Tag Archive for: Amenity

Agrovista Amenity Supports Eco-Friendly Roadside Restoration

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Agrovista Amenity Supports Eco-Friendly Roadside Restoration: Agrovista Amenity has played a pivotal role in one of the UK’s most sustainable highway planting projects, by supplying biodegradable alternatives for a large-scale landscaping effort led by Leicester City Council. The project, commissioned by Leicestershire County Council Highways, involved planting over 8,000 trees along a newly widened road, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and plastic-free solutions.

The project, led by Tony Mason, Trees and Woodlands Officer at Leicester City Council, ran from January to March this year. It focused on restoring and stabilising the roadside with native plants while reducing the environmental impact of such large-scale work.

Sustainable Solutions with Agrovista Amenity’s Expertise

Agrovista Amenity provided a comprehensive package of sustainable products, including Tree Hugger guards, jute mulch mats, bamboo pegs, and locally sourced whips. These materials were carefully chosen to align with the project’s environmental goals, particularly the commitment to avoiding plastic.

Ed Smith, Landscape and IVM Manager at Agrovista Amenity, explained the motivation behind using biodegradable alternatives: “When Tony approached me about the project and we discussed using biodegradable options, it just made sense. It’s counterproductive to make a positive environmental impact by planting trees and shrubs, only to spoil it with plastic shelters that eventually become unsightly and a disposal burden. Tree Hugger guards, for instance, offer a long-term, cost-effective solution without the need for removal, and they blend seamlessly into the natural landscape.”

The Tree Hugger guards, made from organic cotton substrate coated in FSC-certified pine rosin, are fully biodegradable and designed to last a minimum of five years. Manufactured in Accrington by BMP Tree Hugger, a company with over a century of experience in cotton processing, these guards not only protect young trees from browsing animals but also promote healthy growth. “The cotton material is breathable, reducing the ‘greenhouse effect’ associated with plastic, which can stress the plant,” Ed added.

In addition to the guards, biodegradable jute mulch mats were used for weed suppression, anchored with bamboo pegs. This approach eliminated the need for chemical weed control, further reducing the environmental impact. “We talk about environmental sustainability, and this project is a perfect example of what that looks like in practice. By preventing future problems, such as the costly removal of plastic guards, we’re ensuring that this is likely the most sustainable highway planting job conducted in the UK,” Ed said.

A Significant Environmental Impact

The decision to go plastic-free has had a considerable positive effect on the environment. By opting for biodegradable materials, the project has prevented approximately 700kg of plastic from being introduced into the environment—the equivalent of around 35,000 plastic bottles (330ml). This achievement underlines the importance of sustainable practices in large-scale landscaping projects.

Challenges and Successes

Tony Mason, reflecting on the project, said, “The roadwork alterations were completed two years ago, but the landscape scheme wasn’t finished. When we took on the project, we needed a reliable supplier who could provide everything we required, and Agrovista Amenity was able to meet all our needs. Their products arrived on time and in excellent condition, allowing us to start the planting work in mid-January. Given the scale of the project, working on 60-70 mph roads was a new challenge for our team, but with the right training, we completed the work by early March, and the client was really pleased with the results.”

Despite the scale and complexity of the project, the Leicester City Council team managed to keep the environmental impact low by minimising travel and conducting all planting work manually using wheelbarrows.

This project sets a benchmark for sustainable practices in highway landscaping, demonstrating that with the right approach and materials, significant environmental benefits can be achieved without compromising on quality or effectiveness.

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

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Finalists of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year Award

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Finalists of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year Award: Congratulations to the brilliant finalists of the Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year Award, announced at this year’s Amenity Forum Conference in October.

Selected from the biggest ever entry to the prestigious competition to find the UK’s best sprayer operators across the industry, the finalists through to the next round of judging are:

Finalists of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year Award

Finalists of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year Award

The Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year (ASOOTY) Award is organised by the Amenity Forum, with the support and sponsorship of ICL and Syngenta.

Announcing the finalists, Ian Graham, Amenity Forum Chairman said: “Being named a finalist is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and expertise in amenity spraying.”

He also commended all the entrants to the Awards for their hard work and dedication to the amenity industry, which does not go unnoticed. “We would like to extend our sincerest thanks for your participation.

“We strongly encourage you to apply again next year, as each entry helps to raise the standards and recognise the excellence in our industry.”

The next stage of the competition will involve individual interviews for the finalists with the judging panel. The overall winner will be announced at the BIGGA Industry Awards during the BTME event in Harrogate in January 2025.

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Origin Amenity Solutions Sponsors Wales in Bloom

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Origin Amenity Solutions Sponsors Wales in Bloom: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) is proud to announce its sponsorship of the City Category Award at the prestigious Wales in Bloom 2024 Award Ceremony, an event dedicated to celebrating bloom group’s achievements across Wales.

Wales in Bloom is a national element of the RHS Britain in Bloom Competition, working in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) to promote environmental stewardship and community engagement through gardening projects whilst supporting and enhancing their local communities, parks, and green spaces.

Origin Amenity Solutions Sponsors Wales in Bloom

Origin Amenity Solutions Sponsors Wales in Bloom

A voluntary organisation, Wales in Bloom, plays a crucial role in encouraging communities to take pride in their surroundings. By supporting the RHS “It’s Your Neighbourhood” campaign, which this year attracted 130 entries from across Wales, Wales in Bloom reinforces its mission to “Help Communities Grow” by inspiring voluntary efforts to improve local environments.

OAS is honoured to support such an important initiative, recognising the significant impact that Wales in Bloom has in fostering community spirit and enhancing the natural environment. The City Category Award, sponsored by OAS, was presented at the Wales in Bloom Annual Award Ceremony 2024, held in Abergavenny on Friday, 13th September. The ceremony was hosted by Abergavenny in Bloom, and OAS co-presented the award alongside Peter Barton-Price, Chairman of Wales in Bloom.

Peter Barton-Price, expressed his gratitude for the support of OAS, stating, “We are delighted that Origin Amenity Solutions sponsored the Wales in Bloom Main City Category Award this year.  Their commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement aligns perfectly with our mission. The support of companies like OAS is invaluable in helping us achieve our goals.”

OAS also supplies Euroflor Flower seed mixes, which have been incorporated into numerous neighbourhood schemes throughout Wales, creating colourful and visually appealing green spaces and promoting biodiversity. This collaboration with Wales in Bloom reflects OAS’s dedication to supporting initiatives that enrich local communities and contribute to the overall well-being of the environment.

Wales in Bloom continues to work in partnership with the RHS, voluntary sectors, bloom and environmental groups, the tourism sector along with industries such as Transport for Wales to promote sustainable practices and community involvement. The City Category Award, sponsored by OAS recognises the outstanding efforts of cities across Wales and highlights the importance of collective action in creating vibrant, biodiverse, and sustainable communities.

For more information on Wales in Bloom and how your group could get involved email campaign@walesinbloom.org for further details.

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Agrovista Amenity Partners with Worcestershire FA

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Agrovista Amenity Partners with Worcestershire FA: Agrovista Amenity is proud to announce a new 12-month partnership with Worcestershire Football Association (FA) aimed at supporting the grassroots football community by providing comprehensive grass pitch care solutions.

As a recommended provider for all Worcestershire FA clubs and organisations, Agrovista Amenity will deliver a range of services designed to improve grass pitch care and maintenance. This includes detailed soil agronomy work, which involves testing soil content in Agrovista’s state-of-the-art laboratory. Based on these insights, tailored pitch care packages will be recommended to optimise turf health and pitch presentation.

Agrovista Amenity Partners with Worcestershire FA

Agrovista Amenity Partners with Worcestershire FA

Agrovista Amenity offers a wide array of expertise and products, including fertilisers, grass seed, and soil agronomy services. These resources are designed to address the unique needs of each pitch, ensuring that every club benefits from superior playing surfaces.

Jack Handsaker, the Lead Football Development Officer for Facilities and Partnerships at Worcestershire FA, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “I am delighted to work with Agrovista to further enhance our offering to improve Worcestershire’s grass pitches. Our clubs and organisations will benefit from the great products and services offered this season.”

Dan Hughes, Head of Commercial for Agrovista Amenity, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “Partnering with Worcestershire FA perfectly complements our #ForOurSports campaign, reflecting our dedication to supporting our customers at every stage. This collaboration is focused on improving football pitch standards throughout the county, ensuring clubs have access to top-quality agronomic advice and products for their players and communities.”

Worcestershire FA’s Chief Operating Officer, Ollie Williams, emphasised the strategic importance of partnering with local companies: “We want to work with Worcestershire companies to support Worcestershire football. This is a key part of our new 4-year strategy for 2024-28, and we would love to hear from organisations who can contribute to the growth and development of local football.”

Through this partnership, Agrovista Amenity and Worcestershire FA are committed to driving the growth of grassroots football by ensuring that clubs have the resources and support they need to maintain outstanding playing surfaces.

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

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Origin Amenity Solutions Launches Weather Station

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Origin Amenity Solutions Launches Weather Station: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) is proud to announce the launch of the OAS Weather Station, offering reliable weather data on-the-go for turf professionals.

This compact, wireless cellular device is designed to aid turf management decisions. With its smart dashboard app, the OAS Weather Station delivers comprehensive weather data straight to a mobile device

Origin Amenity Solutions Launches Weather Station

Origin Amenity Solutions Launches Weather Station

The OAS Weather Station is a game-changer for those in the turf management industry. Its seamless connection to a smart dashboard app on mobile devices provides users with access to historical records, real-time conditions, and weather predictions from anywhere. Offering real-time data collection, the combination of sensor parameters will help turf managers plan, co-ordinate and make informed decisions for all their turf management jobs

Real-time Conditions: The OAS Weather Station provides real-time weather data, showing users how conditions are changing moment by moment. This enables the flexible and quick alteration of turf management plans, ensuring unpredictable weather conditions are handled with agility and precision.

Soil Probe Data: With the ability to monitor soil conditions, the OAS Weather Station offers insights into what is happening beneath the surface of the turf. This information is crucial for guiding turf management practices, helping users to understand the soil moisture and temperature levels to make more informed decisions.

Spraying Window and Conditions: Gain an in-depth insight into current and upcoming spraying conditions. The OAS Weather Station helps determine the best time to spray turf, ensuring optimal results and reducing the risk of ineffective applications due to adverse weather.

8-Day Forecast: The advanced 8-day forecast module enables turf managers to plan ahead, saving time and allowing for the strategic allocation of resources. This foresight helps in scheduling turf maintenance activities in accordance with upcoming weather patterns.

Historical Weather Data: Access to historical weather data enables turf managers to analyse past conditions and make more informed future predictions.  This feature aids in understanding trends and patterns, further enhancing turf management strategies.

Comprehensive support: To ensure the seamless operation of the OAS Weather Station, OAS offers a service contract that includes daily status checks, 2 maintenance visits per year, and the pledge to remedy faults within 5 working days.

The base model of the OAS Weather Station comes equipped with a suite of comprehensive essential sensors, which include, Temperature, Relative Humidity, Wind Speed, Wind Direction, Global Radiation (Solar Radiation), Barometric Pressure, and Rain Gauge. For those turf managers who require enhanced monitoring, optional sensors are available that monitor the temperature/relative humidity at ground level, the leaf wetness at ground level, and the soil moisture/temperature.

For more information or to arrange a free, no-obligation demonstration, call Angus Finlayson on 07917 250226 or email at angus.finlayson@originamenity.com.

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