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

Wembley Stadium wins sustainability award

Wembley Stadium wins sustainability award: Wembley Stadium connected by EE was recognised by a panel of industry experts at last night’s Stadium Business Awards, winning the Sustainability & Community category for its recyclable pitch initiative.

The award spotlights the stadium’s commitment to becoming a greener venue.

Wembley Stadium wins sustainability award

Wembley Stadium wins sustainability award

Earlier this year the stadium’s grounds team revealed it had developed a unique new process to make its famous pitch 100% recyclable.

It is believed to be a first in the world of football and the result of a meticulous two-year plan to find a suitable solution to recycling modern-day sports pitches, which are a hybrid of grass and synthetic plastic.

The plastic means pitches do not break down naturally, and the majority of old pitches are sent to waste landfill sites at the end of their life-cycle.

The team at Wembley Stadium came up with a process which allows the plastic to be extracted from the pitch and repurposed. In the first of its kind, they created a bench, made entirely out of plastic from a pitch that saw the likes of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Lauren James and Mary Earps all perform on.

Karl Standley Grounds Manager at Wembley Stadium said: “We’re incredibly proud to have won The Stadium Business Award for Sustainability and Community and be recognised for the team’s incredible efforts.

“By ensuring old pitches don’t go to landfill we have created a cycle that will ultimately reduce our impact on the environment and give something back to local grassroots football along the way.”

For more information about the pitch process click here

For further information about Wembley Stadium contact wembley@mercieca.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.

PSD Strengthen SABO Partnership

PSD Strengthen SABO Partnership: A team from PSD Groundscare have recently taken part in a two-day visit to German manufacturer SABO, following the recent announcement of a partnership between the two organisations.

The trip was designed to further strengthen the relationship between the two companies. Representatives from PSD met with the SABO team and underwent exclusive product training both at the factory and in the field which they will take back to the UK and pass on to their dealer network and end-user customers.

PSD Strengthen SABO Partnership

PSD Strengthen SABO Partnership

The visit was hands on, and the PSD team came away with a greater depth of product knowledge and insight in to the history of SABO and the true capabilities of the exciting range of mowers.

SABO, one of the leading brands for high-quality battery and petrol walk behind collection mowers (“WBMs”) for both Residential & Commercial markets, announced in spring that they are re-entering the UK and Irish market. SABO chose to partner with PSD due to their proven track record of successfully taking specialist landscaping equipment to market.

SABO has established an unparalleled brand reputation for state-of-the-art lawn mowers of premium quality, reliability and lifespan with a high market share in the specialized dealer channel.

The trip has fully prepared the PSD team to develop their nationwide dealer network including comprehensive dealer product training.

PSD are focussing on the sale of the walk-behind mowers, which for many years were branded in the instantly recognisable green and yellow of John Deere, known and loved by both commercial and domestic users alike. In October 2020 John Deere decided to exit the WBM market and sold SABO to private equity company Mutares SE & Co who in September 2023 agreed to sell the company to an MBO (management buyout) led by Managing Director Lars Daniel and so finally returning SABO Holding GmbH, to private ownership. The range of collection mowers take the original tried and tested design and are now produced in a distinctive red colour.

Uncompromising brand quality has a long tradition at SABO. For more than 90 years, sophisticated engineering is combined with superior materials and functional design in Gummersbach, Germany. This has resulted in thoroughly reliable tools that make working in and around gardens as efficient and enjoyable as possible.

Never standing still, innovation continues to thrive with the  SABO E-Power Pro-Battery System. The professional battery-powered machines from SABO are the best innovative solutions you can get for effective and efficient operation. They offer powerful performance, flexibility and reliability to achieve outstanding results with any task thanks to their modern 56 V battery drive from EGO. In addition, all SABO battery powered pro machines are weather resistant. No matter what the weather, they are ready for use all year round.

PSD has a long-standing track record of expertise in long and wet grass mowing solutions and the SABO range of mowers are perfectly set up for working in UK conditions.

PSD Sales Director Stuart Mercer said:

“The trip to Germany was fantastic in terms of building on the already strong relationship we have developed with SABO. It was very interesting to see the rigorous process of product testing in action and to obtain in depth knowledge that we can take back to UK customers.”

Lars Daniel, SABO Managing Director comments,

“We were delighted to welcome the PSD team to our premises and to be able to show them around our factory and meet our team. Our success is built on our relationship with our distributors and given PSD’s track record I am excited what the future holds with them at the fore-front of our business in UK & Eire”

Stuart Mercer concluded:

“For more information end-user customers can contact the PSD Sales Team: Tel 01282 856819 Email: enquiries@psdgroundscare.com

Dealers who are interested in finding out about any remaining opportunities in becoming a SABO specialist dealer can register their interest by either contacting their area Business Development Manager or online via: http://promo.psdgroundscare.co.uk/SABO

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.

Rotherham GC’s Greens Flourish with MM35

Rotherham GC’s Greens Flourish with MM35: Andy Unwin, Course Manager at Rotherham Golf Club, relies on Mansfield Sand’s MM35 for top dressing, ensuring the greens remain in impeccable condition year-round.

Rotherham Golf Club, established in 1903, is celebrated for its rich history and picturesque parkland setting. Designed by Open Champion Sandy Herd and later modified by the famed James Braid, the course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all abilities. With rolling tree-lined fairways and meticulously cared-for greens, the course has hosted top professionals and amateurs alike.

Rotherham GC’s Greens Flourish with MM35

Rotherham GC’s Greens Flourish with MM35

Andy, who has been associated with Rotherham Golf Club for 15 years, is committed to upholding the course’s prestigious reputation. With a dedicated team of six members of staff, he ensures the greens are in pristine condition, utilising Mansfield Sand’s MM35 Golf for top dressing. “We use MM35 Golf from Mansfield Sand because we think it is the best top dressing for the greens – and certainly the most compatible,” Andy explains.

“Every fortnight through the growing season, we apply a light top dressing of 5 tonnes. In the spring and autumn, we do a heavier top dressing, applying 30 tonnes each time.”

Mansfield Sand’s MM35 Golf, a pure silica sand sourced from the company’s Two Oaks Quarry, is renowned for its benefits, including improved recovery, firmness, smoothness, and an enhanced rootzone. “We use it mainly for smoothing the surface out,” Andy notes. “It helps drainage and the overall health of the grass.”

Andy’s relationship with Mansfield Sand spans his entire 21-year career as a greenkeeper. “We’ve had a really good relationship with the company over the years,” he says. “Louise Barrington-Earp, our rep at Mansfield Sand, has been really good. Louise visits us regularly and is always available on the phone if ever we need anything. If I ever need advice, Louise is quick to offer their assistance.”

Rotherham Golf Club’s use of MM35 Golf underlines the product’s exceptional quality and reliability. “We have never used anything else and wouldn’t need to because the product is fit for purpose,” Andy says. The superior performance of MM35 Golf ensures that Rotherham Golf Club’s greens remain smooth, well-drained, and healthy, providing an optimal playing surface for golfers year-round.

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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.

Turf Science Live 2024 at North Hants GC

Turf Science Live 2024 at North Hants GC: ICL and Syngenta are pleased to announce the Turf Science Live 2024 event, scheduled to take place at North Hants Golf Club, Minley Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 1RF. This free-to-attend event offers valuable insights and strategies for golf course turf management from industry experts.

About Turf Science Live

Turf Science Live, created by ICL and Syngenta, is the premier event for those who want to improve their knowledge in golf course turf management. The event tackles the complex challenges faced by golf course turf managers, providing a excellent platform for enhancing turf management skills.

Turf Science Live 2024 at North Hants GC

Turf Science Live 2024 at North Hants GC

Who Should Attend?

The event is designed for all professionals in the turf management industry looking to stay at the forefront of the latest developments.

Event Highlights

Held at prestigious locations across the UK and Ireland, each Turf Science Live event offers a unique agenda filled with:

  • Insightful Sessions: Engage in expert-led discussions on the latest trends in turf science, technological breakthroughs, and sustainable practices.
  • Innovative Solutions: Explore the latest in golf turf management solutions designed to enhance the quality and resilience of your course.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow turf managers, industry leaders, and suppliers, fostering a community of collaboration and innovation.
  • Practical Demonstrations: Although this specific event will not feature practical demonstrations, previous sessions have included real-time demonstrations of new methodologies and technologies.

Why Attend?

Turf Science Live 2024 is an invaluable opportunity for professionals in the turf management industry to gain expert insights, discover innovative solutions, and network with peers. Attendees will leave with actionable knowledge to improve their turf management practices.

Registration

Don’t miss out on this essential event. For more information and to register, please visit Turf Science Live 2024.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-growingsolutions.uk and icl-growingsolutions.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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.

Boost your game with Toro at the Game Fair

Boost your game with Toro at the Game Fair: Machinery distributor Reesink UK is bringing a selection of revolutionary Toro machinery to The Game Fair for the first time.

One thing Reesink knows for sure is that landowners need machinery they can rely on to make their workload easier and more efficient.

Boost your game with Toro at the Game Fair

Boost your game with Toro at the Game Fair

That’s why Reesink is bringing a choice of versatile, convenient machinery including the Workman UTX utility vehicles and a powerful, multi-purpose Groundsmaster 3300 mower, all from Toro.

David Timms, Reesink’s National Accounts Manager, says: “Decent machinery that is formulated to handle those heavy-duty tasks effectively, can help landowners to keep on top of estate maintenance with ease, while cutting costs.

“It is important to have the right equipment for the job, and just as quality is a consideration when choosing a car, it’s equally as important when it comes to the machinery used to sustain and upkeep grounds. It’s with good reason that Toro is widely known for their quality when it comes to machinery.”

The Toro Workman UTX 4×4 utility vehicle – available in both two and four seat options – is built to tackle all terrains and with 25 percent more cargo capacity than that of others in its class and a towing capacity of up to 2000lbs, it delivers the ultimate productivity.

It guarantees the right speed and power for the job in hand, meaning customers can choose between lower RPMs for lower fuel consumption and sound near the house, or higher RPMs for more power to transport a heavier load up any inclines.

The Toro Groundsmaster 3300 and its innovative flail attachment delivers year-round productivity and multiple cutting options. It copes easily with longer, coarser, dry or wet grass, and when paired with the fine-cut flail attachment option, cuts two ways. It’s this sort of innovation from Toro that guarantees the kind of productivity customers today demand.

Toro is a firm favourite with National Trust properties, private schools, colleges and universities and sports venues, but that doesn’t price it out of the market for today’s homeowner. Come and see at The Game Fair on 26–28 July on stand FBJ.

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.