Green-tech helps EMR increase Biodiversity

/in , /by

Green-tech helps EMR increase Biodiversity:  European Metal Recycling (EMR) is a global leader in metal recycling. They operate metal recycling sites across 60 locations throughout the UK where they process waste metal and want to increase biodiversity throughout these sites.

Working with Glendale, a grounds maintenance contractor providing landscape and green space management for private and public sectors, EMR launched its rewilding initiative at its state-of-the-art site in Oldbury.  They intend to tackle the impact of climate change and give local nature a much stronger chance of surviving and thriving for future generations. The aim is to roll out this scheme across all of their UK sites.

Green-tech helps EMR increase Biodiversity

Green-tech helps EMR increase Biodiversity

The EMR environmental project, which covers 3ha of land, will create a biodiversity increase at the Oldbury site of 95%, ensuring greater protection of the environment, and preservation and enhancement of key habitats.

The initiative included the sowing of approximately 1000m2 of John Chambers Heritage Dual purpose and John Chamber Impact Violet Heart mix 100%. The 5kg of seed comprised a mix of native and nectar-rich annuals and perennials. The area of previously rough ground was seeded in May 2023 using a mix devised by EMR Environmental Specialist Aaron Roberts. The Cornfield Annual species came through quickly to give an initial burst of colour, while the slower-growing perennials are all establishing, ready to spring forth from Spring 2024 (Year 2) onwards.

John Chambers Wildflower Seed has a 40-year history of supplying British native wildflower seed and mixes across the UK. A brand of Green-tech, John Chambers Wildflower Seed is one of the leading authorities on native wildflower seed, distributing a comprehensive range of products that protect, enhance, and improve the landscape environment.

In addition, a variety of 100 native saplings and trees and species-rich hedgerows were planted to improve the overall habitat and absorb 35 tonnes of carbon per annum into the new biomass growing on our site. A mixture of grass seeds and different varieties of flowers will be grown, as well as ongoing management of the woodland area to allow other species to flourish.

Deric Newman, Head of Development, Estate Services at Glendale comments, “We used John Chambers as they have a reputation for being the best in the market for wildflower and grass seed. Delivery was very efficient and on time with the annual species making an appearance quickly. Overall, I am very happy and can’t wait to see the perennials come through in the spring.”

Aaron Roberts adds, “It has been a pleasure working on this project creating positive environmental change at our EMR Group Oldbury site. With the new plants and habitat creation at Oldbury, we have increased biodiversity by over 95% and we are helping sequest 35 tonnes of CO2. Hopefully, our project inspires other companies to create positive environmental change at their sites and increase their biodiversity.”

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.

New TransPro transforms transport

/in , /by

New TransPro transforms transport: There’s good news for owners of the popular Toro ProCore 648 or 648s aerators, there’s now an easy transport option for this essential bit of kit. The new TransPro 648 eliminates the need for pulling the aerators across the course or loading onto a utility vehicle.

The Toro ProCore aerator line is legendary because of its ability to cover significant amounts of ground in quick time and now the TransPro backs up that offering with a transport option that makes aeration tasks even quicker.

New TransPro transforms transport

New TransPro transforms transport

This neat trailer allows for quick loading and unloading with easy securing and release of the aerator. The design uniquely incorporates a raised rigid edge which specifically aligns with the aerator’s wheel while loading and retains its position in transit.

The high-strength ramp automatically adjusts while loading and a simply centred latch allows for fast, efficient securing and releasing, with no need for straps. The ramp can secure its cargo by automatically lifting, while the trailer length and hitch height are adjustable allowing for multiple towing options as well as easy storage.

The large flotation tyres minimise ground pressure and absorb uneven ground and bumps, ensuring a smooth ride across the course.

Jon Cole, divisional business manager for Reesink Turfcare, distributor of Toro fine turf machinery in the UK, says: “The whole point of the ProCore is to create a clean, even finish to the greens. It’s therefore counterintuitive to risk damage to the turf in the process of transporting the machine back and forth across the course. Now, there is a transport option dedicated to and worthy of a machine of this standing.”

Customers can streamline their operations and protect their investment with the Toro TransPro 648. And it’s now available from Reesink Turfcare.

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.

Using Attraxor for Poa reduction & speed of growth regulation

/in , /by

Using Attraxor for Poa reduction & speed of growth regulation: Founded in 1896, the course at Shipley Golf Club is neatly tucked away in the beautiful wooded valley of Beckfoot, just outside of Bingley in West Yorkshire. The grounds were designed by renowned architect Dr Alistair Mackenzie and present a testing but scenic 18-hole game. 

Chris Wood, Course Manager for Shipley Golf Club, heard about Attraxor’s ability to reduce Poa seedheads through fellow course managers and decided to try it on his greens on a trial basis. Having just completed his first full year of treatment with the plant growth regulator (PGR), he believes it has had a high-quality impact on the greens at Shipley.

Using Attraxor for Poa reduction & speed of growth regulation

Using Attraxor for Poa reduction & speed of growth regulation

Chris said: “I mix 375 grams of Attraxor® with 2 kilograms of nitrogen on the greens every 21 days, a routine which has resulted in reduced Poa seedheads and increased growth regulation. I was very impressed with the speed in which it gets working!”

Attraxor® is formulated for rapid foliar uptake, as the active PGR ingredient, prohexadione, can get to work in as quickly as four hours post-application. The active substance inhibits the gibberellic acid pathway, resulting in a reduction of turf height and turf biomass. Although it can still be applied in cooler soil conditions of around seven degrees centigrade, the key time to treat turf is March through to September for best results.  Chris has been using Attraxor during this main season to support turf growth.

Chris said: “Alongside the decreased Poa, I have also noticed that the grass sward is smoother, resulting in a truer ball roll and increased playability – which is a bonus!”
Attraxor® can also decrease time and money spent on turf maintenance due to its ability to regulate longitudinal turf growth, lessening the frequency of mowing and clipping volumes.

Chris said that he had noticed the need to mow less: “We have been able to skip cutting days due to Attraxor’s growth regulating abilities, which has meant my time can be spent doing other key maintenance jobs around the grounds.

“Overall, I believe that Attraxor® has increased the quality, regulation and playability of the greens at Shipley, although after some applications the turf did lighten slightly – but this doesn’t last and soon wears off.”

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.

Support for Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

/in , /by

Support for Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club: The Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club located in the Highlands of Scotland, unfortunately experienced some of the worst damage in the history of the club at the end of October 2023 brought on by Storm Ciaran.

Of course, Fortrose and Rosemarkie was not alone as Scottish golf clubs up and down the east coast of the Home of Golf nation also suffered damage.

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

Unfortunately, Storm Ciaran flexed its muscles menacingly at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Links, as the accompanying photographs taken of the opening two holes sadly reveal the extent and seriousness of the damage caused.

Of course, it was not the first storm to leave its mark on Scottish golf courses and it certainly will not be the last. It is for this reason the club set up a ‘Coastal Erosion’ sub-committee at the end of 2022.  As well, the club had been in discussion prior to Storm Ciaran with Scottish Water, the local Highland Council and Nature Scotland in seeking to identify ways and finance to protect the course from the likelihood of storm damage.

“Tragically, our worst fears were realised last October where five to six metres to the left side, in part, were lost, down both the opening two fairways,” said Mike MacDonald, General Manager at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club.

“It goes without saying, neither the committee nor the club members and our supporters expected the devastating extent of damage that took place during that time”.

Our sub-committee will strive to seek the much-needed financial support where possible.  However, it is pleasing to single out local MSP Kate Forbes for her support and understanding as Fortrose and Rosemarkie works to seek these funds needed to restore the course to its pre–Storm Ciaran picture postcard outlook.

Of course, the club has not been idle working tirelessly to bring the club to a point whereby it can now commence work from today – Monday, 26th February 2024 – in looking to repair and rebuild the damage caused by the storm and, at least try to restore the proud boasting a recorded history back to 1793 back to near its former picture postcard glory.

This initial work to restore and further protect the opening two tee-off areas with rock armour (around 110 metres to cover both tees and the areas around the tees) is estimated to cost £140,000 plus VAT.

At Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club we also need to be not only be conscious of our proud members, our many visitors who travel to play here from around the world and for future generations to come but we also also are very conscious of  members of the public in being able to gain access to the left side of the 1st and 2nd holes as they walk towards Chanonry Lighthouse to either watch the dolphins, walk their dogs or simply enjoy the stunning scenery this area offers.

From a golfing perspective, access to areas between the 1st and 2nd tees also is a strong priority going forward but without the financial support to carry out the club’s plans, this is proving difficult.  By way of background, the foreshore bordering the course is owned by the Highland Council and it is the Highland Council we must rely to finance that work needed to be undertaken to allow safe and proper access for members of the public. Without their financial guarantee, no work in this regard can proceed.

As well, it is estimated the associated costs to restore and protect this unique area of land will run into tens of thousands of Pounds.

“It is why the club kindly seeks your financial support if you are in a position to do so”, said Mike.  “All monies/donations received will be ring-fenced for carrying out the necessary works to restore these areas to how they once were.

We really hope that as a golfer and/or member of the public that you will be able to support us! Thank you so much for your consideration and donation if you are able to do so where we have set up a ‘Go Fund Me’ page!

https://gofund.me/e82cd493

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.

Howardson Group Appoints David Williamson

/in , /by

Howardson Group Appoints David Williamson: Howardson Group Ltd, home of world-class groundscare for Dennis, SISIS, Syn-Pro, Lloyds and Hunter Grinders, has proudly announced the appointment of David Williamson as its new Commercial Director.

Howardson Group has doubled in size since 2019 due to it’s significant investment in new product development, site and most importantly team. 2023 marked a huge year for the business with growth levels of just shy of 30%. Unheard of in the manufacturing sector.

Howardson Group Appoints David Williamson

Howardson Group Appoints David Williamson

David will oversee and support both the UK and International Sales teams, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards continued long-term growth. With a core focus on delivering unparalleled customer experience, David is set to develop and execute the Howardson Group’s commercial strategy, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of innovation and reliability in the groundscare market.

Speaking about his new role, David expressed his excitement, stating, “The commitment to a quality product manufactured in the UK, coupled with best-in-class customer service, truly resonated with me.The Howardson Group is a solid team, with everyone pulling in the same direction towards the success of the business.”

“Customer service features in everything that I do,” he affirmed. “It sits at the very top of every strategy we develop at the Howardson Group. I’m very much looking forward to continuing the upward trajectory of the organisation and supporting the business as it evolves into the next generation.”

Megan Oliver, future Managing Director of Howardson Group, welcomed David’s appointment, remarking “We are thrilled to welcome David Williamson to our team as the new Commercial Director. His extensive experience and proven track record make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. We are excited about the fresh perspectives and innovative strategies he will bring to the table. David’s appointment reinforces our commitment to delivering excellence in both product quality and customer service. We believe his leadership will further enhance the success and growth of the Howardson Group as we continue to strive for excellence in the groundscare market.”

As the Howardson Group celebrates its 86th year, it remains a family owned and run, British business and David Williamson’s appointment marks a pivotal moment in the company’s journey, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry and paving the way for continued success in the years to come.

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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.