Tag Archive for: approved

BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider

/in , , /by

BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is proud to announce that it has been formally approved as a Lantra Customised Provider, marking a significant milestone in the Association’s ongoing commitment to raising standards, professionalism, and access to high-quality education across the golf greenkeeping industry.

This approval recognises BIGGA’s capability to design, deliver and quality-assure industry-relevant learning that meets nationally recognised standards.

BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider

BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider

As a Lantra Customised Provider, BIGGA is now approved to develop and deliver bespoke, accredited training and awards that are tailored specifically to the needs of the golf and sports turf sector. This status ensures that BIGGA programmes are externally validated, quality assured and aligned with employer and industry expectations, providing learners and employers with confidence that training outcomes are meaningful, credible, and transferable.

The approval also sees the BIGGA Kickstart Programme formally recognised as the association’s first accredited and approved award under the Lantra Customised Awards framework.

This entry-level programme has been designed as an accessible and supportive introduction to the fundamentals of golf course maintenance.  It provides essential knowledge and practical understanding for those interested in pursuing a career in greenkeeping, as well as those already working in the industry who wish to validate their skills and knowledge before potentially progressing to formal Level 2 qualifications.

Rob Phillips, Learning & Development Manager (Technical) at BIGGA, said:

“Becoming an approved Lantra Customised Provider is a significant milestone for BIGGA and represents the latest step in our continued and highly valued partnership with Lantra. This approval gives us the ability to formally accredit BIGGA-designed programmes that are shaped by the realities of modern golf course management and the needs of both learners and employers. The accreditation of the BIGGA Kickstart Programme is particularly important, as it provides a recognised and credible entry point into the profession, while laying the foundations for clear progression through to apprenticeships and our recommended formal education pathway.”

David Fisher, Head of Industry Partnerships for Landscape and Rural, from Lantra added: “As part of our wider partnership working, we are really pleased to confirm BIGGA has been approved as a Lantra Customised Provider.

“The accreditation of the BIGGA Kickstart Programme is an exciting step forward, as it provides a recognised and credible entry point into the profession, providing a Lantra approved certificate for progression through to apprenticeships and further Lantra/ BIGGA approved training and qualifications.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

Agrovista Amenity an approved distributor of Lanzarta

/in , /by

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

JCB’s hydrogen engine approved for use

/in , /by

JCB’s hydrogen engine approved for use: JCB has cleared significant hurdles in its development of the world’s first hydrogen combustion engine after securing landmark rulings from licensing authorities allowing it to be used commercially in machines, the company announced today.

JCB is the first construction equipment company to develop a fully working combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen and a team of 150 engineers has been working on the exciting £100 million development for over three years.

JCB's hydrogen engine approved for use

JCB’s hydrogen engine approved for use

Today JCB confirmed that 11 licensing authorities across Europe have now given permission for JCB’s hydrogen engine to be sold across Europe – with authorities in other countries set to follow suit with certification in 2025.

JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, who has led the company’s hydrogen engine project, said: “This is a very significant moment for JCB. To start the New Year with certification in place in so many European countries bodes very well for the future of hydrogen combustion technology. JCB has proved in recent years that it is a proper zero emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment.

“This formal type approval/certification paves the way for the sale and use of hydrogen engines right across the UK and Europe. I couldn’t have hoped for a better start to the year. Most of all, I am delighted for our team of British engineers who have worked tirelessly to reach this stage.”

JCB confirmed that the Netherlands’ Vehicle Authority RDW was the first licensing authority to issue official certification, giving permission for the engine to sold in The Netherlands. Other licensing bodies across Europe have followed RDW’s lead by issuing the necessary certification, including Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein. Licensing authorities in other countries are set to follow with certification during 2025.

JCB has already produced more than 130 evaluation engines which are powering backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers and generator sets. Real-world testing of JCB’s hydrogen equipment on customers’ sites is now at an advanced stage and progressing well.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Först diesel chippers approved

/in , /by

Först diesel chippers approved: For those customers looking to enhance their environmental credentials, Först’s diesel woodchippers fitted with Doosan engines are now approved for use with HVO fuel. HVO (or hydrotreated vegetable oil) is a paraffinic diesel fuel which offers a significant reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions.

Following a period of substantial testing and consulting with Doosan, Först are pleased to confirm that their Doosan engine machines are all now certified for use with HVO fuel. Available from most fuel wholesalers, HVO eliminates up to 90% of net CO2 as well as significantly reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions.

Först diesel chippers approved

Först diesel chippers approved

With such a strong focus on climate change in all industries globally, the opportunity to switch to greener fuels is an attractive one, especially when coupled with the power and performance of Först’s diesel wheeled and tracked woodchippers.

Först’s Senior Engineer, Gary Wheelband, says of the new fuel option:

“We’re extremely pleased to enable Först customers to switch to a more environmentally friendly fuel option without the need for any additional investment in fuel storage or infrastructure, and with no compromise on the performance our woodchippers are known for. The benefits of HVO aren’t just related to sustainability – it can be bulk stored, is cheaper than pump fuel and has a much longer shelf life than diesel or petrol.”

The Först machines approved for use with HVO fuel are the ST6D42 and ST8D55 in the wheeled woodchipper range and the TR6D42, TR8D55 and the XR8D in the tracked woodchipper line up. Först offer a comprehensive 3 year warranty and sell direct in England and Wales, and through an approved dealer network in 20 other countries.

For more information visit www.forstglobal.com or call +44 1264 721790

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.