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Doing more than a fraction of the job

July 18, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Doing more than a fraction of the job: Aerators play the central role in creating a balanced water management programme and Otterbine’s Fractional Series is now even more efficient and easy to use. Otterbine’s Fractional Series offers the most productive, cost-effective way of ensuring the water quality of small and mid-sized ponds regardless of the […]

Headline speakers for Learning LIVE

July 18, 2025/in Education, News, Press Release/by Admin

Headline speakers for Learning LIVE: Following a record-breaking 2024 edition that delivered over 19 hours of expert-led content to more than 1,000 attendees, the UK’s largest free educational programme in grounds management returns to the NEC Birmingham on 12-13 November 2025. This year’s programme promises real-world insights for grounds professionals and volunteers at every level. […]

Doing more than a fraction of the job

July 18, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Headline speakers for Learning LIVE

July 18, 2025/in Education, News, Press Release/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Doing more than a fraction of the job

July 18, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Doing more than a fraction of the job: Aerators play the central role in creating a balanced water management programme and Otterbine’s Fractional Series is now even more efficient and easy to use.

Otterbine’s Fractional Series offers the most productive, cost-effective way of ensuring the water quality of small and mid-sized ponds regardless of the weather. And when the weather conditions are already, and look set to continue being, the warmest in 70 years, it’s important not to fall foul to doing nothing – reparative maintenance is not the cheap or easy option.

$Doing more than a fraction of the job$

Doing more than a fraction of the job

Robert Jackson, Division Manager for Reesink Hydro-Scapes, UK distributor for Otterbine aerators, says: “So far this year, the conditions are perfect for creating water problems in ponds and lakes. The weather is warm enough and consistent enough to cause significant problems.”

Why is aeration needed?

The sun exacerbates thermal stratification, water stagnation and oxygen depletion – creating the perfect environment for algae and anaerobic bacteria. This proliferation may endanger the pond ecosystem while also leading to unpleasant smells and aesthetics that put off visitors and increase maintenance costs.

Whether you’re managing ponds in a holiday park, a golf course or a private estate, a proactive approach to water quality is the most effective way to minimise the need for reparative maintenance in the long run.

That’s where the Fractional comes in

The Otterbine Fractional Series delivers the perfect solution for ponds less than three quarters of an acre in size. With the ability to transfer 1kg (2.2 lbs) of oxygen per horsepower per hour and pump 115m³ of water per hour, they will significantly improve water circulation and oxygenation.

Using aeration, it is possible to prevent high-maintenance conditions like algal bloom and thermal stratification and ensure a thriving ecosystem.

Boasting a cost-effective design and the highest performance rate in the class, Otterbine’s Fractional Series comes complete with a manufacturer certified control panel to protect the unit, and the ability to switch between five interchangeable spray pattern configurations.

But the Fractional Series isn’t just about utility: it also provides four visually striking configuration options – plus a horizontal circulator – with different heights, diameters and patterns that can elevate the aesthetics of any pond. And for an even greater visual impact, LED and RGBW colour-changing lights can be added to create a kaleidoscopic effect that will make your water features stand out, day or night.

Rob concludes: “Offering a cost-effective alternative to large-scale aerators, the Fractional Series aerators are quick to install, easy to maintain and designed for long-term durability. They are also backed by our national network of contractors, dealers and installers, providing expert support and guidance whenever needed.”

For protecting ponds, creating scenic water features, or safeguarding the biodiversity of the site, the Otterbine Fractional Series is the smart, simple solution for cleaner, healthier water. Want to learn more? Call 01480 226800 to speak with an expert or visit reesink-hydroscapes.co.uk.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Headline speakers for Learning LIVE

July 18, 2025/in Education, News, Press Release/by Admin

Headline speakers for Learning LIVE: Following a record-breaking 2024 edition that delivered over 19 hours of expert-led content to more than 1,000 attendees, the UK’s largest free educational programme in grounds management returns to the NEC Birmingham on 12-13 November 2025.

This year’s programme promises real-world insights for grounds professionals and volunteers at every level. With CPD-accredited sessions, brand new cutting-edge topics and industry legends sharing their expertise, Learning LIVE is a must-attend feature of SALTEX 2025.

Headline speakers for Learning LIVE

The programme has been more precisely tailored than ever, with sessions designed to meet the genuine needs of groundspeople. In fact, many visitors cite Learning LIVE as a key reason for attending the show.

Meet the Headliners:

Alan Ferguson, FIFA Senior Pitch Management Manager, kicks off with a deep dive into ‘The preparation and delivery of FIFA 2026 World Cup’. With nearly 50 years of experience, having overseen 23 FIFA tournaments across all six confederations and more than 1,000 stadium games globally, Alan will share exclusive insights from pitch research at Tennessee and Michigan State Universities, plus a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s FIFA Club World Cup.

“I’m really looking forward to speaking at SALTEX and sharing some of the behind-the-scenes insights into the preparation and delivery of the FIFA 2026 World Cup,” said Alan.

“It’s a unique challenge working across three countries with different climates and pitch technologies, so I’ll be touching on everything from hybrid stitching innovations to learnings from recent tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup.

“Events like SALTEX are so important because they make high-quality, real-world education accessible to everyone in the industry – and that’s something I’m proud to support.”

Making his SALTEX debut, Graeme Beatt, Course Manager at Royal Portrush Golf Club, will deliver ‘Course success at the 153rd Open Championship’. Discover how Dunluce Links’ was prepared for this year’s Open Championship and the changes and challenges experienced since the event was last hosted at Royal Portrush six years ago.

Sustainability in Focus:

A standout panel tackles ‘Future-proofing turf management: Water resilience in a changing climate’, featuring:

Tony Hanson, Managing Director – Environmental Solutions International
Roger Davey, Managing Director – Irritech Limited
Mark Hunt, Technical Specialist – Prodata Weather Systems

Visitors can expect practical strategies on irrigation innovation, alternative water sources and weather-driven planning – all designed to help you build a resilient water strategy.

Funding for the Future:

Jack Matthews, Director of Programmes at the Football Foundation, shares the latest on multi-sport facility funding in ‘The Football Foundation’s multi-sport funding strategy’. From grassroots to national initiatives, Jack’s session is essential for community clubs and volunteers seeking funding to transform local sports facilities.

UEFA Insights & Hybrid Innovation:

A firm favourite at SALTEX, Lee Guerriero, Stadium Operations and Pitch Expert at UEFA, returns with ‘UEFA Champions League, Nations League final & Women’s EURO 2025 pitch preparations’. Lee, who manages UEFA’s pitch support programmes for major club and national competitions, has contributed to global events including the Olympics, FIFA World Cups and UEFA’s VAR and goal-line technology programmes.

He says: “I’ll be sharing insights from some of UEFA’s biggest recent events, including the Champions League and the upcoming Women’s EURO 2025. SALTEX is a brilliant platform for sharing that knowledge with the wider industry, and the fact that it’s freely accessible makes it even more valuable for those working hard behind the scenes.”

Finally, Neil Rodger, Principal Project Manager at STRI Group, rounds off the programme with ‘The pros and cons of different hybrid pitch surfaces’. Neil is an experienced consultant whose portfolio includes designing Saudi Arabia’s first turf horse racetrack and advising on elite football surfaces in the UK and internationally.

“SALTEX creates a rare space where grounds professionals can access top-class, free education, and I’m pleased to be part of a programme that supports learning across all levels of the industry,” says Neil.

“Hybrid pitches have come a long way in recent years, but understanding the differences is still a challenge for many clubs. I’ll be breaking down the pros and cons of each, with a practical focus on what’s right for different budgets and usage levels.”

SALTEX’s Learning LIVE is the largest dedicated learning programme in the grounds sector – and it’s completely free! Join us at the NEC, Birmingham, on 12-13 November 2025.

Register now and power up your skills with expert-led sessions that shape the future of grounds management. Everyone who has registered will be entered into a prize draw to win a Cramer Tools All Terrain Lawn Mower ATM53A, complete with charger and battery, worth £2,240!

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)

Doing more than a fraction of the job

Headline speakers for Learning LIVE

Doing more than a fraction of the job

Headline speakers for Learning LIVE

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Doing more than a fraction of the job

Doing more than a fraction of the job: Aerators play the central role in creating a balanced water management programme and Otterbine’s Fractional Series is now even more efficient and easy to use.

Headline speakers for Learning LIVE

Headline speakers for Learning LIVE: Following a record-breaking 2024 edition that delivered over 19 hours of expert-led content to more than 1,000 attendees, the UK’s largest free educational programme in grounds management returns to the NEC Birmingham on 12-13 November 2025.

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