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Kubota Zero-Turn ticks every box for Windsor Holiday Park

Kubota Zero-Turn ticks every box for Windsor Holiday Park

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Kubota Zero-Turn ticks every box for Windsor Holiday Park

Gareth Hagan, Owner of Windsor Holiday Park, knows the importance of creating a strong first impression for his guests. That’s why, when it comes to the maintenance of the lawned areas of the site – nestled just outside of Newcastle, County Down – nothing less than a ‘bowling green’ finish is acceptable. Delivering that, alongside significant efficiency and safety benefits and so much more is a ZD1211 from Kubota.

Windsor Holiday Park is proudly a five-star, AA Gold-rated resort, family owned and operated by Gareth, his wife and two children. The commitment to quality extends well beyond hospitality – it’s evident in every blade of grass across their 7-acre site. “The presentation of the grounds is what creates either the right or wrong first impression of someone’s holiday which is why we put so much emphasis on this being perfect” he explains.

Kubota Zero-Turn ticks every box for Windsor Holiday Park

Kubota Zero-Turn ticks every box for Windsor Holiday Park

“I’ve grown up in the industry and was familiar with Kubota, so turned to Laird Grass Machinery when we needed to replace our previous mower. The team at Laird are absolutely first-class. They knew exactly what we needed and, while we knew the specification of the ZD1211 was going to be spot on, its performance has truly exceeded all expectations.”

“We’ve cut our mowing time by 50%.” Gareth expands, “The productivity of this machine is outstanding, and we can navigate between the statics and glamping pods with such ease that the whole job can be done in just half a day in good weather.” The manoeuvrability of the ZD1211 has also made the day-to-day work much safer and simpler. “Before, we had to reverse in and out of pitches, which isn’t ideal with guests and children moving around. Now, we can turn on the spot, so we’re always forward facing with full line of sight.”

From Kubota’s recently expanded Zero-Turn mower range, the ZD1211 prioritises efficiency with a 60” cutting width and hydraulic-lift deck. Its suspension seat means greater comfort and less operator fatigue – something Gareth and his team of wardens appreciate. “Gone are the days of sore backs… The seat is like nothing else on the market, you could literally have it in your living room!”

To reduce the transportation of clippings around the site, Gareth opted to equip the ZD1211 with Kubota’s mulching kit. “We don’t have capacity to lift grass so this keeps both the site clean and the guests happy.”

He concludes, “We’ve now used the ZD1211 for two seasons and the machine continues to impress. The presentation is consistently where we need it to be, the comments we’ve had from guests are incredibly positive and the back up support we’ve had from Laird is second to none – it just ticks every box.”

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Geoff Webb to step down as CEO of the GMA

Geoff Webb to step down as CEO of the GMA

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Geoff Webb to step down as CEO of the GMA

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has today announced that Chief Executive, Geoff Webb, will step down from his role in March 2027, after 21 years leading the organisation.

Geoff Webb to step down as CEO of the GMA

Geoff Webb to step down as CEO of the GMA

Geoff, who has overseen a period of significant growth and transformation for the association and the wider grounds management profession, will remain closely involved with the organisation as a Strategic Advisor to the GMA following his departure as CEO.

Since taking on the role two decades ago, Geoff has played a central role in elevating the profile of grounds management, strengthening professional standards and supporting the development of thousands of grounds professionals and volunteers across sport and amenity sectors.

Under his leadership the association has expanded its membership, developed industry-leading education and training programmes, and strengthened partnerships across sport, government, and the wider facilities sector.

The GMA Board has begun the process of identifying Geoff’s successor and will announce in due course.

Geoff Webb said: “It has been an enormous privilege to lead the Grounds Management Association over the last two decades. During that time, we have seen the profession grow in recognition, capability, and influence.

“I remain deeply committed to the sector and I am pleased that I will continue supporting the GMA and its members as a Strategic Advisor following my time as CEO.”

Martyn Ward, Chair of the GMA Board said: “Geoff has played an instrumental role in shaping the modern grounds management profession. His leadership over the past two decades has positioned the GMA as the leading voice for the sector.

“We are pleased that Geoff will continue to support the organisation in a strategic advisory role following his tenure as CEO.”

Geoff will remain CEO until March 2027, ensuring continuity for the organisation and its members during the leadership transition.

Further announcements regarding the next Chief Executive will be made in due course.

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The Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

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The Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The heart and centre of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the Great Pavilion is packed with bursting florals, leading scientific research and innovation as well as immersive and transportational exhibits. Here are the highlights inside the truly phenomenal big tent!

The Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

At the centre of the Great Pavilion is the Monument Feature: RHS x CITI Season of Abundance designed by Imogen Perreau. An homage to the energy and abundance of May, this immersive planting installation draws on the symbolism of Beltane, a Celtic festival rooted in folklore that marks the shift from spring to summer.

A fully immersive walk-through exhibit will be constructed by Blue Diamond, featuring 35 metres of path and 4,000 plants, taking visitors on a journey of drought tolerant planting, growing food in small spaces and sustainable gardening practices to explore the possibilities of modern gardening. Also looking to transport visitors and calling back to the nursery’s home, Raymond Evison Clematis will evoke a Guernsey seashore with a serpentine walkway meandering between boats bursting with clematis.

Exploring the relationship between fabrics, plants and dyes, Sparsholt College’s Washday Hues will use a washing machine alongside a swathe of vibrant florals in reds, oranges and yellows to educate visitors on the history and modern use of natural dyes.

David Austin Roses returns with a Cotswold-inspired circular garden featuring curving paths lined with rose beds and arches climbing with blooms. Spanning a generous 16x16m, the exhibit is dedicated to the beauty of roses in all their forms allowing visitors to walk among the roses, experiencing shifting fragrance, colour and light at every turn, just as they would in a living garden

Celebrating 125 years of growing and their second appearance in the Great Pavilion, Frank P. Matthews will be showcasing the diversity and beauty of Malus and trained fruit forms in bud and flower. With a great variation in blossom, foliage and form, the display will demonstrate how both ornamental and productive trees can be used creatively. Also talking trees, Miles Japanese Maples will be bringing his collection of acers to RHS Chelsea, all grown from seed in the past 9-10 years to show the different growth stages of the striking tree.

Lincolnshire Pond Plants return to the Great Pavilion and will be bringing a raised aquarium with cascading water and a pond containing a plethora of plant life to demonstrate biodiversity in action.

She Grows Veg are bringing Feast to the Great Pavilion – a woodland-inspired dining space championing growing your own flavour-rich heirloom vegetables at home. Highlighting the wellbeing, zero-food-miles and organic benefits of homegrown produce, the exhibit will feature a table setting to connect the garden, kitchen and plate.

Alongside their first ever Show Garden, Plant Heritage will also be hosting six nurseries in the Great Pavilion showcasing a series of National Collections. One of which, The Brantwood Trust, will be featuring their National Collection of Wisteria marking the first time in 15 years that wisteria has had a major presence in the Great Pavilion. Featuring florals in Plant Heritage’s signature colours, Greenways Pelargoniums will educate on the history of the highly scented plants. Finally, also exhibiting their collection and starting at RHS Chelsea, British Cosmos will be giving away one million seeds to help spread the love of the plant.

Showcasing the latest and most innovative developments in horticultural science, the GreenSTEM zone is also located in the Great Pavilion and features the RHS Bringing Nature Home exhibit, using evidence-based research and interactive displays to empower gardeners to enhance their local habitats for biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. Visitors will similarly be encouraged to support climate resilience through acoustic technology and interactive tools in the UKCEH Nature Decoded exhibit.

Scents & Sensors by APHA explores how the olfactory senses of humans, dogs, and electronic noses can be used to detect plant pests and diseases while The University of Lincoln is presenting Robocrops: Plant Selection, Beyond the Visible, showcasing how AI can identify invisible plant traits, accelerating the breeding of resilient and sustainable crops. Nature Inspired Protective Engineering created by Blast EcoShield demonstrates how vegetation can be engineered to mitigate explosive blast waves and protect human life.

This year’s Floristry category in the Great Pavilion themed around ‘Floristry Laboratory’ features ten judged Floral Creations in rectangular frames and three larger Creative Spaces pieces that will explore the boundaries of science and art through sustainability and innovation. Aesthetically the constructions will emulate a clean, cool feel, while balancing contemporary, modern and traditional floristry styles.

And finally, to celebrate the concentration of excellence in the Great Pavilion, the RHS is releasing a Tips and Trends report from the exhibiting 2026 Growers and Nurseries, sharing the noticeable gardening trends and expert advice shared with their own customers for the most successful blooms and growth.

RHS Great Pavilion Tips and Trends report is available here: rhs-great-pavillion-tips-and-trends-report-2026.pdf

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STIHL launches ‘Try Before You Buy’ initiative for AP System tools

STIHL launches ‘Try Before You Buy’ initiative for AP System tools

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STIHL launches ‘Try Before You Buy’ initiative for AP System tools

STIHL has launched a new ‘Try Before You Buy’ initiative, giving customers the opportunity to test its AP System battery-powered tools before they invest via their network of approved dealers.

STIHL launches ‘Try Before You Buy’ initiative for AP System tools

STIHL launches ‘Try Before You Buy’ initiative for AP System tools

The scheme enables dealers to purchase a selection of professional cordless machines and batteries, enabling them to create their own fleet of loan tools that professionals can trial before committing to a purchase.

Available across a wide range of AP System tools, including chainsaws, hedge trimmers, blowers, brushcutters and lawn mowers*, the initiative supports growing demand for battery-powered equipment among professional users. Whilst there is increased interest in the tools, the upfront cost of the batteries can sometimes mean that users are reluctant to make the initial transition. This new scheme reduces the perceived risk as customers can get hands-on with the tools first and really test them in their day-to-day work before deciding what combination of tool, battery and charger to buy.

Dealers that are taking part in the programme will be highlighted on the STIHL dealer locator, which can be found on the STIHL website, from the end of April onwards. Professional users who are interested in trying AP System tools will just need to select the Try Before You Buy filter on the website to find their nearest participating dealer.

The initiative forms part of STIHL’s wider strategy to support its dealer network with the adoption of professional battery tools, as the market continues to shift away from petrol-powered equipment.

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GroundsFest Academy Hosts Successful Event with Mansfield Sand

GroundsFest Academy Hosts Successful Event with Mansfield Sand

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GroundsFest Academy Hosts Successful Event with Mansfield Sand

GroundsFest Academy recently delivered another highly successful educational event with its Understanding Profiles: Sands, Soils, Rootzones and Gravels day, in partnership with Mansfield Sand.

GroundsFest Academy Hosts Successful Event with Mansfield Sand

GroundsFest Academy Hosts Successful Event with Mansfield Sand

Designed as a practical, end-to-end learning experience, the free, CPD accredited event brought together professionals from across the industry to deepen their understanding of the materials that form the foundation of natural turf sports surfaces.

From the outset, the day focused on building knowledge from the ground up. Attendees explored where sand comes from, how particle shape and grading influence performance, and why not all sands are suitable for sport. Sessions then moved into more applied topics, including sand specification, interpreting lab reports, and understanding the balance between drainage and stability across different sports such as football, rugby, golf and cricket.

A key theme throughout the day was confidence. By breaking down complex topics such as soil texture, organic matter content, and the differences between natural topsoil and manufactured rootzones, the event aimed to give attendees the knowledge they need to make better decisions in their own roles. Discussions around fibre sands and reinforced rootzones also challenged common misconceptions, offering practical insights into stability, divoting and recovery.

One of the standout elements of the day was the behind-the-scenes quarry tour at Mansfield Sand. Delegates were given a rare opportunity to see the full journey of sand production, from extraction through to washing, drying, screening and final quality control.

For many attendees, the quarry tour was a genuine eye-opener. Joshua Foster of RC Solutions Pitch Care Ltd explained how it changed his perspective: “We went to the Mansfield quarry, and they showed us how they produce the sand from what you see in the ground to the finished product. I learnt that not all sand comes from sandstone – it actually comes out of the ground as sand. That was something I didn’t know before.”

Importantly, the day wasn’t just about theory. Attendees were encouraged to think about how they could apply what they had learned. Joshua added: “We’re already thinking about how we do things differently, like whether we apply sand before aeration rather than after. It’s about taking that knowledge back and improving what we do.”

The diversity of attendees also played a big role in the day’s success. Grounds professionals from football clubs, racecourses, cricket clubs, colleges and contractors all came together, creating a valuable environment for shared learning and networking.

Daniel Cooper, Clerk of the Course at Haydock Park Racecourse, emphasised the importance of understanding the materials he works with. “We use rootzones, sand and fibresand, so we wanted to know more about the product we’re buying,” he said. “The quarry tour was really interesting, seeing how it all gets processed before it reaches us. The key takeaway for me is to always get the tech sheet and understand exactly what product you’re using.”

Similarly, Stephen Sargent of Derby County Football Club found the experience both insightful and engaging. “To see the different sands we use was really useful,” he said. “It’s my first event like this and I’ll definitely be doing more.”

For others, the event reinforced the value of continuous learning. Rod Heyhoe of Lightcliffe Cricket Club, who has spent decades in the game, summed it up perfectly: “You are never too old to learn. You pick something up every time. Events like this are so important because it’s about increasing knowledge and talking to like-minded people.”

The welcoming and accessible nature of the day was also widely praised. Tammy Tidmarsh of Long Rake Spar described it as “fantastic” and highlighted how valuable it was to learn about specifications and standards in a practical setting. “Without events like this, we wouldn’t be able to learn more about the products, the standards and the processes. It’s vital,” she said.

As the day concluded with a Q&A and key takeaways session, one message was clear: understanding what lies beneath the surface is essential for success in turf management. By combining expert-led sessions with real-world experiences, GroundsFest Academy continues to provide valuable opportunities for education, collaboration and professional development.

With more events planned throughout the year, this hands-on approach to learning is proving to be a winning formula for the industry.

The free sustainability assessment tool is now available at www.groundsfestacademy.com

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

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