Green-tech Help Transform Basildon’s Green Spaces

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Green-tech Help Transform Basildon’s Green Spaces: Basildon Borough Council has undertaken an impressive initiative to establish vibrant, impactful wildflower meadows across the borough. This ambitious project started in 2023 and remains ongoing.

The council wanted to improve public spaces by enhancing their visual appeal, creating new local habitats, and increasing biodiversity. These areas needed to support a wide range of species, particularly pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The council also wanted to improve soil health and reduce reliance on chemical treatments.

Green-tech Help Transform Basildon’s Green Spaces

Green-tech Help Transform Basildon’s Green Spaces

The council wants to create wildflower meadows in their country parks, urban parks, and new local nature reserves. It also wanted to enhance the area’s visual appeal with stunning floral displays in flower beds and roundabouts, enabling residents to appreciate its beauty and encouraging community engagement.

They wanted to replace traditional annual planting schemes with sustainable wildflower areas to reduce maintenance costs. Wildflower areas are cost-effective, requiring only annual mowing and eliminating the need for annual replanting, which was a priority for the budget-conscious council, enabling their resources to be utilised elsewhere.

The Project

Green-tech advised and supplied their market-leading John Chambers Wildflower Seeds. Known for high-quality seed mixes tailored to diverse landscapes, the John Chambers range supports large-scale biodiversity projects with seeds that contribute to long-term habitat creation and ecological enhancement.

Recognising the importance of sustainable urban greening, Basildon Borough Council integrated these wildflower meadows into parks, roundabouts, and other green spaces across the region, ensuring they deliver environmental and community benefits.

The initiative covers multiple locations, including:

  • Creation of a native wildflower meadow at Beauchamps Meadow Local Nature Reserve.
  • Planting 100% native wildflowers on roundabouts across the borough, replacing the annual seed mix the team used to sow.
  • Using the John Chambers Impact seed mix, a mix of native and non-native species in Bee Sand planters in formal parks.
  • Wildflower meadow creation in town parks using a 100% wildflower seed mix.
  • Creating wildflower meadows in amenity parks to establish small nature zones for wildlife.
  • New 1-hectare meadows created at Northlands Town Park, Victoria Town Park, and Wick Country Park.

For their meadow creation, Basildon Borough Council’s Parks and Countryside team sow wildflower seeds in the autumn, typically around September or October, allowing them to germinate in the spring, with flowers beginning to bloom from June onwards. They also sow 100% flower species mixes in the spring for flowers to appear by June. To achieve this, the team prepares the sites by lightly cultivating the top inch of soil to create a suitable seedbed, avoiding chemical treatments to eliminate existing vegetation. Seeds are then sown directly into the ground by hand or using a seed drill, a method that has proven successful once the meadow has established itself. An annual cut and collect process ensures that the wildflowers outcompete the original rank grasses.

Products Used

Green-tech supplied:

  • John Chambers 100% Pro Clay Soils and Pro Cornfield Annuals mix – a diverse selection of UK-native wildflowers to support pollinators and enhance biodiversity.
  • John Chambers Impact Wildflower Seed Mix – a vibrant mix of native and non-native species designed for high visual impact and extended flowering periods.
  • John Chambers Impact Pollinators Wildflower Mix – specifically formulated to provide a nectar-rich habitat for pollinators in urban environments.

The Outcome

The wildflower meadows have flourished, delivering a range of ecological and community benefits which include:

  • Enhanced biodiversity – significant increases in pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
  • Sustainable landscaping – reduced reliance on chemical treatments and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Community engagement –local residents have embraced the wildflower areas, with overwhelmingly positive feedback.
  • Aesthetic improvement – vibrant floral displays have transformed urban parks, roundabouts, and green spaces.

The wildflower areas are maintained through an annual cut-and-collect process, which helps maintain the balance between wildflowers and grasses, ensuring long-term sustainability.

The council has already noticed a significant increase in pollinator presence, with bees frequently observed feeding on the flowers. This biodiversity boost highlights these areas’ positive impact on local wildlife. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive to all wildflower areas across all settings, with many people appreciating the beauty and ecological benefits they bring to the community.

The council intends to expand this initiative by replacing traditional annual plantings with native wildflower seeds wherever possible. In more formal town parks and public spaces, annual planters will still be used to maintain seasonal visual appeal.

“Working on the wildflower projects has been incredibly rewarding. The positive impact on local biodiversity is clear, with a noticeable increase in pollinators and other wildlife thriving in these areas. Not only do these projects enhance the beauty of our public spaces, but they also offer long-term ecological benefits with minimal maintenance. We’ve had a fantastic experience working with Green-tech – they’ve made the process easy, and their support and knowledge have been invaluable. We are proud to lead an initiative that supports both nature and the local community.” Josh Childs, Parks and Countryside Biodiversity Officer at Basildon Borough Council.

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The Toro prize that opens global doors

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The Toro prize that opens global doors: The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award is one of the turfcare industry’s most coveted prizes for young professionals. And for the 2024 winner Jack Vowell it’s been more than just a career milestone, it’s opened global doors and unlocked exciting new opportunities. 

Jack completed his 10-week place at the University of Massachusetts’ Winter School for Turf Managers, an internationally recognised turf management course, in March 2025. The fully funded prize, which is sponsored by Reesink Turfcare and Toro, covers a variety of turf sports, not just golf, giving its students a holistic view of the turfcare industry.

The Toro prize that opens global doors

The Toro prize that opens global doors

Students study a carefully curated curriculum of modules, covering everything from the fundamentals of turf management and soil science to turf pathology and weed management.

“It was really interesting learning about different turf conditions around the world,” says Jack. “Since Massachusetts is a cool-season grass area in the US, there was a lot that I learned which I can now use in my current role as Deputy Course Manager at Farrington Park Golf Club.“I particularly enjoyed the turf pathology lessons; they were eye-opening and taught us all about the causes and contributing factors of different diseases. It was great to learn from guest lecturers about how those at the top of their game manage their teams to get the best results.”

The course gave Jack exposure to other up-and-coming greenkeepers as well as top professionals within the field, he says: “Alongside the learning, it was an opportunity to be in the same room and talk with people from all over the world, about their goals and greenkeeping careers. One of the guest lecturers was the Head Superintendent at Oakmont Country Club in America. I never would have had the opportunity to listen to him, learn from his expertise, and ask him questions about greenkeeping.”

Despite being a remote course, UMass encourages a strong sense of community with the students. “The university was really keen to make you feel like the class of ‘25,” explains Jack. “They put a lot of emphasis on us sharing information with our classmates and making sure we were connected.

“I became friendly with a greenkeeper at Fenway Park in the US, which is home to the Boston Red Sox baseball team. He’s left the door open for me to experience the ground there and learn about how they look after their turf. Opening international doors like this is just invaluable.”

For those considering applying to The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award for 2025, Jack highly recommends it: “The opportunities are endless once your name’s out there. Off the back of the award, I’ve joined the BIGGA regional board as vice chair and have attended national board meetings, which is a huge step forward for my career.”

Entries for the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards for 2025 are now open. For more details and how to apply, head to reesinkturfcare.co.uk/students-awards. Entries are open from 1 March to 11 April 2025.

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Two New Etesia Dealers Appointed

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Two New Etesia Dealers Appointed: Etesia UK is proud to announce the appointment of two new dealers, Luxury Carts Group and Agri-Services Ltd, to cover the West of Scotland, the Highlands, and the central belt.

These appointments ensure continued access to Etesia’s high-performance grass-cutting and green-maintenance equipment following the retirement of Alex McDougall Mowers, who provided loyal service to the Etesia brand for over 30 years.

Two New Etesia Dealers Appointed

Two New Etesia Dealers Appointed

Les Malin, Managing Director of Etesia UK, expressed his gratitude and optimism for the future: “We thank Alex McDougall Mowers for their decades of dedicated service to Etesia. As they retire, we welcome two new dealers into the network to continue serving these key areas: Luxury Carts and Agri-Services. Both dealers share our commitment to providing exceptional customer service and high-quality machinery, and we are excited about the opportunities this brings.”

Based in Denny, Falkirk, Luxury Carts Group has built its reputation on providing luxury golf cart sales alongside a growing portfolio of turf maintenance equipment. This family-run business is expanding its offerings with the addition of Etesia’s renowned products.

Luxury Carts will offer a variety of Etesia’s leading products including walk-behind and ride-on mowers, as well as brushcutters, which are known for their durability, wet-weather performance, and precise grass collection.

Agri-Services Ltd, based in Kilmarnock, is a well-established family business that has served customers in agriculture, horticulture, and grounds care since the 1970s. Now in its third generation, the company continues to grow under the leadership of Director Chris Moir.

Chris shared his excitement about the partnership: “I’ve known about Etesia for a long time and have always admired their machines. When the opportunity arose to take on the dealership after the previous dealer retired, it was a natural fit for us. These machines are exactly what our customers need—reliable, robust, and capable of collecting even in the wettest conditions.”

Agri-Services caters to a wide range of clients, including farmers, golf courses, private estates, and councils. With several demonstrations already planned, Chris is confident the Etesia range will resonate strongly with their predominantly commercial customer base.

“We’re excited to push the Etesia brand forward through our company and ensure its legacy continues with the next generation,” Chris added.

Since 1989, Etesia has been at the forefront of grass-cutting technology. Their lineup includes pedestrian and ride-on mowers, the popular Attila range of brushcutters, and the award-winning ET Lander—a fully electric utility vehicle. Renowned for exceptional performance in all weather conditions, Etesia machines are trusted by landscapers, local authorities, and private estate managers alike.

With the addition of Luxury Carts Group and Agri-Services to the Etesia dealer network, customers from the West of Scotland can expect unparalleled service, expert advice, and access to Etesia’s cutting-edge products.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Etesia UK on Twitter @EtesiaUK and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/EtesiaUK. You can also view the latest Etesia videos by visiting www.youtube.com/EtesiaUK

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Corey Finn Wins Department Head Award at Yas Island Ruwad Awards

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Corey Finn Wins Department Head Award at Yas Island Ruwad Awards: Corey Finn, Cluster Director of Agronomy for Viya Golf Abu Dhabi, has been honoured with the prestigious Department Head Award at Yas Island’s Ruwad Awards. 

This accolade celebrates exceptional leadership and excellence in departmental management, celebrating Corey’s’s instrumental role in overseeing golf course operations and ensuring top-tier conditions for world-class events such as the DP World Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links.

Corey Finn Wins Department Head Award at Yas Island Ruwad Awards

Corey Finn Wins Department Head Award at Yas Island Ruwad Awards

With over eight years of experience working within Aldar golf facilities, Corey has been pivotal in managing world-class golf courses, including Yas Links Abu Dhabi, ranked the number one course in the Middle East and Africa region. His expertise in sustainable agronomy and tournament preparation has set new benchmarks in golf course management, ensuring the highest standards for prestigious international events like the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

Corey played a crucial role in hosting the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, a key tournament in the DP World Tour’s season-ending playoff series. Under his leadership, Yas Links consistently met the highest standards required for professional play, enhancing both the quality of competition and the global reputation of Yas Island as a premier golf destination.

The Ruwad Awards, launched by Miral, celebrate the outstanding individuals and businesses that contribute to the growth and success of Yas Island as a global destination. This recognition highlights Corey’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, reinforcing Yas Island’s position as a premier location for world-class sporting events.

“I’m truly honoured to receive this award,” said Corey Finn. “It’s a recognition of the passion and dedication I put into my work, and I’m incredibly grateful to be acknowledged among such talented professionals in the industry.”

In addition to this award, Corey’s contributions have been widely recognised, including winning the 59club Agronomy Team of the Year award for Best Conditioned Golf Course at Yas Links in 2021 and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club in 2022. Over the years, he has also mentored and empowered team members, fostering the next generation of turf management professionals.

The Ruwad Awards ceremony took place at Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, bringing together leading professionals, influencers, and industry experts to celebrate excellence and achievement in the businesses that shape Yas Island’s success.

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Wildwood Machinery and Stogger Turf Care lighting the way

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Wildwood Machinery and Stogger Turf Care lighting the way: “We’re excited to announce our UK partnership with Stogger Turf Care,” says Wildwood Machinery managing director James Bastian. “I’m confident that Stogger’s LED light rigs are on the point of revolutionising turf care across the professional football world, and we are fully committed to working alongside them to deliver business growth in the UK.”

Environmental regulations mean that up to 70% of Premiership and – dependent on the final form of the legislation – up to 95% of lower league clubs, who are currently still dependent on High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) light rigs as part of their turfcare regime, will be obliged to transition to more environmentally-friendly LED light rigs.

Wildwood Machinery and Stogger Turf Care lighting the way

Wildwood Machinery and Stogger Turf Care lighting the way

Netherlands-based Stogger Turf Care – whose LED light rigs lead the market in innovation and quality* – is therefore gearing up for significant new business activity. In anticipation of this, Stogger and Wildwood Machinery have signed a partnership agreement. Wildwood will be the first point of contact for existing and potential new clients in the UK.

Stogger Turf Care: delivering tailored solutions for sports field maintenance.

Florian Mans of Stogger Turf Care, comments: “Together, we will ensure that every sales enquiry is handled with precision and dedication. Wildwood Machinery will officially represent our product range across the UK market, and we are confident we’ve found an outstanding ally for regular customer visits, premium aftercare, and the seamless execution of projects.”

“Stogger’s technologically advanced products can bring substantial value to the sports industry,” says Florian Mans of Stogger Turf Care. “Our product range reflects our commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and ease of use. These technologies represent significant improvements in turf health and resource management. By helping organizations meet their sustainability targets, we are driving the future of turf care technology,”

“At Stogger® Turf Care, sustainability is not just a goal—it is the cornerstone of our innovation strategy. We are proud to integrate cutting-edge technologies that not only enhance turf management efficiency but also minimize environmental impact.”

A commitment to exceptional customer service

James Bastian of Wildwood Machinery, says: “Both of our companies have a commitment to exceptional customer service. We’ve found great synergy and shared values from the moment that we started discussing this contract. We have been incredibly impressed with the technological innovations that Stogger have developed in anticipation of this legislation and the evolving needs of professional sports clubs.”

“We’re a young company, but we’ve proved our dynamism and commitment in the groundcare sector over the last three years by securing many prestigious clients and dealerships. We’re very proud that a company with the heritage and reputation of Stogger have entrusted Wildwood with the UK-wide sales, servicing and maintenance of their exceptional lighting solutions, particularly at a time when the prospects for growth are so significant.”

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