James Haskell to headline at SALTEX

/in , , /by

James Haskell to headline at SALTEX: SALTEX, the UK’s cutting-edge sports turf, grounds care and landscaping exhibition, is set to welcome one of the most recognisable sporting personalities, James Haskell, for an unmissable Learning LIVE and Clubhouse DJ session on day one of the show. 

Held at the NEC Birmingham on 12-13 November 2025, SALTEX promises a vibrant mix of industry insight and entertainment. Haskell, a former England international rugby player, will join the stellar Learning LIVE line up and deliver a keynote session. His talk will explore the parallels between elite sport and professional development, touching on leadership, resilience and the importance of adaptability in high-performance environments.

James Haskell to headline at SALTEX

James Haskell to headline at SALTEX

As a former professional athlete, James understands first-hand the critical role high-quality playing surfaces play in elite performance, and he brings a genuine appreciation for the work of grounds staff and turf professionals at all levels.

He is one of the best-known rugby players and sportspeople in the UK, having played 77 times for his country, as well as competing internationally and for the British and Irish Lions. He’s known as much for his ability on the field as for his personality off it.

James will also perform an exclusive live DJ set at the SALTEX Clubhouse to kick off Happy Hour on the afternoon of Wednesday 12 November. Known for his love for electronic music and high-energy performances, he set is said to bring ‘Café Mambo vibes’ to Birmingham – blending uplifting house beats with a relaxed, Ibiza-inspired atmosphere. The Clubhouse offers visitors a unique opportunity to unwind and network in a vibrant, informal setting.

The SALTEX Clubhouse has been revamped for 2025 to provide even more opportunities to unwind. Open throughout the show, it will host informal meetups and specially designed networking events to help visitors build meaningful relationships.

James Haskell said: “I’m really looking forward to joining everyone at SALTEX this year. I know first-hand the difference that world-class pitches make to performance, so it’ll be great to share my experiences from the professional game with the people who make it all possible.

“High performance isn’t just about elite sport and sportspeople, it’s about mindset and finding ways to bring out your best every day. I can’t wait to dive into that with the visitors, and then round things off with a DJ set in the Clubhouse.”

Since retiring from professional sport in 2019, James has embarked on a multi-faceted career as a podcaster, presenter and professional DJ.

He hosts several podcasts, including The Good, The Bad and The Rugby, one of the biggest sports podcasts in the world. He’s also appeared on hit shows such as I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, The Chase, A League of Their Own, Question of Sport, Fighting Talk, and many more household-name programmes.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have James Haskell joining us at SALTEX 2025,” said Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the Grounds Management Association. “He is one of the UK’s most recognisable sporting personalities and brings a wealth of experience from the very highest levels of performance, both on and off the pitch. His session will offer valuable insight into resilience and mindset but also provide plenty of entertaining stories.

“Adding someone of James’ stature to an already fantastic Learning LIVE programme just shows the breadth of knowledge and inspiration visitors can expect at this year’s show. And of course, what better way to round off the day than with James swapping the microphone for the decks to kick-start Happy Hour in the Clubhouse Bar. It’s going to be a real highlight of the show.”

SALTEX 2025 is expected to welcome thousands of professionals and volunteers from across the sports turf, grounds care and landscaping sectors, with more than 400 brands and 65+ expert speakers confirmed.

Register for FREE at www.saltex.org.uk and be in with a chance of winning a Cramer Tools Lawn Mower, complete with charger and battery, worth £2,240!

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD

/in , , /by

Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD: Romford Golf Club in Essex has relied on its Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi8 HD for deep aeration since 2018, and Course Manager Antony Kirwan says it’s now integral to the club’s maintenance programme.

“The GXi8 is exceptionally versatile,” says Antony Kirwan. “We use it across every surface — tees, greens, aprons, and fairways. Its quick forward motion and range of tine sizes mean we can adapt it precisely to what we need at different times of the year. We use it in conjunction with a pedestrian aerator, and its efficiency allows us to cover 13 or 14 greens in an eight-hour shift, finishing the remainder the next morning.”

Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD

Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD

Romford’s course is mostly flat, but Antony Kirwan says that even the uneven areas pose no problem. “We’ve a couple of areas that still have ridge and furrow from when it was farmland,” he explains, “but it breezes over them and doesn’t fluctuate or miss a beat.”

Antony Kirwan particularly values the speed of the GXi8 when aerating fairways. “We have to close holes during this work, so it’s essential the machine is both quick and efficient to minimise disruption and get golfers back out as soon as possible,” he adds. “It’s easily the fastest machine for the job.”

That efficiency carries through to how the tines are used. New sets start on the fairways, and once they’ve worn down, they’re still appropriate for use on the greens for the next set of renovations — helping the team get the most out of every set.

The team are also vigilant about maintenance. “We make sure to grease all the points before every use and maybe change the belt once a year,” says Antony Kirwan. “At this rate, I think it will still be here for many years to come.”

Romford’s aeration programme has evolved since the GXi8’s arrival: fairways are treated two or three times in winter, while in March the greens are aerated to a depth of around 175 mm. Greens also receive scheduled renovations and three summer passes with 10 mm tines, and tees, aprons, and surrounds are maintained during seasonal windows. The mid-season renovation includes a scarify, topdressing, a spike at around 150 mm depth, seeding with bent, and a light roll — a process that keeps the greens healthy, smooth, and consistent throughout the season. This approach improves soil health by letting air, water, and nutrients reach the root zone, keeping the course in championship condition.

Founded in 1894, Romford Golf Club has a proud history. Legendary golfer James Braid served as head professional from 1896 to 1904 and won the first of his five Open Championship titles while at the club in 1901. Today, the course honours that heritage with meticulously maintained playing conditions that continue to attract golfers from across the region.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Performance leads Brighton College back to Baroness

/in , /by

Performance leads Brighton College back to Baroness: Brighton College has improved productivity in its grounds maintenance operation with the purchase of a new LM531 fairway mower from Baroness.

Chosen for its outstanding cut quality and ease of use, the new machine will keep on top of mowing the heavily used rugby and cricket facilities at the Jubilee Ground and joins a Baroness LM281 which has been delivering reliable service at the College’s Home Ground for the last four years.

Performance leads Brighton College back to Baroness

Performance leads Brighton College back to Baroness

Head Groundsperson Adrian Brunton oversees a dedicated team of five and, together with a separate gardens team, they manage the three sites which make up the College, Prep School and Pre-Prep School. The grounds are used intensively – not only by pupils but also local sports clubs and even international teams, most recently the New Zealand Women’s Rugby squad as part of their World Cup preparations.

With such high levels of usage, maintaining consistent playing surfaces is key and, as Adrian explains, the Baroness equipment has played a part in that over recent years. “It was partly down to our relationship with Lister Wilder that we really got familiar with Baroness. We purchased an LM281 triple for the Home Ground and that has delivered on all fronts.”

“The results, reliability and aftercare we’ve had with that machine meant that, when the time came to upgrade to a wider mower for the Jubilee Ground, we didn’t look anywhere else.” The new Baroness LM531 features five 22” cutting units which offers high productivity for large areas and superb contour following ability. Powered by a 25hp Kubota engine, it features industry leading blades and cylinders that stay on cut up to three times longer than the competition.

Adrian notes, “The cut quality is outstanding. The cylinders keep their edge to deliver a consistent, high-quality finish from the start of the job to the very end. Since it’s delivery in early August, the LM531 has been out twice a week and then this will drop to roughly once a week over the slower growing months.” He adds, “This machine also enables us to cut down to 10mm which is lower than our previous mower and will give us a better playing surface particularly for cricket.”

The college, too, have been impressed with the service received from both Lister Wilder and Luke Collins from Baroness. “He’s been a constant point of contact for us since our first purchase and has always made himself available for advice and to answer any follow-up questions. That level of support makes such a huge difference.”

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Redexim’s double victory at GroundsFest Innovation Awards

/in , , /by

Redexim’s double victory at GroundsFest Innovation Awards: Redexim is celebrating a double success after being named winners in two categories at the first ever GroundsFest and HortWeek Innovation Awards, held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 9–10 September.

The new awards programme celebrates excellence and innovation across landscaping, amenity management, turf care and related industries. With more than 100 entries received, competition was fierce, and winners were chosen by an expert judging panel led by HortWeek technical editor Sally Drury, alongside Howard Drury, Marcus Forster and Martin Towsey.

Redexim's double victory at GroundsFest Innovation Awards

Redexim’s double victory at GroundsFest Innovation Awards

Redexim scooped two accolades in the Turf Maintenance Equipment category:

New Product – The Redexim Scarivator

Stood the Test of Time – The Redexim Verti-Drain

The Scarivator – Innovation for Hybrid Surfaces

The Scarivator has been developed to meet the growing demand for hybrid field renovation. Featuring adjustable tines for precise depth control, it ensures minimal damage to synthetic fibres while delivering effective soil loosening. Its horizontal beams with angled spring tines reduce the risk of fibre wrapping around a rotor and provide exceptional performance when breaking up compacted soil on hybrid, synthetic, and natural surfaces.

The Scarivator is also ideal for creating the perfect seedbed for new rootzone application and works seamlessly alongside Redexim’s Turf-Stripper during the renovation process.

The Verti-Drain – A Proven Classic

Winning in the Stood the Test of Time category, the world-renowned Verti-Drain has become an essential tool for turf professionals across the globe. Known for its deep tine aeration technology, Verti-Drain machines penetrate the soil with a unique lifting action, breaking up compaction and creating vital space in the soil profile for air, water, and roots.

Available in a wide range of models and working widths, the Verti-Drain offers a solution for every aeration challenge – from heavily compacted sports pitches to delicate turf in confined areas. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its reliability, performance, and ongoing contribution to healthier, more resilient turf.

Speaking after receiving the awards, Paul Langford, Director of Commercial Operations at Redexim UK, said:

“To be a double award winner of the first ever GroundsFest Innovation Awards is amazing. What makes it even more special is that the judging panel is made up of highly respected industry professionals – our peers – who understand the challenges we face and the work that goes into developing solutions. To have both a new innovation like the Scarivator and a proven icon like the Verti-Drain recognised side by side really highlights the breadth of Redexim’s commitment to turf care. It’s fantastic recognition for the whole team.”

Redexim’s double success at the GroundsFest Innovation Awards underlines the company’s reputation as a leader in turf maintenance technology – combining fresh innovation with proven, long-lasting solutions that continue to shape the industry.

For more information, visit https://www.redexim.com/uk/

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

EGO introduces top-handled chainsaw

/in , , /by

EGO introduces top-handled chainsaw: EGO Power+, a leading battery-powered outdoor power equipment specialist, has expanded its range for arborists and forestry professionals with the addition of a top-handled, high-performance professional chainsaw.

Boasting a lightweight design, the 30cm CS1200E chainsaw is the ideal tool for tree-care specialists working off the ground. Equipped with a 20m/s chain speed, this top-handled chainsaw has a thin chain, which is ideal for the fine cutting of trees and crucially, reduces the risk of disease spreading through trees as the finer cut reduces the likelihood for fungus to grow in the grooves, left by the cut.

EGO introduces top-handled chainsaw

EGO introduces top-handled chainsaw

Joerg Bauerle, Product Manager at EGO, shares: “Arborists were front of mind when we were designing this chainsaw. Small, lightweight, and well-balanced, we have responded to requests from our tree surgeon customers, for a chainsaw that is specifically designed for working high up in the trees.”

The chainsaw easily cuts through branches and logs whilst providing stability, allowing professionals to be more controlled in a volatile environment. This saw is fitted with a chain brake system to protect from a potential kickback, providing extra safety for the tool operator.

Fitted with an oil level and translucent window to help users monitor the tool, the CS1200E automatically lubricates the chain and maintains the health and lifespan of the tool, preserving it from damage. The oil tank has a 150ml capacity, which will need topping up depending on the frequency of use.

Joerg continues: “Our latest top-handled chainsaw focuses on balance, ensuring that arborists can go about their work comfortably for longer periods. At EGO, our tools are innovatively designed to deliver power, performance, and competitive run times.”

Ideal for bar lengths of 30cm, the CS1200E has 64 chain drive links for fast and efficient cutting. This tool is suited for forestry work at height and is fitted with metal bumper spikes for fast and efficient cutting. The saw also features a variable speed control that allows for a tailored and controlled experience, instead of users having to switch between fixed settings.

The CS1200E 30cm Chainsaw retails at £259.

For more information visit: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/products/chainsaws/cs1200e-top-handle-chainsaw

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.