticulture at Wiltshire College & University Centre in Lackham. He was so pleased to have been chosen to receive the British Protected Ornamentals Association – Peter Seabrook Bursary, saying: “This award will enable me to progress further with my horticultural education.” Simon Davenport, Executive Officer of BPOA, encourages young entrants like James to widen their knowledge of and contact with the commercial plant production trade. “It is by increasing direct involvement with the trade that a young entrant such as James can enhance his employability and improve his career prospects,” said Simon. The David Colegrave Foundation (DCF) is a registered charity supporting the development of students studying horticulture in the UK. It champion careers in commercial, production or retail ornamental horticulture by offering scholarships to these future horticulturists. To date, over £175,000 has been awarded.
James Pike, who received the BPOA – Peter Seabrook Bursary
This year there are seven scholarships to apply for: Ball Colegrave Sponsored Travel Scholarship Up to £1,500 to fund travel to Europe in order to develop knowledge and experience in bedding plant production and marketing. An employee in the early stages of their career at a commercial bedding plant nursery, or a student studying horticulture with an interest in commercial bedding plants should apply. British Protected Ornamentals Association - Peter Seabrook Bursary £1,000 to support one or more students studying commercial horticulture. The scholarship is also available to schools and horticultural colleges to finance trips for students over 16 years of age to leading commercial horticultural establishments. Horticultural Research Scholarship £2,500 to support applied research within the horticulture industry. Students who are keen to pursue a research career in the horticultural industry should apply. This includes undergraduates, postgraduates and those studying for doctoral degrees. John Gibson Environmental Scholarship £1,500 to support a student with a keen interest in environmental solutions and sustainable applications as applied to commercial horticulture. Majestic Trees Sponsored Travel Scholarship Up to £3,000 to fund a placement abroad at a tree nursery for a student who is passionate about tree production. This also includes the opportunity for a work placement at Majestic Trees, which could become a permanent position. Markham – Colegrave International Scholarship $4,500 USD for the opportunity to organise a work placement in a horticultural business in the US/Canada. The Scholarship is presented as a joint award from DCF and the American Floral Endowment (AFE), US. Student Scholarship £1,000 to each of up to five students to support their studies in horticulture. Preference is given to candidates who have an interest in ornamental commercial horticulture, especially with an emphasis on the bedding, container, pot plant and cut flower sectors. The David Colegrave Foundation Scholarship Season is open now until 31 January 2020 and colleges are encouraged to get their students applying. To apply visit www.davidcolegravefoundation.org.uk
The Landscaper | Issue 243 | December 2019/January 2020 Winter Issue
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NEWS
Party for Perennial Party for Perennial 2020 Venue: Ev Bar & Restaurant, The Arches, 97-99 Isabella St, South Bank, London SE1 8DD Date: Thursday 23 January, 2020 Time: 7:30pm - 11:30pm Ticket price: £25 (including a glass of fizz on arrival and light bites). www.perennial.org.uk/party
Save the date and dig out your glad rags for Party for Perennial 2020. Join friends and colleagues from across the horticulture industry on Thursday 23 January, 2020 at the Ev Bar near London’s South Bank for an evening of fun and fundraising for Perennial. All proceeds from ticket sales and the raffle help Perennial support people in horticulture. Perennial offers a lifeline to people facing difficult times, providing practical and personal support designed around the needs of individuals and their family. The 2020 Party for Perennial is made possible thanks to generous sponsorship from Boningale Nurseries and Platipus Anchoring. Anita Bates, Perennial’s Director of Marketing and Development comments: “Our annual party in January has become a not-to-be-missed date in the diary. It’s a fun way to start the year with friends and colleagues and a great way to help us support more people in horticulture.”
ECHO Competition winner
Congratulations to Pawel Pietraszunski - winner of the Echo HCS-2810ESR single-sided hedge Echo chain saw in the recent Landscaper Magazine competition. On hearing the news Pawel exclaimed “I'm in shock! You don't even know how happy I am!” Pawel and his wife, Roksana, graduated with a master's degree in landscape architecture and horticulture. They began their career in Poland, where Pawel explains they had a "baptism of fire" with their first jobs. To further their experience they moved to the UK, and set up business in west London, where they found people in the industry and clients to be so friendly, and in Pawel’s words, “honest”. Their company, Paul Parsley and Wife, offer all landscaping services, and their passion for horticulture and design helps grow their business.
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NEWS
APL WorldSkills UK Champion revealed The winners of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) WorldSkills Landscaping competition were announced at WorldSkills UK LIVE, which took place in November at the NEC Birmingham. Gold went to Nick Bundy of Gadd Brothers Trees and Landscapes and Jamie Franklin, Wiltshire College, Lackham took home the Silver, with Marc Brown from College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) taking the Bronze. The first of four days was a training and familiarisation day, then the competitors had 16 hours to individually build a garden from scratch designed by Holly Youde from Urban Landscape Design. During the final competitors were marked on elements such as paving provided by Marshalls, planting with plants provided by J A Jones, lighting provided by Landscapeplus, health and safety and the overall appearance of the garden. The final also included a plant ident created by North West based nurseries J A Jones, designed to test the competitors plant knowledge. Judges for the competition included Head Judge and APL General Manager Phil Tremayne, Steve Smith of Shore Landscapes, and 2011 WorldSkills UK Silver medal winner and International training manager, Simon Abbott. The APL also hosted the Horticulture Inclusive Skills competition on the Saturday of the show, won by David Jones, Pembrokeshire College. Kevin Stubbs took silver and Dean Roberts took bronze, both from Highbury College, Portsmouth. Inclusive Skills Competitions enable young people with learning difficulties and disabilities to
Left to right: Simon Abbott, Nick Bundy, Phil Tremayne
showcase their work skills and growing independence. The competitors were tasked with preparing and planting a raised border, which was then judged by Head Judge Nick Atkinson of Oldham College and Lee Price of Myerscough College, and sponsored by J A Jones. The APL would like to thank sponsors Dickies, GroundsCare Products, J A Jones, Landscapeplus, Makita and Marshalls for their support of the competition, without whom this would not be possible. APL WorldSkills UK 2020 opens for entries in March, but you can register your interest now at https://www. worldskillsuk.org/champions/national-skills-competitions/ express-your-interest-in-worldskills-uk-competitions-2020 For more information about the WorldSkills UK and what they do, visit https://www.worldskillsuk.org/
Agrovista UK Limited to acquire Maxwell Amenity An agreement has been reached between Agrovista and the majority shareholders of Maxwell Amenity, for an acquisition that is expected to conclude in the next couple of months. Upon completion, Maxwell Amenity and Sherriff Amenity, the professional turf and landscape division of Agrovista, are to join forces. This merger will bring together two of the most experienced and progressive teams in the professional turf sector.
Commenting on the announcement, Managing Director of Agrovista UK, Chris Clayton says: “The acquisition is an exciting opportunity to grow the sales of amenity products by Agrovista through acquiring a business which is complementary to our current amenity business, Sherriff Amenity. “The acquisition will allow Agrovista to extend its reach into customer channels in which it is currently underrepresented and better leverage the combined cost and asset base of both businesses.”
The Landscaper | Issue 243 | December 2019/January 2020 Winter Issue
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NEWS MD of Maxwell Amenity, Dave Saltman, stated, “We are very excited about the merger; both our teams have highly qualified and knowledgeable staff. Together with the greater research and product development support available, the new business will be a leading force in the professional turf sector, providing all customers with an even greater level of service.”
Agrovista UK to acquire Maxwell Amenity
Johnsons celebrates a bumper year Johnsons of Whixley, one of the UK’s leading commercial nurseries, has enjoyed its most successful year of trading since the company was founded almost 100 years ago. The North Yorkshire-based company saw turnover rise to £14.3m – up more than two million on the original forecast – with almost 400 new customers on the books and seven million plants sold. In addition, Johnsons, which has sites in Whixley, Cattal and Roecliffe, has recently won 'Family Business of the Year' and overall ‘Business of the Year’ as well as being shortlisted for ‘Large Business of the Year’ at the York Press Business Awards which took place in November. The company has invested significantly in both its equipment and workforce. The Newlands and Roecliffe sites have undergone considerable expansion works costing around £160,000, with a new poly tunnel to hold up to 60,000 plants at any one time and a 3,200 sq metre bed to accommodate a further 180,000 plants. Earlier this year, the business invested £70,000 in a new retail line while 19 new employees have joined the team. During 2019, Johnsons has supplied stock for several high-profile residential schemes, including a development of almost 1,000 concept apartments in Salford and Spinning Acres, a £40m collection of homes within a secluded conservation area in Leeds.
The company provided plants worth more than £140,000 for the multi-million pound Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA). The £333m development opened this year and includes an arena, conference halls, a multi-purpose space, hotels and more. Other significant plant supplies have been to major infrastructure schemes along the A50 in Staffordshire and the A6 in Northern Ireland, and to amenities such as the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens, Holyrood Palace and Hirst Park, Northumberland. Group managing director Graham Richardson said the company was in a strong position heading into 2020: “This year has been very successful, with 17,000 invoiced orders and the despatch of approaching seven million trees and shrubs. “As we look ahead to the coming year we aim to try and hold on to sales successes of this year – our budgets assume a small reduction in sales because of Brexit and the fact that our exposure to imported stock could hit us particularly hard in at least the first three months. “We have already committed a lot of time and money to our Brexit plans, but as well as having no crystal ball, it is impossible to have any influence over the final outcome. However, our business is in a strong position to cope with a downturn or seize on new opportunities alike, so while the coming months remain unclear, we are confident that our recent successes will be maintained and in time surpassed.”
Staff at Johnsons of Whixley
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NEWS
Groundcare courses launched by LANTRA LANTRA, a leading awarding body for training in the land based industries, recently launched its new groundcare courses at SALTEX 2019. The exhibiting team met with a number of existing Lantra instructor/assessors and received an impressive number of enquiries from landscaping and pesticide professionals who were interested in our training and qualifications. Along with the positive responses to the Groundcare training, the team were also approached by new industry professionals looking to become instructors with Lantra. Likewise, existing instructors also popped by the stand to ask about adding new skill areas across the landscaping and pesticide sectors. The team are now currently following up the event with a number of leads. Market Development Manager at Lantra, David Fisher comments: “We had a great response to the new suite of training courses with plenty of interest from individuals booking onto courses. There was a real buzz around the event, with a great positivity from people who had attended Lantra training.” Lantra develops high quality specialist training for landbased sectors and its courses are recognised by industry for their quality and technical content.
The LANTRA team at SALTEX 2019
Looking for skilled Instructors The organisation is currently looking for skilled and experienced industry experts to join our team as instructors to deliver courses in areas such as ATVs, tractor driving, 4X4s, pesticides and lift trucks. As a freelance Instructor, you’ll have the freedom of working for yourself but with the full support of the Lantra team and our high-quality training materials behind you. Once you’ve been approved, you can literally work where and when you want. The more areas you’re skilled in, the more work you’ll get. To find our more contact the Instructor Network Team on 02476 696 996 or visit www.lantra.co.uk/work
Technical Instructors Wanted • Are you a technical expert in the agricultural sector? • Do you work in or would you consider a career move into training? • Do you want to earn c£250* a day as a Freelance Training Instructor? Answered yes to any of these questions? Then read on... Lantra develops high quality specialist training for landbased sectors. Our courses are recognised by industry for their quality and technical content. We’re currently looking for skilled and experienced industry experts to join our team as Instructors to deliver our courses in areas such as ATVs, tractor driving, 4X4s, pesticides and lift trucks.
We’ll make it as easy as possible for you to expand your skills base and even if you’ve no previous ‘teaching’ experience, we can offer you fast track training at reduced prices. If you think you’ve got what it takes to inspire, motivate and bring our courses to life, contact our Instructor Network Team on 02476 696 996 or visit www.lantra.co.uk/workus to ind out what’s involved.†
As a freelance Instructor, you’ll have the freedom of working for yourself but with the full support of the Lantra team and our high-quality training materials behind you. Once you’ve been approved, you can literally work where and when you want. The more areas you’re skilled in, the more work you’ll get. *Day rate of £250 based on national average for typical course delivery. † Terms and conditions apply.
Lantra, Lantra House, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, CV8 2LG
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AWARDS
BALI awards Ground Control highest accolade for The Children’s Garden at Kew BALI Registered Contractor Ground Control has been awarded the British Association of Landscape Industries’ (BALI) prestigious Grand Award at the 43rd BALI National Landscape Awards 2019 for The Children’s Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It was entered into the Community and Schools Development category. For the first significant development within the Kew Gardens estate for over a decade, Ground Control developed the initial design concept, engaged with Kew’s visitors, local community groups and larger public organisations before transforming a large under-used area into a unique play and learning space. This year’s BALI National Landscape Awards’ Adjudicators, led by Chair of the Adjudication Panel John Melmoe, jointly commented, “The quality of the finish on this hard and soft landscaping scheme is absolutely superb. The contractor has embraced the design and created an amazing play and learning space for children, complete with a beautifully constructed oak tree circle walkway, meticulously installed play equipment, carefully sited rockery boulders, and a skillfully laid plethora of different surfacing including artificial grass, composite boarding, gravel pathways and safety surfacing. This is landscaping at its very best and a worthy winner of this year’s BALI Grand Award.” Other notable wins came from BALI Registered Designer Rosemary Coldstream MBALI who won three Principal Awards, two for her Modern Garden Hampstead and one for Copper Courtyard whilst BALI Registered Contractor Blakedown Landscapes (SE) won a Principal Award for the Venetian Waterways, Great Yarmouth and was also the recipient of two Special Awards; Best Community Involvement for the aforementioned project and Outstanding Memorial for Cannon Hill
Park, Birmingham - Sousse and Bardo Memorial. BALI Registered Contractor Bridgman & Bridgman also received a Special Award for Best First Time Entrant and BALI Registered Contractor NAO Landscapes took home a Special Award for Best Newcomer to BALI. This year also saw several records broken, including the most entries received in the last 10 years, the highest number of first-time entries at 51 and 34 International entries ever received. Sport and lifestyle presenter Mark Durden-Smith played host for the afternoon’s proceedings in front of more than 1,000 BALI VIPs, members and guests, including Adam White MBALI, President and Fellow of the 'Royal Chartered' Landscape Institute and BALI Registered Designer; Chair of the Society of Garden Designers, Sarah Morgan; Rod Winrow, Chairman of the Association of Professional Landscapers; Sue Biggs CBE, Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society and Gerald Bonner, President of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIOH). BALI’s Chief Executive Wayne Grills concludes: “Once again I am delighted that the level of quality and professionalism demonstrated at our 43rd Awards is set at the highest possible level. Our well-deserved Grand Award winner for 2019, Ground Control, seriously impressed adjudicators who recognised their outstanding contribution to landscaping with a flawlessly executed standard of workmanship and professionalism in The Children’s Garden scheme” A full list of award-winners is available at www.baliawards.co.uk Benefitting from a collection at the event, this year’s chosen charities were Perennial and the BALI Chalk Fund who will both split £4,905 between them.
The Landscaper | Issue 243 | December 2019/January 2020 Winter Issue
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THE WILD FLOWER SPECIALIST ENDORSED BY ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW
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Tel: 01256 771222 Email: wildflower@wildflowerturf.co.uk @wildflowerturf www.linkedin.com/company/wildflower-turf-ltd www.facebook.com/wildflowerturf1 Photo from: Hendy Curzon – hendycurzon.com/
FEATURE
Industry update: Changes ahead Greg Bedson reports on how innovations and technology are bringing changes to how people work in the landscaping industry The year is 1999, Lance Armstrong wins his first Tour de France, the threat of the Millennium Bug causes worldwide panic across the globe, and then quietly in a corner of southern England the first seeds are sown for the launch of The Landscaper Magazine. Fast forward 20 years - Armstrong has long been stripped of all his medals, the Y2K bug failed to bite, but The Landscaper Magazine continues to thrive and keeps the presses printing as it continues to report on industry news and on new products as they hit the market. Much has changed within the landscaping industry since this magazine’s inception, perhaps most notably, for better or worse, the technological advances. For example, not many of us would have foreseen a time when sports pitches
and golf courses would be cut by a robotic lawn mower, controlled using a mobile phone. Or even more remarkably, that garden designers would be able to use virtual reality and augmented reality to show clients a scaled proposed design right before their eyes, standing in the space as though it exists in real life. For many landscapers, the smart phone has become one of the most fundamental tools in the van. Photos can easily be taken on site - useful for reference or portfolio purposes. For showing clients and colleagues work achieved. Invoices can be generated at the touch of a button, online orders can be placed on site, and it’s now easier than ever for those who have to travel to new clients in unfamiliar locations with the use of Apps like Google Maps.
Conquest APL Apprentice Day. credit Ginger Hortticulture
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FEATURE Furthermore, smart technology can enhance fleet management such as the latest from STIHL Connected. This gives professional users a detailed overview of key power tool data via a portal in order to enhance maintenance programmes and fleet management efficiencies. However, the instantaneous way we now run our businesses can also have adverse affects – clients often expect immediate responses to their emails at any given hour; staff members who get distracted by their phone could pose both a safety risk and have an effect on performance. There is also the danger of becoming that bit too reliant on our phone, so that when the battery runs out or signal fails, schedules can be negatively affected. Size of the industry Data from Oxford Economics, suggests there were 196,300 workers helping to deliver landscaping services in 2017, with £2.4 billion spent on the services that gardeners and landscapers provide. But there is still room for improvement on these statistics.
According to Phil Tremayne, APL General Manager, there has never been a better time to choose landscaping as a career with, “opportunities for keen and dedicated individuals in abundance.” Treymane does acknowledge however, that training the next generation creates a different scenario. “Colleges have courses, but as numbers have dwindled over the years many of these have closed or have been combined with general horticulture. The lack of time at the colleges and the need to ensure that Maths and English GCSE are covered also means that practical experience on the courses is limited. This is not the colleges' fault, this is just circumstance,” he says. Treymane goes on to say that many employers do not have the time or resources to train on-site, leading to “young, keen individuals not progressing as fast as they could.” Earlier this year, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) raised concerns about the declining interest in the industry, with Sue Biggs, the society’s Director General,
Husqvarna robotic mower distributed by autocrat.co.uk
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FEATURE stating that gardening needs to be taught in schools to reverse the trend of generations of children who are growing up disconnected from nature or she states, “we won’t have enough gardeners to keep the 22 million gardens in this country going, and that will only make environmental issues worse. This concern of a decline in interest in the industry has been mirrored in a recent report from the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) which highlights the fall in the number of young people entering a career in Groundsmanship. It points to a need to invest more in training, so that we have enough professionals to maintain the sports pitches that are in increasing demand. (See full report on page 20). Other reports, notably Horticulture Matters has found that 70 percent of businesses say that they struggle to find the skilled workers they require and 83% put this down to the poor perception of horticulture in schools and colleges. It’s not necessarily all doom and gloom for the next generation of landscapers though. Treymane explains that the block release format of the APL apprenticeship gives the apprentice the opportunity to hit the ground running. This linked with show garden experience and WorldSkills UK he says, “is producing some of the best young talents in the industry.” “Other initiatives have started to come to the fore. The industry has recognised the gap in training and APL members like Mark Youde of Urban Landscapes in Cheshire have built their own Landscape Academy, which is delivering standard courses for APL and some excellent bespoke classes for companies. Steve Smith of Shore Landscapes has been delivering bespoke courses for members on the south coast.” There is a real appetite to train and a willingness to do it and it is hoped that with these initiatives, the industry can display a far more fluid career path and entice applicants into this career. Career path, training and diversity in work all build good retention in the industry. It is accepted that some who train will move on and start their own businesses however this shouldn’t be frowned upon, they are the employers of the future. Impact on the environment As society becomes better informed and more aware of the environmental impact of our actions, those within the industry are coming under increasing pressure to think twice about their carbon footprint and make strides
Smart technology: STHIL Connected
to become more sustainable. There is a green revolution currently underway within pitchcare, with some football clubs taking the lead from Forest Green Rovers FC (apparently the world’s greenest football club in the world). Here, the club boasts of a pesticide and herbicide free pitch that is maintained using a GPS-directed electric lawnmowers. In past issues of The Landscaper Magazine, we have given a nod to Forest Green’s efforts and have also discussed some of the advances that the wider industry is making in a bid to become greener; switching from petrol to cordless power tools, producing recyclable plant pots; green-keepers adopting a ‘no-mow’ approach to certain areas of the golf course and football clubs collecting and re-using rainwater to water the pitches. These are positive signs that the industry is moving in the right direction, however there are further changes we all can and need to make to stay ahead of the game and provide the service consumers will become to expect in the near future.
The Landscaper | Issue 243 | December 2019/January 2020 Winter Issue
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IOG REPORT
Recruitment and skills shortage are a ticking time bomb warns the IOG The footballing achievements of England’s Lionesses and the men’s one day cricket team may have inspired another generation of players this summer and with sports participation - by all ages and abilities – being encouraged on a national scale, the demand for safe, natural turf pitches is set to increase. However, recent independent research by the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) has identified concerning facts that will impact on the opportunities to play sport on well-maintained natural turf pitches. Research findings highlight the fact that the number of young people embarking on a career in groundsmanship is in decline – and with over 40% of the workforce over the age 50, this is a worrying trend. The report also shows that investment is urgently needed in adequate training and education to ensure groundscare professionals and volunteers are able to maintain safe, quality standard pitches to allow for increased demand for sports participation now and in the future. As a result of these findings, the IOG has launched the Grounds4Sport campaign that calls on Government, sports bodies and industry to work together to bring about change, and to invest in natural turf pitches and the people who maintain them.
“Local authority austerity and budget cuts have had, and continue to have, a damaging effect on grassroots grass pitches” Grounds4Sport (visit www.iog.org for more details) is targeted to give natural turf sports provision the re-boot it needs. The campaign will work to create: • Better pitches • More investment • More and better trained and qualified groundspeople • Raise the status of the profession. According to the findings of the IOG’s industry-wide survey ‘Groundsmanship – Sports Vital Profession’, the
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UK sports turf groundscare sector employs more than 26,000 people, is supported by at least 37,000 volunteers and is worth more than a staggering £1 billion a year to the economy. But the research also highlights areas of concern that, if not addressed, are a ticking time bomb for the industry. “Local authority austerity and budget cuts have had, and continue to have, a damaging effect on grassroots grass pitches,” says the IOG’s chief executive Geoff Webb. “The steady deterioration in the quality and the overplay of many pitches is impacting on the playing programmes of some sports,” he adds. The research findings show that two of every five grounds professionals are over 50 years old and 20% of those could retire within five years. With less than one in five groundscare staff below the age of 30 and our discovery that some employers are choosing not to recruit new, replacement staff when an existing member leaves or retires, we have a crisis looming,” says Geoff. He continues: “The time bomb issue doesn’t just apply to professionals. Our research identified that over two thirds of community grounds volunteers are over 60 and almost all are over 50. We applaud the commitment of these volunteers, and we are grateful of the support of our partners The Football Association, the Football Foundation and the England & Wales Cricket Board, but volunteers need more help, support and training.” These are just some of the revelations from the IOG’s research which also reveals that the turf industry (in England and Wales alone) plays a significant role in the economy with: • A direct staffing paybill (including on-costs) of around £588 million plus the volunteers’ in-kind paybill of more than £120 million; • An operating budget (including grassroots and local government contractors) of around £478 million; • A capital expenditure of around £600 million over the past five years; and • Supports almost 5,000 businesses which employ at least 37,000 people. Conducted by Myriad Consulting and Doran Consultancy,
IOG REPORT IOG chief executive Geoff Webb
the comprehensive survey involved desktop research (including Sport England’s Active Places database and information from sports’ national governing bodies), in addition to an online survey and one-to-one interviews across sports played on grass/artificial surfaces, as well as horse racing. It involved grounds staff/greenkeepers (professionals and volunteers) at all levels, from grassroots through to elite stadia. Responses were also attained from the education sector including colleges and local authorities. Geoff Webb again: “The research highlights a number of issues which the sector – and the IOG - are already addressing. For example, some respondents (particularly those from the volunteer sector) raised concerns over the availability, accessibility and cost of training. The IOG has recently published its Prospectus which details all the cost-effective options, including on-site and ‘distance’ learning routes. “And the budgetary restrictions that are affecting the maintenance – and therefore the quality and carrying capacity [matches played on] of grassroots pitches – are being addressed not only by The Football Association’s initiatives that include Parklife and the Pitch Improvement Programme, but also by work by the national governing bodies and local authorities to transfer the responsibility of more pitches to clubs and volunteers. Indeed, in some instances, councils are offering to give rent relief where clubs take on maintenance responsibilities. “Of course, the IOG-led Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme (GaNTIP), which is grant- funded by the Football Foundation, The Football Association and the England & Wales Cricket Board, and supported by Sport England, is also actively delivering pitch assessments and training for volunteers (and professionals) at all levels, while the IOG’s National Framework for Natural Turf pitch grading programme will prove an indispensable educational tool for grounds staff from grassroots sites to elite sporting venues. “The report also highlights how recruitment, especially of young people, is a critical issue and it must be said that while the Young IOG initiative is increasingly spreading the word among schoolchildren about careers in groundscare
– especially through its Schools into Stadia programme - it is clear that everyone in the industry must also do more to ensure we have a ‘pipeline’ of competent grounds staff to meet demands at every level.” Importantly, too, the research shows that almost a quarter of head grounds staff feel stressed or under pressure from inadequate budgets, increasing commercial pressures and an unmanageable workload.
“Concerns are raised over the availability, accessibility and cost of training.” Concluding, Geoff adds: “These are just some of the subjects raised by the survey – not forgetting the issues of diversity and pay discrepancy voiced by some respondents, as well as concerns over climate change and water management – that not only the IOG but the industry as a whole needs to address if we are to continue to produce grounds people and playing surfaces that are the envy of the world.”
The Landscaper | Issue 243 | December 2019/January 2020 Winter Issue
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SALTEX 2019 REVIEW
Records broken at SALTEX 2019 It was a record breaking two days for SALTEX 2019, as more than 500 brands displayed to around 9,104 visitors over the two day exhibition.
A record breaking SALTEX 2019 saw over 9,000 visitors
Visitors packed the halls to see the latest technologicallyadvanced innovations in grounds management. The show attracted visitors from the UK and abroad working in or involved with groundscare, sports turf, amenities, estates and green-space management. SALTEX College Cup The SALTEX College Cup competition, sponsored by Toro and Reesink, demonstrated just how well young groundscare students are being academically prepared for careers in the industry. The Myerscough College team saw off competition from four other colleges to win this year’s trophy and can now look forward to a visit to Real Madrid’s Bernabéu Stadium where the winning students will get the opportunity to learn from Paul Burgess, director of grounds and environment for the Spanish footballing giants.
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ECO Village The competition was just a number of show attractions and the new Eco Village indoor demonstration area made a storming debut. In a dedicated area on the show floor the Eco Village featured a programme of daily product demonstrations which featured cutting-edge sustainable technology by Fleet Line Markers, STIHL UK, Overton UK, Avant Tecno, Cub Cadet, Linddana, Husqvarna, Allett Mowers and Sherriff Amenity in front of a large crowd of show attendees. SALTEX Innovation award This year’s SALTEX Innovation Award also caught the eye of many. From robotics to hybrid mowers, ground printers to state-of-the-art irrigation, grow lights to line trimmers – visitors had the opportunity to see the record-breaking 34 entries on the show floor.
SALTEX 2019 REVIEW
those demonstrating in the Eco Village, exhibitors such as Pellenc, John Deere, Ego, Ryetec, Demon International, AMS Robotics, McConnel and Dennis Mowers all used SALTEX to launch new robotic and battery-powered products. “These innovations have low vibrations, are environmentally friendly and great for health and safety – all things that help people on the ground like me. It’s great to see so many of these machines in one place,” says John Ryan, founder of the Lawn Care Legends online
INFINICUT® SM34 rotary mower
The three stand-out innovations were – the Forza 360° football goal wheels from Net World Sports, the BU50 grow lighting system from SGL and the INFINICUT® SM34 rotary mower from MTD Specialty Turf Products. The three finalists were given a final opportunity to impress the judges as they took to the stage and the INFINICUT® SM34 rotary mower was pronounced the overall winner. Second place went to SGL and third place went to Net World Sports. The INFINICUT® gained rave reviews with the panel of judges claiming that it “has taken the rotary mower into the 21st century,” and that “the revolutionary introduction of a side collector has allowed for rollers, not wheels, thus eliminating wheel marks on the turf.” An increasing number of manufacturers on the show floor were also showcasing eco-friendly products. As well as
networking community. Commenting on the effects of the record-breaking attendance at this year’s show, many exhibitors thought that a large proportion of visitors to their stands were highquality buyers with serious intent. “We’ve exhibited at a lot of shows in the past couple of years, but this has been the busiest show that I have ever experienced,” says Jordan Watson, grounds care field support for STIHL UK. Echoing Jordan’s comments, Les Malin, managing director of Etesia UK, says: “We’ve been a long-term exhibitor at SALTEX for over 20 years and I can honestly say that I cannot remember a show were we had so much activity and people on the stand right to the end of both days.” According to sales manager, George Potter, debut exhibitor JCB enjoyed a hugely successful first SALTEX experience: “We’ve had lots of people on the stand, a huge number of enquiries and quite a lot of demo requests, which has been great.” All eyes now turn towards SALTEX 2020 the exhibition’s 75th anniversary which returns to the NEC, Birmingham on 4 and 5 November, 2020. www.iogsaltex.com
The Landscaper | Issue 243 | December 2019/January 2020 Winter Issue
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SALTEX 2019 REVIEW
The very best in UK groundsmanship
Happy winners at the 2019 IOG Industry Awards
The passion, dedication and expertise of grounds staff from the professional and volunteer sector was honoured once again at the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) annual Industry Awards, which took place at The Vox, Resorts World at the Birmingham NEC on the first evening of SALTEX 2019. Dignitaries from the governing bodies of sport and influential sports administrators joined in with the sell-out event hosted by BBC TV presenter Dan Walker to recognise leadership, innovation and outstanding achievement across every aspect of groundscare – from grassroots pitches to professional stadia. The prestigious awards ceremony also celebrated the quality standards of groundscare achieved in public and private sports venues, and highlighted the progress of young/student grounds professionals as well as entrants’ environmental considerations.
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Commenting on this year's event, IOG chief executive Geoff Webb, says: “We’ve enjoyed a glorious year of professional sport, especially a summer of outstanding cricket, and this has highlighted the crucial role played by high-class playing surfaces – and, therefore, also our superb groundscare skills. “Our awards, however, also acknowledge the unstinting work of the army of volunteers who maintain grassroots pitches up and down the country, often on very limited budgets, to enable players of all abilities and ages to enjoy sport on well-prepared pitches.“Yet again we have seen how fantastic our profession is, and I applaud everyone and thank them for their efforts in creating playing surfaces that are the envy of the world.” For a full list of the 2019 IOG Industry award winners please visit the LandscaperMagazine.com
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www.ecogreencomposting.co.uk Tel: 01260 223273 The Landscaper | Issue 243 | December 2019/January 2020 Winter Issue
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SALTEX 2019 REVIEW
Top industry picks from SALTEX 2019 David Curtis seeks out his top picks from this year’s SALTEX 2019 for The Landscaper Magazine
Allett Uplift 86E
This is a new 82V li-ion battery powered stadium rotary mower, designed for debris collection. It features twin contra rotating blades for a high lift cut and vacuum for increased efficiency, while a full width rear roller produces perfect stripes. The cutting width is 86cm (34”) and there is a single point, robust and effortless height of cut adjustment between 20mm –50mm. A wide grass chute allows unimpeded grass collection and the moulded deck is constructed to optimise the airflow. The Uplift 86E power source is an 82V battery system, which features four quick change battery docking stations and the mower can use any number of batteries from one to four. Batteries can be charged in1.5 hours and are interchangeable with the C34E in the Allett range. The batteries connect to a phone app via Bluetooth enabling the operator to check battery life, battery temperature and even the batteries’ location. There are three brushless motors for maximum efficiency and reliability, two powering the blades and one powering the rear roller. The Uplift 86E is extremely quiet in operation with exceptionally low vibration. www.allett.co.uk Armorgard StrimmerSafe Landscapers, greenkeepers, groundsmen and contractors will find the Armorgard StrimmerSafe Rack upright storage system the ultimate protection for what are the most commonly stolen power tools.
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The multi-purpose rack keeps brush cutters, hedge cutters and chainsaws under high security with twin 5-lever deadlocks. The rack can be bolted to a wall for additional security.
With hardened steel plates and anti-jemmy features the rack is virtually impossible to break into. www.armorgard.co.uk ECHO PB-8010 Power Blower ECHO has launched the most powerful backpack power blower in its class. The PB-8010 is built for professionals and is part of the ECHO X Series “Best in Class” range, offering industry-leading power and performance. The blower’s 79.9cc two-stroke engine produces an air volume of1818m3/h, an airspeed of 94.5m/sec (211mph) and an industry-leading blowing force of 44N for better performance and increased productivity. Dry weight is just 11.2kg, which is made possible by the use of an innovative lightweight carbon fibre frame and fan case. This amount of power combined with lighter weight make the PB-8010 ideal for professional use in quickly clearing greater quantities of wet leaves and debris across large areas. In addition to the lightweight frame, the other key features
SALTEX 2019 REVIEW King Feeders mobile screener King Feeders launched their new Ecogreen compact mobile screener at SALTEX this year. A real breakthrough for landscaping and contracting groundscare businesses requiring compost and woodchip screening on the move.
to aid the operator and reduce fatigue include the cruisecontrol throttle, ventilated backpack pad, anti-vibration system and heavy-duty backstraps. These are ergonomically designed to give the user maximum control and all-day comfort. To make the user’s job even easier there is a heavyduty air filter which sits at the top of the unit, protecting the engine from dust and debris in the harshest conditions. www.echo-tools.co.uk EGO Power+ 45cm Chain Saw The new EGO Power+ 45cm Chain Saw screams innovation and power. A re-imagined chain tensioning system tightens the chain with the twist of a dial, with no need to take anything apart to get the chain set properly. This saw features an aggressive 45cm bar and chain for taking down large branches, stumps and tall trees. The bright LED headlights illuminate the cut when cutting at dusk or in an emergency and there is no access to lights.
The auto-tensioning eliminates the risk of manually setting the tension to be either too tight or too loose. If the chain is to tight, it will create more friction and the chainsaw becomes less efficient. If the chain is too loose, this can be a safety issue as the chain could come off. There is no need to take anything apart, it’s simply just twisting the dial and the tension will be perfect. www. egopowerplus.co.uk
The screener can be legally towed behind a typical 4x4 pick-up, or similar vehicle, with a 3.5 tonne capacity. It can be built to be trailer loaded, or it can be trailed with its own axle and draw bar. The innovative design offers the option of standard legs, where it can be easily moved by a fork-lift, or the screener can be supplied with hydraulic legs. The machine offers a simple, reliable and economic solution to a wide range of requirements, with a quick release screening drum and choice of meshes. The aggressive drum ensures fast, efficient operation with low running cost per tonne. The machine is easily driven by the PTO of a small compact tractor and it’s also available with diesel or electric drive. The hopper comes with a steel feed conveyor, so there is no need for the continual adjustment required with a rubber belt. The screener is compact for easy access into confined spaces, robust in construction, and suitable for one-man operation. www.ecogreencomposting.co.uk Rigby Taylor Remediact A concentrated microbial bio-remedial, hydrocarbon agent for mitigating and remediating the damage caused by fuel or oil spills on turf and soil. Rigby Taylor Remediact is an effective answer for the removal of a wide range of hydrocarbons on soil and grassed surfaces, helping maintain a clean and safe environment effectively and economically. Apply as a spray to the contaminated areas as soon as possible after spillage has been noticed at the rate of 100mls per litre of water to treat 10 sq. metres. The solution will start to breakdown and remediate hydrocarbons, inert gases and
The Landscaper | Issue 243 | December 2019/January 2020 Winter Issue
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SALTEX 2019 REVIEW heat immediately after application. This product contains no solvents, is non-hazardous, noninflammable, noncorrosive and non-caustic. The product is pH neutral, biodegradable and sustainable. Under CLP regulations, Liquid RT Remediact is not classified as hazardous and is available in an economical 1 litre bottle. www.rigbytaylor.com Scag’s V-Ride 32 Stand on Mower This stand-on compact machine offers ease of manoeuvre and clear view for the operator – ideal for intricate mowing areas. Because they are purpose-built for grass cutting, the Ride-On SCAG machines place the operator directly above the cutting deck. Onethe main features on the new V-Ride is that the revised configuration of the stand-on deck follows the same concept, placing the operator nearer the centre of the machine.
The machines are available through the STM dealership network. www.st-mach.com
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Weedingtech Foamstream Foamstream is the leading herbicide-free alternative used across the world for effective weed, moss and algae control. This ecologically safe, simple, patented process works by killing unwanted vegetation using heat delivered by nearboiling water, insulated by a biodegradable foam made from natural plant oils and sugars.
Organisations looking to reduce or remove their use of glyphosate from their weed control operations are increasingly turning to Foamstream. These typically include municipalities, green space contractors, utility companies and educational establishments seeking the best alternative to herbicides The solution is 99.5% water and 0.5% foam blend. The foam is the key element of the process as this provides an insulating blanket over the plant, holding the heat from the hot water in the desired kill-zone (57˚C and above) for longer than any other alternative thermal method. Foamstream provides effective heat transfer from leaf to root, sufficiently damaging the plant and causing it to die back. In addition, the treatment also sterilises any surrounding seeds and spores. No ongoing operator certification, training or specialist PPE is required. What’s more, the process is safe around people, animals, water and delicate environments. Foamstream is also multi-functional and while can be used to control vegetation it can also be used across departments as a cleaning solution for gum removal, power washing and sanitisation. www. weedingtech.co Wessex International: PolarOne PolarOne is a new range of professional salt and grit spreaders for winter maintenance, built in the UK by Wessex to take on the harshest winter conditions.
SALTEX 2019 REVIEW INFINICUT SM34 Mower This can mow in the traditional sense or be used as a stand-alone vacuum. In cut mode, the incorporation of both a front roller and rear traction roller means the SM34 delivers unsurpassed cut quality and a striping. The premium-grade, high carbon steel blades offer extended life and comes pre-balanced to exhibit less vibration, while the 34” cutting width combines the units lightweight design with better productivity. The technological advancements made with the SM34 saw it crowned the winner of the SALTEX 2019 Innovation Award. The judges explained how it has ‘taken the rotary mower as we know it into the 21st century’ – ticking the environmental box and utilising ‘the InfiniApp’ which makes deck height adjustment simple. The ‘introduction of a revolutionary side collector’ also impressed, giving the operator a more comfortable and practical working position. www.cubcadetturf.com The spreader is constructed using stainless steel components and fixings together with powder coating for anti-corrosion longevity. Durability and weight saving are also the thinking behind the self-supporting design of the polypropylene hopper and integral liquid brine tank. PolarOne can be trailer or vehicle-mounted. There are two models, the WS-900 (900L) and WS-1200 (1200L) and each has three options. • Model ST is a manually operated machine for those who just want a basic spreader, no speed control or data logging. • Model GT has all the functions of the standard machine but with the addition of GPS speed control. The system monitors changes in forward speed and spread widths to ensure precise application and minimal material wastage, for increased profitability. • The Commander has all the above with the addition of full telematics to remotely monitor the salt spreader back at base. The spreader is suited to a wide variety of vehicles with its adjustable spinner height coupled with a convenient fold up feature. The spread direction is easily adjusted to bias from left to right by moving the feed chute position and there’s a safety emergency stop. PolarOne’s extended auger design allows better weight distribution in the host vehicle and the large diameter auger, with delivery tunnel, manages the spreading of a large range of materials without blockages or leakage. www.wessexintl.com
The Landscaper | Issue 243 | December 2019/January 2020 Winter Issue
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GET SO MUCH MORE, FOR LESS...
More deck options, storage, efficiency, performance and specifications. With less vibration, noise, cost and complication. The New ISEKI SF224 mower offers the most economical way to cut grass commercially with high productivity, plus the added benefit of the new Stage V compliant 22.5hp engine, enabling you to save money on fuel costs and initial purchasing cost. With a range of rotary or flail decks to suit various sites and cutting cycles, plus the large storage box allowing you to take all your tools and rubbish bags with you, the SF224 helps you to be even more efficient with your time. Telephone 01473 599266 Contact your local dealer to book a demonstration today. sales@iseki.co.uk www.iseki.co.uk
VIEWPOINT
Creature comforts Greg Bedson contemplates how he can minimise the impact his work tools has on garden wildlife
I felt a huge pang of guilt the other week when my blower inadvertently whisked away hundreds of tiny habitats and earthbound creatures. I watched as the force of the gale unearthed a toad, turning its life, quite literally, upside down as its little body was thrown from its shelter, which was completely obliterated in less than a second. Of course I didn’t set out to harm the toad, nor any other creature that day. However according to the German government, who has declared that the machines should be avoided except for situations where they are “indispensable”, leaf blowers are partly responsible for the decline in insect populations. It seems the toad was in truth one of the lucky ones. Once I realised what I had done, I managed to pick the small reptile up and move it safely out of harms way. I would like to add that while the toad seemed fairly unperturbed by the whole episode it did get me thinking about the consequences of our winter chores.
"A few years ago I was stopped in my tracks, while clearing a client’s driveway, by an animal rights activist who attempted to pull the leaf blower from my hands..." The movement by the German government to reduce the use of garden machinery where possible, comes shortly after a report conducted by a group of Wildlife Trusts in the UK, which warned that bugs and insects are dying out eight times faster than larger animals and that 41 percent of insect species are now threatened with extinction worldwide. So how much of this devastation can be attributed to
the leaf blower? It is difficult to quantify however, they have long been one of the more controversial tools at the landscaper’s disposal for other reasons. Many argue they are too noisy, and in the case of petrol machines an unnecessary pollutant, when a rake or broom can be used instead. A few years ago I was stopped in my tracks, while clearing a client’s driveway, by an animal rights activist who attempted to pull the leaf blower from my hands, in order to instruct me on all the damage I was causing. While I did not approve of her approach, I felt she had a point and now make an effort to discuss with clients the merits of tolerating a some leaf and debris in small areas. In response to the sound and air pollution debate, I plan to upgrade to a much quieter, cordless version in the near future. We do have a responsibility to be more conscious of wildlife around us, especially in the colder months. Now may be a time to embark on clearance jobs - be it tidying up a golf course or in residential client’s garden, but it’s also the time of year when animals will be hibernating, or searching for food. Perhaps leaving a small pile of leaves in a quiet corner might provide the perfect habitat for a hedgehog not to mention numerous insects. The same applies to not clearing every single weed or dried stem in the winter beds – these can provide cover for nature’s six and eight legged gardeners. Finally, for the sake of hedgehogs if you are having a bonfire, make sure the spikey creature hasn’t mistaken the pile as its haven. It is estimated that the number of hedgehogs has plummeted by more than a half in the past 20 years and a staggering drop of 97 percent from the population in the 1950s.
The Landscaper | Issue 243 | December 2019/January 2020 Winter Issue
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BTME 2020
Turf’s heroes assemble for BTME
Europe’s premier exhibition and educational conference, BTME 2020 and the Continue to Learn education programme for turf professionals returns to Harrogate Convention Centre, Yorkshire from Sunday 19 to Thursday 23 January, 2020. Last year’s exhibition saw nearly 9,000 BIGGA members, turf managers, golf club owners, managers and industry decision makers pack into the centre to discover the latest products and innovations plus unrivalled networking opportunities, and the same is expected of this January's event. Says BIGGA Chief Executive Jim Croxton: “The golf industry is changing faster than ever with new rules, new technology and new challenges posed by the economy and our changing climate. At its heart BTME is about providing BIGGA members and the entire golf industry with the tools it needs to overcome any of the problems we face, to create a strong and more vibrant sport for generations to come. A trip to BTME gives visitors a chance to • Discover the latest trends in turf maintenance • Meet suppliers and make valuable new contacts • Get inspiration from the largest indoor turf management and groundscare exhibition in Europe • Revitalise your sporting venue with 1,000s of products and ideas • Gain a competitive advantage by being the first to purchase products exclusively launched at the show • Visit ten rooms of education theatres that will deliver
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more than 150 hours of education • Gain access to knowledgeable trainers from all over the world to help improve your professional education A taste of BTME 2020: BIGGA Welcome Celebration hosted by Naga Munchetty.
Broadcast journalist Naga Munchetty returns to present the BIGGA Welcome Celebration On the 21st January, BIGGA’s free-to-attend welcome event celebrates the achievements of BIGGA members and milestones from this year. During the event, which starts from 5.30pm, the winners of the BIGGA Awards will be announced, as will the winner of the inaugural BIGGA BIGGA Excellence in Communications
BTME 2020 Award, who will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Jacksonville, Florida, courtesy of Campey Turf Care. Green Room Podcast Live hosted by Curtis Tyrrell MG CGCS The Green Room Golf Course Podcast is BIGGA’s popular new audio offering, with host Karl Hansell bringing regular stories from around the industry. At BTME, former Ryder Cup superintendent Curtis Tyrrell MG CGCS – himself host of The Course Reports podcast – will be hosting a series of discussions in BTME’s Blue Zone. Topics for discussion on Tuesday 21st January are The Solheim Cup and the importance of volunteer support teams, The Open at Royal Portrush and advice on working overseas. Then on Wednesday 22nd Jan, Curtis and his expert guests will discuss water and its effects on golf operations, what it’s like working with the European Tour, meet BIGGA’s new president Colin Webber and the future role of automated machinery in the greenkeeping industry. Continue to Learn 2020 Once again, running alongside BTME will be BIGGA’s Continue to Learn education programme. Continue to Learn is the most comprehensive education programme for those
in the turf industry. Attracting more than 3,000 delegates, the programme features almost 80 individual education events and is held over four day. Continue to Learn 2020 will feature more than 250 hours of education delivered by over 90 speakers. Also look out for... The Sustainability Zone in association with the Golf Environment Organisation, the Golf Research Enterprise live turf laboratory with the STRI Group and a New Products Area, where the best new product at BTME 2020 will be selected. Once again, the BIGGA stand at BTME 2020 will be located in the Blue Zone and will give visitors to the show the opportunity to chat to members of BIGGA staff from about everything the association can do to support members, including benefits, volunteering opportunities and opportunities for career development.
• Find out who's exhibiting at this year's show at Landscapermagazine.com
• B ook your place at this year's event www.BTME.org.uk
Large or small, doesn’t matter. A compact that gets more jobs done. The T393 compact with manual or hydrostatic transmission and high capacity hydraulics gives you the ultimate workhorse, making easy work of most landscaping and parks maintenance tasks. And, with its vast range of attachments, you get a tractor that can do even more.
reesinkturfcare.co.uk Reesink Turfcare UK Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Images shown for illustration only.
The Landscaper | Issue 243 | December 2019/January 2020 Winter Issue
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LANDSCAPER'S CIRCLE
Since 2010 Paula Warman has run a landscaping business with her husband. Through their business journey they have perservered through the highs and the lows in the industry. Now Paula has set up a community, The Landscaper’s Circle, the only online platform exclusively for business owners in the landscaping industry to learn how to market and run their business better. Over the coming months Paula will be sharing her tips with The Landscaper Magazine
Make 2020 the BEST year for your business!
Follow these five simple steps to build an action plan for next year. As we continue through winter, it’s usually the time work slows down for landscaping businesses. With our minds on New Year’s resolutions, you may be wanting more customers, better staff or more profit. But how do you get there? 1. Set goals. What goals do you have for your business? These could focus on how much you want to bring into
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your business in 2020 (also known as turnover) and the profits you want to make on this. Alternatively, do you want to get off the tools, build more quality teams or win awards for your installations? It really is down to you and your vision for the company. 2. Brain dump all tasks. Goals are just a wish without a plan, so map out a solid plan of action, broken down into easy steps. This is so we can spread these smaller,
LANDSCAPER'S CIRCLE
top tip here is to have a diary or planner where you can map out your actions and deadlines throughout the year. 4. Consistency is key. Small consistent actions lead to goals being fulfilled and you feeling good about your achievements. Every day ensure that you’re doing one thing that moves your business towards your goals. For staff, it could be as simple as ‘Monday – Decide role title’ then ‘Tuesday – Decide responsibilities’.
manageable tasks throughout the year, avoiding overwhelm and ensuring you are consistently working towards your goals. For example, if you have a turnover goal of £500,000 then divide this into monthly and weekly money targets. Convert these money targets into the number of customers you need to achieve this. You can work this out based on your customers’ average spend (project value). Or maybe your goal is to hire more staff to grow the business. If so, list all the tasks you need to complete, write a job description, decide terms and conditions and pay, have a contract, write an advert, post the advert (across various platforms), review applicants, interview and then hire. Often, it’s a bigger process than you think and making a brain dump of all the large and small tasks makes step 3 a lot easier! 3. Have timelines in place. For every task you mapped out in your brain dump, you now need to decide on completion dates. This is essential to keep you on track towards your bigger goals. If there are no timelines in place, you may push things to tomorrow and vital tasks won’t get finished. Our
Alternatively, if your goal is to get more customers, make sure that every day you’re either responding to enquiries, tweaking the marketing you’re running or following up on quotes. Just by spending 30 minutes to an hour solely focusing on an action, you can move your business in the right direction and start achieving your goals we set out in step one. 5. Mindset. Have you got your mind in the game? A huge factor in completing your daily tasks is your mindset. Training your mind to believe in your dreams and vision gives you a much higher chance of achieving your goals. It’s a proven concept that your beliefs play a pivotal role in determining your success, with mindset focusing on beliefs, associated thoughts and feelings. If you can change your thoughts, you change your feelings and that alters the way you view the situations and challenges you face. This new view allows you to focus on overcoming these challenges instead of dwelling on them and take opportunities when they are given to you. You will feel better for this and act from a place of belief and positivity which leads to better results. The key is deciding; deciding to choose a better way to look at things, to decide to be open to ideas, to decide to work on your mindset pro-actively. Ways to improve your mindset – do something that changes your state and elevates your mood, for example exercise helps with both. You can also listen to podcasts, music, motivational speeches or audio books that interest you. Journal, visualise, meditate, yoga – anything that will give you time to yourself and improves your mindset. You only need 5 minutes at the start and end of each day to make a significant difference. Don’t dismiss how powerful the mind can be. These are the first 5 steps we use for planning our business and hope this helps you get started on visualising your 2020. Enjoy this Christmas downtime with loved ones and start thinking about your goals for the coming year. Thelandscaperscircle.co.uk
The Landscaper | Issue 243 | December 2019/January 2020 Winter Issue
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GROUNDSCARE & TURF
ICL Launches residual herbicide ICL has announced the launch of LockStar - a new residual, pre-emergent total herbicide for vegetation management in the UK. LockStar arrives at a time when public green spaces, amenity areas and transportation infrastructure are all coming under increasing pressure from reduced budgets, weed infestations and a reduction in chemical solutions available on the market. This new herbicide will keep areas such as these weed-free, functional and visually pleasing. Developed for use on natural surfaces not intended to bear vegetation, permeable surfaces overlying soil and railway ballast, LockStar controls a broad spectrum of weeds and has an innovative, long-lasting formula which allows for professional and safe weed control. The formula contains diflufenican and iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium - which is the first new weed control active ingredient to be released in the UK for many years. When applied before germination LockStar creates a dual barrier at the soil surface ensuring that soil is kept weed-free for up to four months. To control weeds that are already present, LockStar should be tank-mixed with glyphosate or a fatty acid. Plants can become resistant to active ingredients within products with the same mode of action, which is why LockStar features these two different active ingredients. Affecting plants in multiple ways, they give increased
longevity compared to products with a single mode of action – useful for users undertaking a resistance management programme. LockStar, available in a 500g pack, uses the latest generation of water dispersible granules, which means the product quickly dissolves in water and remains stable in the spray tank for a minimum of 24 hours. Compared to conventional weed management programmes, LockStar ICL launches LockStar – a new residual, keeps surfaces clean and pre-emergent total herbicide for vegetation management weed-free for longer, as well as reducing the number of applications and amounts of herbicide required. LockStar should be applied at a rate of 500g/ha between February and June, with just a single application per season. www.icl-sf.co.uk
Grangers no strangers to Toro Marking a 20-year relationship Grangers Ground Maintenance, based in Hitchin, has taken delivery of two new Toro machines. The company, which provides services to local authorities and associations, has chosen two Toro zero-turn rotary mowers for grounds contracts . Martin picked the Groundsmaster 7210 with durable heavy-duty seven-gauge deck construction and the industry’s toughest spindle assembly for guaranteed longevity and the Z Master 7000 for its multi-use productivity. This joins the Toro STX Stump Grinder already part of Grangers Ground Maintenance’s fleet. “We chose the Z Master 7000 because it really impressed us at a demonstration,” Martin says. “It’s an incredibly wellbuilt machine with an impressive ground speed that allows it to cover a lot of area quickly. The biggest benefit though is probably its size – as a smaller model it’s able to get into
some tighter spaces and manoeuvre within them effectively. We’ve been able to use it in places where we’d normally be using a walk behind mower, so it’s saved us time and made the team more productive! “And it’s the perfect combination of the quality of Toro machines and the excellent back up service from distributor Reesink Turfcare that sees this relationship continuing, says Martin. With the benefits that both Toro and Reesink bring, Martin says there’s never a doubt in his mind when it comes to choosing Toro. “They can provide what other competitors can’t,” Martin concludes. “From the technical side with benefits like hydraulic lift on decks which other brands lack, to always knowing where you are with Reesink. Everything about Toro and Reesink Turfcare is brilliant.”
The Landscaper | Issue 243 | December 2019/January 2020 Winter Issue
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Woodchippers & Stump Grinders Sales, Service & Hire
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ARBORIST
Timberwolf joins Made in Britain initiative
Production Line at Timberwolf
The UK’s leading manufacturer of professional wood chippers, Timberwolf, has been recognised as a member of the Made in Britain organisation. Accredited to businesses selling goods that have been manufactured or have undergone a final substantial change in Britain before sale, Made in Britain is the official collective mark for British manufacturers. From its purpose-built manufacturing facility in Stowmarket, Suffolk, Timberwolf specialises in the design and manufacture of professional wood chippers for the arboricultural and horticultural sectors. Chris Perry, Manging Director at Timberwolf, said: “Timberwolf wood chippers have become renowned in the UK and in export markets for engineering excellence. “Everyone at Timberwolf works incredibly hard to deliver unbeatable power and performance from every machine and to be a part of a collective promoting British engineering is very important to us.” Timberwolf machines are designed in-house by a team of nine engineers and the company is committed to inspiring future generations to work in the Engineering and Manufacturing industries through supporting six in-house apprentices as well as attending local career fairs. An innovative business approach is at the heart
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of Timberwolf’s success and longevity and is clearly demonstrated by its position as the only UK manufacturer in its sector to use a flow line system, increasing flexibility and efficiency through production. The company is committed to helping support local suppliers with more than a quarter of suppliers located within 25 miles of Timberwolf’s Stowmarket base, and 50% of suppliers within 75 miles. In addition, almost 90% of externally sourced components are supplied by Britishbased companies, with over 60% of components from within a 100-mile radius. Timberwolf’s success and commitment to innovation drew the attention of the London Stock Exchange Group who, in 2019, identified Timberwolf in their ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ report. “We have seen strong growth in our Export markets over the last 5 years and we now export nearly 50% of our machines outside of the UK,” says Chris. “British Manufacturing and Engineering excellence is valued highly in international markets and the addition of the Made in Britain mark, which our products will wear with pride, will help strengthen our ambitious international trade goals and let any customer know that their machine is made to the very highest of standards.”
ARBORIST
Hillier Trees re-elms the British Countryside To coincide with National Tree Week in November, a number of Staffordshire dignitaries and guests from across the horticultural industry celebrated as a stand of 20 elm trees was planted at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The event marked the first official planting as part of Hillier Trees’ campaign; ‘re-elming the British countryside’. The campaign to re-elm the British countryside follows on from the devastating loss of almost the entire UK population of elms to Dutch elm disease in the 1960s. With more than 30 million mature elm trees wiped out, many nature lovers have never had the opportunity to marvel at an elm growing in the wild. Guests were welcomed by Philippa Rawlinson, Managing Director of the National Memorial Arboretum, and Adam Dunnett, Amenity Sales Director at Hillier. Both spoke passionately about the importance of trees and in particular of preserving the country’s native trees, which give so much to the environment. Adam Dunnett, Amenity Sales Director at Hillier, says: “The campaign was first unveiled by Dame Judi Dench at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May 2019. Dame Judi is a passionate advocate for trees and spoke movingly about the loss of elms in her own garden when she was younger. The Arboretum planting marks another milestone moment; the first official elm trees planted as part of the campaign.” Philippa Rawlinson, managing director of the National Memorial Arboretum, adds: “It is fitting that the Arboretum is the first location, being such a nationally important, year-round centre of Remembrance. Home to over 350 memorials, the 150acre site also features around 30,000 trees with an abundance of wildlife as a growing, living tribute to those who have served, suffered or sacrificed their lives.” Hillier Trees has been working in partnership with specialist elm breeders in the USA and Europe for decades to develop a new, disease-resistant elm species. This work has led to the creation of a number of ‘resista’-elms. One of the varieties of ‘resista’-elm; Ulmus ‘New Horizon’, is now grown by Hillier on their field tree nurseries in Hampshire.
Says Adam Dunnett, “This new elm has been planted in selected locations across Europe and the UK over the past 30 years and is proven to be Dutch elm disease resistant, making the timing right to increase awareness and the number of these trees planted across Britain.”
Adam Dunnett, Amenity Sales Director at Hillier and Philippa Rawlinson, Managing Director, National Memorial Arboretum
The Landscaper | Issue 243 | December 2019/January 2020 Winter Issue
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FEATURE
STIHL’s power house Maggie Walsh takes a trip to the Tyrol alps, Austria to visit STIHL’s Competence Centre I recently joined colleagues on a press trip to STIHL’s state-of-the-art Competence Centre in the Tyrol alps, Austria. The facility, which employs over 600 people, has been the main driver of many of STIHL’s new lawn care innovations, including the development of the iMow robotic mower range. It is also where the research and development teams design and tests all STIHL’s groundscare machines and many of its cordless products. While there, we were also privileged to see inside the the factory’s anechoic chamber (STIHL is the only manufacturer to have one), to test the sound levels of said tools. Here’s a little taste of products currently on the market. MOWERS While battery powered tools are making huge advances across the industry, with STIHL amongst the innovative players in this field, the German manufactures still place importance on petrol engines within their mower range. I saw first hand how the company continues to expand this range with the introduction of the RM 655 RS rear roller mower, ideal for professional landscapers.
RM 655 RS Petrol Mower
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The RM655, which comes at a recommend retail price of £1,499 inc VAT, includes a single speed, split, driven rear metal roller for a great quality striping effect (STIHL reports that the perfect strip is essential for British customers) as well as making manoeuvring around borders easier. The rear roller features high quality bearings and stainless steel build for longevity and the mono-comfort handlebar is adjustable to three different heights allowing users to find the most suitable setting and to access the grass catcher box more easily. For landscapers who find themselves working in noisesensitive areas but still need to tackle large grass areas, the latest battery power offering from STIHL is the RMA 765 V. Both front and rear wheels are height adjustable from 25mm-100mm, and the professional mower also runs using STIHL’s new AR 2000 L and AR 3000 L higher capacity backpack batteries, helping to deliver longer running times for full-day work assignments. With a cutting width of 63 centimeters and a mowing time of up to 70 minutes (with AR 3000 L), lawns of up to 3,100 square meters can be mown quickly, neatly and efficiently. Like the petrol mower this model has a foldable handlebar, to aid is transport and storage. Additional features include a diagnostic connection for servicing and a safety key required for operation. POWER BLOWERS For professional landscapers and those working in local authorities the BR 800 C-E stands out offering a highperformance blowing force of 41N. The 80cc STIHL 4-MIX® engine runs on a fuel-oil mix just like a 2-stroke model and offers the benefits without the compromises of 4-stroke power. The STIHL 4-MIX® engine provides fast acceleration, more power, added torque, and lower noise during operation to complete jobs quickly and more easily. In addition, the engine offers reduced emissions and increased fuel efficiency. Thanks to its intuitive design, the BR 800 C-E has an excellent power-to-weight ratio and comes complete with an ergonomic backpack carrying system including S-shaped shoulder straps for maximum comfort when wearing. For those looking to swap to a cordless blower in the not too distant future then look out for the BGA 200, which
FEATURE
The BR 800 C-E blower with ergonomic backpack.
comes to market in Summer 2020. It cleans large areas quickly and efficiently and thanks to its low-noise operation, it can be operated without restriction in noise-sensitive areas and can be used without hearing protection. The BGA 200 appears exceptionally easy to handle, thanks to its newly developed comfort carrying system. This innovative feature allows the tool to be used in different ways depending on the application; hand-held in confined working areas or suspended in the carrying system for larger-scale cleaning work. This approach is practical, efficient and increases operational comfort. CHAINSAWS Best best known its range of chainsaws, the STIHL family won’t disappoint with its latest offering - the MSA 220 C-B, the most powerful cordless chainsaw in is range. The PRO cordless chainsaw is suited for felling, thinning work, construction and wood carving and comes as standard with the STIHL exclusive 3/8" Picco Super 3 (PS3) full chisel saw chain with a guide bar length of
35cm/14”. This chain has a high cutting performance and a low kick-back. The new AP 300 S battery is recommended to ensure the best possible cutting performance, and is also compatible with all other tools within the STIHL PRO Cordless system. The sturdy MSA 220 C-B is suitable for use in any type of weather and also enables cutting work in confined areas, making it the ideal tool for professionals working in horticulture and even for those who may take up a spot of wood carving. With the launch of an enhanced version of its AR backpack battery, STHIL’s latest power innovations should hopefully keep landscapers who choose to use these tools content. Part of their research and development includes listening to their distributors and customers needs, with the end game of manufacturing tools that deliver on performance and make the end users task as productive as possible. To see the latest ranges visit your local dealer and keep a look out for new products due to be released next year. www.stihl.co.uk
MSA 220 C-B chainsaw
The Landscaper | Issue 243 | December 2019/January 2020 Winter Issue
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,
22 YEARS EXPERIENCE. 12 MILES WALKED EVERY DAY. 500,000 FANS EVERY SEASON. 4 ACRES OF TRAINING PITCHES. 1 LAWN MOWER.
Ed Mowe Head Groundsman, Leicester Tigers.
When it comes to the challenge of looking after parks and pitches all year round, STIHL tackles it head on. With a range of tools designed to maintain grounds to the highest and most professional standards. Not only does STIHL set the standard for quality, efficiency and reliability, our tools are also easy to maintain and offer superb parts availability. All of which adds up to minimum downtime and maximum performance.
The STIHL RM 655 RS is a professional rear roller petrol mower with 53 cm cutting width for large lawns.
Find out more at your local STIHL Approved Dealer or visit
www.stihl.co.uk/pro
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Sustainable soils, growing media and turf for the landscaping environment Green-tree Topsoil Light in texture with good water holding capacity. Ideal for environmentally conscious landscaping and construction projects.
Green-tree Amenity Tree Soil Load bearing, fertile planting medium. Enables tree root infrastructure to develop under hard urban landscapes, such as pavements.
Green-tree Roof Garden Substrate Intensive and Extensive available for rooftop or containerised planting projects. Lightweight with good or controlled water-holding capacity for healthy plant establishment.
ArborRaft Soil Works as a rootzone with the ArborRaft tree planting system in urban environments to protect the soil structure and ultimately protect and enhance the tree’s root growth.
Green-tree Bespoke Mixes Includes rootzones, low fertility soils, subsoil, sports soils and structural soils.
Turfs A range available depending upon the landscaping project. Includes Green-tree Wildflower Turf to provide an instant wildflower meadow.
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Let InstaPlant® transform your ideas into a living display of colour. With a palette of plants and a canvas of soil, we can produce any design to order. We can create carpet beds with company logos or pictures in plants, a living display of colour to present the brand and image. Perhaps you’re hosting a special event or celebration where InstaPlant® can provide a unique attraction with our carpet bedding displays. Don’t have a growing team?… No worries, we do all the hard work on our nursery! We’ll design your chosen bed, grow the plants, plant them into compost tiles, nurture them and send them for you to simply place onto your prepared bed like laying carpet tiles. Think of it like a jigsaw of plants where you have the pieces numbered! For 3-Dimensional structures, we will produce the framework, plant it with our selection of lovely plants and transport the whole thing to your chosen location. All that is required once the displays are in place, is water and a little trimming over the season to maintain their detail. InstaPlant® is a business based in Cornwall with over 20 years experience in creating carpet bedding displays, delivered to 1000’s of happy customers across the UK and into Europe. We offer a completely unique, bespoke, reliable, best-value and most professional service available.
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HORTICULTURE
Wildflower meadows help pollinators A network of wildlife friendly patches are being planted across the Dales aiming to reverse the decline in pollinators. As part of this scheme John Chambers Wildflower Seed, part of the Green-tech family, has donated a custom mix of native wildflower seed to create an exciting new wildflower meadow in the town of Grassington. Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) has worked in partnership with Grassington in Bloom and children from Grassington Primary School to create the new meadow. It is supporting Bee Together, a programme supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players, which aims to work with local communities to create habitats that could help reverse the decline of wild pollinators. It seeks to create a corridor of these important habitats between Leeds and Lancaster, contributing to a national network of 'B-Lines' mapped by Buglife. Catherine Mercer, YDMT’s Bee Together Officer said: “What has really blown me away about this project is the support and enthusiasm from the community in Grassington. Although Grassington in Bloom have led the project, all sorts
Children from Grassington Primary School of different people have helped out. This B-line crosses the Yorkshire Dales, the Aire Valley and Lancashire and will help pollinators expand into new locations and move from area to area across a network of new habitats.
Floral benefits for holiday makers North-Yorkshire based Johnsons of Whixley has supplied more than 4,000 plants worth a total of £22,000 to the Hoburne Naish Holiday Park in Hampshire. Included in the delivery were more than 2,000 shrubs and 21 varieties of grasses. In partnership with renowned holiday park operator and developer Hoburne Limited, Johnsons provided stock
Landscaping at Hoburne Naish Holiday Park, Hampshire
including a wide variety of grasses, shrubs, hedging and herbaceous plants. Situated on the clifftop with breath-taking sea views, the site combines the very best of coastline and countryside, from sandy beaches to picnics in the nearby New Forest. Ellie Richardson, marketing co-ordinator for Johnsons, said: “We are delighted to have contributed a substantial number of plants to help revamp the Hoburne Naish holiday park. Holidays are a very special time for people, full of relaxation, and we hope we can play our part in ensuring visitors have a happy and memorable time amid glorious surroundings.” Mark Preston, Director of Hoburne Properties added “we have been delighted by both the quality of the stock and the level of service we have received from Johnsons, and the feedback from our holidaymakers and owners regarding their first impressions of the recently developed areas has been nothing but complimentary. We look forward to working with Johnsons on some exciting projects we have lined up for this coming winter across our parks”.
The Landscaper | Issue 243 | December 2019/January 2020 Winter Issue
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Cramer 82V Cordless Equipment One Battery - 24 Tools
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A PROFESSIONAL SOLUTION Need to maintain large garden plots and parks on a regular basis? Are you an ambitious gardener or professional user who wants powerful, highendurance equipment that can meet commercial requirements while providing extremely high performance in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way? Then get the Cramer 82V battery system. Pure power!
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