Kubota RTV supports community forest

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Kubota RTV supports community forest: Kubota has formed a partnership with the Forest of Marston Vale, part of England’s Community Forests which together form the country’s largest environmental initiative.

For over 25 years the Forest of Marston Vale Trust has been working with local communities, businesses and partners to plant trees and create new woodland across 61 square miles between Bedford and Milton Keynes; transforming a landscape once dominated by brick making, mineral extraction and landfill while growing tree cover from just 3.6% to well over 15%. The 12 new Community Woodlands are an extraordinary local resource bringing significant environmental, economic and social benefits to the area. The newest, Queens Wood near Houghton Conquest, also has the honour of being Bedfordshire’s Jubilee Wood, part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

Kubota RTV supports community forest

Kubota RTV supports community forest

A core target for creating the Forest is increasing tree cover to 30%, a tenfold increase,

as a means to transform the social, economic and environmental prospects of the area. The Forest of Marston Vale Trust, working with local communities, businesses and partners, has already increased tree cover to over 15%.

At the heart of the forest is the Millennium Country Park, 225ha of woodland, wetland, lakes and meadows. The Park, a fifteen-time winner of the prestigious Green Flag Award welcomes up to half a million people each year, and offers local people and visitors to the area the opportunity to get outdoors and connect with nature

It is cared for by a team of five forest rangers who need to travel around 8km of hardened path, 4km of horse trail and numerous tracks to plant and care for trees and maintain wetlands. Kubota has supplied the team with a new RTV X-1140 utility vehicle to help make their work more efficient, safer and more convenient.

The RTV X-1140 is powered by the renowned Kubota engine delivering 24.8hp, and can carry up to four people in comfort plus their cargo, or quickly switch to a two-seater with even more space for tools and equipment.

Senior ranger Nicola Ceconi comments: “We have to be able to travel on grassland and to work on the wetlands outside the season for ground nesting birds; some of the site can only be accessed by this type of vehicle, on foot or bicycle. It’s often muddy and we certainly need off-road capability, yet many of our paths are narrow and we can encounter cyclists or walkers so the compact size of the RTV is an advantage. We rarely need to use four-wheel drive and the Kubota’s low ground pressure is appreciated for the more sensitive landscapes.”

The full-size cargo bed offers plenty of room for tools and equipment, but the team often need to switch back to four-seater mode for jobs requiring more labour.

“It’s a quick and easy swap – when we had our training on this new machine it was good to see how simple it was to convert,” says ranger Lottie Scoltock. “The bed also has a useful hydraulic tipping function for jobs such as mulching flowerbeds.”

Nicola adds that the RTV is driven by all of the members of the team who appreciate its straightforward KVT automatic transmission and is spacious and comfortable to drive.

“It has an open sided cab which is easy to get in and out of and much cooler in summer. We really enjoy having the RTV and it makes our job so much easier.”

Forest of Marston Vale commercial director Grant Sorrell comments: “The loan of the RTV X-1140 by Kubota makes a huge difference to our work. It’s a small team with a significant task so anything that makes us more efficient is a godsend.”

It’s part of a programme of community support by Kubota, which is based nearby at Thame in Oxfordshire.

“The Forest of Marston Vale was identified by our employees as a deserving community organisation to support, and it’s clear to see the tremendous social and environmental benefits it offers for current and future generations,” comments Kubota Tractor Business Unit marketing manager Rob Edwards.  “It is an excellent fit with Kubota’s ‘For Earth, For Life’ ethos. We are delighted to support the team with the loan of the RTV X-1140 which is perfectly at home in this type of application.”

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Get ahead of the game at SALTEX

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Get ahead of the game at SALTEX: Visitor registration is now open, the new website is live and Europe’s largest free sports turf show, SALTEX, is introducing a brand-new look for 2022.

Registering for a free ticket has never been easier thanks to the event’s new website ­– saltex.org.uk. Now in its 76th year, Europe’s largest sports turf, amenities and landscaping trade exhibition will host all sectors of the grounds care industry, with over 400 industry brands standing ready to showcase their latest products and innovations.

Get ahead of the game at SALTEX

Get ahead of the game at SALTEX

Sarah Cunningham, GMA director of commercial and events, SALTEX event organisers, says: “As the biggest event covering the supply and management of products and services that help to create high quality leisure, recreation, and sports surfaces, it’s important that the new website is easy to navigate for visitors and exhibitors. I’m confident that the new site will deliver for both.”

Speaking about the rebrand, Andrea McMahon, GMA director of communications says:

“SALTEX represents innovation and progression. Its where the industry comes together to build networks, knowledge and learn about new innovations. It’s forward-looking and the brand needs to reflect this and we hope the new look strikes the balance of being modern and progressive, whilst retaining an element of simplicity connecting it to the previous look.”

The opening of visitor registration coincides with the launch of the 2022 show’s social media campaign, #aheadofthegame. As attending the show guarantees you’ll be ahead of the game, the tag couldn’t be more apt. SALTEX visitors are being encouraged to use the tag, along with #SALTEX2022 on social posts to share what they learnt at the show that puts them ahead of the game. Likewise exhibitors are being encouraged to use the tag to promote what they will be bringing to the show.

At the event, visitors will hear about latest product innovations and find all the machinery and technology needed to make their jobs easier. It gives access to expertise all in one place that they wouldn’t get anywhere else. Visitors will be surrounded by a broad spectrum of exhibitors offering solutions and providing answers – and there’ll be the opportunity to meet and network with others in the same industry for new ideas and fresh insights.

Sarah continues: “With a proven track record spanning eight decades, the SALTEX 2022 show won’t disappoint. Bringing together the best in the business to tackle the trends and issues affecting those working in the industry, the event will host over 400 industry brands in one place – all lining up the best products on offer for today’s growing needs. And, as always, there will be a comprehensive schedule of speakers across three theatres sharing their knowledge and expertise – with sustainability and environmental pressure at the forefront of the 2022 agenda.”

SALTEX will make sure you #getaheadofthegame so be sure to visit saltex.org.uk and

register for your free ticket. The show takes place at the conveniently central Birmingham NEC on 2-3 November. To discuss the option of buying stand space at the 2022 show, email Sarah Cunningham at scunningham@thegma.org.uk.

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Why SAGE is not to be missed

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Why SAGE is not to be missed: The Sports & Grounds Expo (SAGE) has been designed to provide an outdoor opportunity for the sports and grounds maintenance industry to showcase their kit and solutions. Many within the industry have a large amount of big kit which does not fit well into indoor environments easily.

The main aim for SAGE is to give exhibitors the space they need with very few limitations, at unbeatable prices. SAGE is the only totally OUTDOOR event for the industry in the UK, and it aims to be inclusive of everyone who shares an interest in the sports and grounds maintenance industry.

Why SAGE is not to be missed

Why SAGE is not to be missed

SAGE gives a vital opportunity for visitors to be able to get “hands on”, each exhibitor has the opportunity to have a demo area located beside their stand totally free of charge, providing an abundance of space. The target is to deliver a resourceful and action-packed experience for both our visitors and exhibitors alike.

The team at SAGE is determined to tackle key issues for the industry head-on. With this in mind, SAGE is proud to be hosting the First Sustainability Summit, which will take place on Wednesday 6th in partnership with Bio-Circle, it will also return on Thursday 7th July for a live Q&A. The summit will be led by experts across the industry and will provide guidance and support on how sustainable solutions can be achieved by businesses across the sports and grounds maintenance industry. The panel and their colleagues will be on hand to deliver tailored options for those looking to adopt processes that are more environmentally friendly.

SAGE is proud to have announced this Spring that it has been named the home event for GRASS; Ground care Resources & Sustainability Solutions. The NEW networking & support forum, which is a FREE to join group that supports all groundscare and other sporting industry sustainability projects, providing free advice and knowledge of sustainable pitch care. To find out more join us as founder of GRASS, Mark Tomlinson, heads up the Sustainability Summit on Wednesday 6th July.

Free Courses & Sessions

On Wednesday 6th July Grounds, we are delighted to announce that Training Grounds Ltd, will be joining SAGE to deliver tailor made courses and sessions to our delegates.

Established in 2006, Grounds Training is a Lantra Approved Training Provider, who provides professional, independently-accredited training to groups of operatives in the workplace. Clients include sports clubs and associations, commercial and non-profit organisations, schools, universities, local authorities, contractors and private estates.

Managing Director Martin Sampson said; “As a training partner we offer clients a complete service, from initial enquiry to certification and beyond, helping Grounds, Course and Estate Managers, HR staff in local authorities and companies of all sizes plan training and competency programmes for their staff teams. We work with a fantastic group of instructors and assessors with an incredibly diverse skillset, enabling us to deliver a broad range of training courses and qualifications.

It’s vital we address the skills shortage in our industry in order to ensure that the nation’s sports and leisure facilities, parks and green spaces have skilled people to maintain them, and that those personnel are able to work confidently, competently and safely.”

Speakers

We have a fantastic host of experts on site, all are well-known in the industry, and we are delighted that they will be joining us over the two days to provide key insights for the future of the industry, as well as practices currently in place.

Scheduled Demonstrations

This year our exhibitors have the opportunity to a timed session within the larger demonstration zones. The session times are scheduled in the visitor programme. See all the latest kit live, and where it belongs, OUTDOORS!

Facilities

  • Onsite Catering Serving Hot Food & Snacks, As Well As A Selection Of Drinks
  • Onsite Shop, For Everything From Sandwiches, Drinks To Essentials Such As Newspapers
  • Restroom Facilities Located Across Site
  • Seating Areas
  • Networking Event With Live Music And Sponsored Bar
  • Free Parking, with hard surface parking designated for motor bikes
  • Disabled Access

Have you registered yet?

If you have not already registered, click here. We do advise pre-registration, however if you prefer just turn up and we will help you register at the main entrance.

Click Here to register for SAGE 2022 today, and be in with your chance to win the Sustainability Starter Kit. On top of this, your ticket entitles you to a free Sustainability Audit in partnership with Bio-Circle, and a huge 10% discount with our show sponsors Fleet Line Markers Ltd.

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Campey opens new Bosley branch

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Campey opens new Bosley branch: Campey Turf Systems marked the official opening of their new showroom in Bosley, Cheshire, by welcoming over 150 guests to the new facility.

The new showroom, based half an hour away from their HQ in Marton, is home to the latest new and used tractors, machinery, new mowers, strimmers, chainsaws, parts, and clothing, from renowned names such as New Holland, Echo, Dennis, Trimax and Granit.

Campey opens new Bosley branch

Campey opens new Bosley branch

During the opening day, the full range of Campey machines was on display while guests enjoyed the hospitality provided by Campey to celebrate this important milestone in the company’s story.

Speaking about the event, Campey Chairman Richard Campey said: “We were delighted to see so many customers, friends, and work colleagues come to the open day. It was our chance to show everyone our new venture and celebrate the achievement.

“This new branch will play a significant role for us as we grow into the new areas of agriculture, horticulture and professional landscaping. We’re looking forward to welcoming customers to the show room in the coming months and taking Campey forward.”

An auction and raffle was held on the day, which raised £1,290 for The Christie Charity, which provides enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. This includes continued funding for a number of services throughout the hospital, including the cancer information centre, wig fitting service, art room and complementary therapy. Prizes were kindly donated by New Holland, Trimax Mowers, Vredo, Bellon Mit and Dennis Sisis.

Campey Bosley is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am-4.30pm, with Campey’s team of experts on hand to give advice and answer any questions.

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Lawn care in June? Don’t sweat it!

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Lawn care in June? Don’t sweat it!: …or should we be saying don’t water it?

With the cost of living at an all time high and our summers getting hotter and hotter, those who love their lawns could be in for a nail biting ride as they see their beautiful sea of green go a rusty looking brown!

Lawn care in June? Don't sweat it!

Lawn care in June? Don’t sweat it!

But is it really necessary to water our gardens? If so how much and when? The Lawn Association team aim to put your mind at rest and discuss once and for all the ins and outs of your grass and it’s watering needs.

A statement which is undoubtedly true is that grass is one of the most resilient plants on the planet, it has been designed by that toughest of mother’s, nature, to survive much more than our UK hot summers throw at us.

Watering
Prolonged periods of hot weather may not leave your lawn looking pretty, but it WILL survive in the long run. The counter the effects of watering in a really hot summer, are that it would be expensive and in actual fact it would be healthier for you and the planet if you just leave nature to do it’s work. Eventually the natural rains will come along and bring the soil levels back normal.
If you must water your lawn, apply the water, to ensure the plant gets the best use out of it, in the evening (after 8pm), then the grass has all night to use the water more efficiently.

All this being said, there are some tips to allow you to work WITH nature to get your lawn back to a healthy green fast… and your soil will need help!

Soil
The soil is the real issue here, not the grass. Soil shrinks under very hot conditions and the air is sucked out. This is why aeration is so important. Once the summer heat has passed and you are looking for autumn jobs to do, use a hollow-tine aerating fork or machine (NOT a garden fork) to give your lawn exactly what it needs. These aeration products remove cores of soil without further compressing what’s left, and this creates those essential small channels for improved root development, water percolation and nutrition longevity.

The principles of good, sustainable modern lawn care, are those working with, not against nature. By doing this you will achieve the lawn that is perfect for you

Our core mission at the Lawn Association is to make accurate lawn care information readily available via our website and through our Free Membership Scheme for gardening enthusiasts. Go to the @LawnAssociation Facebook page to join the Lawn Enthusiasts Group, and get free association membership via the website, www.lawnassociation.org.uk

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