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Monty’s Machinery appointed Etesia dealer for Cornwall

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Monty’s Machinery appointed Etesia dealer for Cornwall: Monty’s Machinery has been appointed as an authorised dealer for Etesia UK, strengthening the brand’s presence across Cornwall and the wider South West.

Founded in January last year by Adam Hicks, Monty’s Machinery may be a relatively new name, but it is built on more than 16 years of industry experience.

Monty’s Machinery appointed Etesia dealer for Cornwall

Monty’s Machinery appointed Etesia dealer for Cornwall

“I’ve been in the groundcare trade since leaving school,” says Adam. “I did my apprenticeship in the industry and worked locally for many years. When my previous employer closed, it gave me the opportunity to set up on my own and continue supporting the customer base in this area.”

Today, the business works with a broad range of customers, from local councils and housing associations to schools, independent contractors and domestic users, providing sales, service and support across Cornwall.

“I’ve always noticed Etesia from afar,” Adam explains. “I already knew how good the product was, so when we were approached about becoming a dealer, it felt like a fantastic opportunity to showcase the machines to our customers. We were looking for a commercial mower that could rival other strong brands in this area, and Etesia ticked the boxes.”

For Adam, one key factor stands out – performance in challenging conditions.

“The big selling point for us is cut and collection in the wet,” he says. “Cornwall gets a huge amount of rain, so we need machines that can cope in all weathers. Etesia is a standout when it comes to cutting and collecting in damp conditions.”

Etesia’s range spans pedestrian and ride-on mowers, including petrol and diesel options, as well as specialist equipment such as the Attila brush cutter range and mechanical weeders. Adam believes this versatility will strike a chord with his varied customer base.

“We’ve got schools cutting sports fields, and the diesel Hydro 124 will be a great fit there. Independent gardeners are often looking for something compact that can fit in the back of a van, so the Hydro 80 is a good option. We also deal with local water authorities working around watercourses, and the Attila could be ideal for that type of application.”

Monty’s Machinery has already begun introducing the range to customers, recently carrying out its first demonstration with a local housing association.

“We demonstrated a range of mowers and also the MBR50 mechanical weeder,” says Adam. “They’re not allowed to use chemical sprays on pathways anymore, so everything has to be removed mechanically. The weeder performed really well and generated a lot of interest.”

Equally important to Adam is the strength of the support behind the product.

“There’s no point supplying a machine if you can’t back it up,” he says. “We’ve visited Etesia’s premises, met the team and seen their parts stock levels. That gives us the reassurance that we can put the product into the market and properly support it.”

Monty’s team has already attended product training, and ongoing backing from Etesia will include assistance with demonstrations, shows and customer events.

Looking ahead, Adam sees the partnership as a key part of the company’s long-term growth strategy.

“We’re trying to grow the business and there’s a massive opportunity here,” he says. “We’ve got a strong customer base and a good area to develop. Over the next 10 years, we’d like to expand further, possibly even open a second depot. Partnering with Etesia gives us the confidence to compete with the bigger brands in the region.”

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 X @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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GroundsFest Joins Forces with Industry Initiative

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GroundsFest Joins Forces with Industry Initiative: A collaborative initiative ‘Roots for the future, skills for today’, supported by leading industry bodies and influential individuals, is pleased to announce that GroundsFest has officially joined the mission to promote the landscape architecture and horticultural industries to the wider public.

As part of its support, GroundsFest will take the lead by building the industry’s flagship stand at New Scientist Live 2026 which takes place at London’s Excel, October 10-12. The project aims to bring together prominent organisations from across the breadth of UK landscaping and horticulture, to collaborate on an exhibit to raise perceptions through public engagement. The ultimate aim is to address the skills crisis by showcasing the sectors as high-tech, scientific and sustainable, to a large STEM-focused audience. Educational and commercial partners are sought from across sports turf, groundskeeping, forestry, landscaping, ornamental and edible production, garden retail, environmental management, gardens and parks. Sufficient stand sharers are required by 24th March to move the project to its next stage of booking space.

GroundsFest Joins Forces with Industry Initiative

GroundsFest Joins Forces with Industry Initiative

New Scientist Live, held annually in London, attracts over 26,000 visitors including students, school staff, families and science enthusiasts, making it the premier platform to inspire a large public and the next generation.

Award-winning GroundsFest, the UK’s leading annual event for the grounds management, landscaping and arboriculture industries, will bring unparalleled expertise to the project. Their team will oversee the construction of an immersive, interactive stand that demonstrates the technological, engineering and environmental science required to build and maintain the nation’s world-class green spaces and deliver horticultural output.

Christina Walker, leading the project, commented: “I’m thrilled to welcome GroundsFest to this crucial initiative. Their commitment to the landscaping and grounds maintenance industries, plus their award-winning skill in producing events and exhibits makes them the perfect partner to bring this vision to life. By building a stand that is both interactive and scientifically grounded, we can show the New Scientist Live audience the vast array of inspirational and aspirational STEM careers across the landscape and horticulture sectors. I need stand sharers and sponsors to come forward – I’m particularly keen that we have a sport activity to engage visitors around soil science and an urban element is absolutely central to the exhibit.”

Christopher Bassett, Event Director of GroundsFest, added: “Joining this mission was a natural fit for us. At GroundsFest, we are passionate about the future of the industry and reinvesting in the next generation. Building the stand at New Scientist Live 2026 allows us to showcase the incredible craftsmanship and innovation within our sector on a national stage. We look forward to working with our colleagues to create something truly inspiring.” The partnership follows a growing movement within the industry to unify efforts in career promotion, as recently discussed at a cross sector Focus Group. By combining the resources of trade bodies and commercial sponsors with the practical prowess of GroundsFest, the project ensures that the horticulture and landscape architecture sectors will have a commanding and educational presence at one of the world’s largest science festivals.

Stand sharers and sponsors are asked to contact Christina Walker chris1coombes@googlemail.com before 24th March.

About GroundsFest GroundsFest is the UK’s largest annual event for the grounds management, landscaping, and arboriculture sectors. It features a unique combination of indoor and outdoor exhibits, live machinery demonstrations, and the GroundsFest Academy, which provides free educational seminars and training for industry professionals.

About New Scientist Live New Scientist Live is an award-winning science festival that brings together the biggest names in science and technology. The event features immersive experiences, incredible exhibits, and talks from world-leading experts, aimed at inspiring people of all ages about the wonders of the universe.

Media Contact: Christina Walker 07703 592589
chris1coombes@googlemail.com@googlemail.com

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Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

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Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals: In the world of professional turf management, the ground beneath our feet is shifting. What once seemed like a predictable seasonal cycle has been replaced by a volatile cocktail of environmental and operational pressures. From the scorching droughts of record-breaking summers to the relentless intensity of equally record-breaking rainfall, the demands placed on a sward have never been higher.

At DSV Eurograss, they recognise that the “business as usual” approach to seed selection is no longer an option. As we navigate 2026, the research into seed and turf development has transcended simple aesthetics; it is now the critical foundation for the industry’s survival and sustainability.

Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

The Climate Challenge: Breeding for the “New Normal”

Climate change is no longer a distant threat – it is an everyday operational hurdle. For turf managers, this manifests as extreme temperature fluctuations and increasingly restrictive water usage regulations. The traditional “cool-season” grasses that have long been the backbone of UK and European sports turf are being pushed to their physiological limits.

The research at DSV focuses on genotypic variation – the genetic “blueprint” that allows certain cultivars to thrive where others fail. Their breeding programs are specifically targeting drought tolerance, not just through surface-level survival, but through deep-rooting characteristics. By selecting for “smart roots”, plants that can strategically adjust their water uptake from deeper soil profiles during dry spells, they are helping groundstaff maintain high-quality surfaces with significantly fewer irrigation inputs.

Resilience Against Emerging Diseases

Warmer, more humid autumns and winters have invited a new guest list of pathogens to our pitches and fairways. Diseases like Dollar Spot and Gray Leaf Spot, once considered “continental” problems, are now common in more temperate climates.

The traditional reliance on chemical interventions is under pressure from both a regulatory and environmental standpoint. The DSV development pipeline prioritises genetic disease resistance.

Varieties like the newly ranked Flanell and Euromagic aren’t just chosen for their wear tolerance; they are bred to be naturally robust against the fungi that thrive in these changing weather patterns. By building resistance directly into the seed’s DNA, DSV provide the first line of defence, reducing the need for costly and carbon-heavy fungicide applications.

Performance Under Pressure: The Usage Factor

While the climate changes, the expectations of players and spectators remain at an all-time high. Modern multi-use stadia and academic facilities require turf that can withstand “increased usage” from the relentless pounding of feet and equipment, often under low-light conditions or beneath retractable roofs.

DSV’s PRO range is a testament to this research. It features diploid perennial ryegrasses that offer:

  • Rapid Germination: Vital for the tight windows of summer renovations.
  • Exceptional Sward Density: Providing the stability required for high-speed play.
  • Genetic Colour: Cultivars like Flanell and Eurogala provide a naturally deep green hue that looks exceptional on camera without the need for excessive nitrogen fertilization.

A Data-Driven Future

The importance of independent testing has never been greater. DSV are proud that their varieties now occupy top positions on the BSPB Turfgrass Seed rankings. However, their work doesn’t stop at the trial plots. The company is moving toward a more predictive framework in breeding, using genomic selection to identify the next generation of resilient varieties years faster than traditional methods.

“The rankings table is the one everyone wants to top. Our recent results prove that our breeding material is now the best in these trials, but the real victory is seeing these grasses perform in the face of a changing environment,” commented Sam Horner, DSV Seeds.

Conclusion: The Seed is the Solution

As water becomes more precious and the weather more unpredictable, the turfcare industry must look to the science of the seed. At DSV Eurograss, they are committed to providing the professional community with the tools to stay ahead of the curve. Investing in advanced seed technology is not just about a better-looking pitch today; it’s about ensuring we have a surface to play on tomorrow.

Please visit www.dsv-uk.co.uk/products/amenity for more information and follow on social media @EuroGrassUKSeed.

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DLF Colour Boost brings burst of colour

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DLF Colour Boost brings burst of colour: Lees Hall Golf Club are celebrating the success of their growing wildflower initiative, developed in conjunction with DLF Seeds.

Led by Head Greenkeeper Ian Whitehead and Assistant Greenkeeper Danny Tozzi, the club is now entering its third year of using mixtures from the Colour Boost range which has added areas of high visual impact and a real ‘boost’ to biodiversity around the course.

DLF Colour Boost brings burst of colour

DLF Colour Boost brings burst of colour

Established in 1907 as a nine-hole course before expanding to 18 holes in 1921, the picturesque parkland course at Lees Hall is set atop rolling hills with panoramic views across the city of Sheffield. Adding to the visual merit for the past two years are bursts of colour delivered by the club’s newly created wildflower areas. “I first met with DLF’s Stuart Yarwood at BTME 2024 who suggested we start with a small-scale trial to see how we got on” explains Ian.

“We opted for Floral Carpet from the Colour Boost range which provided a bold, but low-growing display which all the members enjoyed on their way to the first tee.” Along with something that would not interrupt lines of sight or play, Ian’s other request was slightly more out of the ordinary! “My allegiance to Sheffield Wednesday meant I couldn’t bear the thought of a red floral display on the course – DLF were more than happy to oblige, tweaking the mixture to incorporate more blues and whites.”

Under the careful management of assistant Danny Tozzi, the success of the trial plot saw the expansion of the programme into new areas in year two. Danny takes up the story, “We continued with Floral Carpet and then, with the guidance of DLF’s Ben Morgan, introduced the Honey Bee & Butterfly mixture into some new areas. Despite some slightly challenging weather conditions, we were impressed with not only the way the new sowing performed, but also how much re-growth and self-seeding we saw in the plots from year one.”

As well as visual appeal, boosting ecology has been a major driver for the project. “There’s no doubt that since we established these wildflower areas we’ve seen an increase in pollinators, birds and wildlife in general enjoying these spaces” Danny adds.

Buoyed by the success, five additional wildflower areas are earmarked for sowing in 2026. “We’ll certainly be continuing with Floral Carpet and the Honey Bee & Butterfly mixtures, along with Carnival which have all delivered exactly what we’ve hoped to date.” Danny concludes, “Everyone is excited to see even more colour on the course.”

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Greg Cain appointed Business Development Manager

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Greg Cain appointed Business Development Manager: Redexim UK has strengthened its team with the appointment of Greg Cain as Business Development Manager – a newly created role that reflects the company’s continued growth and forward-thinking strategy.

Greg brings with him more than two decades of hands-on industry experience. Prior to moving into machinery sales, he spent 18 years working directly in grounds maintenance and landscaping, finishing his operational career as a senior manager for a housing association in the North West, where he led a large grounds maintenance team based around Manchester.

Greg Cain appointed Business Development Manager

Greg Cain appointed Business Development Manager

In 2018, Greg joined Cheshire Turf Machinery in Stockport, a Redexim dealer, where he first developed a close working knowledge of the brand and its product portfolio. After five and a half years there, he moved on to Kress UK as Commercial Business Manager for the North of the UK, before officially starting his new position at Redexim UK this month.

Reflecting on his move, Greg said: “It feels like a great fit for me. I’ve worked with the products before, I know the industry, and I’ve built up strong contacts across golf clubs, sports clubs and commercial sports settings.”

The Business Development Manager position has been introduced to sit alongside Redexim’s existing regional sales structure, with a clear focus on generating new opportunities and raising further awareness of the company’s extensive range.

“My role is going to be good old-fashioned knocking on doors,” Greg explained. “It’s about introducing myself, speaking to people who may have used Redexim in the past or are considering it, and getting the brand name out there. Once we’ve developed and qualified a lead, it will be passed into the dealer network to see the sales process through.”

With robotic mowing continuing to gain traction across golf and sports facilities, Greg believes this evolution presents further opportunity for Redexim’s specialist equipment.

“With the introduction of robotic mowing, greenkeepers potentially have more time to focus on key cultural practices,” he said. “That’s where Redexim’s range really comes into its own – whether it’s aeration, verti-draining, scarifying, brushing or sweeping. For me, the Redexim Verti-Drain has stood the test of time, and remains hugely important for maintaining high-quality playing surfaces.”

For Greg, the appeal of the new role lies in giving dedicated focus to the breadth of Redexim’s offering.

“I’m looking forward to speaking to customers specifically about the Redexim range in its own right,” he said. “Looking at the full portfolio of equipment available and highlighting how it can support their maintenance programmes.”

Away from work, Greg is a busy family man with four children and is actively involved with his local cricket club, where he also helps maintain the grounds. When time allows, he enjoys hiking and playing golf, a passion that keeps him closely connected to many of the customers he will now be supporting in his new role.

His appointment marks another positive step for Redexim UK, underlining the company’s commitment to investing in its people and positioning the business for continued expansion.

For more information, visit https://www.redexim.com/uk/ 

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