Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025

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Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025: The inaugural conference on Integrated Weed Management for the Amenity Sector is to be hosted by Kersten UK on Thursday 5th June in Birmingham’s Highbury Hall.

The conference couldn’t be more prescient with the publishing of the National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan in February and the new Pesticides National Action Plan being finally published just last month. The new Pesticides National Action Plan particularly highlights Integrated Management, a sustainable strategy using biological, cultural, and mechanical methods to manage pests including weeds to minimise the reliance on conventional chemical pesticides, and the conference aims to inform and discuss the diverse ranges of weed management practices within the UK Amenity sector.

Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025

Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025

Presentations will include speakers from the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on the implications of the new Pesticide National Action Plan for the Amenity sector and from Cambridge City Council on a case study in becoming pesticide free and developing their Herbicide Reduction Plan after declaring a Biodiversity Emergency in 2019.

Parks for London will also be unveiling its Updated Integrated Weed Management Guidance and LANTRA will be launching its new qualification in Integrated Weed Management at the conference.

As part of the conference, attendees will be able to learn about the latest technological advancements in weed control such as various thermal and electrical weed control methods. Manufacturers from across Europe will be present to showcase how “mechanical alternatives can effectively maintain urban green spaces while minimising environmental impact” (UK Pesticide National Action Plan).

Attendees will also be able to participate and answer important questions in an audience-led discussion panel hosted by Bradley Tennant of International Greenkeepers for Hire with panellists including Professor John Moverley OBE, FRAgs, previously the independent chairman of UK Amenity Forum now running JMMSolutions Consultancy, and Nick Mole of Pesticide Action Network UK.

The conference hopes to bring together stakeholders of our amenity spaces, from council parks, streetscene and highways teams to Grounds Maintenance Contractors to exchange expertise and discuss the management of green urban spaces.

Sean Faulkner, the integrated weed management specialist from Kersten UK, who kicks-off the conference with an introduction to Integrated Pest Management says “My hope for the conference is that this will be a fertile ground to share how an integrated pest management philosophy can deliver a cost effective and sustainable weed control solution for the amenity sector.”

Tickets can be found on eventbrite, with early bird registration ending on the 5th May at which time tickets become full price.

Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/integrated-weed-management-conference-tickets-1111246049849?aff=oddtdtcreator 

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FSI UK return to The Arb Show

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FSI UK return to The Arb Show: FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd return to The Arb Show at Westonbirt Arboretum this May, showcasing a wide selection of their industry-leading stump grinder range.

Alongside stand highlights like the pedestrian FSI B21 and the powerful FSI D74, stand B08/B09 also offers visitors the chance to compete for a grand prize and FSI merchandise with the return of their ‘Cutter Wheel of Fortune’!

FSI UK return to The Arb Show

FSI UK return to The Arb Show

It’s been a busy twelve months for the team after making their debut appearance as FSI UK at The Arb Show last year. Cementing their status as Europe’s largest manufacturer of stump grinders, work has taken place both in the factory and in the field to ensure the range continues to meet the needs of the arb professional. Whether your preferred power option is engine, hydraulic or PTO, you can be assured to find robust walk-behind, self-propelled and remote-controlled stump grinders within the FSI range.

The Arb Show is the perfect platform to showcase FSI’s full range, including the pedestrian FSI B21 and FSI B22 machines. The walk-behind FSI B21 with patented hill-hold system, and the self-propelled FSI B22, both offer a turntable design, vibration-damped handle, a slim 68cm design and easy operation, making them highly efficient and well-suited for users of all skill levels.

Also on display will be the largest model in the FSI range — the powerful FSI D74. Powered by a 74hp Stage V diesel engine, the D74 is built for the toughest stump grinding tasks with its unmatched 735mm cutter wheel and impressive 230cm sweep, clearing stumps in minutes. The two-speed ground-drive ‘FSI power-drive’ enables operators to switch between HIGH for fast movement or LOW for increased traction, while the full-featured remote control ensures optimal positioning with a clear view of the work area.

Throughout the two-day show, the FSI team will be on hand to answer all of your stump grinder questions. Sign-up for our prize-draw and try your luck on the ‘Cutter Wheel of Fortune’ to win exclusive FSI  merchandise –  one lucky participant will get to take home an FSI B21 for 3 whole months – for free!

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GroundsFest Academy Launches with Free Educational Day

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GroundsFest Academy Launches with Free Educational Day: The highly anticipated first GroundsFest Academy event is set to take place on May 13, 2025, marking the beginning of a new era in free, hands-on education. The first session, hosted in partnership with DLF, titled ‘Seed Science,’ will be held at DLF Seeds’ UK head office in Inkberrow, Worcestershire.

This CPD-accredited educational day is completely free to attend, thanks to GroundsFest’s commitment to reinvesting profits from the show back into the industry. The Academy aims to provide valuable training, helping attendees refine their skills, discover new techniques, and gain insights from leading experts.

GroundsFest Academy Launches with Free Educational Day

GroundsFest Academy Launches with Free Educational Day

Who Can Attend?

The GroundsFest Academy is designed for anyone working across the groundscare, landscaping, greenkeeping and sports turf sectors. Whether you’re an industry professional looking to deepen your knowledge or a newcomer keen to gain practical experience, this event offers an excellent opportunity to learn and network.

What to Expect

The Seed Science event will feature expert-led, hands-on sessions covering key aspects of seed science, including:

Grass & Seed Identification – Learn how to distinguish different grass species and seed types through practical exercises.

Germination & Pre-Germination Tests – Gain insights into how and why seeds germinate, with live demonstrations and interactive learning.

Site Tour of DLF – Discover how seed production, testing, and breeding processes work firsthand.

Sowing, Aftercare & Maintenance – Develop your understanding of best practices for sowing and maintaining grass seed.

A Unique Learning Experience

The day will be structured to encourage participation and engagement. Attendees will be split into groups and will take part in quizzes throughout the sessions. The winning group will receive a special prize, adding an element of fun to the learning experience.

Bradley Tennant who is leading the GroundsFest Academy initiative expressed his enthusiasm for the launch, stating: “We’re absolutely delighted to be launching the first-ever GroundsFest Academy. Thanks to the support of DLF, we’re able to offer such a high-quality educational event. The DLF team share our passion for knowledge and innovation.”

Matt Gresty, MM and Designer Sales and Brand Manager for DLF UK, said: “DLF are pleased to host the inaugural Groundsfest Academy Education Day on Seed Science, we look forward to providing an interesting and informative day for all attendees.”

Secure Your Spot

The GroundsFest Academy offers a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders while networking with fellow professionals. With limited spaces available, early registration is recommended to avoid disappointment.

To view the full seminar programme and to secure your place, visit the dedicated GroundsFest Academy website www.groundsfestacademy.com

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Etesia UK Hosts Successful Dealer Day

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Etesia UK Hosts Successful Dealer Day: Etesia UK recently welcomed dealers from across the UK and Ireland to an insightful and engaging dealer day at Primrose Hill Farm in Oxfordshire. Attendees gathered to explore Etesia’s latest product innovations, gain industry insights, and connect with key figures in the sector.

A major highlight of the day was the official UK launch of the Pellenc Essential range, which generated significant interest among dealers looking to expand their battery-powered offerings. In addition, four new models were unveiled in the ET Lander range, further strengthening Etesia’s commitment to delivering high-performance, eco-friendly solutions.

Etesia UK Hosts Successful Dealer Day

Etesia UK Hosts Successful Dealer Day

Attendees were also treated to an exclusive preview of new battery and flail products, which are set to be officially launched at GroundsFest this September. These innovations signal Etesia’s continued investment in battery technology, reflecting the growing shift within the industry towards sustainable equipment.

The dealer day featured an impressive line-up of speakers, offering valuable insights across a range of topics:

  • Thomas Meyher, President of Etesia SAS – Highlighted the company’s global vision and ongoing commitment to innovation.
  • Leo Copping, Kramp – Discussed Etesia’s partnership with Kramp and the importance of efficient parts stocking.
  • Matt Fasham, AEA – Delivered an informative session on the safe handling and storage of batteries.
  • Nick Darking, BAGMA – Outlined the benefits of BAGMA membership and its relevance to dealers.
  • Andy Stafferton – Spoke about working capital finance and stocking plans, helping dealers navigate financial considerations.

Attendees were split into three groups and rotated between three stations, allowing them to experience a variety of interactive sessions. This approach ensured that dealers had ample opportunity to engage with the new products and deepen their understanding of Etesia’s latest offerings.

The event left a lasting impression on attendees, with many praising the opportunity to see new equipment up close, as well as the balance between practical demonstrations and informative presentations.

Nathan Lewis, Lewis Gardening Services, appreciated the opportunity to learn about new battery technology:

“It has been a great day; good to come and see kit that I know and have used, but it has also been nice to see the new and upcoming kit from Etesia. The speakers have enlightened me on some battery equipment that I wasn’t aware of regarding safety, so it has been a good and insightful event.”

Etesia UK Hosts Successful Dealer Day

Etesia UK Hosts Successful Dealer Day

Scott Reynolds, RT Machinery, emphasised the value of staying informed about evolving technologies:

“The new products that we’ve seen today have been an eye-opener. A huge amount of our customers are talking about battery products every single day and are introducing them into their businesses. It has been a really good event – a great balance between indoor presentations and hands-on demonstrations.”

With the growing emphasis on battery technology and the unveiling of exciting new products, Etesia UK continues to strengthen its position as a leader in providing sustainable, high-performance equipment for the landscaping and groundscare sectors.

A video overview of the day can be found by clicking here.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Etesia UK on Twitter @EtesiaUK and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/EtesiaUK. You can also view the latest Etesia videos by visiting www.youtube.com/EtesiaUK

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PSD Groundscare celebrate exclusive dealer event

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PSD Groundscare celebrate exclusive dealer event: PSD Groundscare are celebrating a highly successful Exclusive Dealer Training Event at Meriden, Birmingham. The two-day event (18th & 19th March) saw PSD presenting, to their dealer network, new innovations to complement their existing portfolio.

The event was led by the PSD team and included a mix of supplier presentations featuring company histories and product training, which was followed by a hands-on opportunity to try the machinery for themselves.

PSD Groundscare celebrate exclusive dealer event

PSD Groundscare celebrate exclusive dealer event

The dealer partners had the ability to see PSD’s extensive professional product range, plus new innovations, including the expanded range of SABO Equipment, the all-new Hornet RC Flail Mower from EcoTech, Eliet’s new Ecocure Pedestrian Top-dresser, Honda engine Options for Grin Mowers, Koeppl’s unique range of Battery Two Wheeled Tractors and much more.

PSD specialise in various market sectors including long grass and steep slope mowing, turf renovation, green waste shredding and weed removal. The extensive product range includes various petrol engine and battery products.

Training was a key focus of the event, in keeping with PSD’s philosophy that through such training, partners obtain the knowledge and confidence to discuss the equipment in detail with their customers and to offer the best solutions for their individual requirements.

The event was supported in attendance by manufacturers including SABO, represented by Managing Director, Lars Daniel & Pierre Janotta, ELIET, represented by CEO Frederic Lietaer & Gracienne Geenens, EcoTech, represented by Giacomo Facaccia & Michela Tranquillo and GRIN, represented by Stefano Corti.

The day took place at the Forest of Arden Hotel, with sessions both indoors and outdoors with some fantastic weather, making for a highly successful event with an impressive turnout.

Stuart Mercer, Sales Director for PSD said:

“The aim of the event was to bring our dealers partners fully up to speed with what’s new and to ensure that they are well prepared for the season and to provide them with the opportunity to interact directly with our suppliers.”

“At PSD, we always pride ourselves on offering our customers a wide range of events and we were excited again to be able to showcase our range of equipment.”

“We’re absolutely delighted with how well the dealer event went. We not only had a great turn out from Dealers who were very keen to see what’s new, we had some amazing feedback, and it was wonderful to catch up with everyone.”

PSD offers BAGMA dealer staff training, and LANTRA training for their end user customers.

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