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Why Sheffield Wednesday’s Pitch is One of the EFL’s Toughest Groundskeeping Challenges

Why Sheffield Wednesday’s Pitch is One of the EFL’s Toughest Groundskeeping Challenges

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Why Sheffield Wednesday’s Pitch is One of the EFL’s Toughest Groundskeeping Challenges: Sheffield Wednesday’s stadium presents a challenging environment for turf, with significant shade and limited use of supplementary lighting. Alongside this, the pitch sees consistent use from first team and under-21 fixtures, as well as training sessions.

“Our biggest challenge is a very old, heavily shaded stadium with limited use of lighting rigs,” says Head Groundsman Lee Jackson. “Maintaining grass cover through the season is never straightforward.”

Maintaining Grass Cover in a Shaded Stadium

Maintaining Grass Cover in a Shaded Stadium

As part of a partial rebuild ahead of the 2025 season, ProSelect 1 Premium Pitch, a perennial ryegrass mixture designed for high-wear sports pitches, was used for renovation and overseeding.

“I’ve used ProSelect 1 for close to 10 years and have always trusted how it performs, so I had no hesitation using it again, even in a completely different environment,” Lee explains.

Establishment proved difficult initially due to high temperatures during summer 2025 and the nature of the rebuild.

“The early grow-in was tough because of the heat, but once it got going the coverage developed faster than I’ve seen for a number of years.”

Following establishment, the pitch was subjected to sustained use, particularly between December and February.

“We had eight first team games and ten training sessions on the pitch during that period, and we’re around 10% up on usage compared to last season,” says Lee.

Despite this, grass cover has been maintained through the winter months.

“We’ve kept more grass cover than many expected through that period, and recovery after use has been strong, especially considering the environment.”

Presentation and surface consistency have also improved across the season, supported by relatively low disease pressure.

“There’s been a noticeable improvement overall, and that’s been recognised by players and staff who have been here a number of years,” Lee adds.

For Lee, performance in this type of environment is the real measure.

“If you can get grass growing and maintain it in this kind of stadium, with limited lighting, it shows its value as part of the overall pitch management programme.”

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-growingsolutions.com

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Segway Navimow robotic lawn mowers set new benchmark

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Segway Navimow robotic lawn mowers set new benchmark: Segway Navimow, the pioneer in lawn care technology, has successfully subjected its X420 and i206 AWD robotic lawn mower models to rigorous testing by TÜV Rheinland.

Both devices are the first and only to receive the coveted Lawn Care certification. This award confirms that Navimow robotic lawn mowers have Minimal Lawn Impact Performance, thus setting a new standard for ultimate lawn protection.

Segway Navimow robotic lawn mowers set new benchmark

Segway Navimow robotic lawn mowers set new benchmark

The certification is based on a comprehensive test catalogue that incorporates international standards as well as TÜV Rheinland’s own benchmarks and certify the performance characteristics for maintaining a healthy and well-maintained lawn. As part of the intensive Accelerated Ageing Model a full calendar year of high-frequency mowing was simulated under European conditions. The results demonstrate:

  • Minimal lawn impact: Both models achieved Level 2 of TÜV Rheinland’s 5-level damage standard, meaning that after long-term operation, only minimal, localised traces remain, which do not affect the overall aesthetics and health of the lawn and are only visible upon close inspection.
  • Ultimate terrain capability: The robotic mowers successfully navigated steep slopes—the X420 operated smoothly on inclines of 57.7 percent (30 degrees), the i206 AWD on 47.6 percent (25 degrees)—while simultaneously recognising and avoiding complex obstacles such as tables, chairs, and cables.
  • Industry leadership
    • The X420 is the world’s first four-wheel drive robotic mower to receive TÜV Rheinland Lawn Care certification.
    • The i206 AWD is the only 3-wheel AWD robotic lawnmower on the market with this official certification.

With this TÜV Rheinland certification following rigorous testing, Navimow underscores that its mowers achieve the perfect balance between ultimate off-road capability and meticulous lawn care, even in complex gardens and demanding environments.

For more on the i2 AWD, visit the Segway Navimow website.

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GreenTek launch new StarGreen TD3000 Bulk Topdresser

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GreenTek launch new StarGreen TD3000 Bulk Topdresser: GreenTek has strengthened its StarGreen range with the launch of the new TD3000 Bulk Topdresser—a high-capacity, British-built machine designed to meet the demands of modern turf professionals.

Building on the proven success of the StarGreen line, which has earned a reputation for robust engineering, high productivity and long-term reliability at an affordable price point, the TD3000 represents the largest model in the range to date. With a 5-tonne capacity, it is purpose-built for large-scale applications where output and efficiency are critical.

GreenTek launch new StarGreen TD3000 Bulk Topdresser

GreenTek launch new StarGreen TD3000 Bulk Topdresser

The TD3000 comes equipped with comprehensive in-cab controls, allowing operators to easily adjust both belt and spinner speeds for precise application rates. A hydraulically operated rear flow gate ensures clean transport by preventing sand leakage between jobs, while a cleated conveyor belt delivers consistent and effective material discharge.

Designed with contractors firmly in mind, the machine runs on wide 700/40-22.5 flotation tyres to minimise ground pressure and protect playing surfaces. A hydraulically braked axle, integrated parking brake and full road lighting package make it safe and practical for road towing, enabling efficient movement between sites.

With its combination of capacity, build quality and operator-friendly features, the TD3000 is ideally suited to contractors, as well as large-scale users such as sports complexes, polo grounds and golf course fairways.

The addition of the TD3000 further enhances GreenTek’s growing Turfcare portfolio, offering professionals a dependable, high-performance solution for bulk topdressing applications.

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Strong Turnout for Green-tech’s First Urban Landscaping Event

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Strong Turnout for Green-tech’s First Urban Landscaping Event: Green-tech has successfully completed its first roadshow in Ireland, bringing together 36 industry professionals in Dublin for a focused discussion on designing climate-resilient cities.

Held at Croke Park, the event welcomed attendees from across the landscaping, planning and environmental sectors. The roadshow marked a significant step in extending Green-tech Specifier’s expertise into Ireland, while strengthening collaboration across the wider Origin Enterprises group.

Strong Turnout for Green-tech’s First Urban Landscaping Event

Strong Turnout for Green-tech’s First Urban Landscaping Event

The event, titled Designing Cities for Climate Resilience – Where Do We Start, focused on practical, climate-positive urban design. The agenda explored how Blue-Green infrastructure, wildflowers, and nature-based solutions can be implemented to create more sustainable, resilient urban environments.

A highlight of the day was the strong sense of collaboration, with Aebhín Cawley, Founder and Managing Director of Scott Cawley, joining Green-tech on stage. Aebhín’s presentation was particularly well received, reinforcing the value of cross-business knowledge sharing within Origin Enterprises.

The speaker line-up also included Dusty Gedge. Dusty, a consultant with the Green Infrastructure Consultancy (GIC) and leading authority on green roofs, shared his insights on delivering practical, ecologically rich solutions in cities, including the implementation of green roofs and nature-based systems. His session sparked lively discussion and reinforced the importance of combining design, policy, and technical expertise to create resilient, biodiverse urban spaces.

Georgia Gilbert and Seraya Sigsworth delivered incisive sessions on behalf of Green-tech, with Georgia Gilbert commenting, “It was fantastic to be part of Green-tech’s first Ireland roadshow and to see such strong engagement from attendees. There is a real appetite for integrating biodiversity into urban design, and wildflowers have a crucial role to play in creating spaces that are not only resilient but also visually and ecologically rich.”

Seraya Sigsworth added, “The conversations throughout the day showed how important it is to take a joined-up approach to climate resilience. Blue-Green infrastructure is no longer a future concept, it is something we need to be implementing now. It was great to share practical insights and hear directly from professionals facing these challenges on the ground.”

The event concluded with a Q&A panel session, where all speakers came together to answer questions and discuss real-world challenges. This open forum encouraged meaningful dialogue and provided attendees with valuable, actionable takeaways.

With positive feedback across the board and strong engagement throughout, the roadshow represents a successful first step in a series of similar events for knowledge sharing and industry collaboration.

Green-tech now looks forward to building on this momentum, continuing to support Irish specifiers, designers, and contractors with innovative solutions that drive sustainable urban development.

To find out more about Green-tech Specifier and access guidance on climate-resilient urban design, visit www.gtspecifier.co.uk

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GMA shines a spotlight on skilled grounds staff

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GMA shines a spotlight on skilled grounds staff: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has launched this year’s #GroundsWeek campaign with a striking new video created in partnership with Brighton & Hove Albion and the World Snooker Tour (WST).

The film brings together two expert teams whose work is essential yet often overlooked, showcasing the specialist skills required to prepare both elite football pitches and professional snooker tables.

GMA shines a spotlight on skilled grounds staff

GMA shines a spotlight on skilled grounds staff

For years, people have often compared high-quality sports surfaces to “snooker tables”. This video brings that comparison vividly to life by following the Brighton & Hove Albion grounds team and a WST table fitter, to reveal the precision and care that is essential in both roles.

But behind this celebration, lies a challenge for the grounds management industry.

New findings from the GMA’s latest Workforce Insight Report show that many grounds professionals feel their work is less recognised than it was five years ago. This is a concern for a highly skilled industry that underpins sport and supports communities across the country.

And this is exactly why #GroundsWeek exists.

Across the UK, grounds staff work in all weather and often behind the scenes, to keep pitches and public spaces safe and playable. Their work supports sport at every level of sport and improves the health and wellbeing of millions. #GroundsWeek gives these dedicated professionals and volunteers the recognition they deserve and shines a light on their knowhow.

The campaign celebrates the people who look after sports surfaces, school grounds, community fields, public spaces and more – places that host everything from elite fixtures to grassroots matches, school sport and everyday recreation.

This new video aims to raise awareness of this essential work and highlight the consistently high standards that both grounds staff and WST table fitters achieve every single day.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA said: “#GroundsWeek is our chance to celebrate the fantastic people who make sport happen. Their expertise ensures pitches, parks and community spaces are in great condition all year round. This new video shows the pride and professionalism in our industry, and we’re delighted to work with the World Snooker Tour and Brighton & Hove Albion to highlight the brilliant work grounds staff do every day.”

Phil Fifield, Head of Sports Turf at Brighton and Hove Albion said: “#GroundsWeek is a brilliant initiative by the GMA to give welcomed acknowledgement to those who bring sport to life. To celebrate the staff up and down the country for their tireless commitment and professionalism to the sports turf industry. It’s been a tremendous honour to work with the GMA and World Snooker Tour to showcase the care and dedication that goes into producing elite surfaces. I thank my staff also for their expertise and support but also their dedicated to their craft and endeavours away from the spotlight.”

Chris Barnes, Head Table Fitter at World Snooker Tour said: “When people watch sport either live in the arena or on television, they don’t always realise the huge amount of work that goes into preparing the playing surfaces. In snooker I work with a team of incredibly skilled and dedicated table fitters, and we spent countless hours striving to provide the best possible conditions for the players. #GroundsWeek is a great opportunity for fans in every sport to reflect on the work that happens behind the scenes.”

The GMA hopes the partnership with the World Snooker Tour will help #GroundsWeek reach new audiences and inspire greater appreciation for the people who shape and protect the spaces we all rely on.

#GroundsWeek is proudly supported by GMA Platinum Corporate Supporters Kubota, Howardson Group, ICL, MJ Abbott, Premier Pitches, GKB Machines, ISEKI, Cramer and GMA Gold Corporate Supporters Rada Controls, Aquatrols, Redexim, RT Machinery, SGL, Husqvarna and Jenkins Garden Machinery.

Get involved in #GroundsWeek

Download the #GroundsWeek Engagement Pack, access free resources and find out how you can take part: thegma.org.uk/groundsweek

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