GroundsFest Academy Delivers Another Successful Integrated Weed Event

GroundsFest Academy Delivers Another Successful Integrated Weed Event

GroundsFest Academy Delivers Another Successful Integrated Weed Event

GroundsFest Academy recently welcomed a large number of grounds professionals, students and volunteers to Loughborough Grammar School’s Quorn Playing Fields for a highly successful CPD-accredited Integrated Weed Management event.

GroundsFest Academy Delivers Another Successful Integrated Weed Event

GroundsFest Academy Delivers Another Successful Integrated Weed Event

The free one-day event brought together industry experts, manufacturers and training providers to explore the latest developments in integrated weed management, focusing on best practice, funding opportunities, practical solutions and alternatives to traditional chemical control.

The day opened with an introduction to integrated weed management from Sean Faulkner of Kersten UK, before delegates heard about funding opportunities available to organisations looking to adopt more sustainable weed management practices.

Dave Moore from Block Blitz then delivered an insightful session on hard surface cleaning and protection, highlighting the important role preventative maintenance plays in reducing weed growth and improving surface longevity.

Following a networking break, attendees headed outdoors for a series of live demonstrations, where they saw the latest equipment and techniques in action. The practical sessions gave delegates the opportunity to ask questions, compare approaches and gain first-hand experience of equipment designed to support integrated weed management strategies.

The afternoon programme continued with Ed Stannard from Parks for London, who introduced delegates to the Good Parks Report and the organisation’s Integrated Weed Management Guide, before Dave Sayers and Laura Evans from Lantra outlined the training opportunities available through Lantra’s dedicated Integrated Weed Management course.

Delegates also enjoyed a facilities tour before the day concluded with a recap of the key learning points and the presentation of CPD certificates.

The event received excellent feedback from attendees, with many praising the balance of expert presentations, practical demonstrations and networking opportunities.

Reflecting on the day, GroundsFest Academy Director Bradley Tennant said: “Integrated weed management is evolving rapidly, and events like this give attendees the opportunity to learn from experts, see practical solutions in action and take away knowledge they can implement straight away.

“I’d like to thank all of our partners for sharing their expertise and helping to make the day such a success. I’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to Loughborough Grammar School for hosting us and providing excellent facilities for both the presentations and practical demonstrations. Their support played a key role in delivering another successful GroundsFest Academy event.”

With demand continuing to grow for practical, hands-on learning opportunities, the success of the Integrated Weed Management event further demonstrates GroundsFest Academy’s role in delivering education that addresses the real challenges facing today’s issues.

The free sustainability assessment tool is now available at www.groundsfestacademy.com

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

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

Discover the latest mowing innovations from Trimax at GroundsFest

Discover the latest mowing innovations from Trimax at GroundsFest

Discover the latest mowing innovations from Trimax at GroundsFest

Visit Trimax on Stand RB9 at GroundsFest 2026 and discover how our range of high-performance mowing solutions can help grounds professionals achieve outstanding results with exceptional reliability, durability and reduced maintenance requirements.

Discover the latest mowing innovations from Trimax at GroundsFest

Discover the latest mowing innovations from Trimax at GroundsFest

Making its UK debut, the all-new FlailDek S4 delivers enhanced flail mowing performance and versatility, with simplified maintenance designed to reduce downtime. Also on display will be a selection of Trimax’s leading flail and rotary mowing solutions, including the new Pegasus OptiAdjust, which features instant height-of-cut adjustment technology so operators can make quick, precise changes directly from the tractor cab. Visitors can also see the Snake S3, ProCut S5 and Striker, each engineered to deliver outstanding cut quality, productivity and dependable performance across a wide range of applications.

Whether you’re maintaining golf courses, sports grounds, parks, commercial landscapes or large-scale amenity areas, Trimax has a mowing solution to suit your application.  The Trimax team will be happy to discuss your mowing requirements and demonstrate how our innovative solutions can help you work smarter, improve efficiency and maximise productivity.

Visit us at Stand RB9 to see the latest developments from Trimax and experience the difference of world-leading mowing technology.

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

See Mansfield Sand’s Proven Sports Turf Solutions at GroundsFest

See Mansfield Sand’s Proven Sports Turf Solutions at GroundsFest

See Mansfield Sand’s Proven Sports Turf Solutions at GroundsFest

Visit Mansfield Sand on stand OSA260 at GroundsFest 2026, taking place on 16 and 17 September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, and discover a comprehensive range of premium sand-based solutions designed for the sports turf industry.

See Mansfield Sand’s Proven Sports Turf Solutions at GroundsFest

See Mansfield Sand’s Proven Sports Turf Solutions at GroundsFest

With more than 180 years of expertise, Mansfield Sand has built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading suppliers of high-quality silica sand products. Its solutions are trusted by elite sports stadiums, championship golf courses, professional training facilities and equestrian venues, delivering reliable performance where it matters most.

Throughout the event, the Mansfield Sand team will be available to discuss the company’s specialist products and how they can help improve the construction, renovation and long-term performance of natural turf surfaces.

Featured products will include:

Reinforced Rootzones

Developed for high-performance natural turf, these rootzones enhance strength, drainage and surface stability while maintaining consistent playing conditions. Options include:

  • Fibre Reinforced Rootzone – polypropylene fibre-reinforced for increased durability
  • Fibrelastic Rootzone – combines polypropylene and Elastane fibres for added flexibility and recovery
  • Fibresand – ideal for pitches affected by heavy winter wear

Sand Soil Rootzones

Manufactured using premium screened topsoil and Mansil 40 Silica Sand, these blends provide an excellent foundation for both new construction and renovation projects.

Sand Compost Rootzones

A carefully balanced combination of sand and organic matter, designed to improve moisture retention, nutrient availability and drought resilience.

Top Dressing

Produced using Mansfield Sand’s own sterilised silica sand and high-quality soils, these stone-free top dressings are suitable for fine turf applications, with bespoke blends available to meet specific requirements.

Mansil Silica Sand Sports Range

Sourced from the company’s Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield, the Mansil range is widely used across golf courses, bowling greens, winter sports pitches and a variety of amenity sports surfaces.

Whether you’re planning a new sports turf project or looking to improve existing playing surfaces, be sure to visit stand OSA260 and speak with the Mansfield Sand team at GroundsFest 2026.

For more information, visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk, follow them on X at @MansfieldSand, or connect on Facebook and Instagram at Mansfield Sand Sport Surfaces.

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

Penny UK to Showcase Complete Irrigation Solutions at GroundsFest

Penny UK to Showcase Complete Irrigation Solutions at GroundsFest

Penny UK to Showcase Complete Irrigation Solutions at GroundsFest

Visitors to the Landscape Zone at GroundsFest 2026 will have the opportunity to discover Penny UK’s comprehensive irrigation offering, with the company exhibiting on Stand L155.

Penny UK to Showcase Complete Irrigation Solutions at GroundsFest

Penny UK to Showcase Complete Irrigation Solutions at GroundsFest

Well established within the fruit growing and horticultural sectors, Penny UK is now expanding its presence in the landscaping market, bringing its expertise and extensive product portfolio to landscape professionals, contractors and nursery operators.

At GroundsFest, the team will be showcasing a wide range of irrigation solutions, including dripline systems, sprinklers, drippers, controllers, valves and fittings, demonstrating how they can help deliver efficient, reliable and water-conscious irrigation for landscape projects of all sizes. As a one-stop shop for irrigation equipment, Penny UK supplies products from leading global manufacturers including Rainbird, Rivulis, Tricoflex, Bermad, Hunter, Yamit, Senmatic and many more, ensuring customers have access to trusted, high-quality solutions.

Whether visitors are designing irrigation systems for commercial landscapes, maintaining public spaces or supplying nurseries, the Penny UK team will be on hand to offer practical advice and recommend the most suitable products for every application.

GroundsFest visitors are encouraged to stop by Stand L155 in the Landscape Zone to learn more about Penny UK’s complete irrigation solutions and discover how the company is supporting the growing demand for efficient water management across the landscaping sector.

For more information, please visit www.pennyukltd.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

Win Big with Pellenc UK at GroundsFest

Win Big with Pellenc UK at GroundsFest

Win Big with Pellenc UK at GroundsFest

Pellenc UK will be returning to GroundsFest 2026 with its complete portfolio of professional battery-powered equipment, alongside the chance to win some fantastic prizes.

Win Big with Pellenc UK at GroundsFest

Win Big with Pellenc UK at GroundsFest

Visitors to Stand OSA150 can not only explore the latest innovations in sustainable grounds maintenance and landscaping but also take part in a scratch card competition, with three top prize winners each receiving a Pellenc battery, charger and tool package, plus hundreds of additional giveaways up for grabs throughout the show.

Located on Stand OSA150, the Pellenc team will be on hand throughout the event to demonstrate the capabilities of the full Pellenc and Alpha ranges, offering expert advice on selecting the right equipment for a wide variety of professional applications.

Recognised as a pioneer in battery-powered technology, Pellenc has built a reputation for developing high-performance equipment that delivers the power professionals need while reducing noise, emissions and ongoing running costs. Designed for demanding commercial use, the range combines productivity, reliability and operator comfort.

Visitors will be able to see Pellenc’s extensive range of professional battery-powered tools, including hedge trimmers, brushcutters, blowers, chainsaws and pole saws. Engineered to provide exceptional performance throughout the working day, the tools are powered by advanced lithium-ion battery technology, offering long runtimes, fast charging and excellent durability. Their lightweight, ergonomic design also helps reduce operator fatigue, making them ideal for contractors, local authorities, landscapers and estate management teams.

Alongside the Pellenc range, visitors can also discover the Alpha collection of battery-powered equipment. Offering dependable performance and excellent value, the Alpha range has been developed to provide practical, professional solutions for everyday grounds maintenance tasks. Whether maintaining parks, public spaces or commercial landscapes, Alpha tools deliver the efficiency and reliability that professionals expect.

GroundsFest provides the ideal opportunity for visitors to compare products, discuss their requirements with the Pellenc UK team and gain a better understanding of how battery-powered equipment can improve productivity while supporting environmental goals.

Adding to the excitement on the stand will be a scratch card competition, giving every visitor the chance to win an excellent selection of prizes.

Three lucky winners will each receive a Pellenc battery, charger and tool package, while hundreds of additional prizes will also be available throughout the show, including Pellenc beanies, key rings and travel mugs.

Be sure to visit Pellenc UK on Stand OSA150 to explore the complete Pellenc and Alpha ranges, speak with the experts and try your luck in the scratch card competition.

Pellenc battery-powered equipment is distributed exclusively in the UK and Ireland by Etesia UK.

For more information, visit www.etesia.co.uk/pellenc

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

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