Tag Archive for: First

Strong Turnout for Green-tech’s First Urban Landscaping Event

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Strong Turnout for Green-tech’s First Urban Landscaping Event: Green-tech has successfully completed its first roadshow in Ireland, bringing together 36 industry professionals in Dublin for a focused discussion on designing climate-resilient cities.

Held at Croke Park, the event welcomed attendees from across the landscaping, planning and environmental sectors. The roadshow marked a significant step in extending Green-tech Specifier’s expertise into Ireland, while strengthening collaboration across the wider Origin Enterprises group.

Strong Turnout for Green-tech’s First Urban Landscaping Event

Strong Turnout for Green-tech’s First Urban Landscaping Event

The event, titled Designing Cities for Climate Resilience – Where Do We Start, focused on practical, climate-positive urban design. The agenda explored how Blue-Green infrastructure, wildflowers, and nature-based solutions can be implemented to create more sustainable, resilient urban environments.

A highlight of the day was the strong sense of collaboration, with Aebhín Cawley, Founder and Managing Director of Scott Cawley, joining Green-tech on stage. Aebhín’s presentation was particularly well received, reinforcing the value of cross-business knowledge sharing within Origin Enterprises.

The speaker line-up also included Dusty Gedge. Dusty, a consultant with the Green Infrastructure Consultancy (GIC) and leading authority on green roofs, shared his insights on delivering practical, ecologically rich solutions in cities, including the implementation of green roofs and nature-based systems. His session sparked lively discussion and reinforced the importance of combining design, policy, and technical expertise to create resilient, biodiverse urban spaces.

Georgia Gilbert and Seraya Sigsworth delivered incisive sessions on behalf of Green-tech, with Georgia Gilbert commenting, “It was fantastic to be part of Green-tech’s first Ireland roadshow and to see such strong engagement from attendees. There is a real appetite for integrating biodiversity into urban design, and wildflowers have a crucial role to play in creating spaces that are not only resilient but also visually and ecologically rich.”

Seraya Sigsworth added, “The conversations throughout the day showed how important it is to take a joined-up approach to climate resilience. Blue-Green infrastructure is no longer a future concept, it is something we need to be implementing now. It was great to share practical insights and hear directly from professionals facing these challenges on the ground.”

The event concluded with a Q&A panel session, where all speakers came together to answer questions and discuss real-world challenges. This open forum encouraged meaningful dialogue and provided attendees with valuable, actionable takeaways.

With positive feedback across the board and strong engagement throughout, the roadshow represents a successful first step in a series of similar events for knowledge sharing and industry collaboration.

Green-tech now looks forward to building on this momentum, continuing to support Irish specifiers, designers, and contractors with innovative solutions that drive sustainable urban development.

To find out more about Green-tech Specifier and access guidance on climate-resilient urban design, visit www.gtspecifier.co.uk

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Netherlands’ First Recycled Synthetic Turf Pitch Installed

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Netherlands’ First Recycled Synthetic Turf Pitch Installed: A landmark synthetic turf project in The Netherlands has equipped amateur football club FC Weesp with a high-quality playing surface manufactured from post-consumer recycling.

The pilot project was commissioned by municipality Gemeente Amsterdam with the backing of the EU, with the aim of creating a professional-standard durable football pitch, while also contributing towards the EU sustainable development goal of achieving 50% recyclability of plastic waste by 2030. After a competitive tender process, Edel Grass BV was appointed as the primary contractor and Van de Wetering Projects as the installer.

Netherlands’ First Recycled Synthetic Turf Pitch Installed

Netherlands’ First Recycled Synthetic Turf Pitch Installed

Using cork granulate performance infill, recycled sand stabilising infill, and recycled components from old pitches in the turf yarns, backing coating, and shockpads; the field is the first of its kind installed in The Netherlands, representing a major milestone in circularity.

Data from independent life-cycle assessments shows that the system achieves a 43.4% reduction in carbon emissions per metre squared compared to a traditional 3G pitch.

Crucially, the pitch satisfies all KNVB performance standards for key factors such as ball roll, shock absorption, and durability, giving assurances for player safety and pitch quality. As a result, the pitch at Sportpark Papelaan is now eligible for competitive play in the 5e Klasse D, where FC Weesp’s first team currently plies its trade, as well as for local community use and training across the club’s 91 teams spanning a variety of age groups and abilities.

Stefan Diderich, Director General/CEO of EMEA Synthetic Turf Council (ESTC), said: “A synthetic turf pitch is the ideal solution for a club of FC Weesp’s size, offering a durable, high-quality playing surface that can meet KNVB standards without the maintenance costs associated with a natural grass pitch, demonstrating that sustainability, affordability, and performance can all work in tandem.

“This proof-of-concept project is just one of many ways that football clubs and local authorities can offer a high-quality playing surface that can sustain long-term intensive usage, while also working towards a more circular economy.”

Find out more at www.estc.info

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GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit

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GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit: GroundTech is proud to announce its appointment as the first UK distributor for the revolutionary Drop-Pit Ball Management System, developed by VDB Technics – an industry leader in automated driving-range technology.

Specifically developed to work in conjunction with robotic range pickers, GroundTech can now provide a fully automated, highly efficient and exceptionally reliable solution for collecting, washing, transporting and dispensing range balls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit

GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit

Using the Drop-Pit with an autonomous collector such as the Echo Range Picker eliminates the need for manual collection, ball washing, transportation and dispenser loading.

With a capacity of 300 balls per cycle and 20,000 balls in a 24 hour period, the Echo RP-1250 will transfer the load into the Drop-Pit where they’re automatically washed and counted via the electronic control unit. A vacuum system then transports the clean golf balls to the dispenser ready for play. This sophisticated vacuum-transport design keeps the line clear, resulting in significantly less clogging than alternative automated systems.

“Our decision to partner with VDB Technics is not only based on the system’s performance, but for its practicality” explains GroundTech Director Marcus Glover. “Thanks to its modular underground wash zone, compact drop box and long-distance vacuum transport capability it is easier to install than comparative systems and seamlessly integrates with existing driving-range equipment. We’re excited to add Drop-Pit to our portfolio and further cement our status as a leading provider of automated golf course solutions.”

Lode Moies, Sales Manager at VDB Technics added, “We look forward to a long and successful partnership with GroundTech. Their strong market knowledge, professional approach and excellent service support make them the ideal partner to represent our Drop-Pit technology in the United Kingdom.”

For more information on Drop-Pit, or the autonomous Range Picker or mowers available from GroundTech, visit www.groundtech.co.uk

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Efficient clearing with EGO’s first leaf vacuum

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Efficient clearing with EGO’s first leaf vacuum: Leading outdoor power equipment specialist, EGO Power+, has released its first leaf vacuum. The 3-in-1 LV5000E is designed for everyday garden maintenance and can be used as a blower, vacuum, and mulcher.

Featuring a variable speed dial that can produce up to 850m³/h output, the tool has the power to tackle small to medium gardens effortlessly. Powered by EGO’s 56V ARC LithiumTM battery technology, this vacuum easily outperforms its 18-36V market competitors, especially when it comes to picking up wetter, heavier leaves.

Efficient clearing with EGO's first leaf vacuum

Efficient clearing with EGO’s first leaf vacuum

Its all-in-one functionality means users can blow fallen leaves into a pile by replacing the vacuum bag with the supplied suction tube, before reinstating the bag to clear up the leaves with the vacuum function.

Ideal for domestic gardeners, the 3-in-1 leaf vacuum maximises space in the collection bag by mulching the leaves and debris as they are collected, fitting more into the bag and requiring less emptying. Due to the high suction power and metal impeller, the vacuum reduces the potential for blockages, making it a hassle-free experience.

Neil McGuinness, Product Manager for EGO, said: “We are proud to be bringing our first ever leaf vacuum to market. Years of product development have gone into creating our range of blowers which offer market-leading power and performance. And now we have been able to take our offering a step further with the LV5000E.

“It is a game-changer for domestic gardeners. With its powerful blowing, excellent suction power and integrated mulching system, our customers can make light work of leaf clearance.”
EGO’s LV5000E Leaf Vacuum retails at £269. It is also available as a kit which includes a 5.0Ah battery and standard charger for £419.

Discover more about the Leaf Vacuum at: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/products/blowers/lv5000e-leaf-vacuum#single-product-description

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DLF helps Bristol Golf Club create the right first impression

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DLF helps Bristol Golf Club create the right first impression: Despite a year of challenging weather, Bristol Golf Club has seen a remarkable improvement in its playing surfaces and overall visitor experience thanks to innovative seed solutions from DLF.

The team, led by Course Manager Dave Taylor, introduced Johnsons J 4Turf 50 across all 27 tees in early 2025 which has gone on to demonstrate outstanding resilience and strong performance, coping with the pressures of a busy championship course.

DLF helps Bristol Golf Club create the right first impression

DLF helps Bristol Golf Club create the right first impression

With far reaching views across the Severn Estuary into Wales, Bristol Golf Club boasts an 18-hole Championship Course, a 9-hole Par 3 and 18-bay driving range alongside a whole host of other practice facilities and corporate grounds. Seeking to deliver lasting improvements on and off the course for the last eight years is Dave Taylor who turned to DLF Regional Technical Manager Ian Barnett to tackle some particularly problematic areas prone to wear, disease and drought.

“We’re an incredibly busy site, with high levels of foot traffic on the tees which also don’t all have the benefit of full irrigation” Dave explains. “Because of this I spoke with Ian about a harder-wearing mix, that would germinate quickly and tolerate the challenges of footfall and less than ideal weather conditions.” The solution came in the form of J 4Turf 50 from the Johnsons Sports Seed range. The 50/50 blend of diploid perennial and tetraploid perennial ryegrass ensures rapid establishment even under low soil temperatures and creates a deep-rooting, disease-resistant sward.

DLF helps Bristol Golf Club create the right first impression

DLF helps Bristol Golf Club create the right first impression

“Even in the extreme weather, the results we’ve seen have been outstanding” Dave says. “It germinated quickly and, what small amount of dormant seed we had, kicked straight into action as soon as the rain returned in early September. The recovery, density and wear tolerance on all of our tees has been exceptional.” He adds, “Not only have we not had to do any additional autumn overseeding on the tees, we’ve also not seen any Dollar Spot this year which means we’ve saved time and money by not having to apply any fungicides.”

Beyond course playability, Dave has also worked with DLF to create a strong first impression for members and visitors with the introduction of a new wildflower area at the club entrance. Created with Carnival from DLF’s Colour Boost collection, the vibrant display of bright and bold annuals in the spring became quite the talking point. “Because we host weddings and corporate events alongside the golf, these visual touches make a big difference.”

The return of the rain has meant new waves of colour are now emerging, with plans in place to expand the trial to new planting areas across the course in 2026. “The flowers don’t just deliver visual impact, they help us to enhance biodiversity – creating environments to encourage and support all types of insects and wildlife.”

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