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GreenBest Launches the SmartLawn ProCast 20 Rotary Spreader

GreenBest Launches the SmartLawn ProCast 20 Rotary Spreader

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GreenBest Launches the SmartLawn ProCast 20 Rotary Spreader

GreenBest has announced the launch of the SmartLawn ProCast 20, the company’s first pedestrian rotary spreader developed specifically for professional lawn care operators.

GreenBest Launches the SmartLawn ProCast 20 Rotary Spreader

GreenBest Launches the SmartLawn ProCast 20 Rotary Spreader

Designed for the accurate and efficient application of granular fertilisers, seed, and other granular products, the ProCast 20 expands the SmartLawn range beyond fertilisers and seed, providing contractors with a professional-grade spreader built for day-to-day commercial use.

The SmartLawn ProCast 20 features a 20 kg hopper capacity, precision flow control system, directional spread control, and a heavy-duty chassis designed to withstand regular transport and operation. The spreader has been developed to help operators improve application consistency, reduce product waste, and increase efficiency on larger jobs.

To support customers from day one, GreenBest has also worked closely with the manufacturer to provide full-rate and half-rate spreader settings for all SmartLawn granular fertilisers. These settings are available on product labels, within the SmartLawn product guide, and online via the SmartLawn Spreader Settings page.

Early feedback from customers has also highlighted the spreader’s ease of use, build quality, and value for money.

“From using the spreader, it offers great value for money. It has numerous adjustments, even a side-only option. The construction seems durable, and it takes a good amount of material. The adjustment allows good spread of grass seed too. The push height is good even for me being 6’2. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a reliable machine which is easy to set up.” — Adam Martin, Adam Martin Gardens

Commenting on the launch, James Whittick, Commercial Manager at GreenBest said:

“The SmartLawn ProCast 20 has been developed with professional lawn care operators in mind. Accuracy and consistency are critical when applying granular products, and this spreader gives users greater control while maintaining efficiency across a range of applications.”

The ProCast 20 requires minimal assembly and includes a full user manual, with replacement parts available through the GreenBest sales office.

The launch follows continued expansion of the SmartLawn range, including the introduction of SmartLawn FreshStart Lawn Seed and a hand-held fertiliser spreader in 2025.

For more information about GreenBest’s international expansion or to discuss partnership opportunities, please contact sales@greenbest.co.uk or visit www.greenbest.co.uk.

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Mansfield Sand at the heart of Teeton’s arena

Mansfield Sand at the heart of Teeton’s arena

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Mansfield Sand at the heart of Teeton’s arena

For International show jumping trainer Dan Delsart, the quality of the surface beneath his horses isn’t just a detail – it’s a foundation.

Mansfield Sand at the heart of Teeton’s arena

Mansfield Sand at the heart of Teeton’s arena

Based in North Northamptonshire, Dan has created a bespoke arena at Teeton Valley Stables using carefully selected materials from Mansfield Sand, helping him deliver a surface that prioritises both performance and horse welfare.

Dan has spent nearly 20 years building his career in the UK after originally coming over from France to train and develop his skills. Today, his arena reflects both his European experience and his commitment to creating a surface as close to natural grass as possible.

“We built the facilities ourselves and we built the arena,” Dan explains. “I wanted to recreate as natural a surface as we could.”

Having competed and trained across France, Belgium, Holland, Spain and the UK, Dan had seen a wide variety of surfaces and knew exactly what he wanted when it came to his own.

“I wanted a good sand which drains, and a sand which can hold a bit of moisture, so it doesn’t dry too quickly and go dusty,” he says. “And with adding up some quality fibres we were able to recreate a bit of a root like grass.”

That approach led him to work with Mansfield Sand, combining their materials with fibres from Combi-Ride to create a hybrid surface designed for performance and durability.

The result is a surface that balances freedom of movement with support, helping reduce the risk of injury while maintaining consistent rideability.

Since the arena was completed in August 2022, Dan has been impressed by how well it performs under daily use.

“We have a lot of horses here; about 15 to 20 a day,” he says. “Some days we might not pass the leveller for two or three days because the arena still looks really good.”

Maintenance still plays a key role, but the surface’s consistency makes day-to-day management straightforward.

Mansfield Sand at the heart of Teeton’s arena

Mansfield Sand at the heart of Teeton’s arena

“You’ve got to read the arena,” Dan adds. “If a jump starts to feel a bit loose, just pass the tractor over it, give it a bit of water if you need to. It’s just maintenance and looking after your horses in the long term.”

That long-term focus is exactly what makes the surface so important to Dan. For him, it’s about protecting horses and supporting natural biomechanics.

“The arena is so good, the surface is so natural under the horse’s hoof,” he explains. “That’s really important; to not have that impact and blockage of movement when the horses land.”

His confidence in the system has already led to recommendations across his network, from fellow professionals to veterinary practices.

“I’ve recommended it to so many people,” Dan says. “Even vets have come here and said how good the surface is.”

With the combination of Mansfield Sand’s high-quality materials and Combi-Ride’s expertise, Dan believes he’s found the ideal solution; one that supports both performance and welfare.

“If I had to build another 20 arenas, I’d do exactly the same,” he adds.

For more information, visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk, follow them on X at @MansfieldSand, or connect on Facebook and Instagram at Mansfield Sand Sport Surfaces.

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Raising standards at Haileybury with Kress robotic mowers

Raising standards at Haileybury with Kress robotic mowers

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Raising standards at Haileybury with Kress robotic mowers

At Haileybury School in Hertfordshire, Kress robotic mowers are playing a key role in helping the grounds team maintain consistently high standards across a 500-acre estate. For Head of Grounds and Gardens Andy Richards, the technology has become an important part of a wider strategy to manage a busy, high-pressure site more efficiently.

Raising standards at Haileybury with Kress robotic mowers

Raising standards at Haileybury with Kress robotic mowers

Set within a co-educational boarding and day school environment, the grounds are in near constant use.

“We’re a 365-day school,” says Andy. “We’ve got students, lettings, tournaments and events throughout the year, so the pressure on the grounds never really stops.”

With 17 winter sports pitches, cricket facilities and extensive amenity areas, the demands are relentless, particularly on heavy London clay soils.

“It’s probably the most unforgiving soil you could have,” he explains. “It holds water in the winter and then dries and cracks in the summer. The weather just adds to that pressure.”

Haileybury’s journey into robotic mowing was not immediate. Like many in the industry, Andy initially viewed the technology with curiosity rather than intent.

“We were aware of robotics and where the industry was going, but at first we couldn’t really see where it would fit for us.”

That changed when noise became an issue on the main school quad.

“It’s a high-profile area right in the centre of the school, but we had complaints during exam periods because of loud mowing. We needed a solution that could work quietly and out of hours.”

Early trials with other systems fell short.

“We tried a few other brands, but the finish wasn’t good enough and the mowing patterns were too random,” Andy says. “It didn’t give us the quality we were looking for.”

A demonstration from Kress changed everything.

“The Kress demo was a game changer. To see a mower cutting in straight lines and producing a proper striped finish was completely different. Everyone was blown away by it.”

Unlike most robotic systems, Kress machines use satellite-guided navigation combined with their own RTK network, removing the need for on-site antennas. This ensures the aesthetic of historic grounds remains uncompromised, while enabling operation without line of sight and even under tree cover. The result is greater flexibility in the areas that can be maintained, with fewer operational limitations.

That flexibility has proved invaluable across the estate.

Raising standards at Haileybury with Kress robotic mowers

Raising standards at Haileybury with Kress robotic mowers

“We’ve got a range of Kress robots now and they’re an integral part of our toolkit,” Andy explains. “We use them where they fit best and move them around the site depending on demand.”

On the main quad, the robots deliver consistent presentation throughout the week, while on sports surfaces, they have opened up new possibilities during difficult conditions.

“This winter was so wet we couldn’t get machinery onto some of the outfields,” he says. “But the Kress robots kept working. We’ve been able to bring cutting heights down gradually and get surfaces ready for play when we otherwise couldn’t.”

able improvements has been the consistency of cut and overall turf health. Because the machines operate continuously with sharp blades and follow structured mowing patterns, the finish is more uniform and the sward responds well.

“You get a much cleaner cut,” Andy says. “And because it’s cutting all the time, it helps with things like worm casts. It’s massively reduced the impact without any chemical control.”

For Andy and his team, the biggest benefit is not just time saved, but how that time is reinvested into other work.

“It gives us more flexibility,” he explains. “We can spend longer on the key areas like cricket pitches or first team surfaces, while the robots keep everything else in top condition.”

With pupils, staff and visitors on site seven days a week, presentation is a constant priority.

“The place has got to look its best every day,” Andy says.

For him, robotic mowing is now firmly embedded in how the site is managed.

“Without hesitation, I’d recommend Kress,” he adds. “You can walk around any site and see where a Kress robot would make a difference. It’s helped us raise standards everywhere.”

For more information, please visit https://www.kress.com/en-gb/

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GroundsFest Academy Goes Behind the Scenes at Lord’s

GroundsFest Academy Goes Behind the Scenes at Lord’s

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GroundsFest Academy Goes Behind the Scenes at Lord’s

Selected attendees from GroundsFest Academy events were recently given the opportunity to experience a truly unforgettable day at Lord’s Cricket Ground, widely regarded as the Home of Cricket.

GroundsFest Academy Goes Behind the Scenes at Lord’s

GroundsFest Academy Goes Behind the Scenes at Lord’s

The exclusive experience day offered delegates a behind-the-scenes look at elite-level turf management within one of the world’s most iconic sporting venues. Hosted by Lord’s Head Groundsman Karl McDermott, the day combined practical learning, networking, and insight into the precision and planning required to maintain world-class cricket surfaces.

Throughout the morning, attendees explored every aspect of stadium turf management, including access and zoning logistics, matchday preparation, wicket and outfield construction, drainage and irrigation systems, grass species selection, and managing weather impacts. Delegates were also given access to machinery, equipment, and operational areas rarely seen by the public, alongside a personal tour of the famous square and outfield.

For Peter Dawson from Berkshire College of Agriculture, the visit was both inspiring and educational.

“Obviously, Lord’s is iconic – the home of cricket. It’s been fantastic. Karl took us around the ground, showed us the pitches and explained the techniques behind preparation and renovation. I really enjoyed learning about how he works with his staff and apprentices, particularly the responsibility they’re given. Each member of staff prepares their own pitch for matches, which I thought was a brilliant way to help people learn and develop confidence.

It’s definitely something I can take back into my apprenticeship role at BCA.”

Mark Morgan from Belper Meadows Cricket Club described the experience as a “bucket list” moment.

“When you hear the word Lord’s, you immediately think of the best-looking ground in the world and the home of cricket. To actually walk onto the square and see how everything operates behind the scenes was incredible. We learnt so much about renovations, pitch planning, wetting agents, and the processes they use throughout the season. Karl was brilliant and really open with sharing his knowledge. It’s also fantastic what GroundsFest is doing because there aren’t many opportunities like this available to everyday groundspeople.”

For Greenkeeper Garry Letheren, the experience highlighted how knowledge can transfer across different sectors of the industry.

“You see Lord’s on television all the time, but to come here and understand what goes into maintaining it is something completely different. Even though I work in golf, there are still so many practices and ideas you can take away and adapt. Karl showed us everything from pitch preparation stages to machinery and long-term planning across the year. It was incredibly insightful and a fantastic opportunity to actually walk on the outfield and see things up close.”

GroundsFest Academy Director of Education Bradley Tennant said the experience days were created to give something extra back to the industry.

“The whole reason behind these days was to create new opportunities and give more back to the industry. We already provide free educational events, but these experience days allow selected attendees to step inside environments they may never normally get to see. Venues like Lord’s are iconic, and for many people this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s not just about seeing the venue; it’s about learning from experienced professionals, sharing stories, networking, and taking ideas back into the workplace. The feedback we’ve had has been incredibly positive and we’ll definitely be doing more experience days in the future.”

The GroundsFest Academy experience at Lord’s once again demonstrated the value of hands-on learning, industry collaboration, and creating opportunities for professionals to gain insight from some of the very best in the business.

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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GGM Group and Kubota Celebrate 50 Year Partnership

GGM Group and Kubota Celebrate 50 Year Partnership

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GGM Group and Kubota Celebrate 50 Year Partnership

GGM Group is proud to announce the celebration of a remarkable milestone: 50 years of partnership with Kubota. This enduring collaboration reflects a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service that has spanned generations and helped shape the landscape of groundcare and machinery solutions across the UK.

GGM Group and Kubota Celebrate 50 Year Partnership

GGM Group and Kubota Celebrate 50 Year Partnership

Since the partnership began in 1976, GGM Group and Kubota have worked side by side to deliver industry leading equipment and support to customers nationwide. Built on mutual trust and aligned values, the relationship has grown into one of the most respected and longstanding distributor-manufacturer partnerships in the sector.

A Legacy Built on Shared Values

Henry Bredin, Division Manager Kubota commented:
“Reaching 50 years in partnership with GGM Group is a testament to the strength of our shared vision and the dedication of both businesses over the decades. GGM has consistently represented the Kubota brand with professionalism, expertise, and a deep understanding of customer needs. We are proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited for what lies ahead.”

Chris Gibson, Managing Director GGM Group, reflected on the journey:
“This milestone is not just about longevity, it’s about relationships. My father was always driven by new ideas. When he purchased the Ramsbottom business at Kirkham in 1976, he set out to find a product that would transform the way horticultural growers operated in glasshouses. Following discussions with John Croft, Kubota’s Sales Agent at the time, he became the first dealer to sign up, and that marked the beginning of the compact tractor business in the UK.

As a family, we are incredibly proud of the foresight he showed. It’s remarkable to think that five decades have passed since we sold our first Kubota B6000. I believe his entrepreneurial spirit continues to guide us today, as we constantly look for new opportunities to evolve our product offering and deliver the highest level of service to our customers.”

Welcoming the Next Generation

As GGM Group celebrates its history, it also looks firmly to the future with the introduction of the next generation of leadership: Andrew and Thomas Gibson. Representing the continuation of a family-led business, both bring fresh perspectives, energy, and a commitment to upholding the values that have defined the company for decades.

Andrew Gibson commented:
“Growing up around the business, Kubota has always been part of our story. It’s an honour to step into this next chapter and continue building on such a strong foundation. We’re focused on innovation, sustainability, and ensuring we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

Thomas Gibson added:
“This partnership has stood the test of time because of its authenticity and shared purpose. As we look ahead, we’re excited to play our part in shaping the future of GGM Group while strengthening our relationship with Kubota and our customers, supported by outstanding customer service and support that stands as a testament to the whole team at GGM.”

Looking Ahead

As GGM Group and Kubota celebrate this golden anniversary, both businesses are reaffirming their commitment to driving innovation, supporting customers, and strengthening their partnership for the decades to come. This commitment has been further demonstrated through continued investment in customer support, including the opening of GGM Group’s Service Centre in Knottingley last year, enhancing support for Kubota customers across Yorkshire.

The milestone will be recognised and celebrated at two dedicated customer events in June, providing an opportunity to thank customers and showcase the strength of the partnership. The 50-year anniversary will also be highlighted throughout the show season, with a strong presence across key industry events.

As part of the celebrations, a customer competition is being launched to find the oldest Kubota machine still in operation today—recognising the longevity and reliability that have defined the brand over the past five decades.

Internally, GGM Group will host a staff summer social event, alongside a series of charity fundraising initiatives centred around the “50” theme, including challenges such as running 50km.

Chris Gibson concluded, “Fifty years is an incredible milestone, but we see it as just the beginning of the next chapter, together with Kubota, our team, and our customers, we look forward to continuing this journey.”

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