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Microsite proves planting pedigree

May 5, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Microsite proves planting pedigree A transformative woodland creation project in North-East England has been achieved with the support of specialist contractor Microsite, who planted 7,500 trees across the 8.24 hectare site. The project is located at Emmaus Youth Village in Consett – just 15 miles from Durham and Newcastle city centres. Supported with a grant […]

STIHL introduces Smart Connector 1.1 to simplify fleet management

May 5, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

STIHL introduces Smart Connector 1.1 to simplify fleet management STIHL has revised the Smart Connector 1, a digital solution designed to help professional users keep track of their tools, servicing schedules and daily usage across their fleet. Suitable for petrol, electric and battery-powered machines, the Smart Connector 1.1 attaches directly to tools and records operating […]

Microsite proves planting pedigree

May 5, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

STIHL introduces Smart Connector 1.1 to simplify fleet management

May 5, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Microsite proves planting pedigree

May 5, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Microsite proves planting pedigree

A transformative woodland creation project in North-East England has been achieved with the support of specialist contractor Microsite, who planted 7,500 trees across the 8.24 hectare site.

Microsite proves planting pedigree

The project is located at Emmaus Youth Village in Consett – just 15 miles from Durham and Newcastle city centres. Supported with a grant from the Government’s Trees for Climate fund, administered by North East Community Forest, the woodland has been developed to promote biodiversity, education and community wellbeing, as well as serving as a flagship for future local environmental efforts.

Microsite, an environmental and ecological land management company, was contracted to establish the planting scheme, based on a concept by Southern Green Landscape Architects. The site boasts a new community orchard, native broadleaf woodland, open space habitat, wildflower meadows, shelter belts, in-field trees, and ponds. With publicly accessible walking paths and wildlife areas, residents and visitors will benefit from connecting with nature and each other, further enhancing the village’s community spirit.

Emmaus Youth Village is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle and managed by the Youth Ministry Trust Charity. The site already features purpose-built lodges, an auditorium, and a restaurant-style dining area for up to 90 guests, along with expansive outdoor spaces ideal for group activities, conferences, and community gatherings.

Increasing native woodland coverage and connecting people with nature is central to Microsite’s mission, with a focus on ecological approaches and long-term planning for the benefit of future generations.

“The new community woodland, orchard and wildflower meadows are designed to maximise the ecological, social and economic value of this important community land asset at Emmaus Youth Village,” explained Peter Holder, Chief Executive of Microsite.

“Combining carefully selected species creates a symbiotic relationship for a self-sustaining system, as well as providing a platform for introducing local people to the many benefits of connecting with natural environments and their local community. Economic benefits include an uplift in land value, improved customer experience and the creation of future carbon credits, not to mention the produce from the orchard!

“I’d like to thank the project stakeholders – North East Community Forest, Youth Ministry Trust, the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, and Southern Green Landscape Architects – for the opportunity to be involved in such a fantastic project,” Peter added.

Since community involvement is a cornerstone of the project, events were organised throughout the planning process so that local organisations could contribute. These included a corporate volunteer day for local firm David Gray Solicitors, and activities led by OASES (Outdoor and Sustainability Education Services) for local school children and Emmaus service users.

Microsite will maintain the site for three years until trees are fully established. The company has also registered the site for carbon credits, which can be purchased by companies as part of carbon offset activity.

A video of the project is available to view and download at: https://vimeo.com/1185540224/22f6f50f9c?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

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STIHL introduces Smart Connector 1.1 to simplify fleet management

May 5, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

STIHL introduces Smart Connector 1.1 to simplify fleet management

STIHL has revised the Smart Connector 1, a digital solution designed to help professional users keep track of their tools, servicing schedules and daily usage across their fleet.

STIHL introduces Smart Connector 1.1 to simplify fleet management

Suitable for petrol, electric and battery-powered machines, the Smart Connector 1.1 attaches directly to tools and records operating hours automatically. The new feature on the latest version of the Smart Connector 1.1 brings it in line with the Smart Connector 2.0, which can store the operating time that day, as well as previous days until the connector can communicate with the STIHL Connected App. No longer holding the total working time over a number of days, this removes the need for users to upload data daily. Data is transmitted via Bluetooth to the STIHL Connected app and online portal, giving businesses greater visibility of how their equipment is being used and when it needs attention.

For contractors managing multiple machines across teams or sites, the system provides a clear overview of total working time and daily operating history. With automatic prompts, this enables more proactive servicing and helps reduce the risk of unexpected downtime.

The Smart Connector 1 also supports location awareness, allowing users to quickly check which tools are nearby and identify any that may be missing. An integrated LED display can be activated remotely to help locate specific machines more easily.

Compact in design at just under 5cm in diameter, the unit is quick to mount and unobtrusive in day-to-day operation. It offers a battery life of approximately 12 months, with a replaceable battery to minimise disruption.

Through the STIHL Connected portal, users can arrange servicing with their nearest STIHL Approved Dealer and review maintenance requirements in advance, helping streamline workshop planning and improve machine availability.

The Smart Connector 1 arrives as STIHL celebrates its 100th anniversary. Since 1926, STIHL has defined the global standard for battery and petrol-powered forestry, landscaping, and residential gardening equipment for professional and domestic users.

For more information on STIHL products, visit www.stihl.co.uk or contact your nearest STIHL Approved Dealer.

Find out more about STIHL’s historic milestone, here: https://100.stihl.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

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Microsite proves planting pedigree

STIHL introduces Smart Connector 1.1 to simplify fleet management

Microsite proves planting pedigree

STIHL introduces Smart Connector 1.1 to simplify fleet management

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Microsite proves planting pedigree

Microsite proves planting pedigree

STIHL introduces Smart Connector 1.1 to simplify fleet management

STIHL introduces Smart Connector 1.1 to simplify fleet management

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