Tag Archive for: Free

GroundsFest Academy’s Free Robotics & Green Innovations Seminar

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GroundsFest Academy’s Free Robotics & Green Innovations Seminar: The GroundsFest Academy is set to host another free educational event on 31 July 2025, focusing on the latest robotics and sustainable technologies in the groundscare and landscaping industries.

Taking place at Lantra House, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, this CPD-accredited day brings together leading experts from Husqvarna, Turf Tank, and Lantra to explore how innovation is reshaping outdoor spaces.

GroundsFest Academy's Free Robotics & Green Innovations Seminar

GroundsFest Academy’s Free Robotics & Green Innovations Seminar

Attendees will gain hands-on experience with robotic mowers, battery-powered machinery, and automated line-marking technology, alongside expert-led talks and practical training sessions.

Topics include:

  • The benefits of robotic mowing systems and how to implement them
  • Sustainable machinery solutions and green technology trends
  • Live robotic line marking demonstrations
  • Career guidance and training course insights from Lantra

The event runs from 09:00 to 15:30, and is completely free to attend, with CPD points and certificates provided to all participants. Lunch and refreshments will also be provided.

Bradley Tennant, Director of Education for GroundsFest Academy, commented:

“The GroundsFest Academy is about bringing innovation and education together in a way that’s practical, engaging, and completely free to access. This Robotics and Green Innovations day is a chance for professionals to get hands-on with the technology that’s changing our industry, while also gaining CPD points and valuable knowledge to take back to their teams or their own projects.”

The GroundsFest Academy is made possible thanks to the ongoing success of the main GroundsFest event, with profits being reinvested directly back into the industry. This commitment ensures that professionals at all levels have access to free, high-quality training opportunities throughout the year – helping to support long-term growth, innovation, and education across the groundscare and landscaping sectors.

Register for your free place at www.groundsfestacademy.com

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

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Amp up your tool kit with a free Makita XGT 40V battery

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Amp up your tool kit with a free Makita XGT 40V battery: Leading power tool and outdoor power equipment manufacturer Makita UK has launched a new ‘Professional Cordless Garden Machinery’ redemption promotion, where end users can claim a free XGT 4.0Ah high-capacity ‘Tabless Technology’ battery (BL4040F) with the purchase of qualifying XGT and Connect-X outdoor power equipment.

To qualify for the free XGT 4.0Ah BL4040F battery, end users must purchase any of the selected Makita models from an authorised dealer between 1st March 2025 and 30th September 2025 and register the proof of purchase on Makita’s online claim form within 28 days. Once the claim has been verified, claimants will receive their free battery after 30 days.

Amp up your tool kit with a free Makita XGT 40V battery

Amp up your tool kit with a free Makita XGT 40V battery

The free battery on offer as part of Makita’s redemption scheme, is one of the company’s latest innovations in battery technology. Specifically, the BL4040F has been engineered with tabless lithium-ion cells. This design improves battery efficiency, thermal management, and overall battery performance, allowing for a much more efficient method of power delivery and making the BL4040F ideal for high demand applications such as chainsaws, breakers, and disc cutters. In fact, the BL4040F battery delivers up to 36% longer runtimes and operates 32% cooler compared to the standard 4.0Ah BL4040.

Like all Makita batteries, the tabless BL4040F features a digital communication system with the tool to protect against overload, over-discharge, and overheating, meaning performance is optimised for every task. The BL4040F also has an enhanced cooling system to ensure tools are able to maintain peak performance under heavy, continuous loads, extending the overall service life of the battery.

Kevin Brannigan (Marketing Manager) at Makita commented: “With over 100 years of engineering experience and almost fifty years since we launched our first battery powered tool, Makita is an expert in developing battery and motor technology that meets the demands of professional use. The XGT range makes even the most demanding tasks easy to complete without the constraint of a cord or fuel and includes cordless lawn mowers, blowers, hedge trimmers, split shafts, chainsaws among others – all of which are included as qualifying models in our latest redemption promotion for end users to claim this fantastic tabless battery.”

To find out more information about the promotion, eligible products, and terms and conditions, visit: www.makitauk.com/redemption

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GroundsFest Academy Launches with Free Educational Day

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GroundsFest Academy Launches with Free Educational Day: The highly anticipated first GroundsFest Academy event is set to take place on May 13, 2025, marking the beginning of a new era in free, hands-on education. The first session, hosted in partnership with DLF, titled ‘Seed Science,’ will be held at DLF Seeds’ UK head office in Inkberrow, Worcestershire.

This CPD-accredited educational day is completely free to attend, thanks to GroundsFest’s commitment to reinvesting profits from the show back into the industry. The Academy aims to provide valuable training, helping attendees refine their skills, discover new techniques, and gain insights from leading experts.

GroundsFest Academy Launches with Free Educational Day

GroundsFest Academy Launches with Free Educational Day

Who Can Attend?

The GroundsFest Academy is designed for anyone working across the groundscare, landscaping, greenkeeping and sports turf sectors. Whether you’re an industry professional looking to deepen your knowledge or a newcomer keen to gain practical experience, this event offers an excellent opportunity to learn and network.

What to Expect

The Seed Science event will feature expert-led, hands-on sessions covering key aspects of seed science, including:

Grass & Seed Identification – Learn how to distinguish different grass species and seed types through practical exercises.

Germination & Pre-Germination Tests – Gain insights into how and why seeds germinate, with live demonstrations and interactive learning.

Site Tour of DLF – Discover how seed production, testing, and breeding processes work firsthand.

Sowing, Aftercare & Maintenance – Develop your understanding of best practices for sowing and maintaining grass seed.

A Unique Learning Experience

The day will be structured to encourage participation and engagement. Attendees will be split into groups and will take part in quizzes throughout the sessions. The winning group will receive a special prize, adding an element of fun to the learning experience.

Bradley Tennant who is leading the GroundsFest Academy initiative expressed his enthusiasm for the launch, stating: “We’re absolutely delighted to be launching the first-ever GroundsFest Academy. Thanks to the support of DLF, we’re able to offer such a high-quality educational event. The DLF team share our passion for knowledge and innovation.”

Matt Gresty, MM and Designer Sales and Brand Manager for DLF UK, said: “DLF are pleased to host the inaugural Groundsfest Academy Education Day on Seed Science, we look forward to providing an interesting and informative day for all attendees.”

Secure Your Spot

The GroundsFest Academy offers a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders while networking with fellow professionals. With limited spaces available, early registration is recommended to avoid disappointment.

To view the full seminar programme and to secure your place, visit the dedicated GroundsFest Academy website www.groundsfestacademy.com

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Discover the Free Education Programme at GroundsFest

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Discover the Free Education Programme at GroundsFest: GroundsFest 2024 is set to be an unmissable event for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in the land-based industries. With a comprehensive education programme spread across four seminar theatres, including practical sessions, there’s something for everyone. The seminars are free to attend, and visitors can earn up to 12 CPD points by attending the sessions.

Seminar Theatre 1, sponsored by Lantra, kicks off on 10th September with a range of sessions designed to tackle the latest challenges and innovations in the amenity sector. Highlights include:

  • OCR Regulations – All You Need to Know by The Amenity Forum.
  • A Year in Edgbaston – Gary Barwell from Warwickshire County Cricket Club.
  • Challenges and Opportunities in the Amenity Sector, featuring experts like Professor John Moverley (Lantra), Jim Croxton (BIGGA) and Alisdair Mason (LanGuard).
  • How Hybrid Grass is Powering More Play in Grassroots and Professional Sports by SIS Grass.
  • Integrated Turf Management for Grassroots by Mark De Ath from Origin Amenity Solutions.
Discover the Free Education Programme at GroundsFest

Discover the Free Education Programme at GroundsFest

On 11th September, Seminar Theatre 1 continues with sessions like Reducing Glyphosate in Amenity Settings and The Benefits of Volunteering to Progress Your Career.

Seminar Theatre 2, sponsored by Dennis and SISIS, will feature equally engaging content on 10th September, such as:

  • Sustainable Seed Solutions for Landscaping and Sports Turf by Stuart Yarwood from DLF.
  • The Future of Amenity Weed Management by Sean Faulkner from Kersten UK Ltd.
  • Boost Your Turf: How Silicon Supercharges Grass Growth by Kate Williams from Orion Future Technology.

On 11th September, don’t miss Water Management for Grassroots Football by Kelly Clack, An Introduction into Playground Standards and Inspections by Jon Dalton from The Play Inspection Company, and Understanding Gravity-Fed Chippers: How To Ensure Your Customer Gets The Right Solution by Andy Wain from HANSA.

Explore The Landscape Zone

The Landscape Zone will host a series of seminars across two days, addressing key issues and trends in landscaping and garden design. On 10th September, look forward to:

  • Birmingham: The City of 1000 Green Spaces by Ryan Suddall from Fira Landscape.
  • Building a Successful Landscaping Business, featuring insights from Herman Pobrati and Ben Parkinson.
  • Prioritising Pollinators—a vital discussion on supporting declining pollinator populations.

On 11th September, seminars like Enhancing Biodiversity: The Role of Landscapers and Garden Designers in Shaping Sustainable Ecosystems by Noel Brock, and How to Incorporate Sustainable Water Management into Everyday Gardens will provide practical tips for creating eco-friendly outdoor spaces.

Practical Training Sessions by Grounds Training

GroundsFest 2024 also features practical training sessions designed to give hands-on experience in key areas:

Tuesday, 10th September 2024

  • Training 101 for Managers: An informative session for grounds managers covering workplace training, current legislation, and planning training for your organization.
  • Calibration Station: Knapsack Sprayers: A practical session demonstrating the calibration process and maintenance of knapsack sprayers, with delegates encouraged to participate.
  • Launch of Lantra Robotic GPS Line Marking Course: Learn more about the new Robotic GPS Line Marking Course.

Wednesday, 11th September 2024

  • Health and Safety Workshop: A talk to raise awareness of Health and Safety legislation within the industry.
  • Introduction to Pedestrian Mowers Cylinder: Introduction to the Lantra competency course, covering legislation, risk assessments, and equipment familiarisation.
  • Introduction to Handheld Machinery: Overview of the Lantra competency courses, including relevant legislation, risk assessments, and equipment handling.

These sessions, along with many others, offer an invaluable opportunity to learn from experts, earn CPD points, and stay at the forefront of industry trends. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, GroundsFest 2024’s education programme has something to offer everyone.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the industry’s must-attend event. Register now for free at 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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Keep your garden beds blooming and slug free

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Keep your garden beds blooming and slug free: Every year, beloved plants face the threatof being devoured by slugs. The worry faces every avid gardener each spring as they work tirelessly to protect them from these voracious pests.

Hostas, sweet peas, lettuce, and cabbage are all favourites and slugs will take any opportunity to slither across for a bite. Beneficial nematode solutions, like Nemaslug 2.0, offer a biological solution to effectively keep slugs at bay and your flowers and crops whole.

Keep your garden beds blooming and slug free

Keep your garden beds blooming and slug free

Nematodes are a naturally occurring microorganism which target and kill specific garden pests without posing a risk to other wildlife, crops, or pets. This also means they are perfectly safe to use on fruit and vegetable beds to stop slugs from indulging in your home-grown produce.

The improved formula of Nemaslug 2.0 contains a new species of nematode called Phasmarhabditis californica, it is higher concentrated and more potent than the original Nemaslug, with larger quantities of nematodes for quick, persistent, and effective action.

Slugs account for the most pest-related complaints among gardeners, and their ability to consume and destroy yields of crops and flower beds is devastating. Nemaslug 2.0 provides a safeguard for gardens for up to six weeks, with the small but mighty nematodes working hard and fast to keep slug populations down. To ensure ongoing protection, applications should be done every six weeks during peak slug season, which is typically from early spring to autumn.

The application is simple, as per the instructions on the box, mix your Nemaslug 2.0 with water and apply to the soil on your flower and vegetable beds using a watering can fitted with a coarse rose. Then sit back and relax and watch your beds bloom all summer long without worrying about the slugs making a meal of your hard work in the garden.

An entire season’s worth of pest control can be purchased now via online stockists, to be delivered straight to your door.

To find out more about how nematodes work, look at this short video – https://youtu.be/JHNG1KSluh0

For further information please visit https://www.nemasysinfo.co.uk/ and follow basf_nemasys_uk on Instagram.

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