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A Day of Learning and Networking at Leicester City FC

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A Day of Learning and Networking at Leicester City FC: Leicester City FC Training Ground recently played host to a fantastic gathering of turf professionals.

Turf Science Live, an event organised jointly by ICL and Syngenta, offers a platform for greenkeepers and groundsmen to dive deep into the latest in turf management. The incredible surroundings of Leicester City Football Club’s training facilities made for the perfect backdrop. With over 100 attendees from sporting venues all over the UK, the day was ripe for sharing insights and experiences.

A Day of Learning and Networking at Leicester City FC

A Day of Learning and Networking at Leicester City FC

The day commenced in the impressive press room, setting the tone for the informative sessions that were to follow. Attendees were divided into four groups, ensuring an intimate and comprehensive learning experience. Each group would experience all four designed stations – two in the morning, followed by two post-lunch.

Speaking of lunch, it wasn’t just about satiating hunger. Attendees had the opportunity to showcase their golfing skills, with a “longest drive” and “nearest the pin” putting competition on the site’s golf course, adding a touch of camaraderie and friendly competition to the day.

The seminar’s core, however, was undeniably the four stations:

Station 1: From Research to Results

Dr Andy Owen, International Technical Manager for ICL Growing Solutions, Turf and Landscape Division, and Dr Jonathan Knowles, Head of the Sports Turf Academy at Leicester City Football Club, explained the intricate process of turf research, exploring its nuances and the journey from laboratory findings to real-world applications

Station 2: Environmentally Friendly Outfield Nutrition

In this session, Henry Bechelet, ICL’s Technical Sales Manager for UK and Ireland’s turf and landscape business, discussed the shift towards eco-friendly solutions, highlighting the importance and efficacy of sustainable nutrition for outfield areas.

Station 3: Integrated Turf Pest Management

Glenn Kirby, the Syngenta EAME Technical Services Manager for Turf & Landscape, enlightened attendees on holistic approaches to turf pest control, emphasizing the integration of multiple tactics to achieve optimal results.

Station 4: Biological Tools for Turf Management

Eric Chen, the Syngenta EAME Biologicals Technical Manager for Turf & Ornamentals, presented on the potential of biological tools in turf management.

As the day wrapped up, Ed Carter offered heartfelt gratitude to the team at Leicester City FC for their partnership and for hosting the event. Prizes were awarded to the competition winners and attendees had the opportunity to walk on one of the football pitches.

This marked a memorable end to a day filled with learning and networking. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees is a testament to the event’s success and the relevance of the topics discussed.

As the industry continues to evolve, gatherings like Turf Science Live ensure that professionals stay abreast of the latest developments and best practices in turf management

For more information, please visit www.icl-growingsolutions.uk

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Ormskirk and Farleigh greenkeepers earn prestigious awards

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Ormskirk and Farleigh greenkeepers earn prestigious awards: One has an obsession with board games while the other is a rock climber who scales cliffs around the UK, but the winners of the 34th Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards are united in a passion for the greenkeeping profession.

The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), Toro and Reesink UK have revealed the winners of their prestigious student greenkeeping awards following a day of judging in the historic surroundings of Cheshire’s Carden Park.

Ormskirk and Farleigh greenkeepers earn prestigious awards

Ormskirk and Farleigh greenkeepers earn prestigious awards

With finalists representing eight education providers from across the UK, the awards also provide the students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and expand their professional network.

The winner of the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award was revealed to be Michael Russell, assistant greenkeeper at Ormskirk Golf Club in West Lancashire. Michael’s nomination was endorsed by Phil Lomas, tutor at Oldham College.

Michael, 31, switched career four years ago from a role in the Civil Service and hasn’t looked back. A keen board game collector, he was a finalist in the 2021 hosting of the awards and has optimised his BIGGA membership, becoming an ICL Continue to Learn Scholar and graduating from the Future Turf Managers Initiative. He is married to Megan and has a one-year-old daughter, Millie. Michael was also the first finalist to ever score full marks in the multiple choice stage of the examination.

Michael said: “It was a little bit of a shock, but I know how much preparation I’d done coming into the finals. I think you can always underestimate yourself, seeing those around you and how much experience they have and their passion for the industry, but I was absolutely delighted to win and I know in terms of the rewards that are available as part of the event and just networking has been a brilliant opportunity.”

Runner-up in that category was Ryan Fiander, deputy course manager at Lees Hall Golf Club in Sheffield. Ryan’s nomination was endorsed by Andy Kenworthy, his tutor at Myerscough College.

The winner of the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award was revealed to be Daniel Martin, first assistant greenkeeper at Farleigh Golf Club in Surrey. A keen mountain biker and climber, Daniel is a thrill seeker who has found a professional passion in the greenkeeping industry. Daniel’s nomination was endorsed by Wayne Syres, tutor at Hadlow College. In another awards first, Daniel’s grandparents were in the area and stopped by the awards ceremony, making it extra special that he came out on top in his category.

Daniel said: “It’s a really good recognition of all the work that you have put into your career and studying to gain the extra knowledge to differentiate yourself from everyone else, so I felt satisfaction in the recognition of that work. For me, if I’ve achieved something well then it’s satisfaction of a job well done and on to the next one.”

Runner-up in the Young category was Jake Rose, apprentice greenkeeper at Moortown Golf Club in Leeds. Daniel’s nomination was endorsed by his course manager, Steven Robinson.

You can watch extended interviews from Michael and Daniel on the BIGGA YouTube channel.

The nomination period for the 2024 Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards will begin at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition in January 2024.

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Mansfield Sand improves drainage and rooting

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Mansfield Sand improves drainage and rooting: Matthew Newman, Grounds and Sports Turf Manager at Hartpury University and College, in Gloucester, believes that MM40 from Mansfield Sand plays an integral role in his renovation work.

Hartpury University and College are specialist education providers in agriculture, animal, equine, sport, and veterinary nursing, offering world-class degrees and facilities to over 4,500 students from over 60 countries.

Mansfield Sand improves drainage and rooting

Mansfield Sand improves drainage and rooting

Matthew himself was once a student at Hartpury. Fast forward two decades and he now oversees a team of thirteen members of staff at the college where he became qualified.

Matthew and his team have been carrying out their own renovations for three years after previously employing contractors to do the work. When it comes to sand for renovations, he uses MM40 Sport from Mansfield Sand.

Mansfield Sand is a company with history and pedigree – its origins can be traced as far back to 1840. It has been a long-standing pioneer in the development and production of premium sand-based products and boasts the most up-to-date and advanced equipment currently in the industry.

From winter sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens and all amenity turf areas – Mansfield Sand has a solution for all.

MM40 Sport is sourced directly from the Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield where the company produces its renowned Mansil range of Silica Sands. MM40 is a medium sand which is predominantly used in the construction and maintenance of a wide range of sports surfaces.

“We mainly use the MM40 for renovations,” said Matthew. “We use two tonnes of it on the PGA spec Mackenzie golf green; so, we vertidrain it and then we will top dress with MM40.

“We use ninety tonnes of if on the football pitches. This year we are taking the pitches down to 10mm. We then take all the debris off, scarify in three directions, and then collect any debris again so we have massively opened up the pores by now and got rid of all the thatch. We then will fertilise, top dress with the MM40 sand and then apply the seed.”

Matthew continued to explain exactly why a good quality sand is so important.

“We are predominantly on heavy clay, so in the winter it is holding moisture, and, in the summer, you can’t get enough moisture into it. The reason for the sand is to try and change that soil profile and give the grass something to reach into. So, we are trying to break that pan of clay up and inject sand into it.

“It’s a theory as opposed to digging up the entire pitch and starting again, but we are already seeing the MM40 improve drainage and rooting.”

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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Ladies European Tour and John Deere partnership

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Ladies European Tour and John Deere partnership: Dénia, Spain, July. 19, 2023 – John Deere and the Ladies European Tour (LET) have extended their longstanding relaDonship with an upgraded three-year partner agreement.

The renewal will elevate the partnership with increased support services and addiDonal investment into the Tour.

Ladies European Tour and John Deere partnership

Ladies European Tour and John Deere partnership

John Deere will provide the LET with agronomy and consultation services, as well as equipment optimisation to ensure the best available services are delivered to the LET players, Tour venues and tournaments.

John Deere and the LET have been partners since 2007 and this renewal means that John Deere will conDnue to be the designated Golf Course Machinery partner of the Tour. The announcement was made on the eve of a brand new 1-million-euro tournament: La Sella Open at the award-winning La Sella Golf Resort & Spa in Denia, Alicante, Spain, where John Deere equipment was used to prepare and maintain the tournament course.

“This new agreement with John Deere will see our global brands working together more closely to further increase the quality and consistency of our championship courses internaDonally,” said LET Commercial Director Fiona Harold. “The commitment from John

Deere builds on our enduring 17-year partnership and highlights our joint objecDve to elevate the women’s game at an exciDng Dme for our industry and our Tour.”

John Deere’s Sales & Marketing Director – Turf & Golf, Carlos Aragonés, commented: “We are incredibly proud to extend our valued collaboration with the Ladies European Tour until 2026. Having John Deere as the preferred equipment supplier of the Ladies European Tour is a great honour and a major opportunity to continue supplying our latest technology and innovations, ensuring we continue to produce the best quality playing surfaces for competitive golf. It has been an exceptional association since its very first day, and we are looking forward to continuing working together and supporting the values we share around the game of golf, including celebrating women in the golf industry as well as those who play the game, sustainability and much more.”

For more information on John Deere visit www.deere.com

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Green-tech provides lightweight soil and laser-cut grilles

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Green-tech provides lightweight soil and laser-cut grilles: The area around the North and East of Manchester city centre has been undergoing a renaissance over recent years, with exciting development and refurbishment taking place. One such scheme is the stunning new bio-diverse, cubist-style Leonardo Hotel.

Situated on the corner of Adair Street and Great Ancoats Street, the new 14-storey Leonardo Hotel replaced a weary looking 2-storey office building and adds a welcome link between the busy Piccadilly Station and the East Village Regeneration Zone.

Green-tech provides lightweight soil and laser-cut grilles

Green-tech provides lightweight soil and laser-cut grilles

Even before construction began, the scheme won a Society of Architects design award, one of the contributing factors undoubtedly being the 17 stunning Jenga-style tiered planting boxes: the architects, Stephenson Hamilton Risley Studio taking their inspiration from Milan’s Bosco Verticale (vertical forest).

The planters jut out from the main building at various heights, creating a juxtaposition of cantilevers not unlike a half-finished game of Jenga. Indeed, the planters were referred to as ‘Jenga blocks’ in the planning documents. Each planter is filled with shrubs, trees, and ferns, individually selected to thrive in the micro-climate created by each planting block.

The idea was to make an impact and add some much-needed green infrastructure and bio-diversity to Piccadilly’s East neighbourhood. The building certainly makes a statement and will house 275 luxury hotel rooms along with a ground floor bar, restaurant, gym and wellness suite, and outside seating area.

Green-tech involvement:

Green-tech was invited to landscape architects’ Re-form’s offices in Beehive Mills back in 2019, to discuss options for the high-level planters. As a result, the planters were specified with Green-tech’s Green-tree lightweight intensive roof soil, as well as a layer of expanded clay granules to bring up the level in the base, rather than using a heavier sub-soil or some other man-made void former. The intensive lightweight roof soil is around 30% lighter than standard topsoil, and due to the deeper planting of the trees, needs to contain more organic content and hold on to a little more water than the extensive substrate often found on sedum and wildflower green roofs.

A total of 48 cubic metres of lightweight roof soil was used for the 17 Jenga blocks, along with over 4,000 litres of lightweight expanded clay aggregate. This was supplemented on the ground planting with over 400 tonnes of topsoil and subsoil, 2,000 litres of compost and 48 tonnes of pea gravel and decorative silver-grey gravel. The ground level landscaping incorporated a mix of trees in hard and soft, irrigated by a mix of Mona underground capillary tanks and Mona Relief perforated pipes, and supported by Green-tech strap anchors.

The trees in hard were finished off with permeable resin-bound grilles, and for the trees along the front, custom-made grilles, featuring laser-cut Piccadilly East branding and drainage slots. These grilles are made from heavy-duty steel and finished by being hot-dip galvanised, then acid-etched and powder coated in a classic bronze finish, including the normally silver Piazza irrigation inlet. All the steel used in the production of these decorative grilles is recycled by our foundry in West Yorkshire.

To finish off the landscaping, over 200 square metres of Premium Weed Control matting and Ecomatt was supplied along with 2,000 litres of ornamental wood bark for ground cover.

Alasdair Innes – Green-tech Specification Advisor comments, “it’s fantastic to see striking building design incorporating green-infrastructure, in a way that makes it really stand out in the local area. It was a pleasure to be asked to get involved supplying the lightweight soil and other ancillary landscaping materials.”

For any further product information or to request a CPD in person or remotely on any of Green-tech’s urban or rural modules please contact sales@green-tech.co.uk or call 01423 332100

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

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