Foamstream flows in North Yorkshire

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Foamstream flows in North Yorkshire: Locations in North Yorkshire are getting the green treatment with a brand-new weeding machine which works without using herbicides.

The revolutionary machine uses hot water insulated by a biodegradable foam, made from natural plant oils and sugars to keep the liquid hot, to kill weeds, moss and algae right at their root without the use of harsh chemicals.

Foamstream flows in North Yorkshire

Foamstream flows in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire County Council is trialling Foamstream, developed by Weedingtech in 2011, as a new way of keeping some of the county’s roads, streets and pavements tidy and weed-free.

The machine is expected to be used in the Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon, cleaning up town centres to ensure they look their best following the Covid-19 pandemic. If the technology is deemed successful after the pilot, it could be rolled out to more towns across North Yorkshire. It’s the first time the technology has been used in the region.

John Putsey, Maintenance Manager for Highways, Area 6, said: “It’s a really exciting device and one we’ve never seen in the North East before. It’s very safe to use, there are no pesticides and it’s very effective at killing weeds. It’s very good for pedestrian areas, for roads in areas where weeds gather. It’s very quick, you can do up to 200 square metres an hour and it can also be used to clean signs, street furniture and bollards, along with cleaning off chewing gum.”

Foamstream works by super-heating vegetation to 95 degrees. The foam insulates the heat in the hot water, keeping the temperature in the kill zone (57°C+) for long enough to kill or sufficiently damage the weed. Foamstream sterilises surrounding seeds and spores to stop weeds spreading and then kills or damages the plant to prevent regrowth.

As well as killing weeds which, for North Yorkshire’s use will be the main function, Foamstream has cleaning attachments for low and high-pressure cleaning including chewing gum removal from roads and pavements.

“We’re very pleased North Yorkshire County Council is trialling Foamstream.” Says Weedingtech UK Sales Manager Aaron Matthews. “It’s a first time for us in the region and we’re confident the system will prove wholly effective for them. Foamstream is already used by many councils around the UK including Hammersmith and Fulham, Southwark and Manchester City Council as well as by some of the nation’s biggest contracting companies such as idverde and Urbaser.”

To learn more about Foamstream you can call Weedingtech on +44(0)2039090050, info@weedingtech.com

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Online garden design service for goes “live”

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Online garden design service for goes “live”: An innovative new service for landscapers is now fully up and running after COVID-19 lockdown gave its creator time to develop his idea and turn a dream into reality. 

My Garden Design is a user friendly online platform that allows landscapers to offer garden design services under their own branding. In a nutshell, the landscaper uploads the client brief, “before” pictures and site survey details to the My Garden Design website. Clever programming has created an online garden design questionnaire which breaks the client brief down into a series of yes/no answers. When all information has been gathered, qualified garden designers will set to work to turn the information into a beautiful concept plan. The completed garden design will carry the landscaper’s own logo and contact details. And all at trade prices.

Online garden design service for goes “live”

Online garden design service for goes “live”

Creator Paul Baker, who is a Director of both Holland Landscapes and Tapestry Design Studios, has been mulling over the idea for some five years. It wasn’t until COVID 19 temporary closed his landscaping business that he had the time to bring his plan to fruition.

“As a fairly active member of the APL I regularly speak to other landscapers and completely understand their frustrations around garden design. Some clients don’t realise they need a garden design, others may have sketched their own design which looks good on paper but is difficult to build. This service is especially for those landscapers whose clients are reluctant to engage a professional garden designer and just expect the landscaper to offer a complete design and build service.”

Paul adds “My Garden Design allows landscapers to offer an in-house garden design service without losing focus on what they are good at – landscaping.”

He goes on to say that “Many landscapers design and build themselves to a very high standard but struggle with planting ideas. My Garden Design can create planting plans to add an even bigger “wow” factor to a finished project.”

The whole concept of My Garden Design is based on saving landscapers time and freeing them up from costly site visits. Information can be gathered whilst social distancing and if the site is too complicated to survey, MGD offers a complete survey service as an optional extra. In fact the whole service is as simple or as detailed as the landscaper needs. Need more than just a 2D concept plan? You can request 3D designs, planting plans, lighting plans and even construction drawings should you need them.

To discover more about this innovative service, visit https://mygardendesign.co.uk

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Hilbert Willis to follow in Captain Tom’s footsteps

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Hilbert Willis to follow in Captain Tom’s footsteps: Hilbert Willis spent over five decades covering every blade of grass on the Lakeview Park pitch as long-serving Loughgall groundsman.

Now the 96-year-old is aiming to get back out on the turf and turn his labour of love into a fundraiser for the Irish League side.

The coronavirus pandemic’s impact on sports clubs around the world is expected to have far-reaching effects but, in a bid to help alleviate some of the short-term damage, Willis has set a special goal.

Willis is drawing inspiration from the example set by ‘Captain Tom’ and a charity drive to support the NHS Charities Together by embarking on a cause close to his heart.

Captain Thomas Moore set out to walk laps of his garden at the age of 99 – with Willis opting to take on 100 lengths of the football pitch at Loughgall.

His plan is to take those first steps this weekend.

“I’ve been involved with Loughgall for so many years now and in all sorts of roles, from chairman to groundsman to committee member,” said Willis. “We were sitting around talking one day about the financial situation around everything going on and I suggested following in Captain Tom’s footsteps.

“The club is so important to me and such a big part of my life, so I was just keen to try and do something, anything really, to help.

“I’ve so many wonderful memories from my time involved with Loughgall and have so many friends thanks to this football club and others all over the country.”

Ground improvements estimated at around £100,000 proved vital towards a successful Club Promotion License application last season as Loughgall officials invested in ambition in pursuit of a place in the Danske Bank Premiership.

Redevelopment work included alterations to the changing room area and dugouts, plus the addition of a disabled viewing section.

A ruling by the game’s officials in respect of the coronavirus pandemic forced all clubs outside the top flight to stop the Irish League season, with Portadown awarded the sole promotion spot as Bluefin Sport Championship winners and Loughgall third at the cut-off point.

“So much hard work was put into that whole process by so many at the club,” said Willis. “We have such a great group of people around the club and a dedicated committee.

“Hopefully my small effort can help the club and the response has been great, with plenty of support from people at the club – along with a fair few laughs.

“One of my good friends, Robbie Bothwell, is about 70 years old but has promised to run at least 50 lengths!

“I’ve done a few practice lengths but just cannot wait to get going properly now and will be out as often as possible.”

Anyone interested in offering financial support can visit the ‘Hilbert’s Goal’ page on GoFundMe.

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Roundup ProVantage the go-to glyphosate

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Roundup ProVantage the go-to glyphosate: Keith Gallacher, Director of Complete Weed Control Scotland South East, has revealed why he chooses to use Roundup ProVantage from ICL above all other glyphosate herbicides.

Roundup ProVantage, a glyphosate-based herbicide, sets the standards in weed control. The optimised blend of surfactants as well as the high loading makes Roundup ProVantage the most advanced amenity glyphosate on the market.

Roundup ProVantage the go-to glyphosate

Roundup ProVantage the go-to glyphosate

Keith, who purchases Roundup ProVantage from ICL, believes that there is no other product that compares.

“There is a huge difference between Roundup ProVantage and other glyphosate herbicides on the market. The product has been very successful for us. As a business we want to be utilising the very best products and this is why RoundUp ProVantage is our go-to product.”

Roundup ProVantage offers superior performance – with improved rain-fastness and speed of uptake. Rainfast in one hour for annuals and four hours for perennials, this product reduces the risk of run off and ensures the maximum amount of glyphosate reaches the roots for the optimum effectiveness.

“Depending on the weather we can start seeing results within 7 days especially with the harder weeds such as the invasives. We’ve had outstanding results on large infestations of Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed and there is no need to add any adjuvants to it because it is so highly loaded. Typically, we apply it just twice a year which is enough to achieve a very high standard of control.

“Another benefit is its rain-fastness, which is very important – especially in Scotland. You can tell the client that it will still be working within an hour and it absolutely does.”

The effectiveness of Roundup ProVantage herbicide, and its favourable environmental characteristics, have combined to make it one of the most widely used and trusted herbicides in the world. The undiluted product has such a high safety profile that it is not even classified by the World Health Organisation in relation to toxicity from either oral ingestion or dermal absorption and has been deemed as safe for both humans and wildlife.

“From an occupational health point of view, we can confidently turn round to our staff and clients and assure them that Roundup Pro-Vantage is one of the safest glyphosates on the market. It is peace of mind for us and peace of mind for our clients.

“I also think that the information available on the product and the back-up service from ICL is second to none. Knowing that we have access to that information and back-up is vital.

“We can confidently speak to the likes of councils about the benefits of the product and this is a big positive.

“In my opinion this is the best performing glyphosate on the market.”

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Polaris unveils a new generation of ATV

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Polaris unveils a new generation of ATV: Trusted by over 1.6 million riders and counting, Polaris Sportsman is now taking its bestselling ATV line-up to the next level.

The new generation of Sportsman features a bold, modern design with new features and product improvements, all while featuring the same legendary ride and handling, unrivalled versatility and reliable performance that the Polaris Sportsman is renowned for.

Polaris unveils a new generation of ATV

Polaris unveils a new generation of ATV

Arriving in dealers this Autumn, the fully upgraded 2021 platform offers a variety of trims and special editions to meet every rider’s need and style, along with a range of new accessories that take customisation to the next level.

“ATVs are often the initial spark that ignites a passion for off-roading and pulls in new riders, and Sportsman is the icon that established the industry. As a result, it occupies a significant place within our storied brand history,” said Steven Menneto, President of Polaris Off Road. “We’re thrilled to push Sportsman into the future with the all-new 570 platform, taking our best-selling ATV lineup to the next level.”

The new Sportsman 570 is available with or without electronic power steering (EPS) and is also offered in a premium SP trim with upgraded 14-inch alloy wheels, painted bodywork and dual A-arm suspension on the front. Polaris also presents an additional four special edition models for added versatility for either work or play. Riders that need even more out of their ATV can choose from the new Sportsman 570 Hunter Edition, Black Edition, Agri Pro Edition or Öhlins Edition, all with unique features to suit the job at hand.

Modern look and features

The all-new Sportsman 570 platform features significant upgrades throughout, delivering even more consumer value. In other words, the best just got better. The full list of improvements is impressive with a new, bold design from front-to-back – including the new handlebar-mounted pod with an integrated LED work light and built-in battery charging port. There are LED headlights with integrated turn signals, and all-new body shape with sharper, more aggressive lines.

The modern features of the Sportsman 570 run much deeper than style with intuitive and easy-to-use operation; one-touch, True On-Demand all-wheel drive, in-line shifting, and single-lever braking allow for simple and effective user control.

Product improvements

The new Sportsman 570 has a larger, more powerful 18AH battery that delivers 78% more cold cranking amps for a confident start every time. The battery has been relocated underneath the front rack for easy access for maintenance, and there’s a convenient battery charging port located on the pod.

There have also been some major improvements to the engine braking system (EBS) on applicable 2021 models, now delivering a smoother and more controlled riding experience regardless of the terrain type. EBS-equipped models also receive a new clutch for smooth engagement at low speeds – especially useful when precision is needed, like when navigating tight trails or backing up to a trailer.

Enhanced quality

The new Sportsman 570 platform has a premium look and feel with enhanced durability, all while providing unbeatable value. With new and sealed suspension bushings, new and improved brake lines and A-Arms, as well as a fully sealed ignition switch, the Sportsman 570 boasts ultimate resilience. All new 570 models include steel front rack extenders as standard, increasing strength and including updated tie-downs for more versatility when hauling heavy loads.

The Sportsman 570 now features larger, more durable 25-inch Carlisle tyres on all standard models, providing increased ground clearance and puncture resistance for a smoother ride and peace of mind in tough terrain.

Advanced capabilities

Giving riders the confidence to go further and do more, the Sportsman 570 base model boasts an increased towing capacity of 680kg, 29.6cm of ground clearance and a total payload capacity of up to 232kg.

Endless customisation

Providing more versatility than ever before, the launch of the new Sportsman 570 platform is coupled with all-new accessories which offer riders limitless opportunities to customise their ATV.

Introducing Rockford Fosgate® factory audio solutions for the first time within the Sportsman line-up, the 2021 accessory collection will feature a Rockford Fosgate® audio box add-on with 6-inch speakers that connect via Bluetooth® and mounts seamlessly to the rear rack using Polaris Lock & Ride technology.

Pre-wired for easy winch, plow, and hand and thumb warmer upgrades, the Sportsman 570 accessory line-up also includes an expanded line of storage via the Polaris Lock & Ride solution, including an open cargo box, rear cooler box or rear cargo box, all compatible with the rear rack extenders and improved rear utility rack. There are also updated windshield options specifically designed to complement the new pod design.

Not only that, but riders can also expect superior integration with an easy-to-install PRO HD winch and plow system, aggressively angled bumpers and brushguards and an optimised tyre and wheel offering to suit any terrain.

The Icon, better than ever: Polaris Sportsman 570 line-up

  • 2021 Sportsman 570 – Sage Green or White Lightning
  • 2021 Sportsman 570 EPS – Sage Green, White Lightning or Zenith Blue
  • 2021 Sportsman 570 EPS SP – Titanium Metallic
  • 2021 Sportsman 570 EPS Hunter Special Edition – Polaris Pursuit Camo
  • 2021 Sportsman 570 EPS Black Special Edition – Black Pearl
  • 2021 Sportsman 570 EPS Agri Pro Special Edition – Sage Green
  • 2021 Sportsman 570 EPS SP Öhlins Special Edition – Turbo Silver

MY21 ATV line-up

In addition to the new generation of Polaris Sportsman, the Sportsman Touring 570 and Touring XP 1000 see all-new premium colour options available for 2021.

  • 2021 Sportsman Touring 570 EPS – Titanium Metallic
  • 2021 Sportsman Touring 570 EPS SP – Nara Bronze
  • 2021 Sportsman Touring XP 1000 EPS – White Pearl

For further media information on Polaris ORV products, please contact the Polaris ORV Media Office on +44 (0) 1525 270100 or email us at press@polaris-orv.media

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