GroundsFest’s education programme better than ever

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GroundsFest’s education programme better than ever: GroundsFest 2025 is raising the bar yet again – and this year’s FREE cpd-accredited educational programme is set to be bigger, and more varied than ever before.

With FIVE dedicated seminar theatres, a host of expert speakers, and topics that truly reflect the challenges and opportunities in today’s outdoor spaces, GroundsFest is the go-to destination for professional development – whether you’re in turf, landscaping, horticulture, groundscare, or greenkeeping.

GroundsFest’s education programme better than ever

GroundsFest’s education programme better than ever

Here is a snapshot of what to expect from the education programme:

A Must-Attend for Greenkeepers

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) will be delivering a selection of educational seminars, specially designed for greenkeepers or anyone working in golf course management. BIGGA’s seminars have built a reputation for combining practical insight with thought leadership. Expect expert-led discussions, game-changing ideas, and actionable advice to take your course management to the next level.

Pitchcare Theatre

Tackle key sports turf topics including moisture management, plant growth regulators, and the rise of robotics, along with sessions on employment and biodiversity. These seminars will be delivered by a range of leading sports turf experts.

Lantra Theatre

Lanta will be exploring ‘How industry can collaborate in addressing recruitment and retention’. Acting as session chair, Lantra trustee – Professor John Moverley will set the scene, introduce individual members of the panel and then invite them in turn to speak for about 5 minutes each. The panel has been chosen to draw from different sub sectors to share thoughts and experiences around sector recruitment and retention. After the presentations, John will then invite the audience to make comment and ask questions. In this seminar theatre visitors also can discover what’s changing at BASIS, with essential updates on how training and certification are evolving to support the sector.

The Landscape Theatre

From AI in marketing to urban sustainability, mental health in the trades to wildflower meadows, this theatre brings together real-world business strategies and green innovation. With speakers from Glendale, Blakedown, The Green Partnership and more, these sessions are a must for anyone in landscaping or urban greenspace development.

Hort Week Theatre

Join Hort Week’s Rachael Forsyth and leading horticultural experts for a packed agenda. Topics include integrated weed management with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, machinery tips, scam prevention, and a lively Horticulture Question Time. Plus, don’t miss the Innovation Awards in this theatre, sponsored by Cramer and Bosch, celebrating the products shaping our industry.

Bowls Seminar Theatre

Dedicated to improving greens and supporting bowls clubs at all levels, this two-day masterclass will offer insider knowledge from top suppliers and provide greenkeepers with actionable takeaways to improve playability and performance. It will feature insights from DLF, Aquatrols, Agrovista Amenity, Dennis, SISIS and KAR UK. From seed selection and fertiliser to machinery and irrigation, these sessions will cover all the essential elements that contribute to a high-performing green. Whether you’re a club volunteer or a full-time professional, this is your chance to learn from the very best in the business.

From sports turf to local authority, estate management to landscaping – GroundsFest’s education programme is tailored to every corner of the industry and it’s completely free to attend.

Register for your FREE tickets at www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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Cornwall FA’s new grassroots Pitch Improvement Partnership

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Cornwall FA’s new grassroots Pitch Improvement Partnership: Cornwall Football Association is proud to announce a new partnership with Origin Amenity Solutions, a leading UK provider of turf management products, services, and expert advice.

This collaboration aims to transform and elevate the quality of natural grass pitches across the county, offering clubs, schools, and local authorities the opportunity to improve playing surfaces through expert support and cutting-edge solutions.

Cornwall FA's new grassroots Pitch Improvement Partnership

Cornwall FA’s new grassroots Pitch Improvement Partnership

Grassroots football clubs in Cornwall will be able to benefit from a new level of professional support and resources. The partnership with Origin Amenity Solutions will see clubs gain access to top-tier turf management expertise, tailored product solutions, and educational opportunities.

Daniel Greenough, Business Development Manager at Cornwall FA:

“We are really excited to be working with Origin Amenity Solutions; they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to all things grass pitches and beyond. Our aim is to improve all grass pitches across Cornwall and working closely with Origin Amenity Solutions will help deliver that target. Origin Amenity Solutions have many products and services to enable clubs, partners and operators of grass pitches to improve their surface and pitches. If you want to find out more about funding for grass pitches, Pitch Power and/or Origin Amenity Solutions please contact Cornwall FA at facilities@cornwallfa.com.”

About Origin Amenity Solutions

Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) is a UK-based company and provider of grassturf and plant health solutions, from growth and protection to appearance and control, incorporating sustainable and environmental solutions within its portfolio. From fertilisers and grass seed to irrigation and soil health diagnostics, OAS is committed to helping grounds managers and turf professionals improve their surfaces year-round.

James Leitch, Area Sales Representative for Origin Amenity Solutions, shared:

“Origin Amenity Solutions is focused on supporting grounds teams through product innovation, education and research and development for continuous improvement in plant health practices. We understand that one-size doesn’t fit all and tailor our product offering and technical advice to individual areas working in partnership with grounds managers to achieve the desired outcome.”

How Clubs Can Benefit

This partnership will open up new pathways for Cornish clubs and facility operators to enhance their natural turf surfaces. Benefits include:

  • Access to expert advice and bespoke pitch improvement plans
  • High-quality products
  • Support in using the PitchPower tool for pitch assessments and improvement tracking
  • Guidance on funding and facility development opportunities

Clubs looking to enhance their pitches can now access tailored support that aligns with the Football Foundation’s Grass Pitch Improvement Programme (GPIP) and related funding schemes.

Get in Touch

For more information about how your club can benefit from this partnership or to discuss funding, assessments, and pitch improvement options, contact:

Cornwall FA: facilities@cornwallfa.com

Origin Amenity Solutions: enquiries@originamenity.com

Website: www.originamenity.com

This partnership marks an exciting step forward for grassroots football in Cornwall, helping to ensure every player has access to high-quality, safe, and sustainable playing surfaces.

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BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2025

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BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2025: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Jacobsen announce the delegates of the FTMI 2025 Future Turf Managers Initiative, a training programme to help talented greenkeeper candidates progress towards head greenkeeper and course manager roles.

FTMI is a hybrid programme of online and in-person education and mentoring. The 2025/2026 schedule begins with face-to-face training at Jacobsen HQ in Ipswich this September, followed by further sessions online during October, November and December. The course concludes with two and a half days of learning at BTME in Harrogate in January 2026.

BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2025

BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2025

The initiative is designed to give the participants an insight into management skills that they will need as they progress through the ranks in their careers. Topics covered include presentation skills, communication, time management, interview skills, CV writing, stress awareness, budgeting and leadership.

The FTMI Class of 2025 includes the following greenkeepers:

Callum Atkinson – first assistant greenkeeper, The Wilmslow Golf Club

Tod Bannerman – senior greenkeeper, Taymouth Castle Golf Club

Patrick Brown – senior greenkeeper and spray technician, Fulwell Golf Club

George Edwards – deputy head greenkeeper, Walton Heath Golf Club

Alistair Hogg – senior greenkeeper, A&M Fife Golf Club

Alex Hudson – assistant greenkeeper, Sharpley Golf Club

Chris Keeler – deputy course manager, Prestbury Golf Club

Ronan Latham – senior greenkeeper, JCB Golf & Country Club

Toby Long – first assistant greenkeeper, Broadstone Golf Club

Carl Moore – deputy head greenkeeper, Kings Norton Golf Club

William Moore – assistant course manager, Kilworth Springs Golf Club

Euan Polson – first assistant greenkeeper, Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Phillip Shields – first assistant greenkeeper, The Blackwood Golf Club

Greg Smith – first assistant greenkeeper, The Berkshire Golf Club

John Thornton – irrigation technician, Copt Heath Golf Club

Delegates are assigned to mentor groups throughout the programme. The mentors for this year are all previous FTMI graduates and are course managers Leigh Powell (Windlesham), James Parker (Machrihanish Dunes) and Ben Williams (Royal Cinque Ports).

BIGGA CEO, Jim Croxton, said: “It’s always a thrill to learn of the successful delegates for the Future Turf Managers Initiative as the developmental opportunities they receive and the chance to become an FTMI graduate can turbo-charge careers. I look forward keenly to seeing how the Class of 2025 develop and to meeting them all at Jacobsen HQ in September.

We remain hugely grateful to Textron for supporting this amazing initiative for BIGGA members”.

Nicole Burn, Brand Marketing Director at Jacobsen, said: “We’re proud to support the Future Turf Managers Initiative in partnership with BIGGA. Investing in the development of future leaders in turf management is essential to the growth and sustainability of our industry, and we’re honoured to play a role in that journey”.

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Gristwood & Toms prioritise cleaner power

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Gristwood & Toms prioritise cleaner power: As one of the UK’s leading arboricultural businesses, Gristwood & Toms (G&T) rely on a vast and varied fleet of high-performance 2-stroke equipment to deliver consistent reliability on jobs around the country.

Powering that operation for the last seven years has been Aspen Fuel, enhancing the longevity of their equipment and improving the health and safety for operators of today and tomorrow – with the benefits of Aspen alkylate petrol forming an important part of training on the G&T apprenticeship programme.

Gristwood & Toms prioritise cleaner power

Gristwood & Toms prioritise cleaner power

Aspen 2 is used exclusively across the full range of 2-stroke machinery, with the longevity of the partnership testament to the transformative impact the fuel has had on Gristwood & Toms business. “Through using Aspen Fuel we have seen a huge reduction in machinery breakdowns and repairs” explains G&T Managing Director Andrew Brightman. “Without all of the nasties in traditional unleaded, we’re achieving better reliability on site and extending the lifespan of our equipment – both of which has positive financial implications.”

“Another major advantage is Aspen 2’s pre-mixed formulation, which eliminates the need for operatives to mix fuel on-site, removing the risk of incorrect fuel mixtures and ensuring consistency on every job” he adds.

For Andrew and their sizeable workforce, the benefits of Aspen extends way beyond equipment performance – it’s the healthier environment it creates for the operators and their customers. “It’s not just better for our machines; it gives off no smell making for a much better working environment for our people. In fact, it’s a popular choice at all levels of our business, with Aspen well received by our supply chain and end users alike. There’s no doubt that this simple commitment to sustainability and the welfare of our workforce has helped us secure numerous commercial contracts.”

Not content with improving the working conditions for the team of today, G&T are looking to steer the next generation of arboricultural specialists into more environmentally conscious decision making via the Gristwood & Toms apprenticeship programme. Andrew continues, “Understanding the options and importance of clean, consistent fuel forms a key part of our training for new arborists. We show the students the benefits of Aspen and what can go wrong if you don’t use it. It’s part of setting future professionals up for success.”

Virtually free from ethanol, benzene and many of the other aromatic hydrocarbons found in traditional petrol, Aspen Fuel presents a drastic reduction in pollutants and cleaner option for operators and equipment. To discover the benefits Aspen could bring to your business, contact Roy Narbey – Commercial Business Manager for Aspen Fuel – on roy@aaoil.co.uk

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Royal Troon tunes Toro to perfection

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Royal Troon tunes Toro to perfection: One year after The Open Championship returned to Royal Troon, the club continues to raise the bar in turfcare excellence, with the help of Toro’s technology and Reesink support.

Since the excitement of the tournament, Course Manager Billy McLachlan and his team have focused on rebuilding, recovery, and long-term improvements. With the crowds gone, infrastructure dismantled and grass beneath repaired, attention has turned to machine performance and precision.

Royal Troon tunes Toro to perfection

Royal Troon tunes Toro to perfection

“Hosting The Open again was a great experience and bigger than ever, with over 250,000 visitors,” says Billy. “I’ve got a great team, and the support from Toro and Reesink was first class.”

In the build up to the tournament, Head Mechanic, Davy Mclelland, began adjusting the club’s Toro fleet daily, testing settings like height-of-cut and cylinder speeds to achieve the best possible finish.

That attention to detail has continued since The Open, and is now part of daily practice: “Davy is a brilliant mechanic,” says Billy. “He’s measuring factors like height of cut and cylinder speed; if the speed is too fast, for instance, you’re not giving the blade enough time to make contact with the leaf.

“It all comes back to a simple question: What’s the best way of cutting and how can we do that? We’ve benchmarked data for all these settings, so we know what’s working, why it’s working, and how to adjust our cutting methods accordingly.”

As Reesink’s Product Specialist, Alastair Black, explains, this level of precision is rare: “Most clubs adjust settings a few times a season. But Troon is doing it on an almost daily basis, and the results show.

“We run training courses to help clubs like Troon get the most out of their Toro cutting units. Factory settings are a great starting point. But understanding how to tailor them to your turf can take your surfaces to another level.”

Troon’s mechanical team has also attended Reesink’s Turfcare Mechanics course, which Billy says is integral to the job: “Training is everything. We already had the machines running well, but learning from the experts took our results even further.

“To be good at this job, you’ve got to keep your eyes and ears open – and always be willing to learn,” he concludes. “That’s one thing that will always be a vital part of Troon, our team, and our success.”

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