East Devon District Council eliminate Glyphosate in favour of weed control by Foamstream

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As part of their wider Climate Change Agenda, the team at East Devon District Council (EDDC) have switched to non-herbicidal weed control with Foamstream from Weedingtech.

In an attempt to improve the environment and move towards net zero, the council have eliminated the use of glyphosate in the management of a range of weed species in public spaces across the district.

East Devon District Council eliminate Glyphosate in favour of weed control by Foamstream

East Devon District Council eliminate Glyphosate in favour of weed control by Foamstream

EDDC is the largest of the Devon district councils, serving a population of over 150,000 residents and increases significantly during the summer months as visitors arrive to enjoy the beaches and countryside. “We see a big variety in the amount and type of weeds across the district” explains Horticultural Technical Officer Paul Fealey. “Perennial weeds, such as dandelion, tend to dominate landscapes in and around paved areas, with annual weeds such as groundsel and chickweed more prevalent in beds and borders in our formal parks and gardens. Despite having small root systems that can be easily uprooted by hand, they are high in quantity and spread very quickly so Glyphosate was traditionally sprayed throughout the growing season as a ‘quick-fix’ solution across our hard and soft landscape surfaces.”

“The teams understood that there was an environmental impact to their spraying and, with a Glyphosate ban imposed in 2022, we needed to explore all options to find something the team would be happy to adopt and that would deliver the same efficacy and efficiency as Glyphosate.”

12-months of data was presented as part of a herbicide audit, where Foamstream emerged as a viable solution. Foamstream’s patented low-pressure process combines hot water with a biodegradable foam made from natural plant oils and sugars. The foam acts as an insulation blanket, preventing the heat from escaping and keeping the water in the ‘kill-zone’ of 57 degrees Celsius and above for longer. The heat penetrates the waxy outer leaf structures, travels down the stem and into the roots – killing or severely damaging the plant.

Paul’s findings were presented to EDDC StreetScene’s Operations Manager, Tom Wood. “We invited as many of the operatives along to the demonstration as we could and monitored the results over the next seven days. We were all blown away!” exclaims Tom. “As our district is split into East and West, we proceeded to purchase two L12 systems in May 2023, both with a 60m retractable hose which means that, with the unit mounted on the back of a flat-bed tipper, we can get the applicator wand exactly where we need it.”

“While it’s still relatively early days, we have already had fantastic feedback and are witnessing large areas of weeds killed within 24 hours of treatment” notes Tom. “While we tackle the build-up of weeds from last year’s Glyphosate ban, the two units are currently being used extensively but foresee that in 2024, intervals between treatments will extend by as much as 50%, with even our most problematic areas only treated at approximately 12-week intervals.”

“Foamstream sterilising spores and seed banks was another major benefit compared to some of the other non-herbicidal alternatives, which will help to break the ‘losing battle’ the teams have traditionally faced with the rapid life cycles of ephemeral weeds.”

Paul adds, “We are now well placed to control weeds in a way that is of benefit to our operatives, to the environment and to those across areas in the wider public realm.”

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Bernhard and Company officially open applications for 2024 BIGGA Delegation experience

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Rugby, United Kingdom, 13/07/23 – Sports turf management solutions provider, Bernhard and Company, has announced that the application process is officially open for the 2024 BIGGA Delegation experience to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in the USA.

Open to all full BIGGA members, the BIGGA Delegation sponsored by Bernhard and Company is one of the most highly regarded and sought-after personal and professional development opportunities for greenkeepers and turf professionals in the UK.

Bernhard and Company officially open applications for 2024 BIGGA Delegation experience

Bernhard and Company officially open applications for 2024 BIGGA Delegation experience

The multi-stage selection process, which begins now, will see short-listed applicants interviewed over the autumn of 2023, before 10 members are selected and announced towards the end of the year.

The 10 successful applicants will take a week-long trip with BIGGA and Bernhard and Company to the coveted GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Phoenix, Arizona, in January 2024. During which, the delegates will be able to immerse themselves in numerous specialist educational experiences and networking opportunities, further advancing them along their route to success by the end of the trip.

In its 20 plus year existence, the delegation has continually offered the very best experiences for British and international greenkeepers. All seminars and educational classes are carefully selected to deliver the most relevant material that will enable delegates to enhance their skillset and elevate their careers when they return home.

Whilst in Arizona, the chosen BIGGA members will represent the UK’s greenkeeping industry and will have full access to the largest turf management exhibition in the world, where they can explore the exhibition floor, and enjoy great networking opportunities during the week.

Steven Nixon, Managing Director of Bernhard and Company, added: “We are thrilled to announce the latest iteration of the BIGGA delegation educational experience. Our dedication to supporting and enriching this industry, that we deeply cherish, remains steadfast, and in partnership with BIGGA we are excited to offer this career-defining opportunity to 10 more of its members.

“Whether you are an Assistant or Head Greenkeeper, or hold any other role within the greenkeeping world, we welcome you to take part in the process. The delegation promises invaluable benefits for everyone involved.”

The GCSAA educational conference takes place from the January 27 to February 1, 2024 in Phoenix, and the deadline for applications is September 29, 2023 at midnight BST.

To apply now, head online to: https://bernhard.co.uk/delegation/

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Welcome winged wonders to your garden

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Welcome winged wonders to your garden: Think of pollinators and bumblebees, butterflies and beetles may come to mind – but the humble bat also plays a huge role in this vital work. Disruptive wildflower company Seedball is encouraging people to celebrate the importance of this mammal for International Bat Night, held this year between Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 August.

The night has been arranged by the Bat Conservation Trust and is designed to raise awareness of this special animal, which pollinates over 500 plant species, including some mangoes, guava, banana and agave, which is used to make tequila. Over 70 per cent of bats – and 100 per cent in the UK – also feed on insects, and as such play an important part in controlling the numbers of pests. They have massive appetites, and a tiny Pipistrelle bat alone can eat over 3000 mosquitoes in one night!

Welcome winged wonders to your garden

Welcome winged wonders to your garden

Bats’ excrement is also a fantastic fertiliser, known as guano. Bat guano comprises of roughly ten per cent nitrogen, three per cent phosphorus and one per cent potassium – a mixture which helps plants thrive and encourages their bright green colouring, boosts root growth and promotes strong, healthy stems. So, bats in a garden is a great sign that your plants will be benefitting from this brilliant natural fertiliser, helping your flowers bloom stronger, for longer.

Unfortunately, increased use of pesticides means that many British bat species are in decline, as they go hungry from lack of insect prey. Many are also faced with fewer roosting places due to a decline of natural habitats, meaning they struggle to get that all-important slumber during the day. In fact, one third of Britain’s most highly threatened mammal species are bats.

At Seedball, founders Drs Emily and Ana Attlee are encouraging people to plant wildflowers which will entice bats – whether that’s in a garden, balcony or even pots on a windowsill. The Bat Mix tin contains wildflower seedballs specially selected to attract a wide range of insects that bats feed on, including flowers that release their fragrance at night when bats are most active. The mix contains plant seeds with a combination of long and short pollen tubes, and a variety of colours and shapes of flowers to maximise the number of insects they attract – creating a delicious and well-rounded diet for bats! The seedballs contain borage, cornflower, corn marigolds, evening primrose, wallflowers and night-scented stock – which will not only encourage bats to visit but will also look beautiful too.

Dr Ana Attlee said: “Bats are a much-misunderstood creature, but here at Seedball we love them! They play such an important part in pollinating plants, getting rid of pests and keeping our soil healthy, and we encourage people to enjoy these furry visitors – as they are a sign of a happy, healthy garden. Our Bat Mix can be sown between August and October, so we’ll be celebrating International Bat Night on Saturday 26 August by scattering some seedballs and welcoming more bats over the coming months.”

For more information, visit https://seedball.co.uk/product/bat-mix/.

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‘Boost your game’ at SALTEX

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‘Boost your game’ at SALTEX: With the climate and economy throwing more challenges than ever before at today’s groundscare professionals, SALTEX is responding with an unmissable mix of learning and networking opportunities, education, and exhibition, all in one place over two days.

SALTEX is carefully curated to deliver all the tools needed to meet the changing face of groundscare and help create, support, and ensure a thriving industry – and this year’s theme of ‘Boost your Game’ covers the key tools of the trade for today’s grounds staff including knowledge, career, skills, sales, surface, and network.

'Boost your game' at SALTEX

‘Boost your game’ at SALTEX

Visitors will be able to boost their knowledge of all things turf with the industry’s leading experts and experienced groundscare professionals covering the burning topics of the industry in the Learning LIVE seminar programme.

They can boost their career with unrivalled opportunities to network, earn CPD points and speak to experts offering career advice, as well as boosting their skills by getting hands-on with machinery.

Boosting sales is easier when over 60 percent of visitors have a role in the purchasing decision-making as is boosting their network with attendees coming from all backgrounds and levels of groundscare including elite sports, estates and landscaping, parks, playgrounds, and educational settings.

Pitch Advisory Service advisors and representatives from the National-Governing Bodies will be on hand to offer free technical advice on maintaining all playing surfaces, as well guidance on accessing funding and ways to upskill through the Grounds Management Framework. SALTEX provides access to everything visitors need to boost their surfaces.

Jen Carter, head of communications, says: “The theme of this year’s show highlights the many opportunities visitors will have to come away better connected and with more expertise than they arrived with. Such an approach ensures visitors and exhibitors continue to be at the forefront of groundscare around the world.

“Registration in the first few weeks since opening is the highest it’s ever been, and we recommend registering now, if you haven’t already to ensure a spot at our 77th show.”

SALTEX takes place at Birmingham NEC on 1-2 November 2023. To guarantee a ticket to Europe’s largest and leading sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition, register now at https://www.saltex.org.uk/

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Kubota UK sponsorship agreement with Hickstead Ltd

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Kubota UK sponsorship agreement with Hickstead Ltd: Kubota UK are delighted to have entered into a sponsorship agreement with one of the country’s most recognisable and well-respected equestrian sporting venues, the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead, with an agreement which sees the supply of additional machinery support for their busy 2023 events season.

With sponsorship of a further eight machines, Hickstead are operating a fleet of 15 Kubota units including compact tractors, RTV’s and ride-on mowers which will be pivotal to preparations, including for the Longines Royal International Horse Show on the 26th – 30th July.

Kubota UK sponsorship agreement with Hickstead Ltd

Kubota UK sponsorship agreement with Hickstead Ltd

“Our facilities include grass and all-weather arenas, and an outdoor showground which is mainly grassland and typical Sussex countryside” explains Showground & Estate Manager William Bunn.

Spread across hundreds of acres, the grounds team of 14 have a vast and varied workload and, since taking delivery of a fleet from Kubota, have not been disappointed. “We have multiple operators, with differing levels of experience, who have all commented how intuitive and well thought out the Kubota machinery is to operate. The ease of access for daily checks and maintenance proves that the range is designed with the operator as a priority.”

Kubota’s sponsorship and additional event support sees Hickstead running 15 machines in total, including M Series tractors, LX Series compact tractors, RTV side by side machines and ride on mowers, in use across the estate as the team ramp up preparations for a packed calendar of events. “One of the noticeable differences with moving to Kubota is the strength and high level of build quality across the range.” William adds, “From a management point of view, the machines have proven to be extremely reliable – our down time has reduced and when we have needed advice, the support from our local dealership, Rod Gaskin Ltd, has been faultless.”

“I look forward to building our relationship with Kubota as they help us to deliver world class events.”

Phil Catley, Kubota Groundcare Product and Key Account Manager added, “Supporting these events at Hickstead with the help of Rod Gaskin Ltd is a great way for us all to increase brand awareness and build new and existing relationships with some of the very best in the equine sector.”

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