Nomination window for the LBEL Awards extended

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Nomination window for the LBEL Awards extended: Earlier this spring, celebrity garden designer, Danny Clarke, along with Lantra and Landex, announced that the nomination window for the 2024 Land-Based and Environment Learner (LBEL) Awards were open.

So far, the Awards organisers are on course to receive a record number of inspirational nominations from tutors, lecturers, assessors, and employers.  All whilst delivering high quality education at a peak time for the Land Based Education Sector.

Nomination window for the LBEL Awards extended

Nomination window for the LBEL Awards extended

Due to popular demand and to factor in these challenges Lantra and Landex are extending the nomination deadline to 11:59pm on Sunday 30th June 2024

Therefore, they are urging employers, colleges, private training providers and universities to nominate outstanding candidates for a prestigious award before the end of the month.

Danny Clarke, who trained as a garden designer at Hadlow College said: “The quality of the nominations we have had so far is truly amazing. We know there’s been a lot happening in education in the last few months, so I am really pleased to see the deadline has been extended. I am really looking forward to a great evening, celebrating some incredible learners – so make sure you nominate your learners today!”

The Awards ceremony will be hosted by Danny Clarke on Thursday 21st November at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham. The evening is set to be an exciting celebration of talent in the land-based and environment sector.

To recap, the annual awards are open to individuals on a full-time or part-time Land-Based and Environment course or Apprenticeship in England between September 2022 and September 2024. The award categories include Agriculture; Aquaculture and Fisheries, Arboriculture; Forestry and Woodland Management; Equine and Farriery; Floristry; Landscape and Horticulture; Land-Based Engineering; Animal Care and Management; Veterinary Nursing; Environmental Conservation, Game and Wildlife; and Sports Turf and Greenkeeping.

Prizes for the above categories apply across Private Training providers, Further Education (FE), Apprenticeships Awards (Level 2-3), Higher Education (HE) and Higher Apprenticeship Awards (Level 4-7). This year we will be introducing a new category: Research Student of the Year, where supervisors are encouraged to nominate a student studying a post-graduate level either for a master’s degree or a Doctoral Degree.

There are overall prizes for: Research Student of the Year; Apprentice of the Year; Overall Winner; and Runners Up. Online entries are being encouraged, as the quicker and more sustainable option. However, paper copies of the nomination form are available on request, by emailing lbels@lantra.co.uk.

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The Mountfield SP185 re-imagined

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The Mountfield SP185 re-imagined: The Mountfield team have been at work again to design a battery version of the very popular SP185 petrol model sold in B&Q and Screwfix and it’s genius!

Just pop the battery in and you are ready to mow!

Cables, noise, fumes…who needs ’em? When you can have the ease of use and maintenance with freedom from the hassle of power cables and smelly petrol fumes plus benefit from the ultimate freedom in mowing with the SP185 Li. By taking the superb SP185 petrol mower and adding the benefits of battery power, the team have produced the SP185 Li, resulting in a self-propelled machine that makes mowing a breeze!

The Mountfield SP185 re-imagined

The Mountfield SP185 re-imagined

It’s a cutting whizz!

This cordless mower offers significant power for all your cutting needs due to the mono powerhead that has a 1 x 48V 5Ah battery, there is even a space to hold another spare battery within the powerhead too if desired! The mower features a 46cm cutting width and 6 heights of cut ranging from 22-65cm that can easily be adjusted using the central lever over the rear wheel.

Grass collecting at its best

The SP185Li also benefits from a spacious 60-litre grass collector with a warning full indicator that ensures fewer trips to the garden waste bin/compost. The anti-scalp comb is an excellent feature that helps to ensure that you produce a perfect finish for lawns up to 400sqm (equivalent to 1 ½ tennis courts)

Easy to use and easy to store

Fold down the handles after use, pop the battery on charge and everything is ready for your next peaceful mow.

Battery & charger included.

A 5-year manufacturer’s warranty is included with this model

The SP185 Li Kit Cordless lawn mower and more can be found on the Mountfield website at www.mountfieldlawnmowers.co.uk

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DSV’s Trial Triumph at Monmouthshire

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DSV’s Trial Triumph at Monmouthshire: Mark Simmons, Course Manager at Monmouthshire Golf Club in Abergavenny, embarked on a journey of trial and evaluation to find the perfect grass seed for the club’s greens. After extensive experimentation, Mark concluded that DSV’s PRO Bent grass seed was the optimal solution.

DSV’s PRO Bent is emerging as a game-changer in turf management, boasting remarkable density, drought tolerance, and adaptability for close mowing. Comprised solely of high-quality Browntop bent, PRO Bent from the DSV EuroGrass range is tailor-made for summer/autumn overseeding and species exchange operations, aligning perfectly with Monmouthshire’s vision for superior greens.

DSV's Trial Triumph at Monmouthshire

DSV’s Trial Triumph at Monmouthshire

EuroGrass, the pinnacle of over a decade of breeding and testing, stands as a testament to DSV’s commitment to excellence in turf grass quality. With a diverse portfolio of over 90 approved turf varieties worldwide, EuroGrass offers tailored solutions for professional use across various sporting landscapes, solidifying its position as an industry frontrunner in turf innovation.

Mark’s meticulous approach to seed selection involved a series of rigorous trials conducted over several months. Armed with soil samples and a passion for perfection, Mark evaluated seven seed varieties from different manufacturers, subjecting them to various conditions to assess their performance. “I didn’t want to just do the trial with some sand and a pot,” Mark explains. “I wanted to do it specifically for my site.”

“I took the soils from my greens, put them in pots, and used all the different seeds to see which ones germinated and established the best,” Mark elaborates. “Once they established, I regularly trimmed the grass in the pots to simulate them being cut at 4mm; I over-watered them to see how they would cope with too much rain; I dried them out to see how they would deal with drought; I even put some disease on them and sprayed various treatments to see how each seed responded to treatments.”

“Once the trial had finished, I carried out the trial again just to make sure. On both occasions, the results showed that DSV PRO Bent was the best seed for my greens.”

Reflecting on the process, Mark emphasises the importance of thorough research in turf management. “Choosing the correct seed is not just about investing money—it’s about investing in the future of the course,” he says. “With seed, it could be great at one course but might not be as effective at another. This is why data and trial work are crucial.”

DSV's Trial Triumph at Monmouthshire

DSV’s Trial Triumph at Monmouthshire

“The sward density of the DSV PRO Bent seed was a standout feature for me,” Mark notes. “I wanted a dense sward, and the DSV seed delivered. If it was thin, then it simply wasn’t going to last.”

Mark purchased the DSV seed from Rhys Norville at ReGen Amenity, someone who he claims has become a key partner in providing invaluable products, support, and expertise. “Rhys is not a pushy salesman,” Mark praises. “I work closely with him on a variety of products which are all tailored to what I like. We do a lot of data collection together as well. He even helped me drag mat my greens recently – and you can’t ask for much more than that!”

Mark’s commitment to finding the perfect seed highlights the importance of thorough research in selecting compatible products for golf course maintenance. With PRO Bent from DSV’s EuroGrass range now enhancing Monmouthshire’s greens, the club is set to reap the rewards of Mark’s meticulous selection process.

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Campey named new distributor for Foamstream

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Campey named new distributor for Foamstream: Weedingtech are pleased to announce the appointment of Campey Turf Care Systems as a new nationwide distributor for their industry-leading herbicide-free weed control system Foamstream.

This partnership promises to extend the benefits of the 100% organic solution to more commercial companies and contractors working in green space management.

Campey named new distributor for Foamstream

Campey named new distributor for Foamstream

Campey Turf Care Systems are one of the country’s leading suppliers of equipment for the professional turf sector – trusted by facility managers across the sporting and amenity spectrum. Commenting on their appointment, Lee Morgado, Sales Director for Campey Turf Care Systems said, “Campey Turf Care focuses on natural solutions to turf maintenance, always looking to promote best practice in a considered, environmentally friendly way. That makes Foamstream a very good fit for us. It offers an innovative, eco-friendly solution to the age-old problem of tackling weeds on paved areas – an issue which affects all sporting venues, including private and public spaces which have carparks and pedestrian walkways for club members and the general public. Campey is delighted to be able to offer a totally new approach with Foamstream.”

Weedingtech’s Chief Commercial Officer Thomas Hamilton added, “We are delighted to have Campey Turf Care Systems on board. They are renowned for providing quality turf management solutions and have built long-lasting and trusting relationships with a number of venues, including Chelsea FC, who have already adopted Foamstream along with a number of other topflight teams across Europe. With Campey’s enthusiasm and expert team, we know Foamstream is in safe hands.”

Foamstream was launched in 2011 when developers Weedingtech saw the potential for a cleaner, greener alternative to traditional forms of weed control. Since its introduction, the controversy around ingredients such as glyphosate has continued to grow, with customers from all corners of grounds and green space management looking for a ‘natural’ solution and discovering the many benefits of Foamstream.

Combining hot water with a foam made from plant oils and sugars, Foamstream is proven to provide effective control on a wide range of weed species, with the contained heat penetrating the waxy outer layer of the leaf and travelling down the stem to the roots, killing or severely damaging the plant. In addition to eradicating the weed, Foamstream also sterilises surrounding seeds and spores that haven’t yet germinated, helping to reduce future weed growth and the number of treatments required.

For more information visit www.weedingtech.com

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New Dennis and SISIS partnership

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New Dennis and SISIS partnership: Dennis and SISIS, renowned names in turf maintenance, have announced a partnership with the Derbyshire Cricket Foundation.

This collaboration aims to bolster grassroots cricket pitches throughout the county, promising a significant enhancement in the quality and accessibility of cricketing facilities.

New Dennis and SISIS partnership

New Dennis and SISIS partnership

The Derbyshire Cricket Foundation (DCF), a dedicated cricket charity situated at The County Ground, Derby, use the power of cricket to engage and inspire people in Derbyshire to have a lasting connection with the game. Their purpose is to empower communities and improve lives through cricket. They seek to engage diverse groups and promote community cohesion through various inclusive projects. They also aim to empower leaders, coaches, and volunteers to ensure cricket is accessible to everyone in the county with the ultimate mission of inspiring a generation to say that ‘Cricket is a Game for Me.’

Tom Coxhead, Club and Community Officer for Derbyshire Cricket Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasising the shared values and ambitions driving this collaboration. “As the governing body for recreational cricket in Derbyshire, we are committed to making cricket accessible to everyone in the county,” he said. “We were seeking partners who share our vision and values, and Dennis and SISIS stood out as an organisation with a well-established reputation for excellence and integrity.”

Tom highlighted the importance of nurturing the next generation of grounds maintenance staff and passing on essential skills. “For cricket to thrive, we need skilled individuals capable of maintaining pitches to a high standard,” he explained. “Our partnership with Dennis and SISIS presents an opportunity to provide educational opportunities and elevate the standard of knowledge within recreational cricket over the long term.”

Acknowledging the pivotal role of the Derbyshire Grounds Association, Tom underlined the foundation’s commitment to supporting and expanding the association’s initiatives. “We are proud of the work carried out by the Grounds Association and view our partnership with Dennis and SISIS as an opportunity to further bolster their efforts,” he affirmed. “We aim to collaborate on events and initiatives that not only grow their membership but also enhance the experiences available to members.”

Roger Moore, Head of Marketing for Howardson Group, echoed Tom’s sentiments, highlighting the longstanding relationship between Dennis and SISIS and the Derbyshire Cricket Grounds Association. Roger emphasised the multifaceted approach of the partnership, focusing not only on providing machinery but also on offering educational seminars and workshops to groundspersons.

“We see this partnership as an opportunity to support the foundation and the grounds association while fostering education and skill development among groundspersons,” Roger explained. “By inviting association members to our headquarters and organising workshops and webinars, we aim to empower them with knowledge and insights into turf maintenance.”

Roger stressed the importance of engaging with the community and being responsive to the needs of local clubs and groundspersons. “This partnership is about more than just machinery; it’s about building relationships and understanding the specific requirements of the grassroots community,” he emphasised. “Our goal is to leave a lasting legacy that benefits local pitches and communities for years to come.”

Both Dennis and SISIS and the Derbyshire Cricket Foundation are committed to championing grassroots cricket and supporting the local community. This partnership will contribute to the growth and prosperity of cricket in the region. As they join forces on various initiatives, cricket in Derbyshire will thrive.

You can find out more information about the Derbyshire Cricket Foundation by visiting dcfcricket.com and following them on Twitter @CricketDerbys and Facebook www.facebook.com/DerbyshireCricket.

Further information about the range of maintenance products available can be found by visiting www.dennisuk.com / www.sisis.com.

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

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