Tag Archive for: Amenity

Robotic Innovation with Agrovista Amenity and XDC

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Robotic Innovation with Agrovista Amenity and XDC: GroundsFest 2025 visitors can expect a glimpse into the future of turf maintenance on stands RB380 and RB381, as Agrovista Amenity and XDC showcases two of the most advanced robotic solutions on the market – the RM21 Combo Mower and the Thor Robotic Mower.

The RM21 Combo Mower, distributed exclusively by Agrovista Amenity in partnership with XDC, is a true multi-tasking marvel. Combining precision line marking and mowing in one fully autonomous unit, the RM21 stands out for its ease of use, versatility, and forward-thinking features. From training grids to bespoke pitch plans, users can map out and control tasks via an intuitive tablet interface or mobile app, while optional attachments such as a dew brush, or grass collector extend its functionality across a wide range of turf environments.

Robotic Innovation with Agrovista Amenity and XDC

Robotic Innovation with Agrovista Amenity and XDC

A large-capacity battery and 25L paint container enable multiple jobs to be completed back-to-back, with centimetre-level accuracy, smart path planning, and 360° LiDAR object detection ensuring safe, efficient performance – even under trees or around obstacles.

Also on display will be Thor – a powerhouse robotic mower engineered for sports turf, golf courses, and large-scale green spaces. With a 730mm cutting width and the ability to tackle up to 9 acres per day, Thor brings together AI vision, dual-RTK GNSS, and LiDAR to deliver elite-level performance and total reliability. Its cloud-based fleet management system allows multiple units to be coordinated remotely, with real-time insights and reporting to streamline team productivity and performance.

From automated graphics marking to data-driven maintenance planning, these robots are designed to transform how turf professionals operate.

See both the RM21 and Thor in action at Stands RB380 and RB381 – and discover how robotics can help you do more, with less.

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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Agrovista Amenity Announces DJ Turfcare Agreement

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Agrovista Amenity Announces DJ Turfcare Agreement: Agrovista Amenity has reached an agreement with DJ Turfcare that will see it become the exclusive distributor for the Viano range of organic fertilisers and lawn care products throughout the UK (excluding Northern Ireland), effective from 21 July 2025.

The agreement signals an exciting development for Agrovista Amenity as it strengthens its offering to both the professional and retail markets. Best known for the hugely popular MO Bacter organic-based fertiliser, the Viano brand is RHS-endorsed and well-established in the UK, with a loyal customer base.

Agrovista Amenity Announces DJ Turfcare Agreement

Agrovista Amenity Announces DJ Turfcare Agreement

“This agreement further demonstrates our commitment to the development and expansion of Agrovista Amenity,” said Dan Hughes, Head of Commercial at Agrovista Amenity. “Viano is a long-standing, respected brand with an extensive customer base, and we’re proud to be taking on the responsibility of representing it across the UK. David Jenkins (Managing Director – DJ Turfcare), Barbara Jarman and the team at DJ Turfcare have done an exceptional job in growing the Viano brand over many years, and we look forward to continuing that journey.”

As part of the agreement, Agrovista will work to supply the existing UK distribution network and ensure continuity. A dedicated internal team will support the transition and ongoing development of this part of the business.

David Jenkins will also be working closely with Agrovista Amenity as a consultant to ensure a smooth handover and continued high levels of service and support to customers.

David would like to thank all suppliers and customers who have shown such loyalty to Viano products over the past 25 years. He is delighted that Agrovista has agreed to continue marketing and supplying the Viano range in the UK. Confident that demand will keep growing, David believes the public’s increasing awareness of the nourishing and ecological benefits of organic and organic-based fertilisers will drive future success. He extends his best wishes to both Agrovista and Viano for the next chapter.

Dan added: “We’re delighted that David will be working with an experienced and skilled member of our team, Jack Fishman, to support a seamless transition and help manage the existing Viano customer base. The further expansion of our organic and organo-mineral portfolio of products is testament to our focus on finding market leading sustainable solutions and technologies for amenity situations.”

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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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 sports turf, amenity and landscape management industries.

The 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.

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

The Amenity Forum competition, supported by ICL and Syngenta, seeks to share guidance and advice that will raise the standards of spray application across the amenity industry.

You could be a lawncare professional in Essex, working on a golf course from Glasgow to Perranporth, treating roadsides or railways in York, or spraying grounds in Cardiff – all are welcome to apply

The Awards’ finalists will be announced at the Amenity Forum Conference in October, with the overall winner presented at the prestigious BIGGA Awards ceremony at BTME in January 2026.

Amenity businesses and sports turf managers are urged to actively encourage their sprayer operators to enter the awards this year.

All ASOOTY applicants will also be entered into a competition to win one of five Syngenta Sprayer Calibration & Application Kits.

Along with assessing operators’ skills of spray application and use of products, the ASOOTY judging panel also now incorporate the importance of an integrated turf management (ITM) approach to any issues involving turf and landscape maintenance.

Announcing the opening of the ASOOTY 2025 Awards, Amenity Forum Chairman, Ian Graham, announced: “This competition seeks to highlight the remarkable talent that exists within our sector, and I encourage as many spray operators as possible to engage with the process.

“Our industry has many highly skilled spray operators working within it, using a diverse range of products accurately applied through a huge range of complex application equipment. Past winners have ably demonstrated the professional approach to meeting  these challenges.”

Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes, highlighted: “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.

“The ASOOTY awards are a welcome way to recognise and reward the leading individuals and to learn from their experience,” he says.

Last year’s winner, Peter Pattenden, professional spray technician at Carden Park Golf Resort in, Cheshire encourages all sprayer operators to get involved and enter the ASOOTY Awards. Even at a relatively young age, his understanding of the spraying process and exemplary commitment to achieving consistent accuracy was evident.

ICL Landscape & Industrial Business Manager, Lewis Blois, 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 provides a unique and vitally important resource for all involved in spray application across the amenity sector,” he points out.

The entry process aims to test sprayer operators’ broader knowledge of issues and solutions faced across the amenity sector through an initial on-line question form, including questions to assess an individual’s experience and approach to dealing with challenges.

It’s seeking to find operators that can make those important proactive decisions with every application

Entries to the ASOOTY Awards 2025 closes on Friday 12 September. The on-line entry form is available at:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DB9LCNS

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

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Agrovista Amenity an approved distributor of Lanzarta

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Agrovista Amenity an approved distributor of Lanzarta: Agrovista Amenity is pleased to announce its appointment as an approved distributor of Lanzarta, the newly authorised solution for controlling Hylobius abietis (large pine weevil) in Sitka spruce and other pine woodland.

The recent Emergency Authorisation (EA) for Lanzarta, manufactured by Syngenta, marks a significant milestone for the UK forestry sector, enabling forestry managers to safeguard newly planted and naturally regenerating saplings from the damaging effects of Hylobius weevil. The authorisation, secured by Confor (Confederation of Forest Industries) on behalf of the industry, permits the sale of Lanzarta between 15 April and 13 August 2025.

Agrovista Amenity an approved distributor of Lanzarta

Agrovista Amenity an approved distributor of Lanzarta

Application is allowed once per season within forest settings between 15 April and 30 September, using a knapsack sprayer for targeted treatment of young trees.

Containing the active ingredient chlorantraniliprole, Lanzarta offers an effective and environmentally responsible solution to the growing Hylobius problem. Its advanced SC liquid formulation binds quickly and securely to tree bark, preventing wash-off and ensuring long-lasting protection against feeding pests. By protecting young trees through the crucial early years, Lanzarta helps reduce restocking costs, ensures more consistent woodland establishment, and allows natural pest populations to diminish over time.

“Hylobius weevils pose a significant threat to young woodland, and the approval of Lanzarta is a major step forward in ensuring effective protection,” says Ed Smith, Landscape & IVM Manager at Agrovista Amenity. “With its long-lasting binding properties and ease of application, this product will be an invaluable tool for forestry managers looking to safeguard their investment and promote sustainable woodland growth.”

Sitka spruce, the dominant conifer species in UK forestry, is particularly susceptible to Hylobius feeding damage. Approximately 35 million Sitka saplings are planted annually, making up around 50% of the country’s £2bn forestry trade. The lack of effective treatment options in recent years has left reforestation efforts vulnerable to severe losses, highlighting the importance of Lanzarta’s introduction.

Incorporating Lanzarta into an integrated pest management approach—alongside cultural control measures such as extended fallow periods, ground cover management, and habitat manipulation—can further enhance protection against Hylobius weevils.

Agrovista Amenity will be distributing the product nationwide to support forestry professionals in protecting young trees and promoting woodland establishment.

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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Origin Amenity Solutions Strengthens Sales Team

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Origin Amenity Solutions Strengthens Sales Team: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) is pleased to formally announce Craig Lalley’s appointment as Key Account Manager and Aggregate Lead. Craig joined OAS in September 2024 and has worked closely with customers and partners to enhance the company’s offering in the sand and aggregate supply chain.

Origin Amenity Solutions is a leading provider of innovative and sustainable solutions for the sports turf, golf, and amenity sectors.   Specialising in protecting, managing, and sustaining turf and grassed surfaces, OAS supports grounds professionals and turf managers in achieving optimal surface performance.

Origin Amenity Solutions Strengthens Sales Team

Origin Amenity Solutions Strengthens Sales Team

With 27 years of experience in the Amenity Sports Turf sector, Craig is BASIS and FACTS qualified and has extensive knowledge of the aggregate industry, making him a key addition to the OAS team.

In his role, Craig is focused on developing relationships with aggregate companies and key partners across the UK. He will also provide specialist technical advice and support to OAS’s key accounts, helping to drive growth within the Northern Sales Team.

Phil Dewhurst, Regional Sales Director (North), commented, “It is a pleasure to welcome Craig to OAS and I am delighted that he has strengthened the Northern Sales Team with his appointment.  His wealth of knowledge and experience in the sports turf industry makes him a fantastic asset to the business. As a Key Account Manager, Craig works closely with customers while providing support to the wider OAS sales team through his expertise and strong connections in the sand and aggregate sector. A task that I am sure he relishes!  Craig is thriving in this new role and making a real impact.”

Craig Lalley added, “The opportunity to join one of the industry’s leading companies in a new hybrid role was too good to turn down. I feel OAS is at the start of an exciting new chapter, and I’m happy to be given the chance to be a part of their future.”

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

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