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Hunter Irrigation Makes an Instant Impact

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Hunter Irrigation Makes an Instant Impact: Keith Porter, Grounds Manager at Leigh Sports Village in Greater Manchester, is celebrating his 18th year at the helm of one of the UK’s fastest-developing sporting venues – and with the installation of a new Hunter irrigation system supplied and supported by KAR UK, he’s now seeing the benefits of precision technology across every blade of grass.

The new system has delivered a game-changing level of control and consistency for Keith and his dedicated six-person grounds team. Installed by Irrigation Control as part of a major hybrid pitch redevelopment in June last year, the Hunter system includes GT-885 and I-80-ON sprinklers designed to deliver performance, reliability, total top serviceability, and full even coverage of the pitch. It is combined with the ACC2 controller and Centralus software.

Hunter Irrigation Makes an Instant Impact

Hunter Irrigation Makes an Instant Impact

“We’d seen the technology at the BTME event in Harrogate and knew it was a step up,” says Keith. “You can access the heads without digging up the pitch – which is massive on a hybrid surface – and the throw from the heads is brilliant. With the I-80s, even the central sprinklers reach right out to the touchline. We’ve now got 100% coverage, and that makes a huge difference.”

Previously, uneven watering created inconsistency in turf condition, with areas occasionally drying out and underperforming. The new system has eradicated that issue.

“With the old irrigation system, it was hit and miss – now it’s perfectly even. No dry patches, no burning off. It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about performance and safety too. Even in windy conditions, the whole playing surface is getting what it needs. It’s transformed our matchday prep.”

Leigh Sports Village – home to rugby league club Leigh Leopards and Manchester United’s Women’s and Development teams – has experienced a steady rise in profile and popularity, with regular games, training sessions, and even film shoots becoming part of the busy schedule.

The small team manage far more than just the stadium pitch – the entire site includes additional grass and synthetic pitches, a leisure centre, hotel, supermarket, and even a college campus. Despite the workload, Keith credits the investment in technology and ongoing support as vital to keeping up with demand.

“We’re left to manage things ourselves, and we’ve always had the backing when we’ve made a case for investment,” he explains. “The irrigation system was another example of the council trusting us to choose the right tools for the job.”

Control and ease of use have also proven key benefits. With Hunter’s Centralus control system, the team can operate the irrigation from anywhere – even at home – via smartphone, handheld remote, or laptop.

“It’s really simple. Any of the lads can pick it up and use it,” Keith adds. “You can run individual heads or sections for spot treatments or liquid feeding. You’re not restricted to a one-size-fits-all cycle – it’s totally flexible. That saves water, time, and effort.”

Hunter Irrigation Makes an Instant Impact

Hunter Irrigation Makes an Instant Impact

KAR UK, the UK’s leading supplier of Hunter irrigation equipment, played a key role throughout the project. Their technical support and advice proved instrumental in the system’s successful integration.

“Lee Williams from KAR UK has been great,” says Keith. “He was involved right from the start and has always been on the end of the phone. Any advice we needed, he was there. It’s been a smooth process.”

With the stadium pitch now fully covered and performing better than ever, Keith is already looking at future upgrades. “Our external pitches are older systems, but as heads start to go, we’ll be replacing them with Hunter – it’s the way forward.”

As Leigh Sports Village continues its impressive rise, Keith’s team – and their irrigation – are keeping pace.

“With the Hunter system in place, we’ve got confidence in the coverage. It’s made a big difference,” Keith concludes.

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on X and Instagram @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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GreenTek an exclusive distributor for Sweep-N-Fill brush

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GreenTek an exclusive distributor for Sweep-N-Fill brush: GreenTek Solutions Ltd is proud to announce its appointment as the Exclusive UK Distributor for the highly regarded Sweep-N-Fill Mk3 topdressing brush. The product will be available for demonstration and purchase through GreenTek’s national network of Key Dealers.

Designed with input from leading turf professionals and refined over years of development, the Sweep-N-Fill Mk3 has become the gold standard in efficient, high-performance topdressing. Its hallmark feature—two soft, flexible contra-rotating brushes driven directly by ground wheels—delivers consistent results at any operating speed. This unique design enables greenkeepers to fill core holes in fewer passes, using significantly less sand, while producing a smooth, even surface that’s ready for play.

GreenTek an exclusive distributor for Sweep-N-Fill brush

GreenTek an exclusive distributor for Sweep-N-Fill brush

“This is a product that directly solves the practical needs of turf professionals,” said Jeff Anguige, Business Development Director at GreenTek. “With budgets tight and expectations high, the Sweep-N-Fill Mk3 provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for quickly reinstating greens after aeration and topdressing.”

The Sweep-N-Fill’s two contra-rotating brushes floating independently, allowing it to follow undulations across greens, tees, and approaches. The electric lift ram and adjustable tow hitch allow compatibility with a wide range of lightweight power units, from utility vehicles to greensmowers and bunker rakes—offering unmatched versatility and manoeuvrability.

Beyond topdressing, the Sweep-N-Fill also grooms turf, removing grain, lifting lateral shoots, and encouraging healthier, more upright growth. These grooming benefits promote a faster, truer ball roll—the key characteristics of elite-level playing conditions.

Jeff Anguige added, “We’re excited that this top product is now available again to golf courses throughout the UK and Ireland. Whether it’s cleaning up aerified greens, brushing in heavy dressings, or improving surface consistency, Sweep-N-Fill Mk3 delivers on every level. It’s a fantastic addition to our portfolio.”

Other key features include a vertical storage stand to save space in machinery sheds, and the ability to fill divots on tees and range areas just as effectively as on greens. Built for professionals who demand the highest performance, the Sweep-N-Fill Mk3 sets the benchmark in topdressing equipment.

For more information or to book a demonstration, contact your local GreenTek Key Dealer or visit www.greentek.uk.com.

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Win an unforgettable day at Edgbaston

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Win an unforgettable day at Edgbaston: Join Gary and his expert team on Monday June 30th 2025 as they prepare the Edgbaston playing surfaces for the highly anticipated England vs. India Test Match in this competition with Dennis Mowers.

The prize winner and guest are required to provide their own transportation to and from Edgbaston Stadium. Accommodation will be provided to the prize winner and guest on Sunday June 29th 2025, the evening before the ‘Money Can’t Buy’ experience, to remove on-the-day travel disruption as a risk to enjoyment of the prize.

Win an unforgettable day at Edgbaston

Win an unforgettable day at Edgbaston

The winner and guest will receive a tour of the facilities and overview of operations before assisting the grounds teams to prepare for a Test Match; including but not limited to prepping the nets, working on the outfield and pitch inspections. Throughout the day the winner and guest will have opportunities to shadow and work with the Edgbaston grounds teams and gain insights into all aspects of their work.

You can enter the competition here

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Join the horticultural community for an afternoon of fun and fundraising

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Join the horticultural community for an afternoon of fun and fundraising: Perennial is once again bringing the horticultural community together to celebrate our supporter’s efforts and to ask you all to dig deep to raise vital funds for your industry charity.

From arborists, foresters and tree surgeons to gardeners, growers, landscapers, garden centre employees and nursery staff to greenkeepers and grounds staff the aim is to raise funds to support you and your family’s future.

Join the horticultural community for an afternoon of fun and fundraising

Join the horticultural community for an afternoon of fun and fundraising

With one million people working in or retired from horticulture across the UK, Perennial’s services are in considerable demand. The shared goal at this event is for everyone to raise essential funds so Perennial’s services can continue to provide a lifeline to those who dedicated their lives to growing and caring for the green spaces that enrich our lives.

Whether you’ve already held your own fundraising activity, or you are planning to this year, we encourage you to celebrate your efforts and network together with other like-minded supporters at Perennial’s fundraising lunch.

Join colleagues, fundraisers and supporters and feel proud of your good deeds on Friday 10 October from midday to 4:30pm (…feel free to cheer yourselves on into the evening!) at The Cumberland, London. The ticket price of £145 per person includes a glass of “cheers to you” fizz on arrival and a celebratory three-course meal with wine, plus a heartfelt “thank you” from Perennial President Alan Titchmarsh CBE VMH.

This year’s event will be hosted by award-winning garden designer and TV gardener Manoj Malde, who will be joined by professional gardener and radio personality, guest speaker, Matthew Biggs. We will once again be celebrating the efforts of those who have gone above and beyond for Perennial with our Silver Shovel Spotlight Awards and of course asking you to dig deep during the envelope raffle and in our live auction led by The Charity Auctioneer, Mark Head. This year’s auction includes some old favourites and exciting new lots such as a day’s consultancy with horticultural business consultant Neville Stein, an Exclusive Hotel Group package, a Wembley Stadium Hospitality package and many more. The Plantman & Co. are supporting the event once again by supplying fabulous floral table centrepieces.

Jamie Gault, Perennial’s Chief Executive comments: “Every year, our supporters dig deep, taking on challenges, hosting events, opening their gardens and much more to raise funds. People should feel so proud of their fundraising efforts which help Perennial deliver our vision to build better futures for people in horticulture and their families. Our fundraising lunch and awards recognise all their wholehearted contributions and commitments and keeps up the momentum by raising even more funds. Let’s come together as a community for this fundraising lunch, which will go towards helping people during the winter period and beyond. Tickets are on sale now, so please put the date (10thOctober) in your diary, dig deep all year and join us!”

Every time Perennial’s supporters dig deep, they make a real difference to the lives of people in horticulture and their families. There are lots of reasons why people turn to the charity, such as bereavement, the impact of an accident, health issues or a family breakdown. As the only UK charity helping everyone working in or retired from horticulture and their families, Perennial relies on support from the industry.

This is the event of the year to get together with friends and colleagues for a lively afternoon of anticipation, bidding banter and networking, all in support of your community.

Book your spot at perennial.org.uk/lunch – book a table of 10 and get the 10th place free!

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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