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Celebrating New Talent in the Land-based & Environment sector

Celebrating New Talent in the Land-based & Environment sector: Lantra and Landex are delighted to announce that nominations for England’s inaugural Land-based & Environment Learner Awards 2023 are now open.

This exciting new Awards programme sees the two organisations working in partnership to recognise the talent, successes, and achievements of individual learners in the land-based and environment industries. They are encouraging land-based employers, colleges, private training providers and universities to recognise and promote their top candidates working in the sector by nominating them for a prestigious award.

Celebrating New Talent in the Land-based & Environment sector

Celebrating New Talent in the Land-based & Environment sector

The awards are open to individuals who were on programme on full-time or part-time Land-based and Environment courses and Apprenticeships in England between September 2021 and September 2022.

In this inaugural year, categories include Agriculture; Arboriculture; Forestry and Woodland Management; Equine and Farriery; Floristry; Landscape and Horticulture; Land-based Engineering; Animal Care and Management (includes keeper and aquarist/dog groomer); Veterinary Nursing; Environmental Conservation, Game and Wildlife; Aquaculture and Fisheries; and Sports Turf and Greenkeeping.

As well as prizes for the above categories which apply across Private Training providers, Further Education (FE), Apprenticeships Awards (Level 2-3), Higher Education (HE) and Higher Apprenticeship Awards (Level 4-7), there are also prizes for Apprentice of the Year, Inspirational Mentor/Trainer, Overall Winner and Runner Up.

Online entries are being encouraged, as the quicker and more sustainable option. However, paper copies of the nomination form are available on request. The deadline for entries is 21 July 2023.

Nominations are sought from employers, colleges, private training providers or universities by using the Online Application Form

The winners will be announced at the first prestigious awards ceremony at Reaseheath College, one of the UK’s leading land-based colleges based in Cheshire, on the 22 November 2023.

Dr David Llewellyn CBE, Lantra’s Chair of Trustees commented:

Whilst the headlines may concentrate on the important topic of a lack of qualified individuals and skills in the land-based and environment industries, we think the equally important abilities and achievements of those thousands of learners who are dedicated to helping grow our workforce of tomorrow, are both celebrated and rewarded.

“Lantra is committed to promoting the land-based and environment sector as a great place to work and forge a fulfilling and long-term career and we’re confident that employers, colleges and learners alike will be equally keen to shine a well-deserved spotlight on our future industry stars”.

Marcus Clinton, Chair of Landex commented:

“I’m delighted these inaugural awards are taking place. There is so much amazing talent across the network of land-based colleges and universities who are doing such a great job supporting the land-based and environment sectors and employers with their workforce of tomorrow. Being able to shine a light on and recognise the hard work and achievements of our students will make for a very special evening”.

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Investment in training is investment in machinery longevity

Investment in training is investment in machinery longevity: One of the greatest investments a customer can make in machinery is to invest in training according to Reesink Turfcare. And now there’s a new Electric Powered course meaning that no matter the power source, customers can get the best from their machinery.

Quality machinery is one of the biggest investments a club will make and needs to be safeguarded with proper training. A well-trained and attentive operating team will impact on running costs by catching things early and dealing with them at the most cost-effective point.

Investment in training is investment in machinery longevity

Investment in training is investment in machinery longevity

When it comes to mowers, Reesink offers three relevant training courses: Turfcare Mechanics to include cutting technology, the Safe Use of Ride-On Mowers and Reesink’s brand new Electric Powered Training.

Lee Rowbotham, service and training manager at Reesink UK, explains that having well-trained operators and mechanics can make machines go even further in both performance and longevity: “Reesink training provides customers with the confidence to operate and take care of their own machines so that operations can continue to run smoothly no matter what. It’s about investing in people as much as it is the machines themselves, but ultimately the two are always linked.”

With the rapid development of electric and hybrid technology, it’s important that skills and knowledge in those areas progresses at an equivalent rate so that technicians and dealers can better serve their customers and the Toro product. Hence the introduction of the new course.

Lee explains: “The Electric Powered Training course covers calibration and troubleshooting in Toro electric machinery, understanding how the electric system works and how each electrical component fits into the system. It is aimed at end users who currently have electric Toro products in their fleet.”

For diesel and petrol machines, Reesink’s Turfcare Mechanics course aims to instil confidence in troubleshooting, routine servicing and setting cutting units to manufacturers specification and can bring significant savings when it comes to machinery downtime. Lee says: “It’s surprising how the areas of maintenance that generate service time or bills such as lack of greasing, contaminated fuel or oil and blocked radiators or oil coolers are relatively easily avoided.

“The training Reesink provides teaches operators and mechanics how to keep their machines in a constant state of good condition so they can do a better job on the golf course all year round.”

The Turfcare Mechanics course, designed for dedicated workshop mechanics, also covers understanding Fault Codes and Level 1 Hydraulics and Electrics fundamentals to incorporate on board machinery diagnostics, Lee says: “This course allows clubs to take effective care of their groundscare machinery, meaning machines need less time in the workshop and can spend more time on the job.”

It’s not just in-depth maintenance knowledge that Reesink’s training provides, the Safe Use of Ride-On Mowers course ensures operators are well trained on equipment and find it easy and intuitive to use. This course is ideal for new starters, giving a practical and thorough overview of operating, checking and maintaining ride-on mowing equipment.

Reesink’s training doesn’t stop at mowers; also on offer is Reesink’s Professional Sprayer Operational and Calibration training for Toro sprayers.

Course material and assessment are included in the fees, and manufacturer backed certification is provided at the end. Each of Reesink’s courses range from one to two days of training and can be conducted on an individual basis or in small groups.

Find out more about these courses to help keep machinery performing to the best of its ability to deliver the very best playing surfaces by calling 01480 226800 or going online at reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Overseeder pivotal in post-drought programme

Overseeder pivotal in post-drought programme: A Redexim Overseeder 1575 3D proved a timely purchase for the team at Malone Golf Club as, like many venues across the country, overseeding work was high on the autumn agenda to recover the damage from the summer-time drought.

Delivered in August 2022, the new disc-seeder was out and in use immediately across the 27-hole complex and according to Workshop Manager Chris Walsh, the results of the operation have been very impressive.

Overseeder pivotal in post-drought programme

Overseeder pivotal in post-drought programme

A championship parkland course situated on 330 acres of undulating ground close to Belfast city centre, Malone proves a challenge for players and greens staff alike. “Our profile is sandy meaning that in the summer we burn up fast. With the long dry spell of weather we had last year we really struggled with coverage in areas such as fairways and tee boxes which aren’t covered by the irrigation system” explains Chris, who forms part of a ten-strong maintenance team.

“Previously we would call in contractors to carry out overseeding, but you find yourself limited by their availability so we decided to purchase our own machine so that we can overseed precisely when and where we need to.” Redexim Regional Partners Cyril Johnston demonstrated the 1.5m wide disc seeder which, suited to a range of ground conditions and featuring easily adjustable delivery rates, ticked all of the boxes.

“This Overseeder 3D is really well built and super simple to set-up and operate” Chris explains. “One thing in particular we noticed was the accuracy of seed delivery which is ever more critical as the cost of seed continues to go up. The strike rate we got from the work we conducted across the site was fantastic and, while we were concerned about the slits opening up in the continued hot conditions, we didn’t get any of that. The rear roller helps to ensure that the seed remains exactly where it needs to be and seals the groove up to bring the course back into play almost immediately.”

The service, from both Cyril Johnston and Redexim’s Ian Lauder also impressed the team. “Everything from the demonstration and advice, through to the delivery and training we received was first-class.” He continues, “Now that we’re not waiting on contractors, we can really push ahead with overseeding, fitting it in and around our packed golf programme to build on course improvements and cope with the challenges that mother nature throws at us. This machine will pay for itself in no time.”

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Green-tech opens depot in Ireland

Green-tech opens depot in Ireland: The UKs Leading landscape supplier Green-tech has announced the opening of an Irish depot in Derry, Ireland.

The UK landscaping supplier is owned by Origin Enterprises PLC and will be working with their business partner Origin NI and operating out of their premises in Derry.

Green-tech opens depot in Ireland

Green-tech opens depot in Ireland

Green-tech will be providing a next-day delivery service across the whole of Ireland on a wide range of professional landscaping essentials.

Green-tech’s Sales Director Richard Gill comments, “I am thrilled to open up our first depot in Ireland. It’s a strategic move for Green-tech which will support our ambitious future growth plans. We have traded in Ireland and Northern Ireland for many years with success, the time is now right to increase our reach and offer speed of delivery and levels of customer service provided to the rest of the UK. We have allocated several experienced members of the Green-tech team who will be dedicated to our Irish customers, enabling them to build relationships and guarantee consistency of service and customer care.”

Green-tech will be holding stock for all manner of landscaping, forestry and construction projects and will include.

  • Tree planting – Tree Stakes, Belting, Blocks and Weld Mesh
  • Urban tree planting – Tree anchor systems, Tree Parker tree planting cell system, tree grilles and Rootbarrier products
  • Mona Irrigation and Tree Irrigator bags
  • Seed – Grass Seed and John Chambers Wildflower seed
  • Ground protection – Grass Protector, Terram and Bodpave
  • Grounds Maintenance – Professional Fertilisers and Herbicides, Rite Edge, Rite L Edge and Ground Cover
  • Bark mulch and compost

Richard continues, “This is a really exciting time for us. It’s a big step and we already have our Derry warehouse stocked and we’re ready to start making deliveries. Our turnaround time is quick, often delivering within 24 hours. We are renowned for being able to send everything a company is likely to need for their landscaping, tree planting or ground stabilisation project in one delivery. We’d love to quote for your next landscaping, forestry or construction project so please get in touch with us.”

To download or request a printed free catalogue visit the website at www.green-tech.co.uk or speak to a member of the Irish Green-tech team on 01423 332 167.

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Eight in one with the new Fortis mower

Eight in one with the new Fortis mower: The new Fortis range of cylinder lawnmowers from Cobra delivers advanced lawn mower technology to bring a convenient lawncare solution with incredible cutting precision.

The range combines eight machines in one to give the ultimate package for creating picture perfect lawns, and are the first powered cylinder mowers to be launched by Cobra.

Eight in one with the new Fortis mower

Eight in one with the new Fortis mower

There are four mowers in the Fortis range. Starting with a compact 14” model that is powered by a Loncin petrol engine, and then the 17”, 20” and 25” all featuring Briggs & Stratton engines for extra power for larger lawns. They are all self-propelled and have a three-way drive facility, allowing the blades to be disengaged without having to stop the engine.

Fortis mowers all feature a six-blade precision ground cutting cylinder to give the finest, most precise cut possible. The height of cut can easily be adjusted too with variants as low as 6mm and ranging up to 30mm. The finishing touch to the perfect cut comes from the steel front roller giving an enhanced definition to the iconic lawn stripes.

Convenience and comfort have also been considered as the mowers have foam cushioned handles that fold down for easy transportation and compact storage.

What makes the Fortis machines the ultimate in lawncare however, is their ability to transform into seven other machines to ensure that lawns are immaculate and healthy. The Fortis six-bladed cassette can simply be removed and replaced with another accessory cassette in the range to switch its use. Other cartridges include:

  • Verticutter – lightly removes thatch build up with light, fine blades without penetrating the soil and by cutting vertically to increase turf density
  • Scarifier – more aggressive than the verticutter and can easy remove debris and dense thatch by penetrating the soil to encourages new growth
  • Dethatcher – will remove the densest layers of thatch and will collect twice as much material as the verticut cartridge. Its thick, wide spaced tines will penetrate the soil up to 6mm deep
  • Aerator – brakes up soil compaction as its blades slit the ground to allow extra air, moisture and nutrients to reach the grass roots. Ultimately, creating a healthier, thicker and more luscious lawn
  • Turf rake – powerful blades both lift thatch and thinly slice soil surface to ensure maximum water, air and nutrients can flow to the roots
  • Lawn brush – features rotating brushes that easily collects light debris such as fallen leaves, twigs, grass clippings or litter and places it in the collection box. It can also be used to remove dew and light rain from the lawn to prevent fungal diseases
  • 10-blade cassette – gives an even closer finish worthy of croquet, tennis lawns and bowling greens!

It’s not just the convenience of the cartridges that makes the Fortis range so special, the cutting ability is superb and incredible precise.
The cylinder mowers’ blades spiral around the cartridge, as such they cut with a scissor action, slicing instead of chopping like a rotary mower. This is better for the grass, as it has less impact and causes less trauma which in turn leads to healthier grass. The clean cut from a cylinder mower is less damaging for the plant and also helps prevent against diseases forming. Not only does this create healthy lawns, but it also gives crisply defined lines for a perfectly striped finish.

For further information about Cobra, please visit www.cobragarden.co.uk.

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