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The search for UK’s favourite parks

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The search for UK’s favourite parks: Fields in Trust – the independent charity that has been protecting parks and green spaces for almost 100 years – has announced that its search for the UK’s Favourite Parks is back this summer and is calling upon the nation to get nominating now!

The hugely popular campaign has returned for the first time since 2019 and will shine a light on the green spaces that hold a special place in our hearts.

The search for UK's favourite parks

The search for UK’s favourite parks

Having acted as sanctuary to so many over the past few years, Fields in Trust is bringing back the campaign to find the UK’s Favourite Parks to ensure that they continue to be celebrated in a post-pandemic world.

The charity recently commissioned a study which found that almost half of us have visited local parks more often than we used to as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Coupled with research that has shown that access to nature was one of the main ways people have supported their mental health during lockdowns, Fields in Trust is determined that this year’s campaign celebrates the spaces that we relied on.

This year’s UK’s Favourite Parks campaign is made all-the-more important in light of the Fields in Trust’s recently released annual Green Space Index report. The study – which analyses the provision and distribution of parks and green spaces in the UK – found that 2.8 million people live more than ten minutes’ walk away from a green space. With only 6% of green space legally protected in Great Britain, the charity is concerned  that this will only worsen in coming years if we do not appreciate and advocate for our local parks.

Chief Executive of Fields in Trust, Helen Griffiths, commented on the campaign’s return, saying:

“There is no doubt that the importance of green spaces has been acutely felt recently, with people increasingly turning to their local parks to find a sense of tranquillity, space, and belonging since the pandemic began. When restrictions were at their highest, many sought sanctuary in their daily walk around the park; and when restrictions lifted to allow outdoor gatherings, the same parks became the backdrop for reunions with loved ones and new memories made.

“At a time when things were so hard for so many, these places provided respite; now, through our UK’s Favourite Parks campaign, we want to give people the chance to show their appreciation for the green spaces that were there for them.”

The search for the UK’s Favourite Parks starts today, meaning you can nominate your local green space now. Nominations are open until Tuesday 5 July, before the chosen parks go head-to-head in a public vote.

The UK’s Favourite Parks was first awarded in 2015 and has already handed out the title to three parks from across the UK: inaugural winner, Telford Town Park; Rouken Glen Park in 2016; and Blackpool’s Stanley Park in both 2017 and 2019.

Helen Griffiths continues:

“We are thrilled to be on the search once again for the UK’s Favourite Parks and we have no doubt that we’ll find some absolute gems along the way. We can’t wait to see the places that get put forward. Whether it’s the park you head for when the sun is shining; your favourite place to walk the dog; the place you go to stretch your legs; or your family’s favourite spot to spend quality time together: we want you to nominate your favourite today!”

To nominate your local park, visit www.fieldsintrust.org/favourite-parks.

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UK grass about to get greener

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UK grass about to get greener: Each year gardeners up and down the UK throw tonnes of powerful herbicides onto their lawns to try and kill weeds. But David Hedges-Gower, Lawn Association Chairman, explains why this is often a waste of time and money – and dangerous!

“Let’s be clear; a herbicide – that ‘harmless’ addition to many commercial or retail lawn fertilisers for apparently killing weeds – is a powerful and toxic chemical. Despite this, thanks to a shameful lack of regulation in lawn care and incredibly poor advice, our gardeners have for decades been encouraged to buy and spread these ‘convenience’ products. They are promised the benefits but are not told of the environmental impacts.

UK grass about to get greener

UK grass about to get greener

“However, grass isn’t just the most widespread and diverse plant group on the planet – it’s also one of the greenest, being perfectly able to adapt to the most extreme of conditions all by itself.

“So our lawns should be one of the most natural parts of the garden – all that’s needed is to maintain healthy grass the way nature intended. A good native sward, nurtured through basic modern lawn care, simply won’t leave enough room for a serious lawn weed problem.

And using herbicides is not just wasteful – it’s risky too, as David explains:

“In other sectors, all kinds of potentially dangerous chemicals have been removed from general sale. Here at the LA (Lawn Association) we believe it is time to ban the sale of lawn herbicides to the general public. Asking gardeners to use these chemicals responsibly is like asking all motorists to be able to service their own cars safely. Herbicides should be a last resort – and only used by those with professional training and regulation(for the moment)

So, what’s changing?

Until now there simply hasn’t been adequate training – for gardeners or for lawn professionals. Even with proper City and Guilds certification many professionals remain confused about vital precision spraying. Fortunately training lies at the heart of the Lawn Association, which is helping to reduce unnecessary and reckless herbicide use on two fronts

First, through its online lawn care course, gardeners can learn how to create and maintain healthy lawns without resorting to dangerous chemicals. And second, the Association’s new Level 2 Training (coming soon) will help ensure lawn professionals can use herbicides efficiently, when necessary, with confidence, knowledge and skill.

For more information or images please contact Francijn Suermondt at rabbitattackpr@gmail.com or on 07895184395.

Our core mission at the Lawn Association is to make accurate lawn care information readily available via our website and through our Free Membership Scheme for gardening enthusiasts. Go to the @LawnAssociation Facebook page to join the Lawn Enthusiasts Group, and get free association membership via the website, www.lawnassociation.org.uk

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Bourne to ride ISEKI world record attempt

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Bourne to ride ISEKI world record attempt: Working on ride-on mowers is part of the job for Colin North, owner of Bourne to Garden, a grounds maintenance business based in Kent, UK.

However, it wasn’t until a friend mentioned the current world record attempt for the fastest journey from Lands End to John O’Groats on a ride-on mower that he suddenly thought what a great challenge it would be to try and beat this whilst raising money for charity, after all he has plenty of experience driving them all day!

Bourne to ride ISEKI world record attempt

Bourne to ride ISEKI world record attempt

Colin explains further; “We are aiming to beat the current world record of 5 days, 8 hours and 36 minutes, completed by Andy Maxfield on the 30 July 2017.  We will be driving an ISEKI SF5 ride-on mower that has been kindly donated and supported by ISEKI UK, aiming for up to 20 hours driving each day.  All this, whilst most importantly for us, raising money for three charities that are close to our heart’s; Motor Neurone Disease Association, Kenward Trust who help those struggling with alcohol or drug addiction and The Masonic Charitable Foundation, with the target to raise £30,000 to be split equally between each of the charities.”

Starting off at Lands End on Monday 27th June they will be avoiding the motorways and traveling through the counties listed below in order to reach their final destination of John O’Groats, whilst hopefully beating the current World Record:

World Record attempt route:

  • Cornwall
  • Devon
  • Somerset
  • Gloucestershire
  • Worcestershire
  • Shropshire
  • Cheshire
  • Merseyside
  • Lancashire
  • Cumbria
  • Dumfriesshire
  • Lanarkshire
  • West Lothian
  • Stirlingshire
  • Perthshire
  • Inverness-shire
  • Ross & Cromarty
  • Sutherland
  • Caithness

“We can’t wait to get started, there is a lot of preparation involved and we could not have done this without the support of ISEKI UK who will be travelling with us all the way too.  We look forward to seeing people out on route, don’t forget to give us a beep and a wave!  Between ourselves and ISEKI UK we will be doing regular updates on social media, interviews on TV and local radio coverage throughout the journey so please keep a listen out for us.”

David Withers from ISEKI UK adds; “It is great that a customer of ours has chosen one of our mowers to attempt this world record!  We are so excited to support them on this challenge and look forward to supporting them throughout the journey then being with them at John O’Groats at the end of the race to celebrate their achievement!”

As part of the world record attempt stipulations, independent witness signatures and photos are required along the way, so keep a look out on ISEKI’s social media for details of where they will be on route and follow the tracker.   Encouragement along the journey and coming out to wave them past will no doubt be appreciated to help keep the morale high on what will be an extremely long, testing and tiring journey.

Details of how to donate can be found at www.bournetogarden.com.

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Allett announces highest Jubilee bidder

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Allett announces highest Jubilee bidder: Entries closed on the 5th June 2022 for the Allett Mowers auction celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. A special one-off Jubilee Edition Allett Stirling 51 (20”) battery cylinder mower commemorating the Queen’s 70 years on the throne was on offer to the highest bidder.

The proceeds are to be donated to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Living Legacy Fund, the DofE charity launched in the Duke’s memory with the aim of reaching a million young people by 2026. Caroline Glen, DofE Director of Fundraising, said:

Allett announces highest Jubilee bidder

Allett announces highest Jubilee bidder

“We are extremely grateful to Allett for their generous donation. As young people navigate the uncertain future left by the pandemic, the DofE is needed more than ever. Donations like this will help us reach more young people, giving them the chance to develop new skills, discover new passions and build lifelong confidence, resilience, and self-belief.”

The online auction attracted bidders from all around the world, including entries from the USA, Canada and Switzerland. The winning bid came from Ron Henry of Georgia, USA who bid the substantial sum of £4,400.00. Ron will receive the British built Jubilee Edition Stirling 51 battery cylinder mower after it has been on display at Windsor Flower Show on 11th June and Gardener’s World Show at the NEC on the 16th-19th June 2022. Ron describes himself as a ‘lawncare geek’ who owns and runs the Golf Course Lawn Store https://golfcourselawn.store He also publishes videos on lawncare, fertilisation and ‘lots and lots of mowing.’ He plans to shoot a video for his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/RonHenry which has grown massively in popularity over the last few years offering lawncare advice to all. He will then place the mower in his office studio as a display piece. This is Ron’s second Allett mower. His first is a C27 Evolution, which he uses to maintain his lawn. He said:

“Given that it’s a one-off special edition Stirling and so nice to look at, it’s unlikely that I’ll mow grass with it. I’m very happy to be able to play a small part in helping young people reach their goals through the donation to the DofE charity. The Jubilee Edition Stirling 51 is a beautiful piece of history that I’m happy to be part of. Special thanks to Allett and their partners for building an amazing mower and making the auction open to an international audience.”

The Stirling range of expert mowers is designed for the home lawn enthusiast with medium to large lawns. The mowers feature the Allett cartridge system which gives professional level cultivation and clean-up for lawn thatch control, autumn renovations and weed control. The auctioned Jubilee Allett Stirling 51 (20”) is powered by the EGO 56V battery system using their unique ‘Keep Cool’ technology. Allett Mowers has been a British Manufacturer of cylinder mowers since 1965 and is a holder of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise-International Trade.

“We’re very proud to be able to run this auction with the proceeds going to the DofE Award fund,” said Allett’s Managing Director, Austin Jarrett. “The DofE Award is something we at Allett are very passionate about and we are pleased to have the opportunity to help young people in this way.” Anyone wishing to donate to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Living Legacy Fund can do so by visiting: https://events.dofe.org/living-legacy-fund

Allett Mowers Ltd.  01889 271503 www.allett.co.uk

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Masterline Mixtures make the grade

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Masterline Mixtures make the grade: Matt Parry, Head Groundsman at Kingston Grammar School has praised mixtures from DLF for delivering great results at a great price, all backed up with great support from his local Technical Manager Craig Spooner.

With the whole 22-acre site sown with seed from across the DLF portfolio, this season the focus has been on the outfields and four cricket squares, where a combination of ProMaster 79, ProMaster 80 and ProMaster 36 from the Masterline range has delivered a first-class finish.

Masterline Mixtures make the grade

Masterline Mixtures make the grade

DLF seed has been Matt’s choice for the last five years, creating the perfect playing surfaces for winter sports, tennis and cricket – used by pupils alongside teams from the local community. “Over time, we’ve sown mixtures from both the Johnsons Sports Seed and Masterline ranges, with an unwavering confidence that whatever we use is going to perform” explains Matt, who heads up a team of three.

“We conduct a full renovation on the football surfaces in spring to prepare for the cricket season, with overseeding roughly every six weeks throughout the season where it’s needed. For this we selected ProMaster 80 Renovator, purchased from Core Amenity, which gives us strong, equal establishment and a resistant and hard-wearing sward to cope with the pressures of a high wear season.” As the name suggests, PM80 Renovator is ideal for the renovation of worn playing surfaces – featuring 25% Tetragame 4turf tetraploid and 75% diploid perennial ryegrass for a disease resistant, drought tolerant and nitrogen efficient mix.

As the temperatures cool, Matt then switches to ProMaster 79 as a 50% tetraploid mixture for more effective autumn/winter overseeding. “PM79 has proven to deliver great colour and great recovery on our outfields through the colder months. Completing the programme is ProMaster 36 Wicket which establishes quickly and gives us a dense, resistant sward on our squares.”

“The service we get is as equally important as the quality of the product for me” Matt adds. “I speak regularly to our DLF Regional Technical Manager Craig Spooner, who will update me on what research is taking place and what’s new and upcoming in regard to mixtures. This means I am always able to make an informed choice and gives us the confidence and trust to trial new formulations.”

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