Kress Gives Farleigh School More Time Where It Matters

Kress Gives Farleigh School More Time Where It Matters

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Kress Gives Farleigh School More Time Where It Matters

Managing 76 acres of school grounds, 16 football and rugby pitches, 14 cricket squares, athletics facilities, tennis courts and woodland is no small task. For Grounds Manager Shaun Crowley and his team at Farleigh School in Hampshire, finding smarter ways to maintain the site without compromising standards has become essential.

Kress Gives Farleigh School More Time Where It Matters

Kress Gives Farleigh School More Time Where It Matters

The answer came in the form of Kress robotic mowers and battery-powered equipment, enabling the team to work more efficiently while maintaining the high-quality presentation expected at one of the country’s leading independent schools.

Having worked at Farleigh School for 15 years and spent the last six as Grounds Manager, Shaun oversees a small team responsible for keeping the extensive sports facilities in first-class condition throughout the year.

With staffing pressures increasing, Shaun began exploring robotic mowing technology to free up valuable time for his team.

“We were a staff member down and needed to maximise the best way of cutting the grass,” explained Shaun. “We couldn’t afford to have someone sitting on a mower all day, so we started looking at robotics.”

After researching several options, Kress stood out.

“What really sold Kress to me was the charging time and the runtime. A quick charge gives you hours of cutting, so they spend more time working than sitting on charge. They’re also incredibly flexible and can work day or night in virtually all weather conditions.”

Following an initial demonstration from local Kress dealer ATH Machinery, Shaun introduced his first Kress KR236 robotic mower before quickly expanding the fleet to three machines.

Today, the robotic mowers maintain around 78,000 square metres of grass, saving approximately ten and a half hours of mowing every week.

Those time savings have transformed the way the grounds team operates.

“The robots aren’t replacing anyone,” said Shaun. “They’re giving us more time to do all the other jobs that often get pushed aside. Instead of spending hours cutting an outfield several times a week, we can concentrate on all the other tasks that make a difference.”

The lightweight nature of the robots also provides significant advantages throughout the year.

“If you miss a cut with a conventional mower because the ground is wet, suddenly you’re trying to catch up. The Kress robots keep on top of the grass all the time. They’re lightweight enough to work when larger machinery might not be suitable, and because they’re cutting little and often, the quality of finish is consistently high.”

Alongside robotics, Shaun has invested heavily in the Kress commercial battery-powered range, including hedge trimmers, blowers, brushcutters, pruning equipment and walk-behind mowers.

“The battery equipment has been a no-brainer for us,” he said. “The runtime is fantastic and the fast charging means we’re never waiting around. On some of the batteries you’re talking about an eight-minute charge before you’re back working again.”

Beyond productivity, the battery equipment has improved the working environment for the team.

“Not having petrol fumes, less vibration and lower noise levels makes a huge difference, especially around a busy school. We’ve also got solar panels generating electricity, so charging the batteries simply made sense. It fits perfectly with where we’re heading.”

Equally important has been the support provided by local dealer ATH Machinery.

“You can have the best product in the world, but without good backup it’s pretty ineffective,” Shaun explained. “Tim Lane and the team at ATH Machinery have been brilliant. If I have a question, they’re always there to help, and that gives you confidence when you’re investing in new technology.”

For Shaun, the move to Kress has been about far more than simply changing machinery.

“It’s helped us work more effectively, maintain high standards and make better use of our time. I genuinely think robotics are the way forward for schools. They’re another member of the team, helping us keep on top of everything while allowing us to focus on the jobs that really need people.”

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

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Agrovista scales up robotic infrastructure to meet growing demand

Agrovista scales up robotic infrastructure to meet growing demand

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Agrovista scales up robotic infrastructure to meet growing demand

Agrovista Amenity has significantly expanded its robotics division following a sustained increase in demand for autonomous turfcare solutions, reinforcing its commitment to providing market-leading support, installation and aftersales service.

Agrovista scales up robotic infrastructure to meet growing demand

Agrovista scales up robotic infrastructure to meet growing demand

Having spent more than a year successfully distributing line marking machines and mowers, the company has made a major investment in its robotics infrastructure to support continued growth and ensure customers receive best-in-class technical expertise.

As part of this expansion, Agrovista has come to an agreement to succeed XDC’s robotic operation. The move sees experienced robotic specialist Liam Pindred join the Agrovista team, alongside autonomous solutions and drone technology specialist Brian Turner.

Together with Dave Mitchell, who joined the business in 2025, the trio forms a dedicated robotics division focused on demonstrations, installations and aftersales support across the UK.

The investment reflects the rapid growth of robotic technology within the amenity sector, with more customers embracing autonomous solutions to improve productivity, consistency and efficiency.

“We’ve seen exceptional growth in demand for robotic technology over the past year, and it was clear we needed to invest further in the infrastructure behind the technologies,” said Dan Hughes, Head of Commercial (Amenity) at Agrovista UK.

“By expanding our dedicated robotics team with some of the industry’s most experienced specialists, we’re ensuring customers receive the highest levels of support from initial demonstration through to installation and long-term aftersales care. This investment is about building the expertise and service infrastructure needed to support the continued evolution of robotics in the amenity sector.”

Alongside strengthening its technical support team, Agrovista continues to benefit from ongoing developments across its robotic product portfolio.

The RM21 robotic mower has received a series of specification enhancements, while the RLM01 robotic line marker continues to evolve through battery improvements, software upgrades and enhanced logo-marking capabilities, delivering greater efficiency and performance for customers.

To complement its robotic line marking systems, Agrovista has also developed its own specialist line marking paints and nozzle range. Dave Mitchell, Line Marking Business Development Manager comments that ‘the MaxLine range has been formulated for optimal presentation and value at all levels, the Titanium paint has been launched as a premium RTU (ready to use) which we have made to optimise spray lines through robotic line marking technology.”

The expansion positions Agrovista to support the growing adoption of robotics across sports turf, golf, local authority and wider amenity markets, ensuring customers have access not only to the latest autonomous technologies but also to the technical expertise required to maximise their investment.

With dedicated specialists, enhanced infrastructure and continually evolving technology, Agrovista is strengthening its position as one of the UK’s leading providers of robotic solutions for the amenity industry.

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

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SALTEX 2026 exhibitor line-up gathers pace

SALTEX 2026 exhibitor line-up gathers pace

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SALTEX 2026 exhibitor line-up gathers pace

SALTEX 2026 is continuing to gather momentum ahead of its landmark 80th edition, with a growing line-up of leading brands, innovative suppliers and new exhibitors are set to showcase the latest products, technologies, and services for grounds management professionals at the NEC Birmingham on 11-12 November.

SALTEX 2026 exhibitor line-up gathers pace

SALTEX 2026 exhibitor line-up gathers pace

Bringing together the entire grounds management community under one roof, SALTEX remains the industry’s premier destination for discovering new solutions, comparing products, and building relationships with the people shaping the future of sports turf, amenity, and landscape management.

This year’s exhibitor line-up reflects both the strength and evolution of the sector. New exhibitors for 2026 include Consolidate Turf Solutions, Mammotion, Amazone, Graco BV and Limonta Sport, all of whom will be showcasing innovative products, technologies, and services to the grounds management community.

David Thomson, Marketing Manager at Amazone LTD said: “We are excited to be back at SALTEX after eight years and are looking forward to meeting both new and existing customers.

SALTEX provides an excellent opportunity to showcase our new Profimowers to the grounds management sector. It represents a different market to those we have traditionally operated in, but one with significant potential. We believe our machines are ideally suited to a wide range of applications, including local authorities, golf courses, contractors, caravan parks and other amenity environments, and we’re excited to demonstrate their capabilities to visitors.”

They join a strong list of returning exhibitors, including industry leaders Dennis Mowers and SISIS, ISEKI UK & Ireland, Kubota, MJ Abbott, GKB Machines, Howardson Group, Raw Stadia, Net World Sports, Campey Turf Care Systems, Baroness, Tudor Environmental, WorkPal, STIHL, Wiedemann, STM, STIGA and Kioti.

Demonstrating growing confidence in SALTEX and its ability to connect suppliers directly with buyers and end users, several exhibitors have increased their investment in the show. Cramer, Stogger Turfcare, D.W. Tomlin and Wessex International have all significantly expanded their stand space for 2026, creating greater opportunities for visitors to explore their latest products, technologies, and services.

The calibre of SALTEX visitors continues to be a major draw for exhibitors. Three-quarters (75%) of attendees are senior decision-makers with influence over purchasing and operational strategies, while 36% manage purchasing budgets of between £200,000 and £500,000. SALTEX is also attracting an increasingly international audience, with international attendance growing by 7%, creating valuable opportunities for exhibitors to connect with high-value buyers, industry leaders and decision-makers from across the UK and overseas.

New and returning exhibitors alike will use SALTEX as a platform to showcase the latest innovations shaping the future of grounds management, reinforcing the exhibition’s reputation as the industry’s leading destination for product launches, technological developments, and practical solutions.

Few companies demonstrate the heritage of SALTEX better than Howardson Group, which has exhibited at every edition of the show throughout its 80-year history, underlining the event’s enduring importance to the grounds management sector.

For visitors, the benefits extend far beyond viewing products. SALTEX provides a unique opportunity to compare equipment side-by-side, speak directly with manufacturers, explore emerging technologies and discover practical solutions to many of the challenges facing the industry, from sustainability targets and labour shortages to improving playing surfaces, managing resources efficiently and enhancing operational performance.

Whether managing a Premier League stadium, racecourse, golf course, school, university, local authority facility or community sports club, attendees will have access to products, expertise and solutions designed to support better outcomes both on and off the field of play.

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events, Grounds Management Association, said: “The exhibitor line-up for our 80th edition demonstrates the continued strength, diversity and innovation within the grounds management sector. We’re delighted to welcome new exhibitors to SALTEX, while also seeing long-standing supporters return year after year and several companies significantly increase their presence.

“From established brands such as Net World Sports, Campey Turf Care Systems and Baroness to innovative new exhibitors bringing fresh solutions to market, SALTEX remains the best place to see what’s new, compare products and make informed purchasing decisions.

“The quality of the audience is equally important. With the majority of visitors involved in purchasing decisions and significant budgets represented across the show floor, SALTEX continues to provide exhibitors with direct access to the people who influence investment and operational decisions throughout the sector.

“Whether visitors are looking for the latest machinery, sustainable solutions, autonomous technology, facility management tools or expert advice, SALTEX continues to provide unrivalled access to the people, products and innovations shaping the future of the industry.”

Alongside the extensive exhibition, visitors will be able to access more than 30 hours of free CPD-accredited education through Learning LIVE, network with peers in the Clubhouse and discover the latest developments shaping the future of grounds management.

With exhibitor demand continuing to grow and major brands increasing their presence, the landmark 80th edition is shaping up to be one of the biggest and most influential SALTEX events to date.

For more information and to register for free, visit www.saltex.org.uk

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Toro U.K. Limited Demonstrates Full Turf Care Capability at GroundsFest

Toro U.K. Limited Demonstrates Full Turf Care Capability at GroundsFest

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Toro U.K. Limited Demonstrates Full Turf Care Capability at GroundsFest

Toro U.K. Limited delivered a strong and hands on presence at GroundsFest 2026, showcasing the breadth of its professional turf care range and giving visitors the chance to experience equipment designed for the everyday demands of grounds teams, contractors and professional gardeners. With high footfall on day one and steady engagement on day two, the stand attracted a wide mix of industry professionals eager to explore what’s new for 2026.

Toro U.K. Limited Demonstrates Full Turf Care Capability at GroundsFest

Toro U.K. Limited Demonstrates Full Turf Care Capability at GroundsFest

“GroundsFest continues to be a standout event for hands on demonstration, and this year was a fantastic opportunity to show just how broad the Toro range has become,” said Craig Hoare, UK Sales & Marketing Manager at Toro U.K. Limited. “Whether you’re maintaining a sports pitch, a commercial site or a private estate, there’s a Toro machine built for the job.”

Live demonstrations highlight precision, striping and control

The live demo zones remained a major draw, with visitors testing the manoeuvrability of the Toro GrandStand® through a slalom course and putting the Toro Dingo® TX1000 Turbo through its paces by lifting and stacking pallet boxes.

Striping performance was a key talking point, with both the Hayter Harrier Pro 60V and Toro eProStripe demonstrating the clean, consistent finish that grounds professionals expect from both brands. Their presence reinforced Toro and Hayter’s reputation for delivering high quality presentation across sports turf, estates and commercial landscapes.

“The feedback from visitors was incredibly positive,” said Matt Coleman, Area Sales Manager for the EMEA Equipment Business (Grounds & Landscape Contractor Equipment). “People enjoyed getting behind the controls of the GrandStand and Dingo, and it was great to speak with so many grounds professionals about how our equipment supports their day to day challenges. It was also a pleasure to introduce our two new Territory Sales Managers to dealers from across the country.”

Toro U.K. also showcased several new additions to its commercial range, including the new 32″ GrandStand®, engineered specifically to fit through standard gate openings, and the rear discharge Z Master 4000. The rear discharge deck is being designed and engineered by Toro’s UK team to meet the needs of councils who want to avoid side discharge clippings spreading onto pavements and surrounding areas.

Visitors were also able to see the revamped TimeCutter®, previewing the 2027 styling update inspired by the Titan series and featuring the new Toro Bull Horn design cues.

Hayter Garden Tools: first public viewing

Following their trade launch at Glee last week, GroundsFest marked the first opportunity for end users to see the new Hayter Garden Tool Range. The tools attracted interest from both domestic users and professional gardeners looking for durable, well engineered hand tools.

Branded Merch: A Popular Talking Point

Merchandise sales continued to grow at GroundsFest, with the new build your own Harrier and TimeCutter kits proving a real talking point among visitors to our indoor area. Many enjoyed the chance to take home a miniature version of the machines they aspire to own one day, whether that’s a new Toro TimeCutter or a Hayter Harrier.

Celebrating 80 years of Hayter heritage

Inside Hall 1, the Hayter Museum Exhibit offered a detailed look at the brand’s engineering legacy. The display included the original Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II, a timeline of Hayter’s history, and a curated collection of historic machines—from early Hayterettes and Motor Scythes to the Harrier Diamond Edition.

“Hayter’s 80-year story is something we’re immensely proud of, and seeing visitors connect with machines they still own was a real highlight,” added Craig Hoare. “Pairing that heritage with our latest engineering developments shows how both brands continue to evolve while staying true to their roots.”

Visitors shared stories of still owning and using Hayter machines from the 1970s and 1980s, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for longevity and British engineering excellence. Many commented on how refreshing it was to see British manufacturing celebrated at a major industry event.

Strengthening dealer relationships

GroundsFest also provided an opportunity for dealers to meet Toro U.K.’s two new Territory Sales Managers, supporting future collaboration and strengthening regional relationships. A small refreshment area, complete with celebratory cakes marking Hayter’s 80th anniversary, offered a relaxed space for conversations with the sales team.

Reesink showcases wider Toro portfolio

Supporting the stand, Reesink presented a selection of Toro’s larger golf and municipal machinery, giving visitors a glimpse into the broader professional portfolio and reinforcing Toro’s capability across every scale of turf management.

To explore the full Toro and Hayter range, visit: www.toro.com/en-gb | www.hayter.co.uk

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Woodhall Spa Locks in Doak Design for Long Term

Woodhall Spa Locks in Doak Design for Long Term

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Woodhall Spa Locks in Doak Design for Long Term

The Hotchkin course at The National Golf Centre at Woodhall Spa is renowned for being one of the best golf courses in the world, with much of the credit going to the re-design by legendary course designer Tom Doak between 2016 and 2020.

Woodhall Spa Locks in Doak Design for Long Term

Woodhall Spa Locks in Doak Design for Long Term

With the focus on returning the Hotchkin to its authentic heathland roots, Doak added 43 bunkers alongside a huge tree clearance programme and the re-building of three greens, but while the new layout quickly gained accolades some of the maintenance challenges, particularly around the bunkers, became difficult to address.

“From my first day 3 years ago, stone ingress into the bunkers and the erosion of hazard walls and the surrounds were clear priorities for the course,” commented Peter Moore, Courses Director at Woodhall Spa. “The playability and the aesthetics of the bunkers were falling so we needed a solution that protected Doak’s design for the long-term while preventing all the erosion factors that were causing us real issues.”

To add an extra layer of complication, Woodhall Spa is a site of special scientific interest, so every plan had to be made with Natural England approval, including considerations for the sustainability of materials and the use of construction techniques that are sympathetic to the natural environment.

“I completed an assessment of the 143 bunkers on site and made a presentation to the board. A huge amount of work went into prioritising action, so once approved, we knew exactly what we needed from a partner,” continued Moore. “Not only did we need someone who could meet all of the various technical and environmental criteria, we needed a problem solving partner with a range of solutions that could combine across various challenges. That’s when we contacted EcoBunker.”

Following an initial meeting, EcoBunker CEO Richard Allen, used his vast experience in bunker construction, golf course design and engineering to design a bespoke solution for the unique ‘problem’ at the Hotchkin.

“This has been such an incredible project to work on because it has really tested our technical expertise and product innovations,” commented Richard. “I love a problem to solve and my background in civil engineering was certainly useful for this one. To work so closely with Peter and course design consultant Clyde Johnson, who worked with Tom Doak on the original design, has been such a pleasure. To find a solution that utilised every EcoBunker product was hugely satisfying!”

Richard returned to Peter with schematic drawings that combined EcoBunker synthetic edging, EcoTec™ bunker liners and the first large scale use of LOKSAND™ technology in the U.K. This combination would provide all of the erosion control and sensitivity to the original design that was needed for this unique challenge.

“Keeping true to Doak’s original design was our number one priority. We needed to lock in that design for years to come, eliminate erosion and stone ingress while not altering the original aesthetic,” explained Richard. “We devised a very low synthetic edge that is invisible in the finished bunker. That edge meets with a full EcoTec™ bunker liner creating a completely sealed unit that is erosion free and keeps out all contamination from below. We then used LOKSAND™ on the bunker surrounds to ensure that in high traffic areas there could be no erosion to contaminate the bunkers.”

Working closely with the team at Woodhall Spa, the plan was developed, and work began on three trial bunkers in January 26.

Peter continued, “The results have been remarkable. The look of the bunkers is exactly the same. They look so established and natural, and the issues have been completely eliminated. We’ve added a heavier sand that interacts beautifully with the EcoTec™ liner making them so consistent and playable while retaining every bit of challenge that Doak originally intended.”

“This has been a tough summer for course maintenance. Everything has dried out making it more prone to erosion, but the bunkers are still so solid. Perhaps most impressive is the areas where LOKSAND™ has been used. These high traffic areas would crumble into the hazards quite easily and create worn patches. But not only has LOKSAND™ provided the stability that we need, the grass growth has been superb.”

“From the first time the LOKSAND™ went in we ‘stress tested’ it by walking along it during the construction process. A few of us were jumping on the edges and the strength it gave was incredible. To see it in action and interacting so well with the other bunker technologies is a credit to everyone involved in the design, construction and maintenance of the new bunkers.”

The project has been such a success that the board at Woodhall Spa has expedited the original plan, reducing the timescale for the completion of all greenside bunkers from five years to two years. Combined with unanimously positive feedback from golfers, the next phase of work is highly anticipated.

“We can’t wait to get on to the next phase,” concluded Peter. “Working with a problem solver like Richard has been key to making this project work. The expertise he brought, along with the innovative product solutions has been crucial to our success. As we continue the work, we’re delighted with our partnership with EcoBunker and beyond happy that we have been able to lock in Tom Doak’s design for the long term, ensuring that the Hotchkin continues to be regarded as one of the best golf courses in the world.”

For more information on EcoBunker please visit www.ecobunker.co.uk

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