Agrovista Amenity Supports Eco-Friendly Roadside Restoration

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Agrovista Amenity Supports Eco-Friendly Roadside Restoration: Agrovista Amenity has played a pivotal role in one of the UK’s most sustainable highway planting projects, by supplying biodegradable alternatives for a large-scale landscaping effort led by Leicester City Council. The project, commissioned by Leicestershire County Council Highways, involved planting over 8,000 trees along a newly widened road, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and plastic-free solutions.

The project, led by Tony Mason, Trees and Woodlands Officer at Leicester City Council, ran from January to March this year. It focused on restoring and stabilising the roadside with native plants while reducing the environmental impact of such large-scale work.

Sustainable Solutions with Agrovista Amenity’s Expertise

Agrovista Amenity provided a comprehensive package of sustainable products, including Tree Hugger guards, jute mulch mats, bamboo pegs, and locally sourced whips. These materials were carefully chosen to align with the project’s environmental goals, particularly the commitment to avoiding plastic.

Ed Smith, Landscape and IVM Manager at Agrovista Amenity, explained the motivation behind using biodegradable alternatives: “When Tony approached me about the project and we discussed using biodegradable options, it just made sense. It’s counterproductive to make a positive environmental impact by planting trees and shrubs, only to spoil it with plastic shelters that eventually become unsightly and a disposal burden. Tree Hugger guards, for instance, offer a long-term, cost-effective solution without the need for removal, and they blend seamlessly into the natural landscape.”

The Tree Hugger guards, made from organic cotton substrate coated in FSC-certified pine rosin, are fully biodegradable and designed to last a minimum of five years. Manufactured in Accrington by BMP Tree Hugger, a company with over a century of experience in cotton processing, these guards not only protect young trees from browsing animals but also promote healthy growth. “The cotton material is breathable, reducing the ‘greenhouse effect’ associated with plastic, which can stress the plant,” Ed added.

In addition to the guards, biodegradable jute mulch mats were used for weed suppression, anchored with bamboo pegs. This approach eliminated the need for chemical weed control, further reducing the environmental impact. “We talk about environmental sustainability, and this project is a perfect example of what that looks like in practice. By preventing future problems, such as the costly removal of plastic guards, we’re ensuring that this is likely the most sustainable highway planting job conducted in the UK,” Ed said.

A Significant Environmental Impact

The decision to go plastic-free has had a considerable positive effect on the environment. By opting for biodegradable materials, the project has prevented approximately 700kg of plastic from being introduced into the environment—the equivalent of around 35,000 plastic bottles (330ml). This achievement underlines the importance of sustainable practices in large-scale landscaping projects.

Challenges and Successes

Tony Mason, reflecting on the project, said, “The roadwork alterations were completed two years ago, but the landscape scheme wasn’t finished. When we took on the project, we needed a reliable supplier who could provide everything we required, and Agrovista Amenity was able to meet all our needs. Their products arrived on time and in excellent condition, allowing us to start the planting work in mid-January. Given the scale of the project, working on 60-70 mph roads was a new challenge for our team, but with the right training, we completed the work by early March, and the client was really pleased with the results.”

Despite the scale and complexity of the project, the Leicester City Council team managed to keep the environmental impact low by minimising travel and conducting all planting work manually using wheelbarrows.

This project sets a benchmark for sustainable practices in highway landscaping, demonstrating that with the right approach and materials, significant environmental benefits can be achieved without compromising on quality or effectiveness.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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Dennis ES-860’s Power Sustainable Maintenance

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Dennis ES-860’s Power Sustainable Maintenance: Roehampton Club, a prestigious multi-sports and social club in southwest London, has embraced sustainable practices with the introduction of two Dennis ES-860 battery-powered mowers.

Head Groundsman Simon Bailey and the grounds team have welcomed these new additions, which have helped improve the club’s maintenance of its tennis grass courts and croquet lawns.

Dennis ES-860’s Power Sustainable Maintenance

Dennis ES-860’s Power Sustainable Maintenance

Roehampton Club, with its vast range of facilities including an 18-hole parkland golf course, 28 tennis courts, croquet lawns, and other sports amenities, requires high standards of upkeep. The introduction of the ES-860 mowers has made a significant difference in the grounds team’s operations.

“We’ve been using Dennis mowers for over 15 years, and when it was time to upgrade, the move to electric felt like a natural step,” says Simon. “The Dennis ES-860 battery mowers are perfect for us. Being in London and surrounded by houses, we need to be mindful of any noise. These battery-powered mowers allow us to start working at 6am without disturbing our neighbours – that’s a big win for us.”

The ES-860 is a 34-inch battery-powered turf management system, designed to handle a variety of tasks using its 13 interchangeable cassettes, including cutting, scarifying, brushing, and verticutting. For Simon and the team, the flexibility of this system is one of its most valuable features.

“We use the ES-860 on our tennis courts and croquet lawns. On the tennis courts, we use them mainly for mowing, while on the croquet lawns, we use the verticutting and scarifying cassettes. The wide cutting width makes the job much quicker, and because we have two of them, we can cover a lot of ground fast,” Simon explains.

Environmental consciousness is a key focus at Roehampton Club. “We’ve got solar panels on all our roofs, and we’re committed to making our operations more sustainable, so switching to battery-powered mowers was the logical choice,” Simon says. “These mowers reduce our fuel costs, and with no hydraulics, there’s a reduced risk of spills and mechanical issues.”

Simon also highlights the impressive battery life. “We maintain 0.7 hectares of lawn tennis, and even after completing all the work, we’ve used less than 50% of the battery. What’s more, the battery performance remains consistent, whether we’re mowing, scarifying, or verticutting. It’s very reassuring.”

The adaptability of the Dennis ES-860 is a major advantage for Simon, allowing the team to change cassettes quickly and efficiently to suit the task at hand. “The best feature is the ability to swap the cassettes out in minutes. One minute, we’re verticutting, and the next, we’re mowing. This flexibility allows us to get more done in a day.”

Simon also praises the mowers for their quality of cut and ease of use. “The quality of cut is exceptional. We can control the speed and cassette speed easily, allowing for precise work without leaving marks when turning. The performance is always consistent, and we’re very happy with how they’ve enhanced our work.”

With the addition of the Dennis ES-860s, the grounds team at Roehampton Club have not only improved their day-to-day operations but have also taken a significant step toward greater sustainability. “If you’re looking to reduce costs, noise, and emissions, while maintaining a high-quality playing surface, the Dennis ES-860 is the perfect solution,” Simon concludes.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter and Instagram @DennisMowers and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK. You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers

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Toro guarding the resource at Royal County Down

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Toro guarding the resource at Royal County Down: Delivery met expectations, when Toro, Reesink Hydro-Scapes, Adrian Mortram Associates and MJ Abbott Limited united to provide Royal County Down Golf Club with a new system to redefine the areas of irrigation and act as a guardian of the resource in a project about as big as it gets in the UK.

The preservation of the traditional links conditions of Royal County Down in Northern Ireland is of paramount importance to Links Manager Eamonn Crawford and his team, who adhere to a strict links maintenance programme.

Toro guarding the resource at Royal County Down

Toro guarding the resource at Royal County Down

The club needed an efficient state-of-the-art irrigation system for its fairways, greens, tees, and pathways to be used as a management tool and in times of drought. More control over application and better management of the resource was needed, and it was important to use water conservatively, only irrigating the surfaces required.

David Morgan, Secretary at Royal County Down, says: “We have a social responsibility to manage our water usage, as well as an obligation to the course and our members to present it as a traditional links course. This requires a certain level of irrigation control and precision to keep it alive but not green.”

Eamonn and David had done their due diligence in terms of brand comparisons before specialist irrigation designer and consultant, Adrian Mortram from Adrian Mortram Associates, tendered for the project and Adrian was instructed to gear the irrigation system specification plans entirely towards Toro.

“Having the best technology and resources available is essential to ensure we deliver our links maintenance programme effectively and efficiently and to the best of our capabilities,” says Eamonn. “There was never any doubt that Toro and Reesink were the partners for us in that respect.”

Toro Lynx Central Control system and Smart Hub were specified and Robert Jackson, Divisional Manager, Reesink Hydro-Scapes, explains this provided Eamonn “with all the data needed to make decisions in real-time and run the system with precision from the first sprinkler to the last, controlling the application of water on different areas with different conditions and requirements.”

Toro Infinity and Flex sprinklers were chosen to provide accurate and precise watering from the source and installation ran simultaneously on both 18-hole courses over winter 2023, the wettest season and hardest winter in 25 years. The effects of this on working conditions for the installation teams were not to be underestimated, especially when adding the terrain of a links course to the situation.

But that didn’t affect delivery as David says: “Overall delivery met expectations. All parties came together seamlessly to deliver Royal County Down with an irrigation solution to the budget and timescale set.”

This system, its design and installation are a classic example of how to redefine the areas of irrigation to act as a guardian of the resource. Through technology, the club has increased its area of irrigation but uses less water and wetting agents and now water can be retained in the low structure of the course.

“Now, we have full control in managing the system and water application,” says Eamonn. “There’s no wastage and we only use what is needed where it’s needed. Irrigation really is made easy with Toro and this is the best system at this time and the process has been well worth it.”

Jim Price from MJ Abbott Limited concludes: “This is now a fully connected course in real-time. To deliver a project of this magnitude in those conditions on time is a huge success story.”

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Mansfield Sand Sets New Standards

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Mansfield Sand Sets New Standards: Cutting Edge Grounds Maintenance, a leading provider of grounds maintenance services, has selected MM40 from Mansfield Sand as its preferred choice of sand for sports pitch maintenance.

Established by industry expert Joshua Blackburn in 2021, Cutting Edge Grounds Maintenance specialises in comprehensive grounds maintenance services for schools, sports clubs, and grassroots football clubs.

Mansfield Sand Sets New Standards

Mansfield Sand Sets New Standards

“At Cutting Edge, we strive to offer our clients the very best in grounds maintenance and that requires using the best products,” says Joshua. “In my opinion, MM40 from Mansfield Sand is the best sports sand on the market.”

Mansfield Sand, boasting a rich history dating back to 1840, is renowned for its premium sand-based products and cutting-edge technology. With a comprehensive range of solutions for various applications, Mansfield Sand has earned a reputation for excellence and reliability.

MM40, which is relied upon at some of the most prestigious sport stadiums in the country, offers unparalleled quality and performance. Its medium fine texture and superior drainage properties make it ideal for renovations, maintenance, and day-to-day upkeep of sports pitches.

“We’ve found that MM40 consistently delivers outstanding results,” adds Joshua. “Its medium fine texture allows for excellent drainage, ensuring the health and performance of sports pitches throughout the year.

“Typically, on a football pitch we will use MM40 for renovations in May and then again in September/October time. It will also be applied during the season to areas such as goal mouths. It is a perfect product to use all year round.”

As well as being delighted with the results he receives from MM40, Joshua speaks highly of Mansfield Sand’s customer service.

“I can ring Mansfield Sand up and ask any questions I like; they give me all the support I need,” he says. “The customer service they provide is brilliant for contractors like me. The sand is always delivered on time too.”

By leveraging the quality and performance of products like Mansfield Sand’s MM40, Cutting Edge Grounds Maintenance continues to set new standards and exceed client expectations.

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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SISIS Maxislit Boosts Turf Health

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SISIS Maxislit Boosts Turf Health: Ramsey Golf and Bowls Club in Cambridge, is experiencing remarkable improvements in turf health and playability thanks to the SISIS Maxislit.

Head Greenkeeper Richard Shilling, who has dedicated 35 years to the club, highlights how this aerator is transforming their maintenance practices.

SISIS Maxislit Boosts Turf Health

SISIS Maxislit Boosts Turf Health

Richard began his journey at Ramsey Golf and Bowls Club as an apprentice and has been a mainstay ever since, now serving as Head Greenkeeper for the past four years. Overseeing 150 acres of parkland, he manages both the golf and bowls greens. Despite the club’s floodplain location, Richard sees the occasional flooding as a benefit. “Although we do have issues with flooding, we have been open more than local courses because the course is built to flood. The flood is a good thing because it puts all the nutrients back in the fairways, so in that 40-degree summer the other year, everyone thought we had fairway irrigation!” he explains.

To maintain the health and playability of the greens and fairways, aeration is crucial. “You can’t buy aeration in a bottle, and it is one of the most important tasks you can carry out,” Richard says. As part of his efforts to modernise the club’s maintenance practices, Richard recently purchased the SISIS Maxislit.

The Maxislit is a tractor-mounted deep slitting aerator, designed for sports field and golf course maintenance. It is particularly effective in improving drainage, reducing turf compaction, and minimising thatch buildup. “Part of the modernisation was buying a new slitter. This was bought for the greens, fairways, and generally most areas on the course.” says Richard.

The Maxislit’s deep, clean penetration and simple design, requiring minimal maintenance, make it an ideal tool for outstanding turf treatment. One of the standout features of the Maxislit is its tine design. “The tines are well designed – these are well-shaped, sturdy, and well-built,” Richard notes. The machine’s angle of the tines and spiral design of the tine shaft assist penetration, giving maximum underground cultivation with minimal surface disturbance.

Richard also praised the Maxislit’s simplicity and mechanical reliability. “It is simple and easy to use. I think being more mechanical is the way forward – and aeration is the way to go instead of spraying lots of chemicals,” he says.

The Maxislit’s ability to produce outstanding underground cultivation with minimal surface disturbance allows for uninterrupted play. “The beauty of using this is that people can play straight away, they won’t even know if the work has been done. Slit it, mow it, forget about it.”

By implementing the Maxislit in his maintenance routine, Richard has seen significant benefits. “I see deeper rooting and more air is pumped in. We’ll slit the greens one month, then vertidrain and alternate – we always mix it up as we go along because it gives you different depths,” he explains. This method ensures the turf remains healthy and resilient throughout the year.

With its robust design and effective performance, the SISIS Maxislit has become an essential asset for Richard and Ramsey Golf and Bowls Club, ensuring the course remains in top condition for members and visitors alike.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SISIS on Twitter or Instagram @SISISMachinery and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

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