Green-tech delivers BNG Solutions map

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Green-tech delivers BNG Solutions map: The Government’s Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policy is effective from today (Monday 12th February)

BNG is an approach to development, and management, that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was beforehand.

As of today, residential developments with 10 or more dwellings, or where the site area is greater than 0.5 hectares, will have to deliver net gains for biodiversity leading to positive outcomes for nature, better places for local communities, and more consistent and transparent requirements for developers.

Under mandatory BNG, all developments in England must replace any biodiversity lost and add a minimum of 10% biodiversity to provide a net gain. The resulting habitat will be secured for at least 30 years via planning obligations or conservation covenants, enforced by s106 agreements.

A brand of leading landscape supplier Green-tech, the team at John Chambers Wildflower Seed has worked with Bridgman and Bridgman to design a new BNG biodiverse green roof mixture.

Bridgman and Bridgman are specialists in the creation of sustainable living roofs. They trialled the wildflower seed mix to ascertain the best-performing species.

The final mixture comprises 40 species of native wildflower to ensure at least 25 species are present once the roof is established to meet the new legislation. The seed mix should be complimented with native sedum and dry grassland species as described in the guidelines.

John Chambers Wildflower Seed Technical Manager Georgia Gilbert explains, “The final mix contains native wildflower seed to combat the huge declines we have seen due to habitat loss, chemical use, and climate change. Native species are incredibly valuable for our native wildlife. We also chose species that are suitable and perform well in green roof structures – ones that are drought tolerant, suitable for full sun and exposed conditions, and thrive in lightweight substrate.”

Green-tech’s Business Development Director Mark Wood, adds, “Like many others in the industry, Green-tech has been planning for Biodiversity Net Gain and the introduction of the Government’s mandatory BNG policy. We have developed an interactive Biodiversity Net Gain map for use alongside the Biodiversity Metric to contribute to different design options, in the creation of a Nature Positive design. We aim to create a collaborative approach with an overview of enabling nature to thrive through considerate development. Users can view the map at https://www.gtspecifier.co.uk/interactive-map/ simply click on the map and they  will find an abundance of information and resources to help ensure their project is BNG compliant.”

For more information or advice contact the Green-tech Specifier team on 01423 332100.

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Johnsons announce strongest ever seed line-up

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Johnsons announce strongest ever seed line-up: The Johnsons Sports Seed catalogue for 2024 has landed – bursting at the seams with sustainable seed solutions for sports and fine turf applications.

In-field trials and the results from DLF’s leading global ‘Disease Watch Programme’ has led to two new mixtures and more than 10 new formulations making this year’s portfolio stronger, more resistant and more reliable than ever!

Johnsons announce strongest ever seed line-up

Johnsons announce strongest ever seed line-up

Following successful screening for Brown Patch last year, DLF have this year completed a global study into Grey Leaf Spot (GLS) which has resulted in a new formulation for J Premier 4Turf 25, incorporating varieties with proven increased resistance to Brown Patch, GLS and other common turf diseases. The 2024 mix adds 5% Saila and 25% Fiesta 4 to an already strong blend of perennial and tetraploid perennial ryegrasses to create the ultimate football and rugby stadia renovation mixture for wear tolerance, visual merit and enhanced disease resistance.

Also updated in the winter sport range is J Multi Sport, ideal for sports and athletic fields and cricket outfields, and J Premier Pitch. Already delivering proven performance at many of Europe’s leading stadia, the 2024 formulation of J Premier Pitch includes 20% Salia perennial ryegrass for further enhanced visual merit and wear tolerance.

Two new mixtures have arrived in Johnson’s fine turf range in the form of J Sustain Fairway and J Ultrafine Rye 100. J Sustain Fairway is a new high-performance, fine-turf formulation with 40% Hard Fescue and 15% Sheeps Fescue which provides a natural foundation of strength and tolerance to a broad range of turf stresses. Requiring less nutrient, water and chemical inputs, J Sustain Fairway is ideal for links and heathland venues, and those pursuing a sustainable, low-input management strategy.

Suitable for use on golf greens, tees and fairways, bowling greens and tennis courts, the new J Ultrafine Rye 100 blends four of the finest high-performing, fast-establishing perennial ryegrass cultivars to create a high-density, hard-wearing sward. The two new mixtures join a long list of improved fine-turf mixture formulations including Johnsons J Fairway and J Rye Fairway.

Details of all the new and updated mixtures can be found in the 2024 Johnsons Sports Seed catalogue, and by visiting www.johnsonssportsseed.co.uk

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Craigmillar Park praise Trilo M3

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Craigmillar Park praise Trilo M3: An M3 Multipurpose from Trilo has been praised by the team at Craigmillar Park Golf Club in Edinburgh for the labour savings it has brought to the effective management of their eco rough and quick clearance of leaves and debris.

The unit, delivered by Sherriff Golf & Turf, arrived just in time for a busy autumn and winter season but Golf Course Manager Stephen Sinclair is delighted to discover the versatility of the M3 will make it a machine for all seasons.

Craigmillar Park praise Trilo M3

Craigmillar Park praise Trilo M3

Established in 1895, Craigmillar Park Golf Club is located just two miles from Edinburgh Castle, providing the picture postcard backdrop for the popular parkland course. Like most parkland courses, Stephen and the team of three face the yearly challenge of managing leaf fall, with their previous method of cutting and mulching the material no longer providing a viable solution. After exploring the various options to find a machine fit for task, a demonstration by Jack Lyall of Sherriff’s saw the M3 become the firm favourite – with the realisation that the Trilo Wanderhose, in particular, would offer improved course appearance in double quick time!

“From the first day, it has really impressed” explains Stephen. “We took delivery of the M3 in early November and it worked virtually non-stop for a month, removing leaves from all areas around the course – including bunkers where we can simply suck them up with the Wanderhose rather than having to manually blow them out and then go along and collect them. The members noticed straight away the difference in both presentation and playability.”

He continues, “We then saw the potential for using the M3 for cutting down our eco roughs and the results we’ve had here are outstanding! We have some areas of pretty heavy growth, but the flail shaft took these in its stride and the cleanliness of collection is head and shoulders above anything we’ve used before.”

With the new season fast approaching, thoughts are now turning to how else the Trilo M3 can be utilised. “We have had some pretty wet and wild weather over the last couple of months, so it’ll certainly be used to clean up debris and storm damage when conditions allow. We’re also toying with the idea of using it during renovations, to lift hollow cores. Dougie and Jack Lyall from Sherriff’s have been brilliant at explaining the various options to us, alongside Jeremy Vincent of Trilo who provided excellent training to get us up and running.”

The M3 Multipurpose from the Trilo range of vacuum collectors is a versatile one-pass machine for effective sweeping, scarification or cut and collection. Featuring the handheld Wanderhose, a high working speed and working width of 1.5m, the M3 is a popular compact unit finding year-round applications on sports turf and tasks around the golf course.

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Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club

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Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club: Ladbrook Park Golf Club, situated in the Warwickshire countryside near Tanworth-in-Arden, has put its trust in Ventrac and taken delivery of FOUR Ventrac 4520 all-terrain compact tractors and 13 attachments to maintain their prestigious 1908 Colt-designed course.

Kevin Fellows has been the course manager for 38 years, having joined the club in 1985 from nearby Shirley Golf Club. He was appointed to his current position in 1994.

Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club

Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club

Commenting on the club’s decision to take this route, he said,

“With the exception of our fine turf areas, the majority of the course is now maintained with Ventrac equipment. It fits in with our agronomic requirements and does everything apart from fine turf and aeration. For all other areas – approaches, fairways, semi, rough, our ecology areas, transport, ditching, haulage – the Ventrac system fits perfectly. At the moment we have everything we need. It fits our current maintenance plan; tomorrows objectives and our longer-term direction.

“Selling it to the board of directors was not an issue. The initial thinking was to identify machines for replacement on a like-for-like basis and then progressively, over the next few years, replace and update as necessary. The alternative was to take the Ventrac route. Fortunately, the Finance director and board were keen to fund our replacement programme, with the support of the Greens committee, whichever direction we chose.

“When the cost options were put on the table it became a bit of a no-brainer. It is difficult to justify spending close to £100,000, or thereabouts, on a dedicated mower to cut rough, which does nothing else apart from macerate leaves and then put in the shed at the end of October and let it sat there, doing nothing for 3-4 months.

“I spoke with the club’s Finance and Greens directors in conjunction with the greens committee and we arranged a demo with a couple of Ventracs and a selection of implements. After some training and machine familiarisation, Jon Lewis, Price Turfcare’s regional sales manager, who I’ve known for years, left it with us so we could thoroughly evaluate it on our course. When you’re looking at new equipment you need to bring your team with you. You sit back and listen to what they say and sitting there one lunchtime, there was a comment which really sticks in my mind; one of the guys said ‘it’s becoming increasingly difficult to say no to.’ And he was right, because it suited our course. You’ve got invest in machinery that suits your course.”

“It was a big commitment to swap out our existing fleet and go, almost exclusively, with Ventrac. Once we started to look, we became increasingly discontent with some of the market forces; supply lines and cost were major considerations. As a course manager you have to think laterally, so I asked myself is there a better way of doing this? Covid caused a reset in thinking; prior to the pandemic a lot of clubs were committed to one manufacturer or another. We were principally a one manufacturer machinery operation.

“I was looking for something that gave us more versatility and began by looking at compact tractors from various manufacturers. Then, by pure chance Jon Lewis dropped by one afternoon with a trailer of Ventrac equipment. Naturally enough I had a look and next morning Jon gave me a brochure. And the rest is history!

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Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024

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Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024: Following its groundbreaking debut, GroundsFest is returning with a bang, promising an even bigger and better experience for the groundscare and landscaping industries. With a wave of new exhibitors, expanded space, and mounting excitement, GroundsFest 2024 is set to exceed expectations, offering extraordinary opportunities for industry professionals.

Expansion and Overwhelming Rebookings

The excitement surrounding GroundsFest 2024 is evident, with the event witnessing a significant expansion. An astounding 90% rebook rate speaks volumes about the confidence exhibitors have in this groundbreaking event. Many 2023 exhibitors including Overton UK, Toro UK, Ariens Co, Kress UK, Turfix, Husqvarna, PSD Groundcare, and Cramer, plus many more, have opted for significantly larger stands, a testament to the growing influence of GroundsFest in the industry landscape.

Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024

Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024

Influx of New Business

GroundsFest continues to attract industry giants and emerging players alike, with over 40 new companies already committed to the event. Brands such as STIGA, Redexim, Milwaukee, Ventrac, Trimax Mowing Systems, Amazone, GKB, Wessex, Ferris, Spider, Jensen Woodchippers, Ransomes, Jacobsen, Kawasaki, EZGO, Wiedenmann, Avant Tecno, Hustler Turf Equipment, Ambrogio UK, Rat Barrow UK, BARBIERI SRL, Aebi Schmidt UK, and Bowcom, plus many more, have taken large areas dedicated to equipment demonstration, which underlines the event’s significance as a premier platform for companies to showcase their innovations and solutions.

Expanding Landscape Zone

The Landscape Zone, catering to professionals involved in outdoor planning and design, promises to be even more expansive in 2024 with a blend of returning exhibitors and new additions like Crowders Nurseries, Wildflower Turf UK, Lubbe & Sons (Bulbs), Warrington & Rose, Stabilia UK, and Soluform. The Landscape Zone will offer a comprehensive showcase of the latest trends and technologies in landscaping.

An Un-Rivalled Variety of Exhibitors

One of GroundsFest’s distinguishing features is its innovative integration of outdoor machinery demonstrations with indoor exhibits, attracting diverse audiences from various sectors. This unique approach ensures an unparalleled experience for visitors, who can explore a wide array of exhibitors ranging from groundscare and landscaping to commercial vehicles and play equipment. GroundsFest is the only UK event of its kind which offers such a variety of exhibitors.

Reinvigorating Industry Trade Shows

GroundsFest goes beyond traditional trade shows, offering attendees a truly comprehensive experience. From a live music festival to exclusive retail discounts and free LANTRA approved training, plus its cost-effective pricing structure for exhibitors and camping facilities – GroundsFest has reinvigorated the trade show landscape.

The New Go-To Event

GroundsFest 2024 is poised to build upon its successful first edition, offering industry professionals a revolutionary and indispensable platform to connect, learn, and thrive. As it defies industry norms and sets new benchmarks, GroundsFest has emerged as the largest one-stop shop for groundscare and landscaping professionals in the UK.

GroundsFest 2024 will take place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 10 and 11 September 2024.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views. 

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