Green-tech supports Woodland Creation Project

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Green-tech supports Woodland Creation Project: The Green-tech team are proud to be supporting the Gair Wood project in Leeds, run by the Leeds Ecosystem, Atmosphere & Forest (LEAF) Centre.

Gair Wood is one of the most ambitious and significant woodland creation projects in the North of England, with the primary aim to enhance biodiversity in the area through large scale tree planting.

Green-tech supports Woodland Creation Project

Green-tech supports Woodland Creation Project

Named after former University of Leeds Secretary Roger Gair, who retired in 2021 after more than 40 years’ service, Gair Wood is a part of the wider community forest for North and West Yorkshire, named White Rose Forest.

Spanning across a 36-hectare site, Gair Wood will feature 15 hectares of new tree planting to add to the existing 4 hectares of trees. The remaining space will feature a mixture of open grass, unplanted land and scrubland. This mixture of habitats and biomes aims to further increase biodiversity in the area.

Green-tech is proud to have supplied a large amount of tree protection and canes to the LEAF team which will ensure that the newly planted trees are sufficiently protected from the elements and roaming wildlife.

In addition to the materials provided, several of the Green-tech team volunteered their time and planted and secured trees alongside the LEAF team, over a two-day period.

Speaking about the planting event, Green-tech Sales Manager Roger McGivern stated, “Green-tech is delighted and proud to supply the tree protection products for this worthwhile project. It was fantastic for me and some of the team to get out of the office and see Gair Wood for ourselves and to be a part of it all. It was great to roll up our sleeves and help to make a small difference.  It reinforced what the LEAF team are trying to do; we all took a lot from being there and we are looking forward to seeing the completed Gair Wood project.”

The Gair Wood project is a part of the University of Leeds Climate Plan, which sets out the aim of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions from the university.

For more information on Gair Wood and LEAF’s plan for the project, visit www.leaf.leeds.ac.uk/gairwood/

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Play is on the way to GroundsFest

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Play is on the way to GroundsFest: GroundsFest is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with the Association of Play Industries (API), with the first event being held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 20 and 21 September 2023.

The Association of Play Industries (API) is the lead trade association for the UK play sector. Its member companies are the UK’s leading providers of outdoor playground equipment; indoor play equipment and safety surfacing for schools, local authorities, parish councils, leisure attractions, holiday parks, housing developments, hospitality venues and commercial enterprises.

Play is on the way to GroundsFest

Play is on the way to GroundsFest

The API will have a dedicated stand at GroundsFest to promote membership services and many of its members will be exhibiting. GroundsFest’s free educational seminar programme will also feature API-badged sessions.

As a result, GroundsFest will offer a one-stop shop for those involved in the selection, purchase, upkeep and replacement of play equipment and safer surfaces.

API Chair Mark Hardy, said: “We are looking forward to seeing how this new event will promote the play industry and in particular, provide an opportunity for API members to showcase their offerings.

“All API members abide by a strict professional Code of Conduct and are committed to value-for-money and long-term service and support. This exhibition will enable members to exhibit their products and demonstrate the high-quality, innovative and fun ranges so typical of our members.

“GroundsFest has the potential to widen the buying audience for our members and to introduce visitors to the many benefits of choosing an API member for their play project.”

Commenting on the partnership, GroundsFest’s Sales Director Charles Neale, said: “We are very excited and enthusiastic about the partnership between GroundsFest and the API. The play industry will form an integral part of the GroundsFest event profile in September 2023 and will give the play industry an ideal platform to promote its services and products to a highly relevant national audience of buyers and specifiers.

“GroundsFest really is uniting every corner of the groundscare industry,” continued Charles. “The GroundsFest team is working hard on all aspects of the industry – from turfcare to commercial vehicles – by providing added impetus and innovation as we go forward.”

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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Kubota keeps Mount Kelly in tip-top condition

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Kubota keeps Mount Kelly in tip-top condition: A fleet of machinery from Kubota has been described as ‘critical’ to the maintenance programme at Mount Kelly College and Prep School, replacing an array of equipment lost in a major blaze in November 2021.

Grounds Manager Mat Stevens has praised a pair of cabbed compact tractors and the two GR2120 ride on mowers for their roles in keeping the 140-acre site presentable, while their new RTV X1110 has vastly improved both accessibility and productivity.

Kubota keeps Mount Kelly in tip-top condition

Kubota keeps Mount Kelly in tip-top condition

The grounds and gardens that make up the Mount Kelly complex are a hive of activity, not just providing sports and recreational facilities for students, but open to community and club use – including Chelsea FC who have used the winter sports pitches for Girls and Junior fixtures. A team of ten assist Mat in the maintenance who, for the last year, has been tasked with replacing their equipment bank following a shed fire at the site.

“We have had Kubota equipment here for 15 years or so, and while we have used other tractors in that time, we came back to Kubota as it has always been the best suited to our requirements and is a brand we all know and trust” explains Mat. “We opted for a L2452 and ST40 tractor, both cabbed, which means we can keep the team safe and healthy in all weathers. They are equipped with everything you’d want for a comfortable operator experience and the illuminated dash display is great for easily keeping an eye on fuel usage, PTO revs and hours etc.” He adds, “Both of these compact tractors have plenty of pulling power and their 4×4 drive makes light work of the heavier tasks where trailers are required.”

Alongside the L2452 and ST40, local dealer Vincent Tractors also delivered a pair of GR2120 ride-on mowers which Mat says are perfect for cutting around the lawns, particularly in areas where tractor access is limited. “It couldn’t be easier to adjust the height of cut and raise and lower the cutting deck on these which makes changing the set-up between different areas super simple. The 450-litre grass collector holds plenty of clippings, reducing the amount of time spent emptying and, again, an easy lever system makes the task quick and simple.”

“These machines, along with our new RTV X1110, have had a massive impact on how we get tasks done – in better time and with improved accessibility all round.” The X1110 from Kubota’s RTV Series brings a smoother ride, more comfort and even better drivability, ergonomically designed for optimum driver comfort and control. “This is an amazing bit of kit! We’ve not had one for the site before so previously would have to walk or share the tractor to get equipment around. The open back has plenty of space for tools and the hydraulic tip function means we can easily remove any soil or debris. Its ability to seat two people comfortably and its great off-road capability gives the team access to any part of the estate in any weather or ground conditions for improved productivity.”

“Another bonus is the fantastic support we get on Kubota products from the team at Vincent Tractors. Getting parts is super easy and communication and servicing is never a problem.” Mat concludes, “We couldn’t be happier with these additions to our equipment bank and each of them are making a real difference to our maintenance programme and keeping the site presentable throughout the year.”

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Dates announced for #GroundsWeek 2023

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Dates announced for #GroundsWeek 2023: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has announced that its annual awareness campaign, #GroundsWeek, is returning from 20 – 26 March 2023.

The campaign, now in its third year, recognises the work of turf care volunteers and professionals in the UK, with a focus on inspiring new recruits to consider a career in the industry.

Dates announced for #GroundsWeek 2023

Dates announced for #GroundsWeek 2023

According to research carried out by the GMA, the industry is facing an impending employment crisis. Currently, 40% of the workforce is over 50 years-old and, without an influx of new recruits, this could result in a significant employment gap within 5 years.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, says: “Our job is to look out for the interests of our members and the wider industry. Part of that means ensuring new talent is entering the industry. The turf care industry provides a chance for younger people to learn new skills, work in a wide range of sectors and contribute to making sport possible. It also offers incredible career opportunities and health benefits. Connecting with new recruits is what #GroundsWeek is all about.

“As part of the campaign, we’ll be offering school students the chance to experience the buzz of turf care at the highest level, as they get pitch side at a professional football club. We’ll also be sharing real life stories from young people who are reaping the rewards of their amazing careers in turf care.”

“We’ll be highlighting the incredible work existing volunteers and professionals do to make sport possible and showcasing their invaluable impact on the nation, and making sure they get the recognition they deserve, from the public, sporting organisations and the industry.”

Neil Stubley, head of courts and horticulture at Wimbledon, adds: “Grounds staff up and down the country deserve the spotlight for their invaluable contribution, ensuring millions of people every week can enjoy their favourite sports. I’m looking forward to supporting #GroundsWeek, showcasing our work to a wider audience and helping people understand more about what goes into making sport possible.

“To help the campaign make as big an impact as possible, I urge grounds people across the country to keep an eye out for #GroundsWeek content and share it online. Make sure you and your colleagues are celebrated far and wide.”

To find out more about #GroundsWeek, keep up to date with all the latest content by following the GMA on social media:

–       Twitter

–       Instagram

–       Facebook

–       LinkedIn

You can also contact the GMA to find out how you can get involved by emailing communications@thegma.org.uk

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Baroness dealer awards presented at BTME

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Baroness dealer awards presented at BTME: Baroness dealer awards were presented at the recent BTME exhibition in Harrogate.

George Browns Ltd

WE’VE WON! Baroness – Highest Overall UK Sales.  Pictured here is Tim Mason, Group Sales Manager (Groundcare), collecting the award from Stuart Gray from Baroness UK. We’d like to thank all our customers for trusting in us and we hope we can continue into 2023 for another positive year.

Baroness dealer awards presented at BTME

Baroness dealer awards presented at BTME

Lister Wilder

This week our sales team have been attending the #BTME show in Harrogate, where David Gray collected the Sales & Service award on behalf of the team presented by Luke Collins from Baroness UK.

Phill Hughes (Sales Director) commented – “It’s always an honour to receive awards, it shows the huge efforts put in by our Sales, Parts and Service departments to ensure that we deliver great customer service across our core franchises. Baroness mowers are now widely accepted as offering the best cut in the business, and providing low cost of ownership with proven reliability – they are a pleasure to work with and a manufacturer that has a clear vision for the future”

Gibbons Garden Machinery (GGM)

Awarded at the 2023 BTME show, The GGM team were awarded the Rising Star Award presented by Andy Darley from Baroness U.K.

The Rising star Award is presented to the fastest growing dealer for sales performance, and we’re very pleased that the continued hard effort put in by the team is being recognised & awarded by a manufacturer as prestigious as Baroness.

The whole team here at GGM is looking forward to seeing what we can achieve in 2023!

Adam Butler Director Baroness U.K. adds: The Baroness Dealer Awards provide a superb stage on which we can showcase the hard work and dedication our multi branch dealers continue to produce year on year. We are extremely proud of all our dealers and especially the 2022 winners. We produce world leading machinery in which we require world leading backup. That’s what we have and that’s what we will continue to do. A big thank you from TEAM Baroness goes out to all our dealers and customers alike for their continued support.

More info on the Baroness range visit: www.baronessuk.com

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