Tag Archive for: GroundsFest

Free Sustainability Assessment Tool from GroundsFest Academy

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Free Sustainability Assessment Tool from GroundsFest Academy: The GroundsFest Academy, in collaboration with John Moverley OBE, has launched a free online sustainability assessment tool designed to help organisations evaluate and strengthen their sustainable practices.

Sustainability is increasingly becoming a core requirement across the industry, yet many organisations are still uncertain about what practical steps they should be taking. The new tool has been developed to help address this challenge by providing a straightforward first step for businesses and organisations to generally assess where they currently stand.

Free Sustainability Assessment Tool from GroundsFest Academy

Free Sustainability Assessment Tool from GroundsFest Academy

Through a series of simple questions, the online tool enables users to assess how well their organisation is performing, identify what more could be achieved with existing resources, and discover the skills and information already available to them. It also helps highlight areas where further improvements might be made.

Developed by GroundsFest Academy with input and advice from John Moverley, the initiative brings together practical industry knowledge with a clear focus on supporting organisations at every stage of their sustainability journey.

John is widely recognised as one of the amenity industry’s most respected voices and brings a breadth of experience across all areas of the sector. An elected Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies, he also holds honorary Fellowships from both the University of Central Lancashire and Myerscough College.

Commenting on the new initiative John said:

“It is important that organisations of any size or type demonstrate sustainable practice and, increasingly, it is being seen as a requirement in many aspects of activity. However, particularly at practitioner level, there remains some uncertainty about what steps to take.

Also, many are undertaking sustainable practice to varying degrees but may not always be aware of this. This online tool seeks to help organisations make an initial assessment of how well they are doing already and seeks to create a starting point both for them to assess what more can be done and the skills and information available to them. I am delighted to support this initiative led by the GroundsFest team.”

The tool can also highlight where further support may be beneficial, including opportunities for a more detailed sustainability audit, training, or one-to-one discussions with specialist consultants.

Chris Bennett, Marketing Director for GroundsFest, said:

“Sustainability is one of the biggest priorities for the industry and for many organisations it can be difficult to know where to begin. This tool provides a simple but effective way for organisations of all sizes to take a step back and assess what they are already doing and where there may be opportunities to improve. We’re also delighted to be working with John Moverley on this initiative. His knowledge, experience and standing within the industry bring enormous value to the project.”

The free sustainability assessment tool is now available at www.groundsfestacademy.com

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

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GroundsFest Academy Attendees’ Emirates insight

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GroundsFest Academy Attendees’ Emirates insight: Selected attendees of the 2025 GroundsFest Academy events were recently given a unique opportunity: a behind-the-scenes experience day at the Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal F.C. The day offered a CPD-accredited, practical insight into the operations, challenges, and expertise involved in managing a world-class playing surface and stadium environment.

Led by Paul Ashcroft, Head of Horticulture & Playing Surface Operations for Arsenal F.C, the morning kicked off with an immersive programme designed to give attendees a full picture of what it takes to maintain a top-tier football pitch.

GroundsFest Academy Attendees' Emirates insight

GroundsFest Academy Attendees’ Emirates insight

Participants explored turf management in a stadium setting, internal facilities and groundstaff operations, as well as the tools, machinery, and materials critical to daily work. Matchday preparation and pitch inspections were part of the agenda, alongside deep dives into pitch construction, drainage, irrigation, grass species, microclimates, lighting rigs, and renovations.

The session also addressed integrated weed management and strategies for balancing wear during matches, training, and other events.

Attendees continued to be guided through the day by Paul, with tours of the facilities and a pitch walk giving practical insight into the precision, planning, and teamwork required to maintain a stadium to professional standards.

For attendee Finlay Wiggins, the day offered a rare insight into elite-level pitch preparation:

“It was fascinating to see the specialist equipment up close and understand how each machine plays a vital role in maintaining top-level playing conditions. We also discussed the importance of communication with coaches, balancing their training demands with the need to protect the surface. It really was a fantastic experience.”

Esteve Sanchez was another participant who found the experience beneficial:

“Opportunities like this are not only inspiring but essential for professionals passionate about the craft behind elite-level playing surfaces. Seeing firsthand what it takes to prepare and protect a surface at the highest level truly reinforces the importance of continuous learning and professional development within the grounds industry. Experiences like this allow us to connect theory with practice, exchange ideas, and elevate our technical knowledge.

Hopefully, this is just the beginning of many more opportunities like this in the future.”

And for greenkeeper Steven Connolly, stepping outside his own environment offered fresh perspective:

“It’s always valuable to step outside your own environment and see how another top-tier operation approaches their work. You’re never too experienced to keep learning, and spending time with some of the very best in the turf industry was both insightful and motivating. I came away with ideas and perspectives that I can take back to my own team, which is exactly what these days are all about.”

Bradley Tennant, Director of Education for GroundsFest Academy, reflected on the experience:

“It was a day that won’t be forgotten – spending time behind the scenes with selected attendees of our 2025 events was incredible. Huge thanks to Arsenal F.C and Paul Ashcroft for making this opportunity possible. Keep an eye out for future experience days.”

The GroundsFest Academy Emirates experience offered an unforgettable day of learning, inspiration, and networking, a reminder of the depth, skill, and dedication required to keep stadium pitches at the very highest standard.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfestacademy.com

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

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GroundsFest Joins Forces with Industry Initiative

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GroundsFest Joins Forces with Industry Initiative: A collaborative initiative ‘Roots for the future, skills for today’, supported by leading industry bodies and influential individuals, is pleased to announce that GroundsFest has officially joined the mission to promote the landscape architecture and horticultural industries to the wider public.

As part of its support, GroundsFest will take the lead by building the industry’s flagship stand at New Scientist Live 2026 which takes place at London’s Excel, October 10-12. The project aims to bring together prominent organisations from across the breadth of UK landscaping and horticulture, to collaborate on an exhibit to raise perceptions through public engagement. The ultimate aim is to address the skills crisis by showcasing the sectors as high-tech, scientific and sustainable, to a large STEM-focused audience. Educational and commercial partners are sought from across sports turf, groundskeeping, forestry, landscaping, ornamental and edible production, garden retail, environmental management, gardens and parks. Sufficient stand sharers are required by 24th March to move the project to its next stage of booking space.

GroundsFest Joins Forces with Industry Initiative

GroundsFest Joins Forces with Industry Initiative

New Scientist Live, held annually in London, attracts over 26,000 visitors including students, school staff, families and science enthusiasts, making it the premier platform to inspire a large public and the next generation.

Award-winning GroundsFest, the UK’s leading annual event for the grounds management, landscaping and arboriculture industries, will bring unparalleled expertise to the project. Their team will oversee the construction of an immersive, interactive stand that demonstrates the technological, engineering and environmental science required to build and maintain the nation’s world-class green spaces and deliver horticultural output.

Christina Walker, leading the project, commented: “I’m thrilled to welcome GroundsFest to this crucial initiative. Their commitment to the landscaping and grounds maintenance industries, plus their award-winning skill in producing events and exhibits makes them the perfect partner to bring this vision to life. By building a stand that is both interactive and scientifically grounded, we can show the New Scientist Live audience the vast array of inspirational and aspirational STEM careers across the landscape and horticulture sectors. I need stand sharers and sponsors to come forward – I’m particularly keen that we have a sport activity to engage visitors around soil science and an urban element is absolutely central to the exhibit.”

Christopher Bassett, Event Director of GroundsFest, added: “Joining this mission was a natural fit for us. At GroundsFest, we are passionate about the future of the industry and reinvesting in the next generation. Building the stand at New Scientist Live 2026 allows us to showcase the incredible craftsmanship and innovation within our sector on a national stage. We look forward to working with our colleagues to create something truly inspiring.” The partnership follows a growing movement within the industry to unify efforts in career promotion, as recently discussed at a cross sector Focus Group. By combining the resources of trade bodies and commercial sponsors with the practical prowess of GroundsFest, the project ensures that the horticulture and landscape architecture sectors will have a commanding and educational presence at one of the world’s largest science festivals.

Stand sharers and sponsors are asked to contact Christina Walker chris1coombes@googlemail.com before 24th March.

About GroundsFest GroundsFest is the UK’s largest annual event for the grounds management, landscaping, and arboriculture sectors. It features a unique combination of indoor and outdoor exhibits, live machinery demonstrations, and the GroundsFest Academy, which provides free educational seminars and training for industry professionals.

About New Scientist Live New Scientist Live is an award-winning science festival that brings together the biggest names in science and technology. The event features immersive experiences, incredible exhibits, and talks from world-leading experts, aimed at inspiring people of all ages about the wonders of the universe.

Media Contact: Christina Walker 07703 592589
chris1coombes@googlemail.com@googlemail.com

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GroundsFest and GroundsFest Academy to Exhibit at BTME

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GroundsFest and GroundsFest Academy to Exhibit at BTME: GroundsFest and the GroundsFest Academy will be exhibiting at BTME 2026 for the very first time, marking an important milestone for the fast-growing event and its year-round education programme.

Visitors can find the GroundsFest team on stand 233, where they will be showcasing what makes GroundsFest a must-attend date in the industry calendar, as well as raising awareness of the GroundsFest Academy and its commitment to education and skills development.

GroundsFest and GroundsFest Academy to Exhibit at BTME

GroundsFest and GroundsFest Academy to Exhibit at BTME

The appearance at BTME follows an announcement earlier this year confirming a new collaboration between The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), organisers of BTME, and GroundsFest. The partnership is designed to strengthen both events while bringing together professionals from across the grounds care, landscaping and golf sectors. As part of this growing relationship, BIGGA exhibited at GroundsFest for the first time in September, making GroundsFest’s debut at BTME a natural next step.

BTME provides an ideal platform to introduce GroundsFest to an even wider greenkeeping audience. Taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 16 and 17 September, GroundsFest has quickly established itself as a unique industry event, welcoming grounds staff, greenkeepers, landscapers, designers and architects, gardeners, local authorities, estate managers and contractors.

What sets GroundsFest apart is its distinctive format. The event combines indoor business and education opportunities with large-scale outdoor demonstrations, giving visitors the chance to see equipment, technology and techniques in action. After an action-packed day, attendees can unwind and continue networking at the show’s much-loved live music festival – a relaxed, informal environment that brings the industry together in a different way.

For many BTME visitors, the show will also be an opportunity to discover more about the GroundsFest Academy and what it offers. Created as a pathway for GroundsFest to give back to the industry, the Academy exists to invest in education and support the sector all year round. Its focus is on accessible, high-quality training that helps people learn, grow and stay inspired, whatever stage they are at in their career.

The GroundsFest Academy provides a platform for professionals, volunteers, students and newcomers to gain real-world knowledge and develop practical skills. A key aim is to raise awareness of career opportunities, attract new talent into the sector, and support the ongoing development of those already working within it.

The Academy delivers two distinct types of events. Inspire Events explore the key topics shaping the industry, while Focus Events take a deeper dive into market-specific challenges and opportunities. All sessions are CPD accredited and cover a wide range of relevant subjects, ensuring genuine value for attendees.

Exhibiting at BTME 2026 gives GroundsFest and the GroundsFest Academy the chance to connect directly with greenkeepers, encourage them to put GroundsFest 2026 in their diaries, and highlight the Academy as a hub where skills are shared, ideas are explored, and the future of the industry is strengthened through continued learning and collaboration.

For more information about the GroundsFest Academy, visit www.groundsfestacademy.com

For more information about GroundsFest, visit www.groundsfest.com

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

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GroundsFest Wins Prestigious Industry Impact Award

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GroundsFest Wins Prestigious Industry Impact Award: GroundsFest has been recognised for its exceptional contribution to the groundscare and landscaping industry, having won the Industry Impact Award at the EN Indy Awards.

The Industry Impact Award celebrates an exhibition or trade show that has demonstrably changed, influenced, or significantly contributed to the growth and advancement of the industry it serves – and in just three years, GroundsFest has done exactly that.

GroundsFest Wins Prestigious Industry Impact Award

GroundsFest Wins Prestigious Industry Impact Award

Since its launch, GroundsFest has grown into the UK’s largest industry event, uniting professionals and volunteers from every corner of the groundscare and landscaping sectors. From live machinery demonstrations and hands-on experiences to its unique combination of business, education, and entertainment, the event has created something truly special for the industry.

The judges praised GroundsFest for its genuine connection to its audience and the positive change it continues to deliver. Feedback included:

“The event really has its ‘roots’ in its target audience and is making a significant impact on the industry.”

“Support for their audience extends beyond the focus of business needs. The GroundsFest Academy is a great initiative, which shows a forward-thinking strategy of impacting the next generation.”

“This event clearly demonstrates support for its community. Measurable impact delivered and fantastic feedback received.”

Judges were particularly impressed by the fact that profits from the show are reinvested back into the industry.

That commitment is brought to life through the GroundsFest Academy, an educational initiative designed to give back to the industry by providing free training and development opportunities for professionals and volunteers alike. The Academy offers hands-on workshops, expert-led seminars, and interactive demonstrations.

“It’s great to see we’re making a difference,” said Christopher Bassett, Event Director of GroundsFest. “When we launched the show, we wanted to create something that genuinely supported the industry – not just for today, but for the future. GroundsFest, and the Academy, are about helping to put the industry on the map, providing opportunities for learning, and inspiring the next generation of professionals to come through.”

This latest recognition cements GroundsFest’s reputation as an event that not only celebrates the industry but actively helps it grow. With a firm focus on community, education, and long-term progress, GroundsFest continues to make a lasting impact.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfestacademy.com

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

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