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Green-Tech supplies landscaping materials for linear park

Green-Tech supplies landscaping materials for linear park

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Green-Tech supplies landscaping materials for linear park

Like most large cities, urban green space is often in short supply, particularly in places such as Leeds, which was a key manufacturing centre during the Industrial Revolution.

Green-Tech supplies landscaping materials for linear park

Green-Tech supplies landscaping materials for linear park

Quality of life, including spending time outdoors, is becoming increasingly more important to people. However, land is always at a premium, especially in the city, and when ground space is in short supply, people start looking skywards. This has led to a marked increase in green roof gardens. But it is not just roofs that provide this opportunity for urban greening, but also abandoned infrastructure, such as the Monkbridge Viaduct, built in the 1840s. The viaduct ceased to be used in the 1960s following the closure of Leeds Central Railway Station and remained in a state of decay and disrepair for over 40 years.

Since then, the Grade II listed railway structure has been transformed into a stunning, 300-metre-long linear garden, named Viaduct Gardens. It connects more than 600 new homes to retail outlets, bars, restaurants, and public spaces as part of The Junction residential development.

It was intended that the new linear park would provide a pleasant green transit corridor for pedestrians while encouraging social interaction between residents. Just like previous projects, such as New York’s High Line elevated railway, which has been converted into a linear green space, as has Manchester’s Castlefield Viaduct.

GREEN-TECH INVOLVEMENT AND PRODUCTS SUPPLIED

Over a period of 16 months, Green-tech worked in partnership with the main contractor, Galliford Try and the landscape contractor, Gavin Jones, both of whom have a long-standing relationship with Green-tech dating back 20 years.

The viaduct transformation included landscaped pedestrian walkways, lawned areas, and planting beds, featuring a mix of trees, shrubs, and John Chambers Wildflowers 80/20 wildflower mix. Across the 300-metre-long linear park, the largest component by far was the soil. Due to the immense strength of the viaduct, there was no need to use lightweight aggregate, as would normally be required for a podium-type structure, so Green-tech supplied Green-tree BS3882:2015 topsoil in a mix of full loads and bulk bags, depending on the schedule. In total, over 2,000 tonnes of soil was used throughout the site.

Each tree planted was supplied with a Mona Relief Aria irrigation ring, a perforated 60mm Ø pipe ring that sits around the top third of the root ball. When filled via the filler pipe, water is distributed evenly to the rooting area. The Aria filler cap is an open design that allows air into the system, helping to aerate the soil.

Ancillary products included:

  • 131 x 80-litre bags of Rootmaster compost to promote strong root development
  • 170 linear metres of GT RootBarrier to protect the planting from invasive roots
  • 3,000 x 70-litre bags of ornamental bark for surface dressing, help retain moisture and support weed suppression

IMPACT AND OUTCOME

The finished project not only reconnects the Leeds-Liverpool Canal to the West End of Leeds but also transforms the viaduct into a vibrant linear park that enhances urban biodiversity, encourages community interaction, and provides a calm, green space for residents and visitors to enjoy. Its combination of landscaping, planting, and accessible walkways creates a lasting social and environmental legacy in the heart of the city.

Alasdair Innes, Green-tech Specification Advisor, comments, “This was a wonderful project to be involved with and being local to Green-tech in Yorkshire makes it a little bit more special. The huge amount of soil required meant that logistics and deliveries had to be spot on to dovetail with the landscaping teams. It is always a pleasure to work with the professionalism and organisation of the teams from both Galliford Try and Gavin Jones Ltd.”

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EGO's new lightweight professional-grade line trimmer

EGO’s new lightweight professional-grade line trimmer

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EGO’s new lightweight professional-grade line trimmer

Battery-powered outdoor power equipment specialist, EGO, has extended its range of commercial tools with the launch of a new 42cm line trimmer.

EGO's new lightweight professional-grade line trimmer

EGO’s new lightweight professional-grade line trimmer

Part of EGO’s PRO X range, the STX4200 is a lightweight and manoeuvrable line trimmer and the first in its portfolio to feature a front motor, delivering maximum power with optimal weight distribution.

Engineered for professional landscapers and grounds maintenance teams, the front-mounted brushless motor eliminates the need for an internal drive shaft, delivering up to one kilowatt of power with a 42cm cutting width and 30% more usable power. That’s the equivalent of a 28CC petrol tool but without the noise, fumes or associated maintenance. Even with EGO’s smallest capacity 2.5Ah battery, users can enjoy 60 minutes of runtime at full power.

Supplied with a 2.4mm twist line, the new rapid-reload bump-feed head can fit up to 2.7mm line for when professionals need extra cutting power, and cuts in the anticlockwise direction favoured by professionals to ensure debris is thrown away from the user and into the work area.

A digital speed selector also gives users three steps of cutting control, from full power for clearing long thick grass to eco mode for lighter tasks, with each mode offering full control with the intuitive and responsive variable speed trigger.

Made with a carbon fibre boom, the tool weighs in at just 3kg without a battery, making it the ideal partner for teams with a full day’s work ahead by helping them to complete tasks comfortably, efficiently and with optimum precision. An adjustable loop handle further aids user comfort and balance, while a customisable shoulder strap is included for further weight distribution, especially when in use over longer periods. The tool’s low weight also enables easy switching between trimming and edging functions, with balance and control maintained by using the quick-release to swiftly readjust the loop handle.

Neil McGuinness, OPE Product Development Manager for EGO, said: “In conversations with our professional users, one thing is clear: there’s a strong demand for a grass trimmer that delivers serious power without compromising on weight or manoeuvrability. Achieving the right power-to-weight ratio has long been a challenge, and poorly balanced tools can quickly lead to fatigue over long working days. The latest addition to our PRO X range brings these elements together to offer exceptional power, outstanding balance and all-day comfort for commercial teams who rely on their equipment to perform from start to finish.”

The STX4200 is also fully compatible with EGO’s Connect and Fleet apps, giving access to product and software improvements, tool management services and more.

For more information, visit: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/ranges/professional-x-range

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Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

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Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

Redexim UK has strengthened its team with the appointment of Jeremy Vincent, a highly respected figure within the groundscare industry.

Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

With more than three decades of experience, Jeremy brings a wealth of knowledge spanning engineering, sales and customer support. His career began as an apprentice at a John Deere dealership in 1988, before progressing through a variety of roles which ultimately led him into the groundscare sector.

Jeremy spent 16 years working with an importer, where he developed his sales expertise representing a range of machinery including Trilo products, before going on to work directly with Trilo for a decade across the UK, Ireland and beyond.

Now joining Redexim UK, Jeremy will take on responsibility for sales across the southern region, supporting dealers, attending demonstrations, and working closely with customers to deliver the company’s extensive range of natural and synthetic turf maintenance equipment.

Speaking about his new role, Jeremy said:

“Ideally, I wanted to stay with a manufacturer, and Redexim really stood out. They are market leaders and their product range speaks for itself. I’ve worked with the equipment before and was always impressed.”

He added: “I’m the sort of person who enjoys being hands-on with machinery, and Redexim’s portfolio really appeals to me. There’s a strong reputation behind the brand and that makes a big difference when you’re out speaking to customers.”

Well known and widely respected across the industry, Jeremy’s appointment has been warmly received by colleagues and contacts alike.

“I’ve had so many kind messages since the news got out,” he said. “It does make you realise what a great industry this is. Everyone is supportive, and it’s genuinely a nice sector to be part of.”

Looking ahead, Jeremy is excited about the future with Redexim UK and the opportunities within his new territory.

“Redexim is clearly a company that’s moving forward and evolving. I’m really looking forward to being part of that journey and helping to grow the business in my area,” he said.

With a strong track record, deep industry knowledge, and a passion for the sector, Jeremy’s appointment marks another positive step for Redexim UK as it continues to invest in its people and strengthen its presence across the UK.

For more information, visit https://www.redexim.com/uk/

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Redbacks® Inside: Stepping Into A New Era of Comfort

Redbacks® Inside: Stepping Into A New Era of Comfort

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Redbacks® Inside: Stepping Into A New Era of Comfort

Long days on-site, constant movement between surfaces, and hours spent kneeling or standing can take a serious toll on tradespeople’s feet and joints. Fatigue builds fast and over time, it can lead to issues like plantar fasciitis and chronic discomfort. That’s why the Bobcat Safety Footwear range, powered by Redbacks® Leaf Spring Technology, is engineered with installers in mind – delivering all-day comfort without compromising on protection.

Redbacks® Inside: Stepping Into A New Era of Comfort

Redbacks® Inside: Stepping Into A New Era of Comfort

The collection, spanning over 20 distinct styles, is built to tackle everything from indoor warehouse work to the harshest outdoor conditions. Every model carries the signature Bobcat design language, with safety features tuned for real-world jobsite environments and the unique comfort advantage of Redbacks® leaf spring cushioning at the core. Independently proven to improve shock absorption by up to 46% and outperform industry-leading insoles by up to 30%, this technology helps reduce impact and fatigue over long hours on the job.

“We’ve entered a new era in workwear, where performance is expected, but comfort is now essential,” says Peter Lawson, Brand Manager at Overland Shoes. “Workers are demanding footwear that supports them physically through the day. Redbacks® gives us a huge point of difference, and it’s exclusive to the Bobcat Safety Footwear range.”

Engineered by Category: A Complete Solution for Tradespeople on the Move

The Bobcat Safety Footwear range is structured across five outsole series, each engineered for a specific application and named after iconic American industrial regions:

  • Delta Series – Lightweight, trainer-style work shoes designed for agility and indoor performance. Models like Rockford, Clinch and Knox offer composite toe caps, puncture-resistant midsoles, abrasion-resistant uppers and slip-resistant soles – ideal for logistics, warehouse or light assembly work.
  • Summit Series – Hiker-inspired hybrid boots such as Rapid and Toledo, ideal for trades that need to move between indoor and outdoor environments. Breathable linings, ankle stability, and triple-density outsoles provide all-day versatility.
  • Forge Series – Built with stability and structure in mind, the Dakota and Melroe boots are designed for work at height, with ladder grip soles, scuff caps, and robust triple-density construction.
  • Keystone Series – Designed for high-heat, high-risk applications, this series includes Virginia and Omaha, featuring waterproof leathers, heat-resistant soles, and wedge outsoles for stability in welding, fabrication and foundry settings.
  • Bastion Series – The toughest boots in the range. Fargo and Granite offer waterproof leather uppers, heavy-duty outsoles, support chassis, and kick spurs for effortless removal. Built for groundwork, infrastructure and civil engineering environments.

All products are certified to EN ISO 20345:2022+A1:2024 and feature composite safety toe caps, non-metallic puncture-resistant midsoles, and non-marking, fuel oil-resistant outsoles. Most models are fully metal-free and designed to meet the growing demand for lighter, more wearable protection without compromise.

Redbacks® Leaf Spring Cushioning: Exclusive to Bobcat

At the centre of the range is the Redbacks® Cushioning System, a patented technology that replaces traditional foam insoles with a dynamic leaf-spring structure. Rather than simply absorbing shock, Redbacks® actively disperses pressure across the foot, reducing impact and fatigue over extended wear.

Independent testing by the Shoe and Allied Trades Research Association (SATRA) has shown that Redbacks® improves impact shock absorption by up to 46%, delivering industry-leading protection and outperforming competing insoles by as much as 30%.

“Tradespeople are on their feet for up to 12 hours a day – often on hard, unrelenting surfaces,” says Lawson. “We built this range around what matters to them: comfort, performance and reliability. Redbacks® technology is proven to address that comfort issue head-on.”

Unlike other insoles that flatten or degrade over time, the Redbacks® leaf-spring mechanism retains its structure and performance for the life of the boot, helping reduce the risk of strain injuries, foot pain and long-term musculoskeletal issues.

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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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