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OAS Help Colmworth Achieve Environmental Excellence

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OAS Help Colmworth Achieve Environmental Excellence: Colmworth is a golf club with a difference. Nestled in the tranquil countryside of north Bedfordshire, this inclusive and forward-thinking country estate stands as a beacon of sustainable excellence experience with its forward-thinking approach.

Under the stewardship of mother-daughter duo Julie and Tilly Vesely, this family-run golf course, retreat, and wedding venue has embraced and nurtured an organic approach to golf course maintenance with an unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. Colmworth is a haven for the eco-conscious golfer.

OAS Help Colmworth Achieve Environmental Excellence

OAS Help Colmworth Achieve Environmental Excellence

Sporting an all-female management team, a rarity in this industry, they pride themselves on redefining the norm with an ethical and environmentally sensitive ethos that guides everything they offer at Colmworth.

Designed by John Glasgow in 1994 the 18-hole, Par 72 course boasts a peaceful, rural setting with a mix of raised tees with stunning views and some challenging water hazards on 4 holes including the signature 12th hole.

Proudly inclusive and forward-thinking, Tilly explains, “Colmworth is the people and planet friendly place to enjoy relaxed golf, great food, celebrate or holiday. Our focus is to be environmentally friendly; it is an ethos that has run through the business from the beginning. We do things differently here; we want to be known for being a friendly, affordable and inclusive venue, as well as a destination and club that focuses on sustainability.”

A key part of this strategy is the clubs’ organic approach to managing the golf course, choosing non-chemical options at every opportunity by utilising biological products from Origin Amenity Solutions. Over a decade ago, the club trialled biological products on the par 3 644-yard-long pitch & putt course; the improvements spoke for themselves with “brilliant results” explains Tilly.  “This led to a fully organic programme being developed for the main 18-hole course and has provided firm, receptive, and disease-resistant surfaces ever since.”

Bradley Jones, Head Greenkeeper, runs a small but effective team delivering the organic strategy by working closely with Julie and Tilly. He adds, “Our golf course is carefully nurtured by organic products. It is best known for playing exceptionally well throughout the winter and following extreme weather conditions.  Despite the British weather, we’ve never had to use winter greens, and we are proud of our excellent drainage, which enables our course to remain open year-round. We are passionate about protecting our planet and utilise organic products on the course.  For over 10 years, we have used biological products from the OAS group and brewed their Symbio microbial ‘compost teas’ to feed and maintain the turf which has also made our greens very strong and resistant to disease.”

Colmworth Golf Club has a programme from OAS compiled in consultation with Brad to

promote soil biology and enhance microbial products. It includes a granular microbial thatch degrading product, OAS Thatcheater. Supporting this are microbial compost teas, fungal and bacterial additives, liquid aeration, and microbial-enhancing bio-stimulants.

In addition to the club’s ‘green greens’ programme, Colmworth’s approach to water management has been said to be ahead of its time. The basis of the drainage system is to gather rainfall collected over the course and direct it through drainage into holding lakes to be used as the water source for the irrigation system. Tilly adds, “We have excellent drainage, which all feeds into the lake on the 12th hole. This then acts as a reservoir for the summer months to keep the greens watered, playable, and healthy.”

Innovative practices such as organic turf management, water conservation, and community engagement have secured the club two prestigious accolades. In the governing body’s centenary year, Colmworth Golf Club won the England Golf Sustainability Project of the Year 2024.

They also emerged as winners at The Golf Environment Awards, held at BTME 2024, being crowned the UK Environment Golf Club of the Year. These awards are for golf clubs in the UK that are leading the way in sustainability across nature conservation, turfgrass management, and waste and water management.

Tilly adds, “Colmworth Golf Club not only exemplifies sporting prowess but also serves as a testament to the power of conscientious stewardship in preserving our planet’s natural beauty. We are passionate about protecting our planet and the awards show that you don’t have to be a huge golf course with a big budget to make the right decisions for the environment.  From installing solar and utilising renewable energy to implementing organic turf care, recycling and re-purposing wherever possible, and supporting local – there is so much we can do, and there is so much more we want to do! I would like to collaborate with like-minded businesses to host corporate days where they can invite their customers to a venue and play on a golf course that showcases that sustainability and the environment matter.”

Colmworth Golf Club focuses on revolutionising the golfing experience with its sustainable ethos. Through organic turf care and water conservation, they’ve garnered acclaim and their approach not only enhances the game but underscores the vital role golf courses can play in environmental preservation.

For advice and assistance on using biological products as part of your turf management programme, contact Origin Amenity Solutions on 0800 138 7222 or visit www.originamenity.com

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EGO Power Plus launches new Whitepaper

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EGO Power Plus launches new Whitepaper: Leading battery-powered outdoor power equipment specialist, EGO Power Plus, has launched a new whitepaper to educate heavy commercial outdoor power equipment users about the benefits of switching to battery power.

Despite progress in the domestic and light commercial sector, petrol is considered the ‘go-to’ for many heavy commercial users, however EGO’s ‘Battery Power, Performance, and Public Spaces: A Case for Battery-powered Equipment’, builds the case for battery powered OPE equipment, demonstrating how batteries and tools have evolved to meet the exacting demands of professional users since the early days.

EGO Power Plus launches new Whitepaper

EGO Power Plus launches new Whitepaper

Beyond providing insight into the evolution of battery technology, the document also shares the stark differences between petrol and battery-powered tools in terms of noise and vibration levels and also reveals the results of emissions testing conducted by one of the UK’s leading emissions testing specialists on behalf of EGO.

In addition, the whitepaper also highlights the financial benefits of switching to battery power and showcases a range of efficiency advantages that can be discovered by heavy commercial users with the ever-growing range of IoT-connected equipment.

Vince Brauns, Product Director for EGO, comments: “It is fair to say that a certain ‘range anxiety’ exists for many professional OPE equipment users. In our early days as a manufacturer, domestic tool users were quicker in adopting the new technology compared to heavy trade users, with many unconvinced that the performance and run time of petrol could be surpassed. We have put all our efforts into the research and development of producing a battery platform that is arguably one of the most advanced in today’s market and the whitepaper will hopefully help to challenge any remaining misconceptions.”

This year, EGO launched its reimagined Pro X series, designed to meet the demands of heavy-duty commercial users. With upgrades and developments based on user feedback, the Pro X series is EGO’s first big step in breaking down barriers to the adoption of battery power. The whitepaper examines these perceived barriers head-on and gives readers a look at EGO’s latest developments, which should reinforce commercial users’ confidence in the capabilities of battery power.

Vince adds: “Our findings build the case that petrol has had its time. Battery technology is now at the point where it can meet the needs of the most demanding users, with fewer environmental or health risks and lower maintenance costs to support businesses. The time to switch is now”.

To download the Whitepaper from EGO Power Plus, visit: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/ranges/professional-x-range

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Kyoeisha Co,. Ltd (Baroness) acquires Shibaura

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Kyoeisha Co,. Ltd (Baroness) acquires Shibaura: Kyoeisha Co., Ltd. (Baroness) has reached an agreement with IHI Corporation to acquire Shibaura – the turf care machinery business of IHI Agri-Tech Corporation.

Kyoeisha has been looking to enhance production capacity and expand sales and customer service to meet future domestic and international demand. The acquisition of IHI Agri-Tech Corporation’s turf care machinery business aligns perfectly with these goals.

Kyoeisha Co,. Ltd (Baroness) acquires Shibaura

Kyoeisha Co,. Ltd (Baroness) acquires Shibaura

An established manufacturer of turf care equipment, IHI Agri-Tech Corporation boasts state-of-the-art facilities, a skilled workforce and a reputation for high-quality products both in Japan and overseas. The Shibaura brand is recognised globally for its leading range of walk behind mowers, 3-gang and 5-gang reel and rotary ride-on mowers, front mowers and other ride-on implements – such as top dressers and bunker rakes – for maintenance tasks on the golf course.

Recognising the strategic fit and potential for growth, Kyoeisha engaged in extensive discussions with IHI Corporation. It was formally announced on 25th November 2024 that Kyoeisha had proudly reached an agreement for its acquisition of the Shibaura brand and portfolio.

This acquisition is expected to enhance product and service value while supporting the expansion of Kyoeisha’s business. More details will be released in due course.

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Green-tech and HedgeLife enhance environmental credentials

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Green-tech and HedgeLife enhance environmental credentials: Hayley’s Farm wanted to improve the environmental credentials of the farm. One goal was to plant 4,500 meters of new hedgerows and to lay 1,300 meters of existing hedgerows. This effort is part of a broader initiative to improve connectivity across the landscape and to create diverse wildlife habitats.

They turned to Essex-based HedgeLife, a company passionate about improving the UK’s hedgerow network. Working for farmers, landowners, and domestic clients, HedgeLife plants, lays and coppices hedges.

Green-tech and HedgeLife enhance environmental credentials

Green-tech and HedgeLife enhance environmental credentials

Ian Metson, the owner of HedgeLife has a long-standing relationship with leading landscape supplier Green-tech and used 4000 meters of EcoMatt weed prevention mat, 27,000 Ecowrap tree shelters, and 27,000 supporting bamboo canes for this project.

EcoMatt. An environmentally friendly weed prevention mat that degrades over two growing seasons and helps to suppress competing weed growth within the vicinity of the tree root development area. Manufactured in the UK, exclusively for Green-tech, Ecomatt is made from 100% recycled materials that allow water and air to percolate through the wool layer and help retain moisture during drought. The matting also acts as an insulator and absorbs heat from the sun thus creating an assisted environment for the plant to establish itself.

Ecowrap tree shelters. Designed to protect young broadleaf trees, the Tubex Ecowrap tree shelter is an environmentally conscious choice. Made of non-biodegradable polypropylene, which offers durability and longevity compared to traditional materials, EcoWrap is a new tree guard with many innovative features to protect trees in an environmentally friendly manner. Not only are they fast and straightforward to install, but the Tubex Ecowrap Tree Shelter Guards also trap heat and moisture around the tree to boost survival rates and create the best growing environment possible. The guards expand alongside the tree, providing plenty of space to ensure it isn’t suffocated as it grows.

Canes. Green-tech’s bamboo canes provide crucial support to the young hedgerow plants, ensuring they grow straight and strong. This initial support is vital for establishing a robust and healthy hedgerow.

HedgeLife took a comprehensive approach to the hedgerow project at Hayley’s Farm. They planned the planting and laying of hedgerows to optimise environmental benefits. Green-tech’s materials were central to their strategy, ensuring that the plants were well-protected and had the best possible start.

Ian Metson from HedgeLife explains, “Working with Green-tech has been a seamless experience. Their products are high quality and align with our commitment to sustainability. The project at Hayley’s Farm exemplifies how sustainable agricultural practices and quality materials can create significant environmental benefits. This hedgerow will improve the farm’s ecological credentials and establish vital wildlife habitats, contributing to broader biodiversity goals. Green-tech’s products, such as Ecowrap matting and EcoMatt guards, played a crucial role in the success of this initiative.”

The farm has seen immediate benefits from the project. The newly planted and laid hedgerows are thriving, and the landscape connectivity has been greatly improved. The presence of the hedgerows has already started attracting a variety of wildlife, fulfilling the ecological goals of the project.

James Padfield from Hayley’s Farm adds, “The transformation on our farm is remarkable. The new hedgerows enhance the beauty of our landscape but also provide essential habitats for wildlife. We are grateful to HedgeLife for their expertise and high-quality materials, which made this possible.”

For more information on the products used, visit Green-tech or to learn more about HedgeLife www.hedgelife.co.uk

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Pellenc Fixion 2 lighting up Christmas spirit

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Pellenc Fixion 2 lighting up Christmas spirit: In the heart of picturesque Bakewell, the town’s Christmas Tree Team has found a revolutionary ally in the Pellenc Fixion 2 Tying Machine.

Bakewell, nestled in the Derbyshire Dales, is renowned for its festive charm. Each year the Bakewell Christmas Tree Team, led by Robert Boyle, adds a touch of magic to the town, creating an enchanting atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

Pellenc Fixion 2 lighting up Christmas spirit

Pellenc Fixion 2 lighting up Christmas spirit

“Each year we erect between 80 and 120 5ft Christmas trees, including one 25ft tree,” said Robert. “We cable tie Christmas lights onto every tree, and they need to survive all kinds of harsh weather. It is an arduous job and I have always been looking at ways to make that more efficient and try to be a little bit more environmentally friendly.”

After much research, Robert identified that the Pellenc Fixion 2 was the tool which could make a difference.

Lightweight and easy to handle, the new generation Fixion 2 vine tying machine boosts productivity.  Time savings compared to hand tying mean that the investment pays for itself very quickly. Its record weight of 800g, including the battery, offers great freedom to move around while you work. Its ergonomic handle and battery life lets the operator hold the tool securely in their hand throughout a full working day.

Putting up over 100 Christmas trees in Bakewell’s world-renowned town is no small feat, and Robert shared how the Fixion 2 has transformed their Christmas tree decorating tradition: “It has saved us about 40% of the time we would normally spend putting the lights on the trees.

Also, we can wear gloves now – whereas before we couldn’t put cable ties on with gloves because they were just too fiddly. This has massively improved operator comfort.”

Furthermore, Robert highlighted the environmental benefits of using the Fixion 2; “It has allowed us to be more confident in the ways that we recycle the trees after use.”

By replacing traditional cable ties with the Fixion 2, the team has eliminated the use of over 5,000 individual plastic bits, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly Christmas tradition.

The biodegradable nature of Fixion 2 ensures no plastic residue is left on the trees, offering peace of mind when recycling.

“Instead of going in shredders and being taken straight to composting they now go to a local animal sanctuary where they are used for alpacas and goats,” added Robert.

The Pellenc Fixion 2 Tying Machine has not only saved time for the Bakewell Christmas Tree Team but has also elevated their commitment to environmental sustainability. As Bakewell continues to shine with Christmas spirit, the Fixion 2 stands tall as an indispensable tool ensuring the tradition sparkles with efficiency and eco-conscious brilliance.

Pellenc products are exclusively distributed in the UK by Etesia UK.

For more information, visit www.etesia.co.uk/pellenc

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

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