Tag Archive for: Amenity

All signs point to Agrovista Amenity

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All signs point to Agrovista Amenity: From fertilisers to furniture, advice to analysis – Truro Golf Club claims that Agrovista Amenity is one of its most trusted suppliers.

Located in the Cornish countryside, this 18-hole, par 67 parkland course stretches a total of 5,372 yards. It is a tight course with surprising slopes which presents a challenging test for low handicap players and enjoyable golf for all.

All signs point to Agrovista Amenity

All signs point to Agrovista Amenity

Head Greenkeeper Dominic Gibbard, who oversees the greenkeeping team, is proud of Truro’s thriving membership and claims that two-way relationships with reputable suppliers, such as Agrovista Amenity, are essential.

“David Bevan, (Amenity Specialist for Agrovista Amenity) is one of my most trusted reps because I know he has been there and done it,” he said. “He’s worked on some very good golf courses around the UK and in Europe, and whenever I have a question or have any ideas, he is usually the first guy I talk to. He always gives me impartial advice and I respect this approach.”

Therefore, when Dominic thought that the time had come to upgrade Truro’s course signs, he enlisted the help of David.

“Course furniture is so important, because they offer nice, finishing touches around the course,” said Dominic. “Golfers notice things like signs and benches, so we have taken our time to really find the right product.”

Immediately David got in touch with British Manufacturing Solutions (BMS), which is a family run business specialising in professional golf course products, signage, flags and more. David arranged for some samples to be sent down to Truro Golf Club and Dominic opted for signs from BMS’ Noroko range

Unlike real wood, Noroko from BMS, never needs treatment or painting. Made from recycled plastic it is UV resistant so the authentic alternative wood-like look will remain for many years. Furthermore, Noroko is able to withstand any weather or temperature change.

“We’ve got a sign on each tee, and we’ve also got the matching tee markers,” said Dominic. “They are durable and really set the course off. We have had lots of great comments from the members.

“It is another integral product David has recommended.”

Dominic singled out four of these integral products for praise: E² PRO phosrite – a liquid fertiliser, Bullet Recharge – a sustainably sourced, zinc, manganese, copper and sulphur fertiliser recovered from recycled alkaline batteries; Humimax – a liquid humate product derived from a naturally occurring source and Biomass Sugar – a product which stimulates growth of both leaf and root.

“I normally use E² PRO phosrite and Bullett Recharge after my autumn maintenance and these would be applied monthly until the end of February. These two products have helped to harden the plant through winter and have significantly supressed disease which we have always been susceptible to. I like the fact that the Bullett Recharge is made from recycled batteries, which is environmentally friendly and is something we are trying to do more at Truro Golf Club.

“Our soil analysis results have shown a rise in some of the trace elements that these products have helped to introduce. These are making the plant stronger and healthier, and there is a very decent colour too.

“In the summer, we really like the Humimax and Biomass Sugar because they support my use of compost teas and biology,” continued Dominic. “These two products, which we apply from April through to September, are good building blocks that give the plant energy.

“From the Biomass Sugar and the Humimax we’ve seen better root development; better root mass and the plant is more resilient to drought. I see a real noticeable boost to the plant as soon as I start using these in the spring.

“The results prove these products are working on our site. It really is the full package we get from David and Agrovista Amenity.”

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

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Amenity Forum in collaboration with Defra

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Amenity Forum in collaboration with Defra: The Amenity Forum already offers a series of guidance notes and video material on integrated approaches to weed, pest and disease management and, in 2020, published an extensive document on the subject in relation to weed control, along with a template to help amenity organisations produce integrated plans.

Integrated approaches are long established in the sector but it is clear that, with the great emphasis being placed by government on this topic, it would be beneficial to further improve both access to and content of guidance to all operating in amenity and sports surface management. As such the Forum is in positive and collaborative dialogue with Defra as to how this can be achieved.

Amenity Forum in collaboration with Defra

Amenity Forum in collaboration with Defra

Defra published its Pollinator Action Plan recently and in it was the following reference to part of this work.

Work with stakeholders, including local authorities, to:

  1. support the development of guidance on the use of pesticides by amenity managers, including IPM and sustainable approaches for weed control which consider pollinators.
  2. explore ways to maximise uptake of IPM by amenity users

John Moverley, Independent Chairman of the Amenity Forum, said ‘’We have been in dialogue for some time with the Defra team about creating better access to guidance on integrated management. Whilst the publication of the much anticipated UK National Action Plan has been delayed, it is clear that the production of Integrated Plans will feature strongly. As such we welcome direct input into helping improve guidance. Integrated approaches involve creating plans for management making use of all tools available including pesticides  to provide the required outcome in a way which protects the environment and minimises carbon emissions’’

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Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

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Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries: The search is on to recognise the UK’s most professional sprayer operators in the turf and landscape amenity sector. The Amenity Forum’s Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year (ASOOTY) awards highlight best practice and experience in the challenging role of ensuring accurate application on all amenity surfaces.

Sponsored by Syngenta and ICL, in association with BASIS, the awards seek to share top tips and advice that will raise the standards of spray application across the amenity industry.

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

The winner is presented at the prestigious BIGGA Awards ceremony at BTME, along with a prize of a weekend break for two at a luxury hotel of choice. Two runners-up receive £100 Machine Mart vouchers.

Announcing the opening of the ASOOTY 2022 awards, Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes, said: “Sprayer operation is a key factor in the success of every application, including elements of nozzle choice, water volume and fine tuning the sprayer to more effectively hit the intended target.

“However, for the best possible results, today’s professional sprayer operators must also fully understand the wider aspects of why an application is being made, and what other elements they can also employ for better long-term management of potential problems.”

This year the entry process aims to test sprayer operators’ broader knowledge of issues and solutions faced across the amenity sector. Barry Browne, ICL Landscape & Industrial Sales Manager, explained entrants are not expected to know the answers to all the questions, but will help the judging panel to assess an individual’s experience and approach to dealing with challenges.

“The entry process itself will stimulate thought and understanding of the issues around application, including the need to create integrated solutions using a full range of tools and tactics. We’re looking to find operators that can make those important proactive decisions with every application.”

All entrants will be invited to attend an on-line session to review the entry form with judges and to share and learn from the experiences of others.

Professor John Moverley of the Amenity Forum highlighted the ASOOTY awards exemplified the organisation’s objective to promote best practice across the sector.

“It seeks to do this by advocating a fully integrated approach to weed, pest and disease management, tailoring solutions to meet specific situations and making use of the appropriate approved chemical and non-chemical techniques, to produce the most effective and efficient outcome – whilst seeking to create safe and healthy amenity spaces.

“The Amenity Forum has taken the lead in a major step forward in highlighting the importance of amenity management and the need to use professionally approved operators in any public space.”

Enter the ASOOTY 2022 awards here

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Two new Agrovista Amenity Apprentices

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Two new Agrovista Amenity Apprentices: Agrovista Amenity has announced the appointment of two new apprentices – Sophie Allen and William Gray.

Sophie joins the company as a Trainee Business Support Administrator and will be working towards an NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration. As a keen cricketer and a volunteer groundsperson at her local cricket club, Sophie was already aware of Agrovista before applying for the position.

Two new Agrovista Amenity Apprentices

Two new Agrovista Amenity Apprentices

“Whether it is rolling, marking, spiking or renovating, I really enjoy preparing the cricket pitches and maintaining them so that they are ready for our teams to play on,” she said. “This work has provided me with a lot of knowledge about the company because we get all our products from Agrovista Amenity.

“This is a fantastic opportunity and I’m really looking forward to starting a brand-new career which will hopefully be long-lasting.”

When Sophie is not at her cricket club, she likes to keep active and go on long walks with her ‘crazy’ puppy.

William is the newest addition to the sales team and is three weeks into his apprenticeship. He joins the company with a great knowledge in IT and communications, which he gained through education and various work experience. In his spare time William is a keen swimmer and a fan of history, who enjoys visiting ruins and museums.

Commenting on his new role, William said: “I get the impression that Agrovista is very up to date and progressive with the market it operates in and covers a wide range of products where I could gain new and interesting knowledge. I am also thrilled to learn about commercial exporting as I find it very interesting in how goods are transported in and out of the UK.

“I am looking forward to being able to assist my team and increase productivity. My new team is a big factor and have been excellent at making me feel welcome – so a big thank you to them.”

Dan Hughes, Head of Commercial for Agrovista Amenity, revealed his delight at welcoming Sophie and William to the team.

“As an employer, nothing is more rewarding than providing young, talented, and ambitious people an exciting career opportunity.

“With amenity being such a niche sector, both Sophie and William have the opportunity to harness specialist skills and knowledge for a successful career. We are fortunate to have a team and organisational culture that prides itself on helping, knowledge sharing and progressing committed team members and that is vital to our ethos and business success.”

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

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

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JMG Amenity wins top spraying award

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JMG Amenity wins top spraying award: Jason Garlick of JMG Amenity has won the prestigious overall title of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year (ASOY). The Award was presented by TV personality Naga Munchetty and Amenity Forum Chairman, Professor John Moverley, at a BTME ceremony in Harrogate last week (22 March).  

The Leicestershire-based JMG Amenity provides turf care and weed solutions across the east midlands and had previously won the ASOY category for sports turf application.

JMG Amenity wins top spraying award

JMG Amenity wins top spraying award

“Winning Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year is a testament to the commitment and professionalism of all the team involved,” said Jason.

“Protecting the environment, our operators, customers and the public is the highest priority for our business,” he emphasised. “That is why we place strong emphasis on maintaining the highest possible standards and use only the most up to date equipment.

“It ensures minimal impact on the environment and assures the desired high levels of customer satisfaction.”

Quality is paramount at JMG Amenity. All personnel are fully trained and qualified in the correct handling and application of chemicals with all the equipment used.

The business offers agronomy and application services for public and private sector, including golf and all sports venues, leisure facilities, local government, utilities, schools, universities, industrial areas, forestry and other areas requiring vegetation management.

Winners of the ASOY category for Landscape & Industrial applications and overall runners-up in the industry-leading awards were Bournemouth-based Southern Horticulture, with the prize accepted by director, Tony Robinson.

The business specialises provides integrated solutions to invasive weed control and grounds maintenance for a wide range of customers. Protecting the ecology of landscapes during a treatment programme is an important element, advocates Tony.

“In most instances we can actually positively enhance the ecological value of a landscape, whilst still fully completing the original control objectives of customers.

“Winning an ASOY award for the second consecutive year highlights our continual commitment to operating in a safe and sustainable way, for the business, the environment and our customers,” he added.

Sothern Horticulture is also an approved instructor and assessor for LANTRA training for land-based industries.

The Amenity Sprayer of the Year awards are organised by the Amenity Forum, sponsored by ICL and Syngenta and supported by BASIS.

It recognises and rewards top sprayer operators across the amenity industry. It aims to raise standards, by identifying the best practice of individuals to enhance results – and share their experiences across the industry.

The ASOY awards now reflect the importance of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to any issue involving turf and landscape maintenance. “Knowing when not to spray is in many ways as important as the techniques to actually make an application,” advised Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes.

“The skills of sprayer operators to make efficient, effective and above all safe applications is essential for the future sustainability of the amenity and turf care industry. ASOY awards are a welcome way to recognise and reward the leading individuals and to learn from their experience.”

ICL Landscape & Industrial Manager, Barry Browne, added: “We are delighted to support such an important cross-sector industry initiative with a continued commitment to raise standards and improve results.

“Importantly it has identified and recognised the range of spray application techniques and the differing skills involved across the amenity sector. It will provide a unique and vitally important resource for all involved in spray application.”

Entries for ASOY 2022 will open soon. Look out on the Amenity Forum website for more details and entry form for your chance to win.

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

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