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Fit and forget with DuraPost® VISTA composite panels

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Fit and forget with DuraPost® VISTA composite panels: Birkdale, the UK’s leading supplier of fencing and gate accessories, is launching a new composite fence panel range: DuraPost® VISTA. Designed to provide both beauty and durability at an affordable price, the panels can be used for boundary fencing or to create sleek garden features.

DuraPost® VISTA panels have an attractive timber-look design. Incredibly easy to install, they are lightweight and feature a tongue in groove design, that makes the process simple and hassle-free to undertake on site. The panels also integrate seamlessly with the DuraPost® galvanised steel fence post system and post infills to ensure installers can turn to Birkdale for a complete fencing solution.

Fit and forget with DuraPost® VISTA composite panels

Fit and forget with DuraPost® VISTA composite panels

Once in-situ, the weather resistant panels will perform for the long-term. Made from a recyclable and sustainable wood-plastic composite (WPC), the panels have minimal environmental impact. They are also UV stabilised and will not rot, warp or splinter, retaining their integrity for each season, without the need for any annual treatment to protect and preserve their finish. As such, they are backed by a 15-year guarantee.

Finally, the panels are available in three different colourways – exclusive to this particular DuraPost® range – Oyster, Teak and Graphite, which ensures there is a solution to complement any existing architectural features.

John Abernethie, CEO at Birkdale, commented: “We are delighted to be expanding our DuraPost® composite panel range even further. The aim is to provide homeowners, installers and commercial contractors alike with a cost-effective fencing option that they can trust will perform for the long-term.”

For more information about Birkdale’s DuraPost® VISTA composite panels, visit: https://www.birkdalesales.com/

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Green-tech Launch Updated TreeParker® Brochure

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Green-tech Launch Updated TreeParker® Brochure: Green-tech, the leading supplier of landscaping and forestry solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its updated TreeParker® brochure, highlighting the enhanced water management features designed to meet the evolving needs of urban tree planting projects.

TreeParker®, a versatile Urban Tree Planting & Water Management Cell System, has been engineered to address the well-documented challenges of urban tree planting, from traffic loading to pavement lifting, while seamlessly integrating essential utilities. Distributed exclusively in the UK by Green-tech, TreeParker® offers a smart combination of Green, Grey, and Blue to address the well-documented challenges of urban tree planting; from traffic loading to pavement lifting and integrating essential utilities.

Green-tech Launch Updated TreeParker® Brochure

Green-tech Launch Updated TreeParker® Brochure

Key Features of TreeParker®:

Engineered SuDS Solution: TreeParker® is not just a structural support system for urban trees; it’s a comprehensive sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS) solution that benefits both tree roots and the environment. The system provides numerous benefits, from water storage to filtration and water reuse, providing a circular approach to surface water management.

Optimised Rooting Space: The rigid, yet open structure of TreeParker® ensures that 95% of the tree pit area is dedicated to soil, allowing uninterrupted root establishment without the risk of soil compaction or upward root growth. This design maximises the space available for growing media and ensures contact with surrounding soil to ensure a natural growth environment.

Tested for Heavy Traffic Loads: TreeParker® is composed of modular units strong enough to support the heaviest wagons. The load is transferred from the surface paving to the formation ground via the TreeParker® frames and reinforced posts, avoiding any pressure on the soil within the tree pit.

Stress-Free Utility Integration: The system is designed to work under the urban environment. The simple, open construction enables contractors to straddle over new and existing service lines and pipes, with no integrated side walls to get in the way.

Holistic Water Management: As urban areas face increasingly complex challenges related to stormwater management that extend beyond just preventing flooding, TreeParker® offers a solution that balances urban development and the quality and quantity of urban run-off while enhancing biodiversity and sustainability—a true representation of sustainable blue-green infrastructure.

“With the growing importance of climate resilience and sustainability, urban tree planting is more critical than ever,” said Seraya Sigsworth, Product Specification Manager at Green-tech. “Taking a green asset that naturally provides biodiversity and amenity and combining it with water management creates a true vision of sustainable blue-green infrastructure. TreeParker® is designed to meet these challenges head-on, offering a modular, engineered solution that supports both tree health and urban water management. Our updated brochure emphasises these benefits, giving our customers the information they need to make informed decisions for their urban tree planting projects.”

For more information and to request a copy of the updated TreeParker® brochure, please visit www.green-tech.co.uk or call 01423 332100.

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Dubai Creek installs state-of-the-art irrigation system

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Dubai Creek installs state-of-the-art irrigation system: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club is nearing the completion of a significant investment to totally overhaul and modernise its on-course irrigation system, and further enhance course conditioning. 

This extensive project is set to be completed by October 2024 and will revolutionise the way the golf course is managed and maintained, in addition to taking a crucial step in the club’s journey towards greater sustainability.

Dubai Creek installs state-of-the-art irrigation system

Dubai Creek installs state-of-the-art irrigation system

The advanced upgrade includes the installation of new main lines, lateral lines, a cutting-edge sprinkler system, and a state-of-the-art computer system. In total, more than 3,000 sprinklers and 40 kilometres of pipe will be laid to ensure full irrigation coverage across all 18 holes, encompassing all tees, fairways, approaches, and greens.

“The irrigation overhaul provides Dubai Creek with the most advanced automated irrigation system available,” said David Taggart, Club Manager at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. “The golf course is our most important asset and water is our most important resource. By installing this new system, Dubai Golf is showing its commitment to providing the best possible playing conditions for members and guests, for many years to come. What’s more, we will be able to target our resources in much greater detail, saving significant time and more importantly 30,000,000 litres of water a year.”

One of the standout features of this new system, installed in partnership with Rain Bird, is the ability to control and monitor irrigation in real-time through tablets and smart phones. This level of intelligence and insight allows golf course maintenance managers to efficiently adapt to the changing conditions and apply the minimum amount of water required to produce excellent playing surfaces.

“Dubai Creek was named the number one golf resort in the UAE last year, and we are keen to continue driving the club forward and enhancing the playing experience even further. With this significant investment, the maintenance team at Dubai Creek will be able to work more accurately and efficiently, and ultimately deliver a golf course that is better conditioned than ever before,” said Chris May, CEO of Dubai Golf.

“This isn’t just an incremental improvement; it’s a total overhaul designed to bring Dubai Creek to the forefront of sustainable agronomy practices but also to the attention of golfers worldwide as a must-visit golfing destination,” he added.

Taggart commented: “Dubai Creek has built a significant legacy both locally and internationally since it opened in 1993. This sizeable investment allows the club to continue to build on that legacy and be prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. We are very proud of the excellent work our Superintendent, Harry Wells and his team produce and providing them with the state-of-the-art technology allows them to continue to set the standard for excellence in an environmentally responsible manner.”

The team at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club continue to build on the success of hosting the DP World Tour’s Dubai Invitational earlier this year in which Tommy Fleetwood beat Rory McIlroy down the stretch and entering the Golf World Top 100 World Golf Resorts at #43 and as #1 in the UAE.

For more information about Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, visit: https://dubaicreekresort.com/dubai-creek-golf-club/

For more information on Dubai Golf and its entire portfolio including Emirates Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Topgolf Dubai, Yas Links, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, and Yas Acres Golf and Country Club, visit: https://dubaigolf.com/

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Bernhard and Company’s new senior management hires

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Bernhard and Company’s new senior management hires: Bernhard and Company has made two new senior hires with the appointment of Lee Wade as new Chief Operating Officer and Vitor Gomes as the company’s new Production Manager.

As new COO, Lee Wade will oversee Bernhard and Company’s operational functions, including manufacturing, engineering, HR, and customer care. With more than 20 years of operational experience, Wade is a versatile senior leader with a strong track record in managing multi-skilled teams and implementing lean manufacturing practices.

Bernhard and Company's new senior management hires

Bernhard and Company’s new senior management hires

Wade commented: “This is a truly exciting opportunity to be working with a brand that has achieved such global success and is so synonymous with its industry. A key part of my role will be to help guide the senior team as we look to capitalise on what has been a hugely successful year for the company and help shape what the future looks like at Bernhard.”

Vitor Gomes is joining Bernhard’s senior management team as Production Manager. Gomes brings with him a wealth of manufacturing experience, particularly in resource allocation, production scheduling, and workflow management.

Gomes added: “I’m delighted to join Bernhard and Company. I can’t wait to really dive into the intricacies of the production cycle for our various machines and products, finding new ways to add efficiencies and enhance what is already a fantastic team and operation.”

Steven Nixon, Managing Director for Bernhard and Company, said: “It’s great to have both Lee and Vitor on-board. This is an important moment for Bernhard and Company, as we look to continue pushing forward after another successful year. Introducing such significant and relevant experience will help us to further build our momentum as we look to take our business to the next level around the globe.”

The two new additions to the Bernhard leadership team will be based at the company’s production facility in Haverhill, United Kingdom.

For more information on Bernhard and Company, head online to: https://bernhard.co.uk/

You can also find Bernhard and Company on Twitter at @BernhardCompany, on Instagram at @bernhardcompany, and on Facebook and LinkedIn by searching Bernhard Company.

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SISGrass invests in Indian cricket

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SISGrass invests in Indian cricket: Hybrid cricket pitches have been installed at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala, the first in what is expected to be a series of major projects across India in 2024 and beyond.

Completed by international sports pitches specialist SISGrass in partnership with Indian fine turf specialist company Greater Ten, the work represents the start of a drive towards improved playing surface quality and consistency at both amateur and professional levels, opening the nation’s most popular sport up to millions more people.

SISGrass invests in Indian cricket

SISGrass invests in Indian cricket

SISGrass’s investment in India follows a decision by the International Cricket Council to permit the use of hybrid surfaces for T20 and 50-over competition. After widespread success installing hybrids across English cricket grounds, the SIS team chose India as its next region of development. Paul Taylor, a former England international and SIS’s International Cricket Director, says the decision made sense for several reasons.

“India is home to millions of cricket fans, players and professionals who play almost all year round,” says Taylor. “This huge demand puts pressure on facilities, which can make it difficult for people to access good quality pitches in their local area. Our hybrid system will create far more opportunities for people to participate in the sport, guaranteeing a higher-quality of play at every level of competition.”

The Universal machine used in Dharamshala to install the hybrid surface was first developed by SISGrass in 2017. It injects a small percentage of polymer fibre with the natural turf found inside cricket stadiums. This composition is more resilient to stresses created during play, helping to prolong the life of pitches, guarantee an even bounce and ease pressure on busy groundspeople. Completed installations are predominantly natural grass, with only 5% of polymer fibre used. This ensures the characteristics of an all-natural pitch are maintained.

Speaking about the installation, Mr. R.P. Singh, Hony. President, HPCA, said, “The HPCA has consistently embraced the latest advances in cricket, and we believe SISGrass’s technology will be game-changing.

“Maintaining top-notch practice pitches is crucial for player development, as traditional surfaces struggle under the demands of rigorous training schedules. SISGrass’s integration of natural grass with synthetic fibres creates a robust and durable playing surface, ensuring players are prepared for competitive play. We are confident the installation will pave the way for a brighter future for Indian cricket, not just in Himachal Pradesh but across the nation.”

Hybrids have already been sanctioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for T20 and 50-over competitions, and in 2024 they will be used in four-day County Championship matches for the first time. The Universal machine in India will now travel to Ahmedabad and Mumbai, where it will stitch more pitches for practice and match play.

The first machine of its kind, the Universal has already proven effective in the UK, having been used to install SISGrass at almost every major county ground in England. These include Lord’s, The Kia Oval, Edgbaston, Emirates Old Trafford, Trent Bridge, among many others. The machine will remain in India after the first three installations are complete, making it immediately available to other grounds and facilities as projects are approved.

Richard Gould, CEO of ECB, added: “Hybrid pitches have played an important role in enabling some venues to manage an increased amount of cricket during the English summer as the fixture list across men’s and women’s international and domestic cricket has grown.”

The introduction of hybrid pitches represents an important moment for India’s national game, which has championed T20 cricket through the IPL. These shorter formats have been one of the main drivers behind the development of hybrid surfaces, with more intense periods of play making it harder to prepare all-natural surfaces in time for top-level competition.

“Cricket is often associated with tradition but the installation of SISGrass in India is a milestone of progress,” adds Taylor. “Our hybrid pitches will allow for longer periods of play than is possible with all-natural surfaces, helping to maintain a base level of performance for millions of players across the country. But the technology will also potentially transform grassroots-level cricket, giving juniors the chance to play on the same surfaces found in major stadiums. Our expansion in India is an investment in the future of the game at all levels.”

HPCA has already installed SISAir – another specialist technology business that forms part of the wider SIS Pitches portfolio. SISAir is a sports pitch aeration system that optimises root zone growing conditions, creating stronger and more durable grass. During heavy rainfall, SISAir will also remove excess surface water using a series of pipework installed underneath a playing surface. The technology is used widely across major stadia, including Galatasaray’s Rams Park.

For more information on SISGrass, visit: https://www.sispitches.com/sports-pitches/hybrid/installation/cricket

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