Toro U.K. Limited Demonstrates Full Turf Care Capability at GroundsFest

Toro U.K. Limited Demonstrates Full Turf Care Capability at GroundsFest

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Toro U.K. Limited Demonstrates Full Turf Care Capability at GroundsFest

Toro U.K. Limited delivered a strong and hands on presence at GroundsFest 2026, showcasing the breadth of its professional turf care range and giving visitors the chance to experience equipment designed for the everyday demands of grounds teams, contractors and professional gardeners. With high footfall on day one and steady engagement on day two, the stand attracted a wide mix of industry professionals eager to explore what’s new for 2026.

Toro U.K. Limited Demonstrates Full Turf Care Capability at GroundsFest

Toro U.K. Limited Demonstrates Full Turf Care Capability at GroundsFest

“GroundsFest continues to be a standout event for hands on demonstration, and this year was a fantastic opportunity to show just how broad the Toro range has become,” said Craig Hoare, UK Sales & Marketing Manager at Toro U.K. Limited. “Whether you’re maintaining a sports pitch, a commercial site or a private estate, there’s a Toro machine built for the job.”

Live demonstrations highlight precision, striping and control

The live demo zones remained a major draw, with visitors testing the manoeuvrability of the Toro GrandStand® through a slalom course and putting the Toro Dingo® TX1000 Turbo through its paces by lifting and stacking pallet boxes.

Striping performance was a key talking point, with both the Hayter Harrier Pro 60V and Toro eProStripe demonstrating the clean, consistent finish that grounds professionals expect from both brands. Their presence reinforced Toro and Hayter’s reputation for delivering high quality presentation across sports turf, estates and commercial landscapes.

“The feedback from visitors was incredibly positive,” said Matt Coleman, Area Sales Manager for the EMEA Equipment Business (Grounds & Landscape Contractor Equipment). “People enjoyed getting behind the controls of the GrandStand and Dingo, and it was great to speak with so many grounds professionals about how our equipment supports their day to day challenges. It was also a pleasure to introduce our two new Territory Sales Managers to dealers from across the country.”

Toro U.K. also showcased several new additions to its commercial range, including the new 32″ GrandStand®, engineered specifically to fit through standard gate openings, and the rear discharge Z Master 4000. The rear discharge deck is being designed and engineered by Toro’s UK team to meet the needs of councils who want to avoid side discharge clippings spreading onto pavements and surrounding areas.

Visitors were also able to see the revamped TimeCutter®, previewing the 2027 styling update inspired by the Titan series and featuring the new Toro Bull Horn design cues.

Hayter Garden Tools: first public viewing

Following their trade launch at Glee last week, GroundsFest marked the first opportunity for end users to see the new Hayter Garden Tool Range. The tools attracted interest from both domestic users and professional gardeners looking for durable, well engineered hand tools.

Branded Merch: A Popular Talking Point

Merchandise sales continued to grow at GroundsFest, with the new build your own Harrier and TimeCutter kits proving a real talking point among visitors to our indoor area. Many enjoyed the chance to take home a miniature version of the machines they aspire to own one day, whether that’s a new Toro TimeCutter or a Hayter Harrier.

Celebrating 80 years of Hayter heritage

Inside Hall 1, the Hayter Museum Exhibit offered a detailed look at the brand’s engineering legacy. The display included the original Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II, a timeline of Hayter’s history, and a curated collection of historic machines—from early Hayterettes and Motor Scythes to the Harrier Diamond Edition.

“Hayter’s 80-year story is something we’re immensely proud of, and seeing visitors connect with machines they still own was a real highlight,” added Craig Hoare. “Pairing that heritage with our latest engineering developments shows how both brands continue to evolve while staying true to their roots.”

Visitors shared stories of still owning and using Hayter machines from the 1970s and 1980s, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for longevity and British engineering excellence. Many commented on how refreshing it was to see British manufacturing celebrated at a major industry event.

Strengthening dealer relationships

GroundsFest also provided an opportunity for dealers to meet Toro U.K.’s two new Territory Sales Managers, supporting future collaboration and strengthening regional relationships. A small refreshment area, complete with celebratory cakes marking Hayter’s 80th anniversary, offered a relaxed space for conversations with the sales team.

Reesink showcases wider Toro portfolio

Supporting the stand, Reesink presented a selection of Toro’s larger golf and municipal machinery, giving visitors a glimpse into the broader professional portfolio and reinforcing Toro’s capability across every scale of turf management.

To explore the full Toro and Hayter range, visit: www.toro.com/en-gb | www.hayter.co.uk

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Visit Mansfield Sand at SALTEX 2026

Visit Mansfield Sand at SALTEX 2026

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Visit Mansfield Sand at SALTEX 2026

Visitors to the Mansfield Sand stand (E010) at SALTEX 2026, taking place on 11 and 12 November at the NEC, Birmingham, will have the opportunity to explore a comprehensive range of sand-based products designed to enhance the health and performance of sports pitches.

Visit Mansfield Sand at SALTEX 2026

Visit Mansfield Sand at SALTEX 2026

With over 180 years of expertise, Mansfield Sand has been at the forefront of developing premium silica sand-based products. The company offers a wide array of innovative solutions for sports, landscaping, and equestrian applications, including stadium and training ground facilities, championship golf courses, and world-class show jumping arenas.

At SALTEX, Mansfield Sand’s industry experts will be available to discuss how their products can transform your sports turf projects. Key products on display will include:

Reinforced Rootzone

Mansfield Sand’s Reinforced Rootzones are engineered to maximize the use of natural turf surfaces while meeting the high standards required by today’s sports industry. The reinforcement technology used in these products provides enhanced stability and durability, ensuring that sand-dominated rootzones remain free-draining and consistent across the entire surface.

The range includes:

Fibre Reinforced Rootzone – reinforced with polypropylene fibres for added strength.

Fibrelastic Rootzone – combines polypropylene fibres with flexible Elastane fibres to enhance surface resilience.

Fibresand – ideal for maintaining surface integrity when grass cover is reduced due to heavy usage or winter wear.

Sand Soil Rootzones

Mansfield Sand is dedicated to helping turf managers achieve the ideal surface condition week after week. Their Sand Soil Rootzones are crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring exceptional results whether used for renovation or construction. The Mansil 40 Silica Sand blended with screened topsoil creates an optimal rootzone foundation.

Sand Compost Rootzones

For projects requiring a rootzone rich in organic content, Mansfield Sand offers a range of premium sand compost blends. These products are designed to retain nutrients and enhance drought resistance, promoting healthier, more resilient turf.

Top Dressing

Tailored for the fine turf market, Mansfield Sand’s Soil Top Dressing combines their superior silica sands with top-quality soils. The mixture is sterilised and screened to create a smooth, stone-free dressing that is easy to apply. Custom dressing blends and soil amendments are also available to meet specific turf management needs.

Mansil Silica Sand Sports Range

Mansfield Sand’s Mansil range of silica sands, sourced from their Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield, is essential for constructing and maintaining a variety of sports surfaces, from winter sports pitches and golf courses to bowling greens and other amenity turf areas.

For more information, visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk, follow them on Twitter at @MansfieldSand, or connect on Facebook at Mansfield Sand Sport Surfaces.

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GroundsFest 2026 Proves Community is Driving the Industry Forward

GroundsFest 2026 Proves Community is Driving the Industry Forward

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GroundsFest 2026 Proves Community is Driving the Industry Forward

GroundsFest 2026 has once again demonstrated why it has become the industry’s must-attend event, bringing together every corner of the groundscare, landscaping, amenities and outdoor industries for two unforgettable days at Stoneleigh Park.

GroundsFest 2026 Proves Community is Driving the Industry Forward

GroundsFest 2026 Proves Community is Driving the Industry Forward

A total of 10,664 unique visitors attended the fourth edition of GroundsFest, marking another significant milestone in the event’s remarkable growth. What began in 2023 across approximately 8,500 square metres has expanded to cover more than 42,000 square metres – a reflection of increasing demand from both exhibitors and visitors alike.

The growth was evident throughout the show. More exhibitors than ever before took part, many returning companies increased the size of their stands, and visitors were treated to the largest collection of brands and a record number of new product launches ever seen at GroundsFest.

Yet, while the figures tell one story, it was the atmosphere that became the biggest talking point.

Throughout the two days there was a genuine sense of positivity across the show.

Busy aisles, smiling faces and packed stands created an environment unlike any other industry event. This years event saw a substantial increase in local authorities and professional groundscare including football, rugby and golf clubs. Time and again, visitors and exhibitors commented on the welcoming, relaxed feel of GroundsFest and the strong sense of community that has become synonymous with the event.

Innovation remained at the heart of GroundsFest, with exhibitors unveiling a record number of new products and technologies. Live demonstrations gave visitors the opportunity to see machinery in action and try equipment for themselves, while manufacturers showcased the latest developments designed to improve productivity, sustainability and performance across the industry.

Education continued to play a major role, with free seminars taking place across four theatres throughout both days. Experts from across the industry shared practical advice, technical knowledge and business insights, while delegates were able to collect valuable CPD points.

Popular features including Machinery Nation LIVE, Lawn Mower Racing, sponsored by Kramp, and the Landscape Zone, in partnership with BALI, once again attracted large crowds, while the live music festival rounded off the first day with an evening of entertainment, food, drinks and networking in GroundsFest’s unique festival atmosphere.

Stoneleigh Park also continued to receive praise from exhibitors and visitors alike. Exhibitors highlighted the ease of setting up and operating at the venue, while visitors appreciated the free parking, easy access and complimentary shuttle coaches running between Leamington Spa railway station and the showground.

Christopher Bassett, Event Director of GroundsFest, said:

“When we launched GroundsFest in 2023, we wanted to create an event that truly reflected what the industry was looking for. Four years on, it’s incredibly rewarding to hear so many people say that GroundsFest feels different – it’s welcoming, it’s relaxed, it’s enjoyable and, above all, it brings the whole industry together.

“The growth has been phenomenal, but what makes us incredibly proud is the atmosphere. Everywhere you looked people were talking, learning, doing business and enjoying themselves. That’s exactly what GroundsFest is all about.

“The whole GroundsFest team would like to thank every exhibitor, visitor and partner for helping make this year’s event such a success. We’ll continue to listen, continue to invest and continue to evolve, ensuring GroundsFest remains an event the entire industry can be proud of.”

With record visitor numbers, unprecedented exhibitor growth and an atmosphere that continues to set it apart, GroundsFest has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s most important events for the groundscare and landscaping industries.

GroundsFest will return to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 15 and 16 September 2027.

For more information, visit at www.groundsfest.com

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Policy, practice and resilience take centre stage at Amenity Forum conference

Policy, practice and resilience take centre stage at Amenity Forum conference

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Policy, practice and resilience take centre stage at Amenity Forum conference

Government, regulators, industry and practitioners will come together at the Amenity Forum Annual Conference this October to explore the changes shaping professional amenity management – from evolving policy and regulation to responsible delivery and future resilience.

Policy, practice and resilience take centre stage at Amenity Forum conference

Policy, practice and resilience take centre stage at Amenity Forum conference

Under the theme Navigating Change: Regulation, Stewardship and the Future of Amenity Management, the 2026 Annual Conference will take place at the British Motor Museum, Warwickshire, on Thursday 8 October.

The programme has been structured around three questions: what is changing around us, how should the sector respond responsibly in practice, and how do we prepare for what comes next?

The opening session, Policy, Regulation & Practice – What’s Changing for Amenity?, will bring together perspectives from Defra, HSE’s Chemicals Regulation Division, the Environment Agency and Bayer Crop Science, examining the direction of pesticide policy, the changing regulatory landscape, what inspections are telling us and the implications for professional amenity management.

Attention will then turn to delivery on the ground in From Expectation to Reality – What Works on the Ground? LanGuard and GB Railfreight will share practical experience of contractor delivery and vegetation management at scale, while the Weed Resistance Action Group (WRAG) will consider resistance risk, stewardship and what the sector needs to do now.

The final session, Building Resilience – Adapting Amenity for the Future, will look ahead to the pressures shaping professional amenity management, with perspectives around soil, water and drought resilience, and the future management of public spaces. Further speakers for this session will be announced shortly.

Ian Graham, Chairman of the Amenity Forum, said: “Professional amenity management is operating in a period of considerable change. Policy and regulation are evolving, expectations around environmental management continue to increase, and those responsible for managing amenity spaces need to deliver effective outcomes while preparing for new pressures.

“Our conference is an opportunity to bring those different perspectives together – from policy makers and regulators to the people responsible for delivering work on the ground – and have an informed conversation about how the sector responds.”

The Amenity Forum Annual Conference takes place on Thursday 8 October 2026 at the British Motor Museum, Warwickshire. Registration opens at 8.30am and the conference runs from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Delegates can also attend the Amenity Forum Annual Dinner on Wednesday 7 October at Ashorne Hill, Warwickshire, providing an opportunity to meet and network with colleagues from across the sector ahead of the conference.

For further information, to view the programme and to book, visit the Amenity Forum website – include weblink.

For further information about the Amenity Forum, visit: www.amenityforum.co.uk

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Industry Experts and Cutting-Edge Content Confirmed for TurfTech

Industry Experts and Cutting-Edge Content Confirmed for TurfTech

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Industry Experts and Cutting-Edge Content Confirmed for TurfTech

The programme is taking shape for TurfTech 2026, with an impressive line-up of speakers and technical sessions now confirmed for the two-day summit, taking place at Brighton & Hove Albion FC’s AMEX Stadium on 1 and 2 October 2026.

Industry Experts and Cutting-Edge Content Confirmed for TurfTech

Industry Experts and Cutting-Edge Content Confirmed for TurfTech

Bringing together some of the most respected names in sports turf, science and technology, the event promises practical insights, pioneering research and innovative solutions for turf professionals.

Created by experienced turf professionals, TurfTech was established to bridge the gap between technological innovation and the real-world challenges faced by grounds teams.

The summit has quickly become the leading event for those looking to stay ahead of developments in elite turf management, with an emphasis on practical knowledge that delegates can take back to their own facilities.

Among the headline speakers is Fabio Travaini, CEO and co-founder of FlexGrass, who will share his expertise in the development of hybrid sports surfaces following more than 15 years of innovation in the sector. Joining him is Olivier Courot from IAGE, whose keynote session, How to Manage Grey Leaf Spot in an Elite Stadium: Detect Sooner, Treat Smarter and Spend Less, will explore how advanced biological diagnostics are helping turf managers identify disease before symptoms become visible.

The programme also features Dr Richard Earl of Labosport UK, who will demonstrate how pitch design directly influences drainage, moisture movement and long-term surface performance, while John Coleman, Managing Director of Advanced Turf Technology (ATT), brings decades of practical and technical expertise to the summit.

Industry Experts and Cutting-Edge Content Confirmed for TurfTech

Industry Experts and Cutting-Edge Content Confirmed for TurfTech

Delegates will gain valuable agronomic knowledge from Kelly-Marie Clack of Origin Amenity Solutions, who will discuss successful football pitch grow-in strategies, alongside Anne Mette Dahl Jensen from DLF, who will examine the benefits of tetraploid ryegrass and its role in producing resilient, high-performing sports turf.

Innovation continues to be a central theme throughout the event. Jake Browning from Wessex International will introduce the company’s latest autonomous and interchangeable turf management technologies, while Simon Watson from ICL will explain the science behind new approaches to turf stress management.

Also joining the speaker line-up is Clément Bodin, Managing Director of Natural Grass, who will explore one of the biggest challenges facing modern sports turf – adapting to increasingly extreme weather conditions. Drawing on this summer’s exceptional weather in France, his presentation will examine how sports pitches can become more resilient while reducing their dependence on water. Delegates will also learn about Aquaflow, Natural Grass’s innovative water management technology, which is helping to reduce water consumption, limit disease pressure and strengthen turf resilience. Already deployed on more than 15 elite pitches over the past two years, the technology is delivering measurable results in real-world conditions.

Presentations from GrassMax, Raw Stadia, Net World Sports and Stogger Turf Care will showcase the latest thinking on hybrid systems, global stadium standards, sports equipment, lighting technology and sustainability.

In addition, delegates will hear from Phil Fifield of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, alongside experts from PARADELLO, Orion Future Technology, ProPitch Ltd, Precision Turf LLC and Helvaterra, further strengthening an already outstanding educational programme.

With an unrivalled blend of science, technology and practical experience, TurfTech 2026 is set to deliver two days of learning, discussion and networking for professionals responsible for the performance and future of sports turf.

Register free for TurfTech 2026 by visiting www.turftechsummit.com

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