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NEWS ARTICLES

New services and savings as BAGMA return to GroundsFest

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New services and savings as BAGMA return to GroundsFest: It’s been an incredibly busy 12 months for the team at the British Agricultural Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA) as they work to deliver brand new services and savings for the thousands of BAGMA members across the country.

Those looking to find out more about all of the exciting changes can do so by speaking to the team at GroundsFest 2025 in their new location on stand 39.

New services and savings as BAGMA return to GroundsFest

New services and savings as BAGMA return to GroundsFest

In a time of adversity, BAGMA aims to continue its work on fighting for better terms and conditions for agricultural, groundcare and garden machinery dealers nationwide. In the last year BAGMA have launched a new Members Forum and online Jobs Hub, as well as providing continued support when it comes to advice and training.

On the subject of training, visitors to GroundsFest will be among the first to learn about the brand-new course titled ‘Safety Essentials for Technicians – Off-Highway Electric Vehicles & Electric Outdoor Power Equipment’. Developed especially for BAGMA, this one-day safety course is designed to highlight hazards, compliance and best practice for those working on or around electrically powered off-road machinery such as electric tractors, UTVs, mowers, and telehandlers.

BAGMA have also been working closely with their varied portfolio of approved Service Providers to develop exclusive offers and savings on a range of services including dealer management software (DMS), finance solutions, utility contracts and more. Among the newest names on the ever-growing list is Novuna Vehicle Solutions, who have partnered with some of the largest vehicle brands to provide BAGMA members with exclusive discounts on Contract Hire cars and vans.

Stand 39 is also the place to learn more about BAGMA’s ‘Paperless Solution’. Working in conjunction with the UK’s paperless experts, Culverdocs, BAGMA are transforming the task of business administration with a new digital platform to streamline the recording of Handover & Installation paperwork and much more. More information on this and the full range of BAGMA’s services can be found by speaking to a member of the team when GroundsFest returns to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on the 9th and 10th September.

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Aspen redefining operator-friendly fuel

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Aspen redefining operator-friendly fuel: Aspen Fuel return to GroundsFest, putting the spotlight on petrol power that protects the professionals working closest to it.

Known widely as the pioneers of alkylate petrol, Aspen has been transforming the working environment for landscape and groundcare operatives for over 40 years, changing the way we think about fuel to prioritise clean performance and personal wellbeing.

Aspen redefining operator-friendly fuel

Aspen redefining operator-friendly fuel

Traditional petrol from the pump contains harmful substances including benzene, aromatics and sulphur – all of which contribute to air pollution and can pose serious health risks for operatives. Long-term exposure to exhaust emissions can cause respiratory issues, headaches, fatigue and, in some cases, even more serious health consequences. Aspen’s alkylate petrol offers an alternative.

Available in 2 and 4-stroke formulations, Aspen is 99% cleaner than regular petrol when it comes to the level of hazardous hydrocarbons. Almost completely odourless in operation, users of petrol-powered equipment are exposed to far fewer toxic emissions, making it a safer and more sustainable choice for maintenance teams working long hours or in enclosed environments.

Visitors to stand H50 at GroundsFest will have the opportunity to learn how Aspen not only prioritises the working conditions for the operator but extends engine life and improves performance. Ethanol-free and purchased pre-mixed with biodegradable two-stroke oil, Aspen 2 provides unbeatable consistency and an optimal mix to protect the performance of chainsaws, hedge trimmers and other petrol-powered tools. Without all of the harmful ingredients, Aspen also does not degrade, extending its shelf life and protecting the engines of machines that spend seasons – or longer – in storage.

Live demonstrations and expert advice will be available on the stand, giving attendees the chance to see and smell the Aspen difference for themselves. Details of trial opportunities can also be discussed, enabling workers and employers to discover the many benefits of switching to Aspen in their own working environments.

Whether you manage a grounds team, run a landscaping business or just care about the safety of your own daily operations, a stop on the Aspen stand is a must for visitors to Stoneleigh Park this 9th and 10th September.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Discover Mansfield Sand’s Elite Sports Turf Solutions

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Discover Mansfield Sand’s Elite Sports Turf Solutions: Make your way to stand OSA260 at GroundsFest 2025 – taking place on 9 and 10 September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire – to explore the latest in professional sand-based solutions from Mansfield Sand.

With a heritage spanning over 180 years, Mansfield Sand remains at the forefront of silica sand innovation. Their trusted range supports elite stadiums, top-level training grounds, championship golf courses, and high-performance equestrian venues across the UK.

Discover Mansfield Sand’s Elite Sports Turf Solutions

Discover Mansfield Sand’s Elite Sports Turf Solutions

At this year’s event, their team of specialists will be on hand to showcase how their products can strengthen, support, and transform natural sports surfaces. Key solutions on display will include:

Reinforced Rootzones

Designed for high-performance, natural turf surfaces that demand durability and year-round usability. These expertly engineered products improve pitch stability and drainage while maintaining consistency throughout the surface. Options include:

Fibre Reinforced Rootzone – polypropylene fibre-reinforced for enhanced strength.

Fibrelastic Rootzone – combines polypropylene and flexible Elastane fibres for resilience and recovery.

Fibresand – ideal where turf has suffered wear and tear from winter usage.

Sand Soil Rootzones

Blended using only premium screened topsoil and Mansil 40 Silica Sand, these mixes are perfect for construction or renovation – providing a reliable, high-performance start for any project.

Sand Compost Rootzones

A carefully developed mix of sand and organic material, helping turf retain nutrients and moisture while boosting drought tolerance and resilience.

Top Dressing

A fine turf essential, Mansfield Sand’s sterilised, stone-free top dressing is made from the company’s own silica sand and high-quality soils. Custom blends are also available – including options with soil amendments.

Mansil Silica Sand Sports Range

Extracted from the Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield, the Mansil range supports a wide variety of surfaces – from golf courses and bowling greens to winter sports pitches and amenity areas.

Don’t miss your chance to see how Mansfield Sand’s market-leading range can help you raise the standard of your sports surfaces. Visit stand OSA260 at GroundsFest 2025.

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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ICL is once again exhibiting at GroundsFest

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ICL is once again exhibiting at GroundsFest: ICL is once again exhibiting at GroundsFest, bringing practical solutions and expert advice to turf managers, grounds staff, landscapers, and contractors from across the industry.

As a global leader in turf and landscape solutions, ICL delivers products that professionals trust – whether it’s for high-performance sports surfaces or quality green spaces. This year, we’ll be showcasing a range of innovations designed to support plant health, improve nutrient efficiency, control weeds, and strengthen integrated turf management (ITM) programmes.

ICL is once again exhibiting at GroundsFest

ICL is once again exhibiting at GroundsFest

At the stand, you can explore our proven Sportsmaster and Landscaper Pro fertilisers, developed to deliver reliable, tailored nutrition across sports turf and amenity settings. Weed control will also be a key focus, with guidance on total weed management using Roundup ProVantage and Roundup ProActive, alongside selective solutions like Praxys and Trophy XL – ideal for tackling broad-leaved weeds.

A key feature this year will be our professional spreader range. Designed for precision, durability, and ease of use, these machines help turf professionals maximise application accuracy and product performance.

GroundsFest is also a great opportunity to speak directly with the ICL team. Our technical and commercial experts understand the day-to-day challenges of turf and landscape management and can provide support on product choice, application timing, and long-term turf care strategy.

Visit the ICL stand at GroundsFest 2025 to discover new developments, get advice tailored to your site, and find out how we can help you deliver consistent, high-quality results all year round.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie  if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Thank A Greenkeeper Day returns for 2025

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Thank A Greenkeeper Day returns for 2025: BIGGA is pleased to announce the fifth annual Thank A Greenkeeper Day on Tuesday 9 September 2025. This global celebration, launched four years ago, has now reached countless people worldwide, celebrating the fantastic work carried out by greenkeepers and golf course staff to enable tens of millions to enjoy the sport of golf.

This year, BIGGA wants to invite all the professionals in golf whether it’s golfers, members, owners, managers, suppliers, industry associations, media or general supporters of the game to join us in celebrating greenkeepers and their important role. Thank A Greenkeeper Day is an opportunity to ensure that greenkeeping is given the respect and recognition that these hardworking teams deserve.

Thank A Greenkeeper Day returns for 2025

Thank A Greenkeeper Day returns for 2025

Greenkeepers are the unsung heroes who ensure that golf courses are in their best possible condition for all to enjoy while ensuring that courses are stewarded environmentally and wildlife habitats are protected

While this day is all about the thank you, it is aimed to encourage proactive action across the industry to recognise the vital and highly skilled role greenkeepers play. At its core, this is about promoting greenkeeping as a professional trade and making a positive impact in working conditions and fair rates of pay for greenkeepers everywhere.

On Tuesday 9 September, we ask everyone who appreciates the value of golf to share their own stories, pictures and messages of thanks on social media. In the UK, use #ThankAGreenkeeper, and our friends abroad will be using #ThankASuper. All messages of thanks will be included in an international campaign that has positively added to the daily working life of many greenkeepers.

In addition to social media, there are several ways golf clubs, golfers and the wider industry can show support and appreciation to greenkeepers:

  • Golf clubs can organise a special breakfast or lunch for their greenkeeping staff
  • Players can take a moment after play to thank personally a member of the greenkeeping team and leave their own expression of thanks with their club
  • Industry partners and suppliers may play their part by promoting the importance of greenkeeping to their audiences and actively supporting their clients and contacts
  • Golf influencers and golf media can use their platforms to market tales, interviews and behind-the-scenes information emphasising the skills, knowledge and passion of greenkeepers.

BIGGA is collaborating with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA), Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) and Federation of European Golf Greenkeeper Associations (FEGGA), amongst others, to make this year’s Thank a Greenkeeper Day more successful than ever. Together, these associations represent more than 31,000 golf course management professionals in 78 countries.

To help clubs and individuals with promoting their celebrations, BIGGA will be releasing a social media toolkit in August. This will include pre-made graphics, videos and template messages that will aid in the promotion of the day. To access the toolkit, ensure that you are included on BIGGA’s mailing list by contacting us internally.

While Thank A Greenkeeper Day is once a year, it’s worth noting that greenkeepers are on site working on golf courses every day of the year to keep and enhance them. Support, whether delivered in person, via a letter, or on social media, can have long-term positive effects on morale and create a respect and appreciation culture that will last long past this single day.

For more information on how you, or your golf club, can participate in Thank A Greenkeeper Day 2025, visit https://www.bigga.org.uk/about/thank-a-greenkeeper-day.html and join in on social media using the hashtag #ThankAGreenkeeper.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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