GMA secures grassroots investment

/in , /by

GMA secures grassroots investment: Today, the Grounds Management Association (GMA) announces a £3.9M investment from the Premier League, The FA, and Government’s Football Foundation with Sport England to deliver the association’s third phase of the pitch improvement programme for grassroots sports.

Formerly known as the Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme (GaNTIP), the newly named Pitch Advisory Service (PAS)is part of the GMA’s ongoing commitment to help improve natural turf provision across football, cricket, rugby union and rugby league at grassroots level in joint collaboration with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Rugby Football League (RFL).

GMA secures grassroots investment

GMA secures grassroots investment

After a year of disruption to sport, the GMA’s Pitch Advisory Service will continue to focus on raising the standards of pitches to increase playability, maximise player experience and decrease the number of cancellations due to declining pitch quality.

The programme provides an enhanced network of GMA turf care specialists available to people and organisations maintaining natural turf pitches within local communities, with the funding boost growing the number of GMA advisers available to them by almost 30 per cent.

The Pitch Advisory Service also offers access to dedicated, sport-specific key account managers at the GMA – a team of grounds management specialists bringing years of grassroots and professional knowledge to the programme. Key account managers work collaboratively with each National Governing Body of Sport (NGB), as well as Sport England, to deliver national objectives to sustain high levels of sport and physical activity, now and in future years. During 2019-20, the regional pitch advisors visited more than 4,500 pitches, with the programme improving grounds maintenance practices at 91% of the sites visited.

With lockdown placing sport and physical activity on hold, maintaining playing surfaces remained a vital task for volunteers across the country. New digital applications like the Football Foundation’s PitchPower helped clubs facilitate pitch inspections during restrictive periods, which were each reviewed digitally by the GMA’s regional pitch advisors removing the need for a face-to-face site visits. Despite the COVID-19 restrictions, PitchPower allowed the PAS to carry out three times as many pitch assessments as before it was launched and it will remain an important tool now restrictions ease.

During this time, the GMA also supported the ECB in getting recreational cricket played by providing COVID-specific grounds management advice and working with the ECB Facilities Team to engage with local authorities to maximise the number of facilities available in a challenging 2020 season. New online webinars and training courses helped volunteers expand their learning and network with regional pitch advisers.

In addition, the Football Foundation Groundskeeping Community app, managed with support from the GMA, saw a 43% rise in users during lockdown and now has 2,670 engaged members, with numbers continuing to grow.

Innovative and collaborative practices, like online services and applications, will be at the centre of the Pitch Advisory Service, with the GMA providing high-quality recommendations and advice to best support clubs of all shapes and sizes, as well as local authorities, both online and offline.

Through its partnerships, the GMA also aims to increase the number of volunteers, improve skills and knowledge through its training, and provide leading guidance and information for those involved in, or connected to, grounds maintenance at clubs. The programme will also look at ways to encourage women, as well individuals from diverse backgrounds and walks of life to get involved, with the aim to build a strong future workforce.

Next year, the GMA aims to launch an industry-leading Pitch Grading Framework that will provide a benchmark for pitch standards, alongside a simple, affordable education pathway for all grounds staff and volunteers to gain the right level of understanding for each type of pitch.

Jason Booth, COO at the GMA, said:

“We’re grateful for the investment in our Pitch Advisory Service that supports local communities and players. Since 2014, our partnerships with the NGBs and Sport England have grown stronger with each phase of delivery. Now, six years later, we’re seeing huge progress through enhanced education and training of volunteer and professional grounds managers. We want to see millions more enjoying the benefits of playing surfaces – whether it’s to develop sporting talent or just for fun.”

“Through our research, we will continue to highlight the challenges within the turf care sector, but we’re now focussed on developing the future workforce with the aim to recruit, retain and reward volunteers for their commitment. The GMA is here to support volunteers with credible information, advice and guidance – connecting it with an extensive network of grounds people from all walks of life.”

“We hope that this programme signals a change in fortune, particularly at a time when restrictions ease and a sense of normality begins.”

Robert Sullivan, CEO, Football Foundation, said:

“Over the past six years, the Pitch Advisory Service has done a wonderful job supporting community football clubs to maintain and improve their grass pitches. During the COVID-19 pandemic the network came into its own; quickly adapting to work with new digital tools, developed by the Foundation, to ensure pitch quality didn’t suffer as a result of the restrictions.

This new funding means that the PAS can continue to do its essential work providing the football community with the information, training and skills needed to raise the standards of football pitches for the millions of community footballers in England.”

Charles Johnston, Executive Director of Property, Sport England said:

“We are delighted to be working with partners to deliver the Pitch Advisory Service. This collaboration will provide an exciting and transformational service to improve grass pitch quality and develop a more diverse and experienced workforce of groundspeople.

“Pitch quality is important for both player experience and development, so it’s exciting to consider the positive change the multi-sport service can make in tackling inequalities through targeted pitch improvements. As set out in Sport England’s new 10-year strategy, ‘Uniting the Movement’, tackling inequalities within sport and physical activity is at the heart of what we intend to do over the next decade, and services such as this are powerful vehicles to achieve this.”

Bruce Cruse, Director of Facilities and Infrastructure at the ECB commented:

“The ECB is delighted to join the GMA, Sport England and our colleagues from across pitch sports in the challenge to provide outstanding support to grounds management and grass roots sport. Providing great experiences for participants is the foundation of life-long love of sport and in cricket so much relies on access to quality pitches and supporting of the people who make that happen.

“As the ECB is committed through it’s ‘Inspiring Generations’ strategy to connect communities and improve lives this new partnership forms a vital step in the delivery of the plan at the grassroots level and will do so much for the long-term sustainability of our sport.”

For more information on the Pitch Advisory Service, please visit: https://thegma.org.uk/pitch-advisory-service

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Biocontrol ‘kit’ now available

/in , /by

Biocontrol ‘kit’ now available: Bionema Ltd, a leading biopesticide technology company, has been granted a UK patent for a unique pest control solution that provides safe and sustainable protection from larval insect pests. 

This is a particularly timely innovation, when leatherjackets and chafer grubs – both of which can be controlled by beneficial nematodes in spring and autumn– are currently devastating golf courses, racecourses, football pitches and cricket grounds, causing millions of turf damage. The leatherjacket pest population, in particular, has increased significantly in the last few years.

Biocontrol ‘kit’ now available

Biocontrol ‘kit’ now available

Chemical pesticides have traditionally been widely used to provide the crop yields necessary to feed a rapidly expanding global population, and control pests in sports turf and open green spaces. However, these toxic pesticides have poisoned our soils – impacting our own health and that of our planet.

An environmentally-friendly solution lies in bioprotectants, which are created from highly virulent strains of naturally-occurring biological control agents (Entomopathogenic nematodes). When used correctly, bioprotection products can offer effective pest control in cropping systems and sports turf management, by creating conditions for these micro-organisms to thrive. They live in soil and can be targeted at specific pests to avoid harming beneficial insects.

Bionema has now been granted a new patent (UK Patent No. 2581540) that provides a unique tri-component offering ‘in a box’. The Tri-Component Solution consists of:

  1. Specially developed, highly virulent strains of beneficial nematodes, NemaTrident®
  2. A biocompatible wetting agent that helps the nematodes to spread and thrive, Nemaspreader®
  3. Specialist training and adviceon how to optimise the effectiveness of the nematodes.

The pest control kit comprises entomopathogenic nematodes from the Heterorhabditis or Steinernema genera, a wetting agent composition (comprising a solvent and a surfactant) and comprehensive instructions for use. The kit provides biological control of immature larval insects which can act as pests to plants, including agricultural, horticultural, turf and amenities and forestry – providing safe and sustainable insect protection for turf and plants all year round.

“The technology associated with this product is both unique and cost-effective,” says Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO of Bionema. “It is simple and user-friendly when used as part of this kit. We will always be there to support our customers and provide any advice they need, but this pest control kit is now available for people confident enough to go it alone, and it equips them to get the results they need from these beneficial nematodes.”

Here are a few successful reports of the efficacy of this tri-component solution and how this can help save to millions of pounds in turf damage:

  • Neath Golf Club Head Greenkeeper Mark Tuckerused Bionema’s NemaTrident® Tri-Component solution because it was “more sustainable for the environment” and says he was thrilled with the results. “We’ve witnessed more than 85-90% control of leatherjackets in the first year. I was very sceptical about nematodes, but the results spoken for themselves. Last year we were hitting 30 leatherjackets per 20cm2 but after one year we are hitting zero.”
  • Darren Griffiths, Groundsman at Constantine Cricket Club near Falmouth, says he realised he had a leatherjacket infestation when he noticed that rooks were pecking for grubs on his cricket pitches and outfield and destroying the turf. He contacted Bionema and followed the training guidelines to properly handle and apply the NemaTrident®Tri-Component solution. Three months later, he said the turf had improved dramatically and the club members were able to enjoy a leatherjacket-free season.
  • Phillip Chiverton, Golf Course and Estate Manager, The Grove, says that the effective control of pests has been a steep learning curve for the greenkeeping team at The Grove over the past three years and included a lot of commitment by everyone. “By keeping to Bionema’s plan, the results are clear to see. I was very sceptical at the start, but we now have zero damage by chafer grubs, and how we keep this success ongoing is the next step of our journey with Bionema.”

The new kit adds to Bionema’s portfolio of products for the agriculture, horticulture, turf amenity and forestry sectors. For more information visit www.bionema.com

For advice, please contact Dr Minshad A Ansari, CEO of Bionema. +44 (0)1792 606916; m.a.ansari@bionema.com

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Book a demo with Makita

/in , /by

Book a demo with Makita: Makita has relaunched its popular product demonstrations of its 40VMax and 80VMax XGT power tool range and for the first time, users are also able to get hands on with the range of cordless garden machinery products.

This fantastic opportunity allows professionals to trial a wide range of Makita tools to test how they perform when users are considering new equipment.

Book a demo with Makita

Book a demo with Makita

Professionals are now able to arrange COVID-Secure appointments locally with an experienced Makita team member to get the most out of its wide range of cordless power equipment. Demos are available for either its 40VMax or 80VMax XGT range or the cordless Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) range, with both offering guidance on tool and accessory selection, as well as hands-on testing with the tools of your choice.

OPE

With summer ahead it is the ideal time to test out Makita’s outdoor equipment. Cordless 18V and 36V LXT and 40VMax and 80VMax XGT garden tools, lawnmowers, linetrimmers, hedge trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, will all be available to test, as well as many more. With many people considering the change from petrol engine machines to cordless equivalents, this is a perfect opportunity for contractors to see first-hand how the range performs.

XGT

Launched in 2020, the 40VMax and 80VMax XGT system of cordless tools have been designed to offer the power and performance needed to tackle high-demand applications without compromising battery run times. With extensions to the range coming in 2021, these cordless tools are the most durable and powerful of the Makita line-up that are available to test. This hassle-free opportunity is the perfect time to test out the Makita tools you need before they get put to work.

The product demonstrations will be organised locally with COVID safety protocols in place, so Makita staff will arrange to visit you on a mutually convenient date where you can test selected machines. Each tool will be cleaned before and after use and our staff will be wearing masks and implementing social distancing.

On the demonstration days, Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “We are pleased to reignite our hands-on product demonstration service after a year of restrictions imposed by COVID-19. As part of our ongoing commitment to training, the product demo’s offer end users the opportunity to stay up to date with the latest product innovations, put our products to the test and discover the possibilities that cordless offers.”

To book a demo, fill out the on-line form available on: www.makitauk.com.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

T H White expands operations

/in , /by

T H White expands operations: T H WHITE plans to acquire the agricultural, construction and garden machinery operations of the Murley dealerships at Warwick and Stourport.

The expansion of T H WHITE’s businesses to Warwickshire and in Worcestershire is a natural one for the neighbouring dealer, supported by main suppliers, New Holland, Manitou and Doosan. All stakeholders are preparing a smooth transition, meaning continuity for staff and customers, and business as usual for trade with a name change above the door.

T H White expands operations

T H White expands operations

The deal is scheduled to complete on 30th June 2021 subject to concluding the fi nal stages of due diligence and legal processes. With this change, T H WHITE will take on the main franchises currently on offer at Stourport and Warwick, continuing to serve the farming community, construction companies, contractors, small holders and private estates. The garden machinery range available from Warwick will continue from this location, and the established construction operation in Stourport is set to expand T H WHITE’s existing construction off ering from Manitou, New Holland and Mecalac, with the introduction of the Doosan brand.

“This is a purchase which aligns with our strategic aspirations”, comments T H WHITE Director, David Rapkins, “It enables us to grow our Agricultural territory with an established business offering premium brands. It creates a sustainable business able to meet the industry demands of generating scale to fulfil our own objectives as well as those of our suppliers. As a dealer in neighbouring territories with a long history and experience in the sectors, we are well placed to meet the aspirations of Murley customers and are excited by the opportunities it presents”.

T H WHITE Group CEO, Alex Scott adds “We are acquiring a company mirroring our values and culture which will enable us to easily extend our purpose of helping customers get the best from their machinery, land and buildings for generations. We are pleased to provide continuity and maintain and grow relationships with farmers and businesses throughout the region.”

T H WHITE began trading in 1832, serving farmers from an agricultural ironmongery in Devizes. The business is well established as an agricultural machinery supplier, off ering a comprehensive product range from leading brands. The Agricultural division trades from 10 branches in Knockdown, Devizes, Frome, Huntley, Marlborough, Stockbridge, Toddington, Hereford, Warwick and Stourport following the acquisition. The Group’s Groundcare division currently operates from three branches at Knockdown, Stockbridge and Redditch and will run alongside the garden machinery business at Warwick.

The Construction operation is based at Marlborough; Stourport will be added on completion of the deal. T H WHITE Group is a family and staff owned company – a trusted brand in the industry with a culture committed to exemplary customer service.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Maintain or replace?

/in /by

Maintain or replace?: Bailoy Director, Adam Lovejoy, offers some helpful advice on whether you should invest in new or extend the live of your existing equipment.

Nobody wants to spend money unnecessarily, so it is important that any spending is on the correct product or service. But how do you know what that is, who do you ask and how do you know the information is correct?

Maintain or replace?

Maintain or replace?

If you have a little more understanding of how your system is put together, then it should be possible to narrow down your options.

Whether you have a clockwork controller or a computer-based controller, initially, the complete system would have been designed by an irrigation consultant, or an irrigation contractor. When that system was designed, it would have specified the following: A pump, pipe network, cable network, sprinklers, and a controller. Each one of these component parts would have been specified to work together for reliable operation of the system.

Over the years, these components will have required replacing, repairing, or upgrading. Sometimes the original product has been discontinued but there will often be a direct replacement. But why install a direct replacement when there is an improved component on the market?

Depending on the component in question, this is often where mistakes are made that can cause a chain reaction. Apart from must-do maintenance like pipe bursts or cable breaks, decisions on improving a system are often decided on visibility.

What do I mean by this? Things that can be more easily justified logically and seen by management, committees, or members.

The main contender is often sprinklers. With new technology giving improved coverage, better throw, and increased flow why would you not look at them – they can be seen around a green and often manufacturers will give you some free samples to try out.

Most new sprinklers have increased flow rates that can deliver more water in half the time. But that new sprinkler is fed by the existing pump and pipe network and you now require that network to deliver maybe double the previous flow. Maybe the pipes and pump can deliver that but what if they can’t?

So that’s it, you can’t benefit from new technology unless you replace the entire system? Not necessarily!

We see so many sites running computers that are over 10 years old with software even older. And with that old set up the database containing critical site information is also likely to be out of date. But as previously mentioned, they are not visual items, so to spend money on them is difficult to justify.