Baroness and Kubota support BIGGA's Mental Health First Aid Programme

Baroness and Kubota support BIGGA’s Mental Health First Aid Programme

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Baroness and Kubota support BIGGA’s Mental Health First Aid Programme

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is proud to announce Baroness UK and Kubota (UK) Ltd as headline sponsors of its Mental Health First Aid Programme (MHFAP).

Baroness and Kubota support BIGGA's Mental Health First Aid Programme

Baroness and Kubota support BIGGA’s Mental Health First Aid Programme

Developed in response to the well-documented pressures faced by greenkeepers and turf professionals, the programme delivers accredited training designed to equip members with the skills to recognise and respond to mental health challenges in themselves and others.

Long hours, seasonal demands, and often isolated working environments mean those employed in turf management can be at increased risk.

Through the MHFAP, BIGGA is aiming to continue building a network of trained Mental Health First Aiders across the industry, while helping to create more supportive and resilient workplaces.

The programme centres on two-day, in-person courses delivered to members across BIGGA’s five regions, supported by ongoing guidance and follow-up communication to ensure lasting impact beyond the classroom.

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said the support would play a key role in strengthening an already important area of the association’s work.

“Through this programme, we are providing practical, accredited training that gives people the confidence to recognise when something is wrong and to step in with the right support at the right time,” he said.

“The backing of Baroness and Kubota allows us to extend that support further, ensuring more members across our regions can access this training and help us build a stronger, more connected network of Mental Health First Aiders within the industry. This will make the industry a better place for all,” said Croxton.

“Supporting BIGGA’s Mental Health First Aid programme reflects our commitment not only to the turf industry, but to the people within it,” said Baroness UK Sales Director Adam Butler. “Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical safety so we’re delighted to be able to play our part in providing the tools and awareness needed to support turf managers across the UK.”

Charlotte McFarland, Tactical Marketing Executive for Kubota (UK) Ltd, added: “This sponsorship is perfectly in line with our ‘For Earth, For Life’ commitment – supporting the needs of our society whether that’s with equipment or training, support and understanding. “Partnering with BIGGA on this initiative allows us to play a meaningful role in promoting mental health awareness and ensuring those in the industry know they are not alone.”

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Aspen Fuel converts petrol fumes to reliable performance

Aspen Fuel converts petrol fumes to reliable performance

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Aspen Fuel converts petrol fumes to reliable performance

As Arb Approved contractors, Shire Trees proudly work to the highest and safest standards on domestic and commercial tree works across Cambridgeshire. A third-generation business, tradition underpins much of the day-to-day operations, but one thing that hasn’t stayed the same is their choice of fuel. After 17 years of working with standard petrol and its harsh fumes, Owner James Cantle has transformed the running of the business and the wellbeing of his team by switching to Aspen Fuel.

Aspen Fuel converts petrol fumes to reliable performance

Aspen Fuel converts petrol fumes to reliable performance

James started working alongside his father in 2005 before taking over the family business in 2017. In the interim years he enjoyed periods working in Bergen, Norway, which is where he first encountered Aspen alkylate fuel. “I hadn’t really come across it before but over there, everyone uses it – you can even buy it straight from the pump” he explains. “Immediately you noticed the difference in engine performance. It was smokeless and the saws just ran better, something I was keen to implement on my return to the UK.”

“As an employer, you’re always monitoring things like vibrations and exposure to harmful toxins and fumes so using Aspen in all of our petrol-powered equipment is just one less thing to worry about.” He continues, “The reduction in fumes not only makes a real difference to our team of eight operatives, especially when working in confined spaces, it’s also important for work in public areas. It has definitely helped us score well in a number of school tenders for example.”

For James and the team, the perks of Aspen extend well beyond the health benefits. “The convenience of it being pre-mixed adds further peace of mind that we’re not going to get incorrect fuel ratios clogging up carburettors in the field. The shelf life of Aspen also means that we can pull out machines that perhaps only get used a couple of times a year and they’ll still start first time. The days of draining out tanks before putting the equipment away are long gone!”

“The time saved here, and the convenience of having the Aspen delivered by Ben Burgess in bulk 200L drums to our site goes a long way to offset the additional upfront cost.”

Aspen 2 is alkylate petrol premixed at 50:1 with a premium quality biodegradable 2-stroke oil. Virtually free from harmful substances such as benzene, aromatic hydrocarbons or olefins – and with no ethanol – Aspen helps equipment run cleaner for longer.

James concludes, “For us, it just makes a lot of sense. While the price per litre may be higher, the combination of the health benefits, convenience, reliability and reduced downtime means Aspen delivers real value where and when it matters most.”

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STIHL launches new backpack blowers

STIHL launches new backpack blowers

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STIHL launches new backpack blowers

STIHL has launched the BRA 200 and BRA 280 B backpack blowers, designed to quickly and effectively clear large areas. With batteries in place, the compact and lightweight machines weigh little over 10KG, making them ideal for professional landscaping jobs. In addition, the machines are both quick and easy to adjust ensuring that users can focus on the task at hand.

STIHL launches new backpack blowers

STIHL launches new backpack blowers

With a consistent and powerful blowing force, the BRA 280 B provides three easily controlled modes, while the BRA 200 offers a variable trigger control for simple operation. Both machines feature an additional boost function for tough clearing jobs, which can be activated for the duration of the tool’s use.  Weighing Maximum blowing force in boost is 26 Newtons for the BRA 280 B and 21 Newtons for the BRA 200.

To further support professionals, the blowers are equipped with a carrying system to guarantee reduced strain and comfortable working, even during long periods of operation. While their splash-proof design makes them ideal for use in all weather conditions.

In addition, both machines provide dual battery slots, enabling them to automatically draw power from their second battery, once the first is empty. This allows professionals to continue their work without interruption for ultimate convenience.

The backpack blowers are designed to support integration with STIHL’s Connected system, a digital fleet management solution that helps professionals keep track of their tools, servicing schedules, and machine use.

Complete with an energy saving mode for optimised use, the BRA 280 B also comes with an advanced LED display, providing users with a clear view of working mode and battery levels.

BRA 280 B

 

 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 BOOST
Blowing Force (N) 14 17 21 26
Runtime 1 x AP 500 S (min)  30 25 18 12

 

BRA 200

 

 Variable Trigger:

Low

 Variable Trigger: 

Fully Pressed

 BOOST
Blowing Force (N) 5 17 21
Runtime 1 x AP 300 S (min) 97 19 14

The new designs arrive as STIHL celebrates its 100th anniversary. Since 1926, STIHL has defined the global standard for battery and petrol-powered forestry, landscaping, and residential gardening equipment for professional and domestic users.

For more information on STIHL products, visit www.stihl.co.uk or contact your nearest STIHL Approved Dealer.

Find out more about STIHL’s historic milestone, here: https://100.stihl.com

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Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

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Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

At Longcliffe Golf Club in Leicestershire, Course Manager Mike Bunney has transformed the way he manages turf since introducing Turf Tracker into his programme.

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

For a traditional heathland course set on the edge of Charnwood Forest, where precision is everything, the platform has quickly become an essential part of day-to-day decision making.

Turf Tracker is a digital agronomy and management tool that uses hyper-local weather data to help turf professionals make informed decisions. From spray and disease forecasting to clip volume tracking and machinery checks, it brings everything into one simple, paper-free system.

“I tried it and I’ve really taken to it, it’s been an absolute game changer for me,” says Mike, who has been at Longcliffe for around 20 years and in charge for the last eight.

Currently leading a team of seven, Mike is also overseeing major course improvements, including a new irrigation system and a large-scale tree project aimed at restoring Longcliffe’s heathland character.

Mike first introduced Turf Tracker through its digital pre-start checks, helping to improve organisation and accountability across the team.

“That was a big part of it, getting the team engaged in checking the machinery and servicing. It’s so easy to use,” he explains. “I can see who’s done their checks in the morning as it tells you all individually.”

The move away from paper records has also been a big win.

“We’ve no longer got files in filing cabinets in the workshop. Now it’s all online, which is so much more efficient.”

Using Turf Tracker’s N Tracker feature has allowed Mike to take the guesswork out of fertiliser applications.

“Instead of just guessing every year and spraying whenever I think I need to, I now keep a full log. I’m on top of when I spray and how much I spray,” he says. “It’s saved us quite a lot of money.”

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker 2

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker 2

Those savings are now being reinvested elsewhere on the course.

“What I’ve saved on fertilisers, I can put into seed, wetting agents and other important things.”

More recently, Mike has started using the clip volume feature to better understand turf growth and fine-tune maintenance.

“The difference last year was huge,” he says. “Instead of feeding without knowing if it was needed, I can now really manage my clip volume.”

By measuring clippings on selected greens, the team can make more accurate decisions, leading to noticeable improvements in performance.

“It’s made a big difference to our green speeds, which has always been a bit of a sore subject here. The improvement last year was massive.”

With weather-based forecasting and disease prediction tools, Turf Tracker is helping Mike plan with greater confidence.

“You can really forecast what’s going to happen with growth. The Microdochium forecast is also a really good feature as it helps you stay ahead.”

For Mike, the benefits are clear, and he is already encouraging others to take a look.

“I would definitely recommend Turf Tracker. I already am to other course managers as it’s transformed things for us.”

For more information, visit www.turftracker.net

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