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Wildwood Machinery Open Day brings out the big guns

Wildwood Machinery Open Day brings out the big guns

Wildwood Machinery Open Day brings out the big guns

State-of-the-art ground and turfcare machinery and technology will be on show at Wildwood Machinery’s second Open Day, at East Horton Golf Club on Wednesday 1 July.

Wildwood Machinery Open Day brings out the big guns

Wildwood Machinery Open Day brings out the big guns

Wildwood customers and partners will also be able to check out the company’s brand-new HQ, workshops and showroom, which now form part of the East Horton complex.

With a growing number of elite sports clubs, local authorities, estates and schools tapping into Wildwood’s combination of big brands and elite after-sales service, the business grew steadily throughout 2025, necessitating the increase in showroom and workshop space.

Managing Director James Bastian, said: “Last year’s Open Day was attended by groundcare professionals and buyers from across Southern England, and we had some absolutely stunning kit on display. Groundcare machinery is evolving at such a pace right now, so we’re looking forward to showcasing some of the biggest brands in the business, as well as our own new and improved HQ.”

The Wildwood Machinery Open Day is open to all groundcare professionals and buyers, and runs from 10-4pm with food served all day, and the opportunity for attendees to enjoy a free round of golf at East Horton on the day.

James Bastian said: “The Open Day is our opportunity to thank our partners, suppliers, staff and customers. It will be an environment where groundcare pros can put some really innovative machinery through its paces, do some business but also relax and have some fun.”

“We’re very lucky that East Horton Golf Club is a core part of our family business and is the perfect venue for this type of event.”

Manufacturers showcasing their wares will include: Aspen, DeWalt, ECHO Robotics, Gambetti Amenity & Golf, INFINICUT, ISEKI, Jacobsen, Ransomes, Raymo, Rovimo, Stogger, Sunseeker and Wessex International, as well as the latest additions to Wildwood Machinery’s expanding portfolio of world-class brands, Bio-Circle, FJ Dynamics, Hustler and Kress.

“Last year, the whole environment had a lovely vibe about it. We had great support from our partners and manufacturers, and our customers turned out in force,” says James. “There’s a lot happening in the industry, and a lot happening at Wildwood Machinery, and so we’re looking forward to seeing everyone on 1 July.”

Anyone wishing to attend the Open Day can register here.

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GroundsFest strengthens partnership with BALI for 2026 event

GroundsFest strengthens partnership with BALI for 2026 event

GroundsFest strengthens partnership with BALI for 2026 event

GroundsFest is delighted to announce an expanded partnership with the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), which will see the organisation again become the exclusive sponsor of The Landscape Zone at GroundsFest 2026.

GroundsFest strengthens partnership with BALI for 2026 event

GroundsFest strengthens partnership with BALI for 2026 event

The strengthened relationship marks another significant step forward for GroundsFest as it continues to bring together every corner of the grounds management, landscaping and outdoor industries through a fresh, inclusive and engaging event experience.

As part of the partnership, BALI will have a major presence throughout the show, including sponsorship of The Landscape Zone and a seminar theatre. Working closely with HortWeek, BALI will help deliver an engaging seminar programme packed with expert insight, industry discussion and valuable educational content for visitors.

In addition, BALI will host its own stand within The Landscape Zone, alongside a dedicated podcast area where some of the landscaping industry’s leading figures will be interviewed across the two-day event. The podcast feature is expected to provide visitors with unique insight into key industry topics, trends and challenges, while also shining a spotlight on the people helping to shape the future of landscaping.

The partnership will also extend into GroundsFest’s popular live music festival, which takes place on the evening of the first day of the show. BALI will host its own dedicated festival area, offering members the opportunity to continue networking in a relaxed and enjoyable setting with food, drinks, live music, bumper cars and entertainment.

GroundsFest Event Director Christopher Bassett said:

“We see a natural alignment with BALI. There’s a shared commitment to raising standards, supporting professionals and strengthening the future of the landscaping and wider grounds sector. BALI’s proactive, forward-thinking work mirrors what we’re trying to achieve with GroundsFest, and it makes this partnership feel like a really natural fit.

“We’re incredibly pleased to continue strengthening our relationship with BALI and we’re excited about the additional value this partnership will bring to both exhibitors and visitors at GroundsFest 2026.”

BALI’s Head of Marketing and Communications Rosie Sayers said:

“We are delighted to once again be partnering with GroundsFest as sponsors of The Landscape Zone, following a hugely positive experience supporting the event last year.

“GroundsFest has quickly become one of the most important events in the industry calendar, bringing together professionals from across landscaping and groundscare to share ideas, discover innovation and build meaningful connections. Its strong commitment to supporting and collaborating with the landscaping industry closely reflects BALI’s own values, which makes this continued partnership such a natural and exciting fit for us.”

GroundsFest 2026 will once again bring together professionals from across landscaping, grounds management, local authority, sports turf, estate management and related sectors for two days of hands-on demonstrations, live entertainment, networking and industry-leading exhibitors.

GroundsFest 2026 takes place on 16 and 17 September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

Visitor registration for GroundsFest 2026 is free and now open.

To register and find out more, visit www.groundsfest.com

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

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TP Chippers expands dealer network

TP Chippers expands dealer network

TP Chippers expands dealer network

TP Chippers are pleased to announce further expansion of their UK dealer network with the appointment of FH & J Alviti and Vincents. These additions to the network not only signify an exciting chapter in TP’s growth, but ensures customers across the country can expect a high-quality sales and aftersales experience as standard – fronted by trusted arboricultural experts in their local area.

TP Chippers expands dealer network

TP Chippers expands dealer network

Through a carefully crafted group of dedicated dealers, TP aims to strengthen the promotion of its full product range of road-towed, tracked and PTO-driven woodchippers, offering superior manufacturer support to both end users and dealers. One of the newest names to join the network is Ludlow-based dealers FH & J Alviti. With a strong portfolio of leading arboricultural, agriculture and groundcare brands already on their books, and a strong reputation for their in-house workshop servicing and support, the team at FH & J Alviti are well placed to hit the ground running!

“Partnering with TP Woodchippers is a natural fit for us – their reputation for quality and ease of use aligns perfectly with our mission” comments Director Dave Alviti. “We have invested in a diverse range of machines to supplement our existing hire fleet—from the versatile TP 100 Mobile to the powerful TP 215 Track—giving our customers across the West Midlands and Mid Wales access to the very latest in woodchipper technology.” He adds, “These machines perfectly complement our extensive range of other specialist equipment from industry leaders, allowing us to provide a complete professional solution for the forestry, arb and landscaping sectors.”

Also joining the TP network to cover Southwest England and the Channel Islands are Vincents. Proudly celebrating 60 years in business this year, Vincents are family-run and fully customer-focussed – partnering with leading brands to support the needs of those in the agriculture, plant, groundcare and landowner sectors. “TP is a fantastic fit within our existing portfolio, continuing our ethos of providing premium products that deliver good reliability and robust in-field performance” comments Vincents Director Alec Vincent. “With such a large and versatile range, TP offers something for everyone, with products well matched to our tractor offering and providing fantastic quality and choice to our established arboricultural customer base throughout Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset.”

Phil Edmondson, TP’s UK Sales Manager added, “We’re delighted to be partnering with dealers across the country that will not only offer outstanding sales and aftersales support, but will also help us to simplify parts supply to ensure our customers receive a truly superior and memorable experience. We’re fully focussed on improving dealer accessibility and operator peace of mind, not only constructing a large nationwide demo fleet but also introducing new extended warranties of up to five years on the full TP range.”

Over the coming months, TP will be announcing further dealer appointments as well as continuing their search for suitable partners in currently vacant territories. If you are interested in adding TP to your product range, please contact Phil on 07506 502966 or email pe@tpchipper.com.

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EGO's tabless Lithium MAX promises faster charger

EGO’s tabless Lithium MAX promises faster charger

EGO’s tabless Lithium MAX promises faster charger

EGO has developed its first battery featuring advanced tabless cell technology. Allowing for faster charging, enhanced power and little-to-no downtime, the 8Ah BA4480X Lithium MAXTM battery joins EGO’s market-leading 56V platform for cordless outdoor power equipment.

EGO's tabless Lithium MAX promises faster charger

EGO’s tabless Lithium MAX promises faster charger

Designed for power-hungry tools and demanding applications, the Lithium MAXTM can deliver up to 40% more power than an equivalent 8Ah battery using standard cells, which makes light work of larger mowing, trimming, cutting and blowing tasks for both professional and domestic users.

Built for long-lasting performance, the battery boasts a two-times longer lifecycle and when it does need charging, it can do so within just 20 minutes using the EGO PGX2500PB Power Bank – reducing the need to carry more batteries.

With a multitude of benefits, the market has begun to see the benefits of lithium-ion batteries with tabless technology. The tabless lithium-ion cells in the new EGO battery have a reduced resistance which allows energy to be transferred faster without generating heat inside the battery cells, which in turn increases the battery’s lifespan. Coupled with EGO’s unique ARC cooling technology, even under high load, the cell temperature remains lower compared to standard designs.

Another benefit is that the battery can be charged immediately after use, with no need for a cooling phase, promising shorter charging times and less downtime between tasks.

Andrew Frohock, IoT Product Manager for EGO, said: “Built for regular use and larger-scale gardening projects, this exciting new addition to our 56V system delivers increased power, faster charging and smarter control to maximise performance and productivity. Fully interchangeable across our entire product range, the ARC Lithium MAXTM battery provides flexibility, efficiency and long-term value for professional and serious users.

“This launch marks a first for EGO and signals our continued investment in expanding and developing our solutions in response to consumer and industry needs.”

Perfect for use in outdoor conditions, the Lithium MAXTM has an IPX5-rated build for durable weather-resistance. While remote inventory management and charge status monitoring can be done via the EGO Fleet and EGO Connect apps, giving simple insight into the battery’s health.

The EGO 56V platform has over 100 products, including lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, and line trimmers. There is also the EGO Lifestyle range, which provides additional use for the batteries, including pressure washers, wet/dry vacuums, outdoor speakers, earth and ice augers, power inverters and much more.

Available with a three-year warranty, the BA4480X 8Ah Lithium MAXTM retails at £499, to learn more visit: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/products/batteries-chargers/ba4480x-8ah-56v-arc-lithium-max-battery

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Lanzarta receives full UK approval for forest nursery and in-forest use

Lanzarta receives full UK approval for forest nursery and in-forest use

Lanzarta receives full UK approval for forest nursery and in-forest use

Agrovista Amenity is pleased to confirm that Lanzarta has now received full registration approval in the UK for both forest nursery and in-forest use, providing forestry professionals with a complete two-stage strategy for controlling large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis).

Lanzarta receives full UK approval for forest nursery and in-forest use

Lanzarta receives full UK approval for forest nursery and in-forest use

Lanzarta is an insecticide specifically developed for the control of large pine weevil, one of the most destructive pests affecting UK forestry. The pest can cause significant damage to newly planted conifer trees, particularly pine and spruce, during the first five years after planting or restocking. Adult beetles feed on the bark of young trees, often girdling the stem and ultimately killing the plant. On heavily affected sites, between 50 and 100 percent of newly planted conifers can be destroyed.

The new approval allows Lanzarta to be used both as a nursery pre-treatment and as a post-transplant forest application, delivering flexible and long-lasting protection throughout the establishment phase of young trees.

In nurseries, treatments are applied in a closed cabinet, helping to protect saplings during their most vulnerable stage. Once transplanted into the forest, supplementary applications can be made using handheld equipment such as knapsack sprayers to target later-emerging weevil generations. Trees can be treated once in the nursery and up to two times in their final planted positions, with a maximum of three applications per plant.

Lanzarta contains 190g/l chlorantraniliprole, a Group 28 insecticide which controls large pine weevil following ingestion of the active substance. The quick-drying SC liquid formulation binds strongly to tree bark, helping to prevent rain wash-off while ensuring residual, long-lasting protection.

For best results, insect activity should be monitored carefully to ensure accurate application timing.

The approval is particularly significant for the UK forestry sector, where Sitka spruce remains highly susceptible to large pine weevil damage. With approximately 35 million Sitka spruce trees planted annually, accounting for around 50 percent of the UK’s £2 billion forestry industry, effective protection during establishment is critical.

By reducing losses from weevil damage, Lanzarta can help lower restocking costs, improve establishment success, and support the development of healthier, more consistent woodland stands.

In addition to its proven efficacy, chlorantraniliprole offers a positive toxicological and environmental profile for non-target organisms and only affects pests feeding on treated plants.

Lanzarta is approved for use in ornamental plant production, including forest nurseries, as well as commercial forestry, amenity woodland, conservation areas, and landscaping projects, giving growers and forestry managers a robust new tool in the fight against large pine weevil.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit https://amenity.agrovista.co.uk/

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