August 26, 2025 - Turf Matters

Level Up Your Career with the Experts: Since Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was first introduced to sports turf literature, over 1,900 articles have been published on the subject. This underlines IPM’s central role in modern turf management and highlights the importance of continued professional education.

Finding a trusted source of knowledge is key. At STRI Group, our courses are built on science and delivered by leading experts, giving you the skills and confidence to apply acquired knowledge effectively in your role.

Level Up Your Career with the Experts

Dr Christian Spring, Principal Scientist at STRI, explains:

“IPM and ITM represent the best-practice approach for sustainable turf management. They are critical to the short, medium and long-term success of every playing surface. With the challenges facing turf managers – from climate change and water availability to regulatory pressures – adopting IPM is the only way to make sports surfaces as resilient as possible.”

BASIS courses provide the knowledge and qualifications needed to put IPM into practice. IPM is about managing turf sustainably by combining cultural, biological, and chemical controls, while reducing reliance on pesticides.

Through BASIS and FACTS training, turf professionals can:

Apply IPM principles effectively in real-life situations
Meet regulatory requirements by showing they’ve considered non-chemical options first
Improve turf health, resilience, and sustainability through best practice in pest, disease, and nutrient management.

In short, BASIS courses turn the philosophy into practical, accredited skills that help turf professionals deliver high-quality, sustainable playing surfaces.

How can STRI help?

Each autumn, STRI hosts three BASIS-accredited courses at our headquarters in Bingley. With an 8-hectare research facility, expert tuition from Dr Christian Spring, and plenty of hands-on practical learning, there really is no better place to immerse yourself in turf science.

Courses available

BASIS Foundation in Amenity Horticulture – Turf

Who it’s for: Practitioners or those new to product sales who need a grounding in IPM, agronomy, and safe pesticide use.

Format: Fully face-to-face teaching, with an online exam afterwards.
Dates: 24-26 November 2025 (teaching), 28 November 2025 (exam).
Cost: £1,130 + VAT (includes exam fee).

BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection – Amenity Horticulture

(Turf or Hard Surface specialist modules)

Who it’s for: Advisors, agronomists, or anyone seeking advanced IPM and plant protection product training.

Format: Two teaching weeks face to face, plus online written exam, with ID and viva exams held at STRI HQ.
Dates:
- Week 1 teaching: 6 – 10 October 2025
- Week 2 teaching: 3 – 6 November 2025
- Online written exam: 8 December 2025
- ID exam (live samples at STRI): 9 December 2025 (afternoon)
- Vivas at STRI: 10 December 2025
Cost: £2,990 + VAT (includes exam fee).

FACTS Turf Course

Who it’s for: Turf professionals wanting to deepen their expertise in nutrient management and fertiliser planning.

Format: 3.5 days face-to-face teaching, with online written exam and viva.
Dates: Teaching: 21 – 24 October 2025 Exams: 11–12 December 2025
Cost: £2,195 + VAT (includes exam fee).

Why Choose STRI?

At STRI, you’ll learn directly from leading turf scientists while gaining hands-on experience at our 8-hectare research facility. Our courses are designed to futureproof your skills, equipping you with the knowledge to meet challenges such as climate change, water management, and increasing regulatory pressures.

Alongside expert tuition, you’ll also join a strong professional network, giving you valuable connections that extend well beyond the classroom.

Book your place now – spaces are limited.

Email enquiries@strigroup.com or call 01274 565131.

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STIGA Technology Enhances Glenapp Castle’s Gardens: The STIGA team is proud to announce that Glenapp Castle, Relais & Châteaux, perched high above the dramatic coastline of southwest Scotland, has chosen STIGA’s robot mowers to care for its historic lawns.

Overlooking the Irish Sea and the iconic Ailsa Craig Island, Glenapp Castle is a baronial retreat hidden within 110 acres of enchanting parkland, including an Italian garden designed by renowned horticulturalist Gertrude Jekyll. Beneath its fairytale towers and turrets lie grand interiors adorned with rich fabrics, art, and antiques that echo the splendour of a bygone era. With award-winning cuisine, access to country sports and world-class golf, and its own all-weather boat for exploring the surrounding isles, Glenapp Castle offers an unrivalled Scottish escape.

STIGA Technology Enhances Glenapp Castle’s Gardens

STIGA’s range of autonomous robot mowers has been officially certified by Quiet Mark, making STIGA the only autonomous robotic mower brand to receive this prestigious recognition. Combining cutting-edge innovation with eco-conscious engineering, the mowers deliver exceptional performance while operating with minimal noise, helping to preserve the tranquillity of gardens and estates like Glenapp.

The adoption of STIGA’s robotic mowing technology has already proven transformative at Glenapp Castle, complementing the expertise of the estate’s gardening team and allowing them to dedicate more time to vital restoration and conservation work.

Jill Chalmers, Managing Director of Glenapp Castle, said:

“We are delighted to introduce STIGA’s Quiet Mark-certified robotic mowers to our estate. The technology not only maintains our gardens to the highest standard, but also does so in harmony with the peaceful surroundings that our guests so greatly value. This innovation supports our talented gardening team, allowing them to focus on preserving the heritage and natural beauty of Glenapp Castle for generations to come.”