Turf News is the perfect place for professionals working within the UK’s vibrant turf industry – keeping you up-to-date with topical news, latest market developments and much more across all areas of the industry.
NEWS ARTICLES

Nomination deadline extended for national education awards

/in , /by

Nomination deadline extended for national education awards: Earlier this year, the national Land-Based & Environment Learner (LBEL) Awards, an annual celebration of exceptional achievements in the lands-based and environment sector, opened for nominations.

So far, the Awards organisers are on course to receive a record number of inspirational nominations from tutors, lecturers, assessors, and employers.  All whilst delivering high quality education at a peak time for the Land Based Education Sector.

Nomination deadline extended for national education awards

Nomination deadline extended for national education awards

Due to popular demand, Lantra and Landex are extending the nomination deadline to 11:59pm on Sunday 22nd June 2025

Therefore, they are urging employers, colleges, private training providers and universities to nominate outstanding candidates for a prestigious award.

This exciting Awards programme will announce the winners at a ceremony to be held on 27th November 2025, at the National Conference Centre in Solihull. The event will spotlight talent from a variety of categories including agriculture, horticulture, greenkeeping and sports turf, animal care, floristry, environmental conservation, and many more.

The LBEL Awards not only recognises individual success and achievements but also aims to attract new talent to the land-based and environment industries, addressing the ongoing skills shortages being experienced.

As a reminder, the annual awards are open to individuals on a full-time or part-time Land-Based and Environment course or Apprenticeship in England between September 2024 and September 2025. The award categories include Agriculture; Aquaculture and Fisheries, Arboriculture; Forestry and Woodland Management; Equine and Farriery; Floristry; Landscape and Horticulture; Land-Based Engineering; Animal Care and Management; Veterinary Nursing; Environmental Conservation, Game and Wildlife; and Sports Turf and Greenkeeping.

Awards for the above categories apply across Private Training providers, Further Education (FE), Apprenticeships Awards (Level 2-3), Higher Education (HE) and Higher Apprenticeship Awards (Level 4-7). We will also have the Research Student of the Year category, where supervisors are encouraged to nominate a student studying a post-graduate level either for a Master’s Degree or a Doctoral Degree.

There are overall awards for: Research Student of the Year; Apprentice of the Year; Overall Winner; and Runners Up.

Submit your nominations here.

Online entries are being encouraged, as the quicker and more sustainable option. However, paper copies of the nomination form are available on request, by emailing lbels@lantra.co.uk.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Toro Teams Up with Commonwealth War Graves Commission

/in , , /by

Toro Teams Up with Commonwealth War Graves Commission: The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has recently upgraded its grounds maintenance equipment with the acquisition of a Toro® Z Master® 8000 Series direct collect ride-on mower, supplied by Mowers & More.

The latest development in a decades-long relationship between Toro and the CWGC, this addition is set to enhance the upkeep of the Brookwood Military Cemetery near Woking, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the United Kingdom, covering 37 acres.

Toro Teams Up with Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Toro Teams Up with Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Matthew Coleman, Sales Manager Professional Landscape Contractor & Site Works Equipment at Toro U.K., commented: “The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has chosen the Toro Z Master 8000 Series for its advanced features, which are well-suited to the maintenance needs of their cemeteries. The 37-acre grounds at Brookwood Military Cemetery are meticulously maintained by the CWGC’s grounds team, and this machine’s features will make their job simpler and quicker than ever.”

The Toro Z Master 8000 Series is designed to provide efficient and effective maintenance, ensuring the cemetery grounds remain in pristine condition. The mower delivers low ground pressure, minimising turf damage, while the outfront mower deck allows for precise cutting in tight spaces. A high-capacity hopper reduces the need for frequent emptying, while zero-turn manoeuvrability is perfect for the cemetery’s varied terrain.

Reinforcing the relationship between the two partners, Toro UK invited the CWGC to spend a day at their Spellbrook facility. The day provided an opportunity to experience Toro’s broad portfolio, learn more about Toro and Hayter’s groundscare innovation and share further feedback and information.

The CWGC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care for its cemeteries is evident in its choice of equipment. The Toro 8000 Series is designed to provide efficient and effective maintenance, ensuring that the grounds remain in pristine condition for visitors and to honour the memory of those who served.

For more information about the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and their work, visit www.cwgc.org. For details on the Toro Z Master 8000 Series and other products, visit www.toro.com/en-gb.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

BALI to Sponsor The Landscape Zone at GroundsFest

/in , , /by

BALI to Sponsor The Landscape Zone at GroundsFest: GroundsFest is proud to announce that the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) will be the exclusive sponsor of The Landscape Zone at GroundsFest 2025.

Taking place on 9 and 10 September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, GroundsFest is an unmissable event for anyone working in landscaping and grounds management. With its mix of live demonstrations, interactive features, free education, and even a live music festival, the show is known for its dynamic and welcoming atmosphere. And now, with BALI stepping in to support the Landscape Zone, 2025’s event is set to be the biggest and most impactful yet for the landscaping sector.

BALI to Sponsor The Landscape Zone at GroundsFest

BALI to Sponsor The Landscape Zone at GroundsFest

The Landscape Zone is the ultimate destination for professionals involved in the design, planning, and construction of outdoor environments. This dedicated area will showcase cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices, and the very latest innovations in landscaping. Whether you’re a garden designer, landscape architect, contractor, local authority professional, architectural technologist, or facilities manager – this is where ideas take shape, and lasting business connections are made.

BALI has had a presence at GroundsFest since its inception, but 2025 marks a significant expansion of its involvement.

Wayne Grills, Chief Executive of BALI, commented: “As the leading Trade Association for landscaping industries, we believe that events like GroundsFest are vital to enable the industry to grow and thrive. Not only is it fantastic that profits from GroundsFest are reinvested back into the industry to support education – which complements BALI’s own work in skills and education through our GoLandscape careers initiative – but through knowledge-sharing, collaboration and networking at the event, all attendees can improve their best practice, thereby strengthening the landscaping ecosystem as a whole. That’s why we’re proud to be supporting the Landscape Zone and would encourage businesses and people to come along and participate.

“With such a wide array of people from all walks of industry expected to attend, it will truly be an event to remember and, of course, an amazing networking opportunity for all.”

Chris Bassett, Event Director at GroundsFest, added: “We’re absolutely delighted to be working more closely with BALI for GroundsFest 2025. BALI is a fantastic organisation that shares our vision of supporting and celebrating the landscaping sector. Their exclusive sponsorship of the Landscape Zone is a huge endorsement of what we’re building with GroundsFest, and we look forward to welcoming BALI members – and the wider industry – to this vibrant space.”

Free registration is now open, don’t miss your chance to be part of the UK’s most inclusive and innovative event for the grounds management and landscaping industries.

Registration to GroundsFest 2025 is now open. Please visit www.groundsfest.com

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

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Green-tech Hits the Road for Key Industry Events

/in , /by

Green-tech Hits the Road for Key Industry Events: Green-tech, the UK’s leading landscaping and urban greening solutions supplier, is proud to announce its attendance at four key industry events throughout summer and autumn 2025.

With a firm commitment to supporting sustainable land management, innovation in amenity landscaping, and regenerative practices, Green-tech will be out in force at the following shows:

Green-tech Hits the Road for Key Industry Events

Green-tech Hits the Road for Key Industry Events

  1. Groundswell, Hertfordshire: 2nd & 3rd July
    Focused on regenerative agriculture, Groundswell provides a forum for farmers and growers to learn about regenerative farming systems’ theory and practical applications. The Green-tech team will be on hand to showcase a range of tree planting products and its John Chambers Wildflower Seed mixes to support biodiversity and sustainable farming.
  2. GLAS (Garden Landscape Amenity Sportsturf), Dublin: 17th July
    A flagship event for Ireland’s landscape and amenity sector, GLAS offers a fantastic opportunity for Green-tech to support and connect with Irish contractors, designers, and local authorities. They will highlight practical solutions for urban redevelopment, green infrastructure, wildflower establishment, and sustainable drainage, supporting healthier, greener towns and cities.
  3. The Agroforestry Show, Hertfordshire: 10th–11th September
    As interest in agroforestry continues to grow, Green-tech is excited to attend this unique outdoor event exploring the integration of trees into farming systems. Our presence will support knowledge-sharing on tree protection, soil improvement, and rural land enhancement.
  4. Water & Environmental Management Expo, NEC Birmingham: 17th–18th September
    This specialist event brings together experts in sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), wastewater management, and environmental engineering. Green-tech will spotlight its portfolio of SuDS-compatible products, including the TreeParker and Mona Pluvia systems.

Richard Gill, Sales Director at Green-tech, comments, “These events provide great opportunities to engage with the industry, listen to challenges, and offer practical, sustainable solutions. Whether it’s enhancing biodiversity in rural landscapes or supporting green infrastructure in urban spaces, we’re committed to helping shape a more resilient future for land management and development.”

Green-tech’s technical specialists and specification team will be available at the events to offer advice and support on everything from tree planting to urban greening strategies.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

The Heron Golf and Country Club Leads the Way

/in , /by

The Heron Golf and Country Club Leads the Way: The Heron Golf and Country Club, one of Essex’s premier 27-hole courses, has announced a major step forward in golf course management with the adoption of seven Belrobotics Robotic Mowers. These advanced machines now maintain all fairways and the club’s expansive driving range.

Leading the Way in Innovation and Sustainability

Renowned for its pristine fairways and natural parkland setting, The Heron has long been a favourite among members and visitors alike. Now, the club is reinforcing its commitment to excellence by integrating cutting edge robotic technology into its turf maintenance.

The Heron Golf and Country Club Leads the Way

The Heron Golf and Country Club Leads the Way

Why Robotic Mowing?

More and more golf clubs are making the move to robotic mowing, and for good reason. Here’s why:

Healthier Grass, Better Play
Robotic mowers trim the grass daily, creating a finer cut and promoting stronger, healthier turf

Eco-Friendly Operations
Electric mowers significantly reduce emissions and noise pollution compared to traditional gas powered machinery.

Efficient Grounds Management
With mowing handled automatically, the grounds team can focus on other vital tasks like irrigation, landscaping, and bunker maintenance

“At The Heron Country Club we have worked with AMS for a number of years since their installation of robotic mowers at our driving range, and they have recently expanded their service of robotic mowers to all 27 fairways on the golf course.

The automation has resulted in an improved quality of grass cutting and savings in resources and bills.

AMS provide an excellent service and we would highly recommend.”
— Alex Bartle

A Course for the Future

With this investment, The Heron continues to set the standard in modern golf course care—combining technology, sustainability, and an unwavering focus on delivering premium playing conditions.

To book a tee time or learn more about our facilities, visit www.herongolfclub.com.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.