February 8, 2024 - Turf Matters

Dennis gives Colliers Park the cutting edge: Head Groundsperson James Mathewson, in his 18 months at Colliers Park, has ushered in a new era with a forward-thinking approach, exemplifying this through the adoption of cutting-edge sustainable technology, such as the Dennis ES-860 battery-powered cylinder mower.

His choice in equipment is not the only modern approach James adheres to as he emphasises transparency in his role. We try to explain as much as possible what we are doing. I want to see people playing football and see the pitches in use.” This commitment to transparency and active pitch use aligns with Colliers Park’s dedication to providing top-quality pitches.

Dennis gives Colliers Park the cutting edge

Colliers Park’s grounds team, inspired by the Football Association of Wales’ (FAW) passion for sustainability, recently invested in battery-powered pitch maintenance equipment. James’ confidence in the Dennis brand led him to choose the ES-860, the battery powered counterpart to the acclaimed Dennis G860 cylinder mower.

“Dennis took their time and carried out comprehensive testing before launching their battery-powered machinery, but they are by far the best on the market in my opinion,” says James. “I had previously used the Dennis G860’s and they were brilliant. A question we asked when we first looked at the ES-860’s was whether the cassettes from the G860’s would fit, and once we found out they did, it was an easy decision.”

The ES-860 is a 34″ battery-powered turf management system with 13 interchangeable cassette options, offering versatility in day-to-day maintenance tasks such as cutting, scarifying, brushing, and verticutting.

James offers further insight into his use of cassettes: “We’ve got the 8 bladed cutting cassette, three verticutting cassettes which we use quite a lot, and we also have brushes and sorrel rollers. Being able to increase the cassette speed when using the brush is a big plus, they work a lot better and throw the debris into the box a bit more. The verticutter is a really useful tool for us, and with the electric power behind it, it is fantastic. We can do a whole pitch in between a training session, and that’s the job done for the week.”

Praising the battery life, James expresses satisfaction with the ES-860’s ability to complete a whole pitch on a single charge.

“We can get a whole pitch cut on one single charge without fear of it running out,” he says. “If three of us go out, each with a mower, it will take us about an hour and half, and the charge will be on approximately 80-85% when we’ve finished. To lose just a small amount of battery for an hour and a half of cutting is phenomenal. We have no worries about topping them up with fuel or having to take time out to go to a petrol station. They are just always ready to go and if someone did forget to put them on charge, then you will still have the majority of the battery remaining.”

The machine’s reliability and solid build make it a trustworthy machine in the unpredictable weather of Wrexham. Additionally, James commends the comfort of use, particularly the easy turning that accommodates the tight turning circles at the end of the pitches.

James’s endorsement of the Dennis ES-860 reflects not only its superior performance but also the commitment of Colliers Park to embrace sustainable and efficient turf management practices.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter and Instagram @DennisMowers and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK. You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers

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Gaudet Luce Golf Club’s Wildflower Success: Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Droitwich, Worcestershire, Gaudet Luce Golf Club has embarked on an impressive wildflower project under the guidance of Course Manager Andy Laing.

The stunning results achieved can be attributed to the use of DLF’s Colour Boost range, demonstrating the positive impact it can have on both the golfing experience and the local environment.

Gaudet Luce Golf Club’s Wildflower Success

Founded in 1995, Gaudet Luce Golf Club has established itself as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts in Worcestershire. With an 18-hole Phoenix Course and a 9-hole par 3 Hadzor Course, the club caters to golfers of all skill levels.

Playing a pivotal role in the transformation of Gaudet Luce’s landscape is DLF’s Colour Boost range. This carefully crafted mixture of wildflowers and garden flowering species not only enhances visual appeal but also supports local wildlife and restores critical habitats.

Ideal for landscaping projects, the Colour Boost range is designed to bring colour, biodiversity, and interest to any space.

Among the varieties in the Colour Boost range, Andy opted for the Chameleon mixture for Gaudet Luce’s wildflower project. Comprising over 40 species and subspecies, this dynamic blend ensures a constantly changing display of colours and forms throughout the growing season. It has proven to be a consistent performer, offering a dazzling show from spring to November.

Reflecting on the success of the wildflower project, Andy shared insights into the club’s journey. “In 2011, we experimented with perennial wildflower mixes, but they proved hard to establish. Shifting our focus to annual wildflower mixes in 2012, we now have approximately 15 wildflower areas across the course,” he explained, emphasising the importance of meticulous preparation.

On the choice of the Chameleon mixture, Andy expressed, “The mixture we chose was Chameleon from Colour Boost, offering over 40 different varieties for successional flowering. The mixes change throughout the year, continuing to flower through to November, with the first frosts.”

Highlighting the environmental impact of the initiative, Andy noted, “The abundance of bees and insects has been phenomenal.” Leaving the wildflowers, once they had stopped flowering, over winter also proved effective, attracting birds to feed on the leftovers. Customer feedback has been exceptional, with visitors now expecting and appreciating the vibrant wildflower displays as an integral part of the golfing experience at Gaudet Luce.

Matt Gresty, MM, and Designer Sales and Brand Manager for DLF, played a supportive role in the project. Andy acknowledged, “Matt has helped us with sound advice,” highlighting the collaborative effort between Gaudet Luce Golf Club and DLF.

Gaudet Luce Golf Club’s commitment to the wildflower project, coupled with the success of DLF’s Colour Boost range, showcases how careful planning and quality products can transform a golf course into a biodiverse and visually stunning landscape. The vibrant wildflower displays not only enhance the golfing experience but also contribute to the overall well-being of local ecosystems.

For further information, please contact DLF UK on 01386 719758 or visit the DLF website www.dlf.co.uk