Discover the Free Education Programme at GroundsFest

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Discover the Free Education Programme at GroundsFest: GroundsFest 2024 is set to be an unmissable event for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in the land-based industries. With a comprehensive education programme spread across four seminar theatres, including practical sessions, there’s something for everyone. The seminars are free to attend, and visitors can earn up to 12 CPD points by attending the sessions.

Seminar Theatre 1, sponsored by Lantra, kicks off on 10th September with a range of sessions designed to tackle the latest challenges and innovations in the amenity sector. Highlights include:

  • OCR Regulations – All You Need to Know by The Amenity Forum.
  • A Year in Edgbaston – Gary Barwell from Warwickshire County Cricket Club.
  • Challenges and Opportunities in the Amenity Sector, featuring experts like Professor John Moverley (Lantra), Jim Croxton (BIGGA) and Alisdair Mason (LanGuard).
  • How Hybrid Grass is Powering More Play in Grassroots and Professional Sports by SIS Grass.
  • Integrated Turf Management for Grassroots by Mark De Ath from Origin Amenity Solutions.
Discover the Free Education Programme at GroundsFest

Discover the Free Education Programme at GroundsFest

On 11th September, Seminar Theatre 1 continues with sessions like Reducing Glyphosate in Amenity Settings and The Benefits of Volunteering to Progress Your Career.

Seminar Theatre 2, sponsored by Dennis and SISIS, will feature equally engaging content on 10th September, such as:

  • Sustainable Seed Solutions for Landscaping and Sports Turf by Stuart Yarwood from DLF.
  • The Future of Amenity Weed Management by Sean Faulkner from Kersten UK Ltd.
  • Boost Your Turf: How Silicon Supercharges Grass Growth by Kate Williams from Orion Future Technology.

On 11th September, don’t miss Water Management for Grassroots Football by Kelly Clack, An Introduction into Playground Standards and Inspections by Jon Dalton from The Play Inspection Company, and Understanding Gravity-Fed Chippers: How To Ensure Your Customer Gets The Right Solution by Andy Wain from HANSA.

Explore The Landscape Zone

The Landscape Zone will host a series of seminars across two days, addressing key issues and trends in landscaping and garden design. On 10th September, look forward to:

  • Birmingham: The City of 1000 Green Spaces by Ryan Suddall from Fira Landscape.
  • Building a Successful Landscaping Business, featuring insights from Herman Pobrati and Ben Parkinson.
  • Prioritising Pollinators—a vital discussion on supporting declining pollinator populations.

On 11th September, seminars like Enhancing Biodiversity: The Role of Landscapers and Garden Designers in Shaping Sustainable Ecosystems by Noel Brock, and How to Incorporate Sustainable Water Management into Everyday Gardens will provide practical tips for creating eco-friendly outdoor spaces.

Practical Training Sessions by Grounds Training

GroundsFest 2024 also features practical training sessions designed to give hands-on experience in key areas:

Tuesday, 10th September 2024

  • Training 101 for Managers: An informative session for grounds managers covering workplace training, current legislation, and planning training for your organization.
  • Calibration Station: Knapsack Sprayers: A practical session demonstrating the calibration process and maintenance of knapsack sprayers, with delegates encouraged to participate.
  • Launch of Lantra Robotic GPS Line Marking Course: Learn more about the new Robotic GPS Line Marking Course.

Wednesday, 11th September 2024

  • Health and Safety Workshop: A talk to raise awareness of Health and Safety legislation within the industry.
  • Introduction to Pedestrian Mowers Cylinder: Introduction to the Lantra competency course, covering legislation, risk assessments, and equipment familiarisation.
  • Introduction to Handheld Machinery: Overview of the Lantra competency courses, including relevant legislation, risk assessments, and equipment handling.

These sessions, along with many others, offer an invaluable opportunity to learn from experts, earn CPD points, and stay at the forefront of industry trends. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, GroundsFest 2024’s education programme has something to offer everyone.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the industry’s must-attend event. Register now for free at www.groundsfest.com

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

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FSI to unveil latest addition to stump grinder range at APF

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FSI to unveil latest addition to stump grinder range at APF: FSI Stump Cutters are set to unveil something new at APF 2024, as the UK subsidiary of the world’s only dedicated stump grinder manufacturer takes a stand at the event for the very first time.

While details of the launch are being kept closely under wraps, visitors to stand 1560/1580 this September are assured to find an exciting new addition to their industry-leading portfolio, along with the chance to win a free 3-month hire of an FSI B21.

FSI to unveil latest addition to stump grinder range at APF

FSI to unveil latest addition to stump grinder range at APF

No strangers to the Ragley Estate, FSI have long had a presence at APF but 2024 marks the company’s debut under the banner of FSI Stump Cutters UK. Stand 1560/1580 will bring together stump grinding solutions for all professional situations with the expert advice and support of representatives from FSI UK and Denmark, as well as a number of FSI’s UK dealer partners.

Founded in 2002, FSI Stump Cutters have one of the industry’s widest ranges of quality-built stump grinders spanning engine, hydraulic and PTO-powered models – the latest addition to which will be unveiled on the opening morning. Other stand highlights promise to include the ever-popular FSI B21, which sets the industry standard for walk-behind grinders. The FSI B21 features a 14hp engine and pivoting cutter arm, offering a sweep of up to 90cm and removing stumps downs to depths of 25cm below ground.

Visitors will also have the chance to win a free 3-month hire of an FSI B21 by signing up for the on-stand competition and taking a spin on the ‘Cutterwheel of Fortune’ where a range of FSI goodies will be up for grabs.

More information on FSI and full terms & conditions of the competition can be found by speaking to the UK technical team who will be on hand to assist visitors across the three days.

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Take on the ‘Aspen Challenge’ at GroundsFest

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Take on the ‘Aspen Challenge’ at GroundsFest: Improving the working environment of landscapers and ground professionals for over 40 years, Aspen Fuel will be returning to GroundsFest 2024 to showcase the many benefits of their 2 and 4-stroke Alkylate petrol.

Stand OSA490 is the place to find out more and also the place where brave participants can partake in the ‘Aspen Challenge’ for the chance to win some awesome Aspen prizes!

Take on the ‘Aspen Challenge’ at GroundsFest

Take on the ‘Aspen Challenge’ at GroundsFest

Aspen alkylate petrol is virtually free from sulphur, benzene and solvents making it much less harmful than regular petrol. The reduction in hazardous and toxic hydrocarbons contributes to a cleaner burn, improving not just the reliability of the engine but the immediate operator environment – freeing users from headaches and other health concerns associated with working in close proximity to petrol-powered equipment.

Standard E10 pump fuel now contains around 10% ethanol, the moisture-attracting properties of which can often be the cause of starting difficulties or engine failures in smaller equipment such as strimmers and leaf blowers. Ethanol-free Aspen 2 with its cleaner combustion leaves very little residue or carbon deposits, extending engine lifespan and retaining its original performance for longer.

The benefits for the equipment and the operator, together with a reduction in environmental impact, make Aspen a versatile and economically-viable choice for operators in all sectors looking to move towards more sustainable working practice. Those wanting to discover how Aspen can change their own working environments can also enquire about the risk-free, money-back trial which enables business owners to try Aspen without incurring any increase in their fuel cost, and the option to return the unused fuel if they don’t ‘experience the difference’.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to test their strength in the ‘Aspen Challenge’ which returns for another year – with the chance to win some fantastic prizes over the course of the two days!

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Win a Union Jack Turf Tank robot at GroundsFest

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Win a Union Jack Turf Tank robot at GroundsFest: Turf Tank is returning to GroundsFest with the industry’s leading autonomous line-marking robot on stand OSA481.

Attendees will be able to experience Turf Tank Two live, with the robot regularly marking out pitches over the two days at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. The Turf Tank UK and Ireland team will be on hand to discuss the technology, its benefits, and how it can make a grounds operation more efficient.

In addition to live demonstrations and the opportunity to speak to the Turf Tank team, attendees who visit the Turf Tank stand will also have the chance to win a Union Jack Turf Tank robot for a year! Details on how to enter will be available on stand OSA481.

A Turf Tank robot can address labour shortages, save time, or bring consistency, but for Galaxy Sports Little Kerse, a 35-acre site in Falkirk, Scotland, with 11 pitches ranging from 11-a-side grass to full-size 3G and astroturf 6-a-side pods, matching precision line marking with sustainability was the aim.

“The Turf Tank runs on a completely carbon-neutral site; it’s all on green energy,” Operations Manager Sean explained. “The energy that charges the Turf Tank batteries comes from the sun that’s shining today, so it’s a fantastic example of our sustainability and priorities at Galaxy Sports Little Kerse for the way forward.

“We used to go out and manually mark the pitches, but we realised we weren’t meeting the standard we wanted. Now, the lines are night and day. They’re a great standard, and the precision of the Turf Tank is fantastic. We’re over the moon with it, and it’s definitely saved us hours on end. We probably mark lines now for half a day and only mark out what we need, so we’re saving paint and time.”

While overall efficiency is an important aspect of the Turf Tank, its positive impact on turf teams has also been highlighted. At Dollar Academy, a co-educational day and boarding school at the base of the Ochil Hills in Scotland, Head of Grounds John Vaughan-Davis and his team have experienced an improvement in their mental health since using the robot.

“I think the mental health of our team has improved because of the Turf Tank,” John begins. “Historically, leading up to athletics marking, initial rugby marking, and football initial markings, there’s always been a bit of anxiety, a bit of stress, and it was a really, really anxious environment to be around.

“Now that we’ve got the Turf Tank, it’s completely changed the team’s mindset. It’s gone from being tense to just relaxed and having faith and trust in the Turf Tank. It just eased everyone’s concerns. It’s made a much better working environment for all of us leading up to those points by removing an added stress and taking it away.”

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Foley brings live relief grinding to GroundsFest

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Foley brings live relief grinding to GroundsFest: Foley Company’s UK and Ireland distributor, ProSport UK Ltd, will be on stand OSA540 at GroundsFest 2024, demonstrating the unrivalled benefits of relief grinding and the new floor level Foley 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder.

Foley’s automated Accu-Pro 633 cylinder grinder and Accu-Pro 672 bedknife grinder will be in action across the two days, allowing people to experience the whole process from setup to the finished product.

Foley brings live relief grinding to GroundsFest

Foley brings live relief grinding to GroundsFest

The automated features on the Accu-Pro 633 provide a step-by-step tutorial for new technicians and a quicker setup and spin grind feature for the more experienced operators. You tell the machine what you’re working on, and it automatically spin or relief grinds to completion. Pre-programmed spin speeds, relief torque, and in-feeds are only a few features in the ACCU-Touch 3 system that ensure efficiency and guarantee a quality grind with every use.

Joining the two machines will be Foley’s new floor level 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder. The new grinder is designed to accommodate the widest of mower cylinders and is a simple roll-on roll-off solution to grinding, with the machine sitting at floor level. The roll-on roll-off solution removes the need for heavy lifting facilities, revolutionizing how equipment managers view touch-up spin grinding.

It offers a fast, easy-operated option for providing a quick touch-up spin between regular relief grinding schedules, and is a solution for sharpening the extra wide, heavy mowers used on sports fields/pitches. The Foley 642 Quick-Spin features simple to use controls, counter balanced spin drive, patented front and rear clamping system for pedestrian mowers, and power rear positioning levers for cylinders. It will accept up to 42-inch reel width and operates on 240v/15a power.

Speaking about the machine, Foley President and CEO Paul Rauker said: “The 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder is the first of its kind, and I’m delighted to acknowledge the significance of our latest development. It is a machine that will appeal to all grounds professionals who are looking to improve the performance and efficiency of their grinding programs. As the leading manufacturer of grinding equipment, Foley is once again leading the way in grinding technology. We have developed and patented simple to use controls to save time without compromising on performance.

“The patented clamping system effortlessly secures any cutting unit in all configurations, and the roller clamp is adjustable for any variety of rollers and groomers. This machine really will change the way we look at grinding in the future.”

ProSport UK Ltd’s Ian Robson will run demonstrations throughout both days of GroundsFest and be available to discuss any questions or requirements.

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