Tag Archive for: Announced

Peter Donegan announced for Grand Designs Live

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Peter Donegan announced for Grand Designs Live: International Garden Designer Peter Donegan MSGLD MAPL is set to head the Grand Designs Live stage May 2025 at The ExCel London, the UK’s leading home design and garden exhibition has announced.

Fresh from hosting The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) Awards for Britains greatest horticulture trade organisation at The Brewery on Chiswell Street, the title of his talk ‘working with a garden designer and how it could save you thousands of pounds’ leads Saturdays talks stage for the Kevin McCloud hosted Channel 4 television show live event and is billed as one of the not to miss highlights of The Home and Garden main stage according to organisers.

Peter Donegan announced for Grand Designs Live

Peter Donegan announced for Grand Designs Live

Named in The Top 100 UK Garden Designers and Top 70 UK TV Presenters, Donegan designed the shows featured garden at Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS) winning Silver medal, The People’s Choice Award and The AIH International Horticulture Award, where he was also a garden judge at the show.

The year previous he became the first Irish landscape architect invited to design at MIFGS the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most prestigious flower show where he won Gold medal and The Australian Institute of Horticulture’s International Award of Excellence.

Of other historic builds internationally the Irish landscape architect was one of 14 designers selected globally and designed and realises the WW1 Centenary Peace Garden at Château de Péronne in 2018. Peter returned in 2022 and designed a 2nd inaugurated garden at the 13th Century castle known also as the Historial de la Grande Guerre, home to Europe’s largest war museum.

From 2019 to 2022, The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) silver medallist assumed the role of series garden designer for Ireland’s most watched TV show, RTE’s DIY SOS The Big Build.

In 2001, aged 24, horticulturist Donegan began designing under his own name and swiftly won a host of awards for 17th & 18th century gardens designed & show gardens at national competition.

Peter Donegan MSGLD MAPL is a registered member of The Society of Garden Designers (UK) and a Designer Member of The APL (UK) has been a garden judge in London & Melbourne and, international speaker, master of ceremonies and garden design lecturer.

This summer 2025 the award winning garden designer will also speak at Limerick Garden Festival, D and M Garden Centre’s 40th anniversary celebrations, Tipperary Town Library’s Bealtaine Festival and the main stage at The Royal Horticultural Society’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

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Origin Enterprises Announced as Sponsor of BALI Awards

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Origin Enterprises Announced as Headline Sponsor of BALI Awards: Origin Enterprises plc (‘Origin’ or ‘the Group’), the international group shaping the future of sustainable land use solutions, is pleased to announce a new headline sponsorship agreement for the prestigious BALI National Landscape Awards.

The sponsorship will be led by the company’s Living Landscapes division, which offers future-ready products, services, and advice across the sports, environmental, and landscapes sectors. Running from 2025 to 2027, the agreement reinforces Origin Enterprises’ commitment to the nature economy and landscape excellence and highlights its role as a leader in delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for the amenity, urban and infrastructure development, and environmental markets.

Origin Enterprises Announced as Headline Sponsor of BALI Awards

Origin Enterprises Announced as Headline Sponsor of BALI Awards

BALI National Landscape Awards Reflect Origin’s Commitment to Sustainable Land Use

The BALI National Landscape Awards, organised by the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), are the industry’s most coveted accolades, celebrating outstanding achievements in landscaping. BALI supports and inspires landscape contractors, architects, garden designers and suppliers to be leaders of an environmentally, ethically and commercially sustainable landscape services industry.

As a leader in sustainable land use and agronomic solutions, Origin’s sponsorship reflects its mission to support the professionals shaping the future of urban and rural landscapes.

TJ Kelly, Divisional Managing Director of Living Landscapes at Origin Enterprises, commented: “At Origin, nurturing the environment is central to our strategy, and our focus on shaping the future of sustainable land use reflects our dedication to responsible land stewardship. We are immensely proud to be the headline sponsor of the BALI National Landscape Awards and to celebrate the achievements of professionals shaping the future of our landscapes.”

“Through our sponsorship, Origin aims to inspire professionals across the industry to implement higher sustainability standards, invest in greener solutions, and push for a more regenerative approach to land management.”

Welcoming the partnership, Wayne Grills, Chief Executive at BALI, added: “We are delighted to have Origin Enterprises as our headline sponsor. Their expertise in sustainability and land management makes them an ideal partner in celebrating the outstanding achievements of our industry.”

Living Landscapes

Origin’s Living Landscapes division unites expertise across its businesses in the Sports, Landscapes, and Environmental markets:

  • Sports – Delivering high-performance solutions in turf agronomy, seed, nutrition, irrigation, line marking, and plant protection, supporting world-class sports facilities and recreational spaces that contribute positively to their local environments.
  • Landscapes – Supporting urban and rural green infrastructure projects, creating biodiverse, vibrant, and sustainable environments that promote recreation, enhance well-being, and connect people with nature.
  • Environmental – Providing ecological consultancy, conservation advice, and habitat creation & management services, enabling businesses and government bodies to achieve their environmental goals while preserving natural beauty.

BALI Partnership

Through its expertise in urban greening, biodiversity enhancement, and turf and soil health management, Origin Enterprises will work with the BALI National Landscape Awards to promote future-ready solutions that improve climate resilience, enhance green infrastructure, and foster long-term sustainability in landscaping projects across the UK and beyond.

The 2025 Awards ceremony will take place on 5th December. To enter the awards or reserve seats at the ceremony, please visit www.baliawards.co.uk

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Peter Pattenden announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

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Peter Pattenden announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year: Peter Pattenden, spray tech at the Cheshire championship golf resort, Carden Park, has won the prestigious title of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year.

Peter’s ASOOTY award presentation was made as part of the glittering BIGGA industry awards at BTME in Harrogate this week (21 January 2025), along with the competition’s other finalists, Sarah Phillips of Complete Weed Control (South & Central Wales) and Mark Sippitt of Top Grass UK.

Peter Pattenden announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

Peter Pattenden announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

The ASOOTY awards highlight best practice and experience in the challenging role of ensuring accurate application on all amenity surfaces.

Sponsored by ICL and Syngenta and managed by the Amenity Forum, the awards seek to share top tips and advice that will raise the standards of spray application across the amenity industry.

The ASOOTY judges particularly praised Peter’s commitment to complete a comprehensive checklist of mechanical and practical points before every application, including calibration of the sprayer and assessment of the specific requirements for any products being used.

“Although only a relatively young age, Peter ably demonstrated a deep understanding of the principles of sprayer mechanics and operation, along with the implication of how any changes could impact on application,” reports Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes.

“He also showed an excellent awareness of the environmental aspects of good sprayer operation that will mitigate any impact of off-target spray drift or over application. His commitment and attention to achieving accurate application was exemplary and makes him a great role model for other sprayer operators to learn from.”

The judges also highlighted how Peter had embraced new technologies in a move towards precision application to ensure more of the products hit the intended target, as well as adopting digital tools including sprayer set up advice, turf management Apps and application record keeping.

Other ASOOTY finalists at the Awards included Sarah Phillips of Complete Weed Control (South & Central Wales), who was commended for her pioneering work in developing a comprehensive and effective training programme for the company’s spray technicians, which draws on her extensive experience and knowledge as a highly professional operator.

Mark Sippitt, of Warwickshire-based Top Grass UK, was also praised for the way he had successfully developed integrated turf management strategies for lawn treatments including herbicides, iron treatment, nutrition and mechanical controls – where accurate knapsack application was at the centre of the company’s approach. Ongoing training and regular in-house assessment ensures Mark and other Top Grass operatives are always fully up to date with developments and techniques.

ICL Landscape & Industrial Business Development Manager, Lewis Blois, added: “We were once again hugely impressed with all the finalists’ dedication to ensuring every application is made as effectively as possible. They all take exceptional care to achieve a good result, as well as immense pride that they have made a real difference with a job well done.

“This year the Awards have 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.”

Presenting the award at BTME, Ian Graham, Chairman of the Amenity Forum, said: “The skills required to competently apply professional plant protection products are often overlooked. Along with the formal training and accreditation process, there is the experience that takes years to acquire.

“Winners of this award have elevated the application process to an art, be that with a knapsack or a boom sprayer, to help create great playing surfaces  all year round, managing amenity areas efficiently and cost effectively, along with maintaining immaculate lawns for customers,” he adds.

“The Amenity Forum is delighted to work with ICL and Syngenta as the sponsors of this award and would like to congratulate Peter for upholding the highest of professional standards.”

Look out on the Amenity Forum website for more details and entry form for the launch of next year’s ASOOTY and your chance to win.

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GroundsFest Registration Prize Winner Announced

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GroundsFest Registration Prize Winner Announced: The winner of the GroundsFest 2024 registration prize has been announced. Warwickshire-based landscaper Trevor Day was thrilled to recently collect his brand-new Toro ProStripe 560 pedestrian mower – a machine that promises to take his business to the next level.

Every person who registered for GroundsFest 2024 was entered into the prize draw for a chance to win the Toro ProStripe 560. Renowned for its precision and clean striped finish, the ProStripe is a favourite among grounds professionals, excelling in both sports fields and fine turf applications.

GroundsFest Registration Prize Winner Announced

GroundsFest Registration Prize Winner Announced

Trevor, who runs his own landscaping business, couldn’t be more excited about his new mower. “I’m itching to start cutting some grass with it. I’ve heard a lot about the Toro ProStripe, and I know it’s going to hugely benefit my business,” he said. “It was the cherry on top after attending the fantastic GroundsFest 2024. The event was exactly what the industry has been crying out for—somewhere you can not only see new products but actually get hands-on and try them out. It’s so refreshing to attend an event that allows us to make informed decisions, rather than just talking specs and features. GroundsFest lets you experience the products firsthand, which is a game changer for anyone in the industry.”

Matthew Coleman, Sales Manager Professional Landscape Contractor & Site Works Equipment for the UK Direct Market, echoed Trevor’s enthusiasm. Toro UK sponsored the registration prize and reported an overwhelmingly successful debut at the show.

“It was a pleasure to sponsor the registration prize at GroundsFest this year, our first year of exhibiting as Toro UK, and what a great first year it was,” Matthew said. “I can see the future potential in GroundsFest and see how this event will help us promote our offerings to a large proportion of our markets. The show provides everything required to showcase both ends of our vast portfolio—hats off to the GroundsFest Team.”

He added, “A huge congratulations to the winner of our sponsored prize! It was fantastic to see how appreciative Trevor was in receiving his new Toro ProStripe. It was quickly evident the ProStripe has gone to a deserving winner and someone who’s very excited to create his first Toro stripes!”

GroundsFest continues to deliver memorable experiences for both exhibitors and attendees, and Trevor’s win is just one example of the many highlights from the event.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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British team announced for STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® World Championship

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British team announced for STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® World Championship: The pinnacle of logger sports action, the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® World Championship, takes place in Toulouse, France on 8th and 9th November this year, and the athletes who will represent Great Britain in the Team event have now been selected.

After going head-to-head against each other as rivals in the British Championship earlier this year, the top British athletes will now have to work together if they want to repeat their success on the world stage.

British team announced for STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® World Championship

British team announced for STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® World Championship

In the Team World Championship, each team consists of four athletes who take on four TIMBERSPORTS® disciplines in a relay; the Stock Saw, the Underhand Chop, the Single Buck and finally the Standing Block Chop. The teams compete in knock-out rounds against each other, with the fastest team proceeding to the next round, so the athletes with the quickest times in their national championships stand the best chance of being selected to represent their country.

British Pro champion Glen Penlington from Knighton, Wales took his third British title in a row in June at the Royal Three Counties Show, but it was his impressive times in the Underhand Chop, Single Buck and Standing Block Chop that guaranteed him a place in the team. Penlington was faster than his fellow competitors in all three disciplines, even delivering a new Personal Best time in the Single Buck, on his way to the top of the podium.

With four other places on the team to be filled, including a reserve, the decisions in the rest of the selection process needed more consideration. But through analysis of each of the discipline times from the British Championship, the rest of the team was selected.

Along with Penlington, Rob Chatley from Hanley Broadheath in Worcestershire, Graham Turner from Penicuik, Scotland, Tom Redmond from Bere Regis, Dorset and George Spencer from Hereford all made the cut, meaning that the British team for the 2024 World Championship is the same as the team that travelled to Stuttgart for the 2023 World Championship.

Vicky Tween, STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Team Manager, was excited about the prospect of team reuniting again. “Individually, they are all really strong athletes, so it’s always great to see what they can do when they come together. Last year didn’t go as planned for the team, but it was a useful learning experience, and I’m certain they will improve this year,” she said.

They will once again be joined by the British Rookie Champion, Jack Morris, also from Knighton, in Wales. Whilst Rookie athletes don’t normally compete as part of the team, Morris delivered some lightning-fast times at the Rookie Championship and will be nipping at the heels of the Pro athletes when he joins them for the three Team training camps that take place in the lead-up to Toulouse.

These training camps are a great opportunity for the team to work out who will take which leg of the relay at the World Championship, as well as an opportunity to practice the changeovers between the disciplines. In a sport that can come down to the tiniest margins, the additional training is critical to the performance, and the team will be looking to build on their 14th place finish from 2023.

If you want to see how Team GB fare against the best athletes from across the globe, you can watch the World Championship in full, live on the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® YouTube channel on Friday 8th November.

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