Ecological green space maintenance requires clear priorities

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Ecological green space maintenance requires clear priorities: How can green space maintenance be made ecologically sound and practical at the same time, without losing sight of functional requirements? This question was the focus of a discussion round to which AS-Motor invited representatives from science, practice and the trade press.

The initiative was prompted by AS-Motor’s long-standing commitment to ecologically oriented green space maintenance. Since the public debate surrounding the Bavarian referendum “Save the Bees” in 2019, mulching technology has also come under increasing criticism. For AS-Motor, this was an opportunity to critically examine its own role as a equipment manufacturer and to take a closer look at the ecological impact of different maintenance decisions. The discussion panel picked up on this and brought together perspectives and experiences from science, practice and the media.

Ecological green space maintenance requires clear priorities

Ecological green space maintenance requires clear priorities

The discussion made it clear that there is no single goal for ecological green space maintenance. Instead, there are several ecological targets, including the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of biotope networks and landscape connectivity. Maintenance always takes place within clear framework conditions, for example with regard to traffic safety, legal requirements, economic efficiency and social acceptance. Prioritisation is unavoidable. Maintenance must be planned on an area-specific and target-dependent basis.

Areas with low usage but high connectivity are of particular ecological importance. These include roadside greenery, field margins, forest edges, orchard meadows, municipal green spaces and private gardens. Linear structures in particular play a central role in the biotope network.

Maintenance is essential

There was agreement that non-maintenance is not a viable option. As cultural landscapes, many areas depend on targeted maintenance to prevent scrub encroachment and loss of species and function. The timing of mowing, mowing frequency, cutting height, area division and rotating and mosaic-like maintenance approaches are crucial. Alternating maintenance was considered particularly practical: intensively maintained areas where necessary and extensively maintained, deliberately staggered sub-areas in adjacent areas.

The role of technology was also considered in a differentiated manner during the round table discussion. Machines are a means to an end, not the solution itself. Bar mowers can offer advantages in terms of nature conservation, but are not economically viable or suitable for use in all areas due to terrain conditions. Mulchers and rotary mowers can be ecologically beneficial when used appropriately. It is not only the type of machine that is crucial, but the entire maintenance concept and its consistent implementation.

In practice, it has also been shown that ecologically oriented green space maintenance does not necessarily entail higher costs. Reduced mowing frequency can offset additional expenses. Challenges remain in the disposal of clippings and limited investment opportunities in new technology.

Communication is key

Communication has been identified as a key factor. Conflicts often arise less from technical reasons than from aesthetic expectations. Areas that appear unfamiliar or untidy are met with rejection without explanation. What is crucial is explanatory, continuous communication that creates understanding and highlights positive examples. The model of “orderly unrest” was mentioned several times in this context.

The role of employees is equally central. Change can only succeed with the people who carry out the maintenance. Knowledge, involvement and appreciation promote responsibility and motivation. Many practical solutions arise directly from experience in the field.

In the discussion, AS-Motor was perceived not only as a manufacturer of equipment, but also as a source of knowledge and a catalyst for professional exchange. Training courses, practical guidelines, tried-and-tested practical solutions and the further development of technology with a view to ecological application were identified as useful starting points.

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phs Greenleaf appoints biophilic expert

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phs Greenleaf appoints biophilic expert: Jane Leese has joined phs Greenleaf as its Biophilic Design Consultant as the interior and exterior planting business continues to grow across the UK.

Jane has 12 years of experience in the horticulture market and has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands and multinational companies to bring ambitious biophilic designs to life.

phs Greenleaf appoints biophilic expert

phs Greenleaf appoints biophilic expert

Jane’s role at phs Greenleaf will see her deliver interior and exterior schemes from concept to installation, including multi-site customers across the UK.

“Biophilia is the concept that humans have an innate connection to nature,” explains Jane. “In commercial and public spaces, biophilic design aims to bring elements of the natural world inside because there is strong evidence that this improves health, wellbeing, performance and organisational outcomes.

“Including plants, trees, flowers and other natural materials into interior spaces serves a greater purpose than creating a nice aesthetic. It can deliver real tangible benefits, including improved productivity and reduced sick days. Even NASA has advocated for plants to be used in offices to help purify air.”

“It is more complex that putting a potted plant in the corner of your meeting room however,” continues Jane. “It is about putting the right plant in the right place and thinking outside the box to meet your goals. Plants can go inside, on or even around a building – there are no limits.

“ESG is a focus at every stage of the process. We want designs to reduce CO2, promote sustainability and use recyclables wherever possible.”

Stephen Dieppe, Managing Director of phs Greenleaf, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jane to phs Greenleaf at a time when demand for high-quality biophilic design is growing rapidly across the UK.

“Jane brings a wealth of horticultural expertise and a deep understanding of how thoughtful planting can transform commercial and public spaces. Her passion for plants and her ability to deliver ambitious, sustainable schemes at scale will be invaluable as we continue to grow across the UK.”

phs Greenleaf supplies over 8,000 customers with interior and exterior planting across the UK and makes over 25,000 customer site visits every year. It provides a full range of horticultural services, including indoor and outdoor plants, artificial and live planting, living walls, grounds maintenance and Christmas trees and decorations, as well as expert maintenance services.

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MM Seed: New and Improved for 2026

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MM Seed: New and Improved for 2026: MM Seed enters 2026 with a refined and strengthened range, building on its reputation for quality, performance and reliability across golf, winter sports, cricket and tennis.

With carefully selected cultivar updates and the continued inclusion of HEADSTART® GOLD as standard, the latest MM mixtures are designed to deliver stronger establishment, improved durability and consistent presentation in increasingly challenging conditions.

MM Seed: New and Improved for 2026

MM Seed: New and Improved for 2026

Golf: Fairway and Greens Performance You Can Rely On

For fairways and high-wear areas, MM22, MM50 and MM13 remain core options, each offering distinct benefits depending on site requirements.

MM22 continues to be a trusted choice for divotting, repairs and renovation work on tees and fairways subject to heavy traffic. For 2026, MM22 is enhanced with the inclusion of Mumbai perennial ryegrass, a dense, fine-leaved and hard-wearing cultivar. This is complemented by Hastings and Sybille creeping red fescues, further improving density and visual quality.

MM50 also benefits from the addition of Mumbai, strengthening its ability to produce a dense, resilient sward capable of withstanding close mowing and sustained wear. Alongside proven cultivars such as Singapore, MM50 continues to deliver consistency and performance where presentation and durability are equally important.

For lower-input environments, MM13 offers a traditional yet highly effective solution for overseeding and renovation of tees, fairways and roughs. With excellent drought tolerance, good disease resistance and strong recovery, MM13 is particularly suited to sites where ease of management and reliability are key. Its ability to hold colour and performance through winter further enhances its appeal.

On greens, MM8 and MM9 provide specialist solutions for different playing environments. MM8 is a 100% fine fescue blend, ideally suited to links and heathland-style courses. Featuring top-rated cultivars such as Sybille, it delivers a fine, dense sward with low nutrient requirements, good drought tolerance and improved disease resistance, making it ideal for sustainable maintenance programmes and seasonal overseeding.

MM9 remains a premium browntop bent mixture for summer overseeding, autumn renovation and new green construction. Renowned for producing smooth, dense putting surfaces, MM9 offers excellent colour retention, strong disease resistance and tolerance to close mowing, making it a dependable choice for high-performance greens.

Winter Sports: Proven Mixtures and Smart Innovation

MM60, a market-leading winter sports mixture for over 30 years, remains a go-to option thanks to its fast germination, excellent wear tolerance and strong winter recovery. The inclusion of the Lionel cultivar provides enhanced resistance to Fusarium, supporting turf health during high-risk periods.

MM Tetrasport blends 75% tetraploid and 25% diploid perennial ryegrass, delivering the combined benefits of both species. The result is a hard-wearing, disease-resistant sward with excellent colour, deep rooting and improved drought tolerance, making it particularly well suited to stadiums, training grounds and pitches with limited irrigation.

New for 2026, MM Active Shield has been developed to address growing concerns around Grey Leaf Spot. The mix includes Fiesta 4 and Fabian, the most tolerant cultivars identified in DLF GLS trials, alongside other independently trialled varieties. Fast to establish even in cooler temperatures, MM Active Shield delivers greater root mass, improved plant strength, excellent wear tolerance and outstanding year-round colour.

Cricket and Tennis: Trusted at the Highest Level

MM50 continues its long-standing position as the market-leading cricket and tennis mixture, used by numerous county and international venues. The inclusion of Mumbai raises performance further, while Singapore supports rapid recovery from match play and wear. Tolerant of low cutting heights and quick to establish, MM50 remains a proven choice for cricket squares and tennis courts alike.

HEADSTART® GOLD: Performance Built In

All MM seed mixtures come with HEADSTART® GOLD as standard. This second-generation biological seed treatment accelerates germination and supports early root development through a carefully balanced blend of macro and micronutrients, including phosphorus, sulphur, copper and molybdenum. By promoting stronger roots during establishment, HEADSTART® GOLD helps improve stress tolerance, reduce inputs and deliver healthier turf faster.

Combined with MM’s high standards for seed purity and germination, the 2026 range offers professional turf managers dependable solutions designed to perform from day one – and well beyond.

The 2026 MM Seed product catalogue is now available through your local MM Seed distributor.

Visit the new and improved MM Seed website at www.mm-seeds.co.uk

You can also follow the company on X: @MM_Seed.

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Meg Lay Named Young New Zealander of the Year

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Meg Lay Named Young New Zealander of the Year: GMA NextGen is proud to announce that its Co-Chair, Meg Lay, has been named Young New Zealander of the Year at the prestigious Waitangi Day Gala Ball, held at the Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel in London. 

The award was presented by the His Excellency Hamish Cooper, NZ High Commissioner to the UK, Rachel Glucina, President of The New Zealand Society, and Richard Dawson the Head of ANZ Bank UK & Europe, and recognises outstanding young Kiwis making a meaningful impact both abroad and at home.

Meg Lay Named Young New Zealander of the Year

Meg Lay Named Young New Zealander of the Year

As part of the honour, Meg was presented with a korowai, a traditional Māori cloak symbolising mana and respect, along with a personal letter from the Prime Minister of New Zealand, in which he said: “What a fantastic achievement: from farming in Christchurch to being the first female grounds woman at Lords ‘s Cricket Ground. You should be rightly proud of your achievements,”

Meg was selected for her groundbreaking contributions to the grounds management industry, including becoming the first female groundsperson at Lord’s Cricket Ground and her leadership in forming the first all-female grounds team at the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Her work as part of GMA NextGen has also been instrumental in promoting innovation and inclusivity within the profession.

The selection process for the prestigious award was highly competitive, with nominations evaluated by a distinguished panel including the NZ High Commissioner to the UK, President of The New Zealand Society and Head of ANZ Bank UK & Europe. Meg’s achievements and leadership stood out among the candidates.

“It is an incredible honour to be recognised in this way,” said Meg Lay. “Receiving the korowai and a letter from the Prime Minister was deeply moving. I am proud to represent New Zealanders making a difference around the world, and I hope this inspires more young people to pursue careers in grounds management.”

The Waitangi Day Gala Ball is an annual celebration of New Zealand culture, heritage and excellence, bringing together the Kiwi community in the United Kingdom. This year’s event highlighted the achievements of the next generation of New Zealanders on the global stage.

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