Tag Archive for: backs

Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

/in , /by

Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima: At a venue that’s hosted the Ryder Cup, 19 European Tour events, and countless visitors from around the world, expectations for course quality are sky high. For Jim McKenzie, Director of Golf Courses and Estates Management at the Celtic Manor Collection, finding products that can consistently deliver performance without disruption is essential.

With three championship golf courses under his remit—including the world-renowned Twenty-Ten Course—Jim leads an expert team managing one of the UK’s most demanding golfing venues. And when it comes to turf management, he says two of Agrovista Amenity’s products—Attraxor and Maxtima—have become standout performers.

Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

“We’ve dabbled over the years with various cultural and chemical approaches, particularly to deal with Poa seedhead suppression,” explains Jim. “Ray Hunt from Agrovista Amenity suggested we take a look at Attraxor plant growth regulator, and we liked what we saw in the marketplace. We trialled it on Roman Road in 2023, and the results spoke for themselves.

We were impressed enough that we decided to use it across the whole site, all three courses.”

The trial proved effective. Jim noted not only a reduction in clip rate, but also smaller and less disruptive seed heads, leading to smoother ball roll and improved green presentation—even at slightly higher heights of cut.

“The Poa was still there and seeding, but it was far less invasive. That helped maintain surface quality without the need for disruptive maintenance—crucial for a venue like ours where there are no closure days.”

For Jim and the team, Poa is not just accepted—it’s the grass of choice, and managing its behaviour is key to course quality.

“We used to lie awake at night worrying about keeping Poa out. Now, it’s about how we manage it—and products like Attraxor make that job a lot more effective.”

Alongside Attraxor, Maxtima has also been introduced into the programme, further strengthening the site’s ability to tackle turf health issues with confidence. Maxtima is a next-generation DMI fungicide powered by Mefentrifluconazole, and Jim is a fan.

Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

“Maxtima’s been a valuable addition too. It’s part of that progression in product development where we can use targeted solutions that fit our unique environment.”

Its flexible application window, rainfastness, and strong resistance profile have made Maxtima a valuable addition to Jim’s toolkit—especially in a high-pressure, high-visibility environment like Celtic Manor.

“We’ve had no fresh outbreak of disease since November last year and Maxtima is the only fungicide which was used during that period,” Jim adds.

But it’s not just the products that have impressed.

“We’ve known Ray Hunt and Peter Holstrom from Agrovista Amenity for a long time—both are great to work with. They bring completely different things to the table, and that synergy works really well for us. The support we get is second to none.”

Jim McKenzie certainly knows what it takes to maintain excellence—and he’s clear that Agrovista Amenity’s product innovation and personalised support are helping Celtic Manor stay ahead of the game.

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.

NHS backs The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild

/in , /by

NHS backs The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild: UK’s biggest nature challenge is proven to boost health and wellbeing.

The Wildlife Trusts and the Greener NHS programme at NHS England are encouraging people to go wild for wellbeing this June by participating in the UK’s biggest nature challenge, 30 Days Wild.

NHS backs The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild

NHS backs The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild

The month-long initiative invites people of all ages to connect with nature in an easy and accessible way every single day throughout the month of June.

Spending time in nature is proven to benefit people’s mental and physical health. Evidence shows that people who connect with nature every day are more resilient, experience reduced social isolation and loneliness, and have better all-round health and happiness.

As part of the NHS’ 75th Birthday celebrations the Greener NHS programme at NHS England is partnering with The Wildlife Trusts to shine a light on the great work of colleagues from across the NHS who have created, maintain, and make the best use of green spaces for the benefit of patients, staff and the environment.

Greener NHS will be showcasing NHS gardens and green spaces that support biodiversity, improve air quality, and provide health benefits for staff and patients, both physically and mentally – across the NHS estate.

Dr Amir Khan, NHS doctor and vice-president of The Wildlife Trusts, says: 

“Being in and around nature is so important for our health and happiness, whether that’s exercising outdoors, breakfasting in the garden, or lying in the park and enjoying the birds. I am delighted the NHS is encouraging people to get outside this June. Taking time each day to pause and purposefully observe and enjoy nature can do wonders for our wellbeing, while motivating us to do our bit to help wildlife. I urge people right across the British Isles to get involved in 30 Days Wild this year!”

Dr Nick Watts, Chief Sustainability Officer, NHS England, says:

“The NHS was founded to provide high-quality care for all, now, and for future generations. We are joining 30 Days Wild to celebrate the hard work and commitment of NHS staff, past and present who have created and cared for green spaces and gardens in hospitals, GP surgeries, outpatient facilities and across our NHS estate. These spaces improve health, aid patient recovery and support staff wellbeing, while improving biodiversity and air quality. We’d like to encourage all NHS organisations, staff and volunteers to get involved and make the most of your green spaces for 30 Days Wild.”

Charlotte Church, singer and environmentalist, says: 

“The more time I spend in nature, the more obsessed I become with it! 30 Days Wild is such a wonderful idea, it’s an easy way to spend a bit of time connecting with nature every day in June and there are so many options. Whether it’s stargazing, watching a flower bloom or listening to the soothing sound of the wind rustling through tree branches, it’s about finding things you enjoy and resting your mind. I’m looking forward to tuning in to birdsong and cold-water swimming. So, sign up and invite your friends and family to join in the fun too!”

A survey of nearly 1,000 participants in 30 Days Wild last year has found that people’s favourite activities were:

  • Watching wildlife, over 90% of people
  • Listening to birdsong (85%)
  • Taking a meal or drink outside (81%)

Other popular ‘acts of wildness’ were planting wildflowers (76%), exercising outdoors (71%), identifying wildflowers (70%) and visiting somewhere wild (65%).

The 2022 survey has also revealed:

  • Over 74% of people said 30 Days Wild improved their mental health
  • Over 76% of people said 30 Days Wild improved their relationship with nature
  • Over 81% of people said 30 Days Wild motivated them to do more to protect nature

Research by The Wildlife Trusts and University of Derby in 2020 revealed that people’s health improved by 30% after taking part in 30 Days Wild. Over three million people have taken part in 30 Days Wild since it began in 2015.

Free activity packs provide inspiration about different ‘acts of wildness’ to do each day throughout June. Register at www.wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild. 

5 July 2023 marks 75 years of the National Health Service (NHS). Treating over a million people a day in England, the NHS touches all of our lives. When it was founded in 1948, the NHS was the first universal health system to be available to all, free at the point of delivery, and since 1948, the NHS has always evolved and adapted to meet the needs of each successive generation.

From Britain’s first heart transplant in 1958, to Europe’s first liver transplant in 1968, the world’s first CT scan on a patient in 1971, to the world’s first test-tube baby born in 1978 – the NHS has had many historic firsts. In October 2020, the NHS became the world’s first health service to commit to reaching carbon net zero, in response to the profound and growing threat to health posed by climate change.

Visit www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs to find out more about the Greener NHS, and follow them on twitter to see all the 30 Days Wild action – @GreenerNHS

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 backs British canoeist

/in , , /by

JCB backs British canoeist: British canoeing medallist Adam Burgess has some extra power in his paddle as he goes for gold this summer – after landing a sponsorship deal from digger maker JCB.

Staffordshire-born Adam, 27, started canoeing aged 10 on the River Trent in Stone, Staffordshire with the Stafford and Stone Canoe Club and has been competing internationally for Great Britain and winning medals since the age of 14.

JCB backs British canoeist

JCB backs British canoeist

In 2015, he won the U23 World Championship in Brazil and two years later took his first individual World Cup medal in Markkleeberg, near Leipzig, Germany, and reached a career high World Ranking of 7th.

Now, Adam is celebrating after Rocester-based JCB stepped in to offer him sponsorship as he prepares for his greatest challenge – the 2020 summer games in Tokyo. Adam has already qualified for the event despite being considered an underdog after battling back from injury.

Adam, of Stone, said today: “JCB’s sponsorship has changed so much for me. Mostly, it means zero compromise now in my preparations for this year. It means I will have the best equipment available and take advantage of every recovery strategy I can in terms of diet. After all this hard work, it feels fantastic to be identified by such an amazing local company for this opportunity, and I will be incredibly proud to represent JCB!”

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “2020 is a very special year for our family company, as we celebrate our 75th anniversary. We are delighted to give our support to one of Staffordshire’s young ‘home-grown’ sports stars, and it would be wonderful to think that Adam could give the county cause for extra celebration this summer. We wish him the very best of luck in Tokyo and in his future career.”

Adam is based in London at the Lee Valley White Water Centre and regularly travels home to visit his family in Stone and Trentham. He rarely travels without his canoe – enabling him to enjoy a nostalgic paddle on the River Trent.

Adam added: “I used to train regularly before school on the Trent and I firmly believe it’s that work I did back then which made me the athlete I am today. I am fast across the water and very efficient – something I attribute to the days paddling ‘through treacle’ on the Trent in Stone!

“This year it is all about the games and I’m doing everything I can to try to bring home that gold medal. I have been selected much earlier than most of my main rivals, which is a great advantage. I only have to peak once this year at the end of July whereas my rivals still have to navigate their national selections between March-May.”

Adam credits much of his recent form to his devotion to yoga and will shortly qualify as a yogi. The life-long Stoke City fan is also a qualified barista with a big love for speciality coffee.

Adam is the second Staffordshire athlete to be sponsored by JCB in the run-up to the 2020 games. The company has also given its financial support to British Triple Jumping champion Ben Williams, 28, of Newcastle-Under-Lyme, as he prepares to represent Great Britain at the summer games.

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.