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Ecorobotix steps strongly into sustainable golf

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Ecorobotix steps strongly into sustainable golf: Swiss company Ecorobotix has added to its exciting entry into golf with the announcement of a multi-year collaboration with longstanding sustainability partner to the industry – GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation.

The move compliments the company’s global launch of ALBA – the new, ultra-high precision turfgrass application equipment, which is currently being profiled at back to back BIGGA and GCSAA industry events in Europe and the US. Ecorobotix is a certified B Corp and a UK signatory to the UN Global Compact.

Ecorobotix steps strongly into sustainable golf

Ecorobotix steps strongly into sustainable golf

Ecorobotix joins a diverse range of other leading industry stakeholders, including national and international associations, tours, companies, clubs, developments, tournaments and players that are already connected through the Foundation’s collaborative work and non-profit resources.

Speaking about the relationship Claude Juriens, CRO of Ecorobotix said – “2026 is a very exciting year for us.  It sees us enter the global golf market with brand new technology that combines custom software and hardware to reduce inputs into turfgrass by as much as 90%. This is technology with a well proven track record across agriculture, now fully adapted for fine turf.

“As a demonstration of our commitment to the importance of sustainability to golf, we are delighted to also collaborate with GEO Foundation. Over the last 20 years they have helped build an important collaborative platform of partners, resources and expertise that is helping to advance golf’s collective action and its stewardship.”

Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation said:  “Sustainability at scale takes a full team effort – involving leadership, innovation and collaboration from many diverse stakeholders. Ecorobotix bring all of those things to the industry.  Their support is a great boost in our missions to help more parts of golf get engaged, accelerate their efforts and promote their results. It’s a movement that continues to be so important to the future of golf and communities around the world.”

A specific focus of joint activities will be the promotion of the science of ‘ultra-high precision’ applications to turf.  Focussing on how improved targeting at scale can lead to significant further reductions in chemical use and associated water and fertiliser inputs.

More can be found out at https://turf.ecorobotix.com/ and sustainable.golf

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STIGA Announces Its Entry Into The Professional Segment

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STIGA Announces Its Entry Into The Professional Segment: STIGA, Europe’s leading manufacturer of garden care machinery and equipment, announces its entry into the Professional segment with a complete ecosystem of products, batteries, AI-driven technologies and after-sales services.

With over 90 years of experience in designing gardening machinery and as a pioneer in the transition to electric, the company is taking a natural step in its evolution, putting its ability to innovate at the service of gardening professionals. In particular, it is the ePower Pro Battery – the heart of the entire range – alongside APX Pro and ePark Pro that form part of a new generation of resilient, high-performance battery solutions designed to elevate the standards of professional land care: a concrete answer to the constantly evolving needs of “prosumers” – operators and dealers who are increasingly oriented towards autonomous and intelligent solutions. STIGA Professional line-up will be available from early Spring 2026.

STIGA Announces Its Entry Into The Professional Segment

STIGA Announces Its Entry Into The Professional Segment

“Entering the Professional segment is a strategic step for STIGA, – says James Gordon, MD of STIGA UK, because it allows us to share our expertise in technology, electrification and sustainable design with industry professionals. This evolution is a natural extension of our identity: to continue innovating responsibly, offering solutions that improve performance and simplify the daily work of professionals, strengthening STIGA’s role as a key player for those working in garden care every day.”

Entering the Professional segment also represents a decisive leap forward in terms of environmental & social responsibility. The new battery-powered ecosystem eliminates the use of fuel, reduces emissions and noise, and guarantees high performance with low environmental impact, marking another milestone in the company’s commitment to electrification. By automating repetitive mowing, the new self-operated mowers reduce physical strain and fatigue while operators can focus on skilled tasks that require human expertise. As a pioneer in the industry, STIGA continues to lead the way by enabling users to shift to battery-powered and automated products – and the new electric ecosystem for professional use really makes a difference in this progress.

ePower Pro Battery – The technological core of the system

It all starts with the new ePower Pro Battery, the modular system developed in-house by STIGA and used across the entire Professional range, delivering high performance, unlimited capacity and maximum flexibility. Designed to withstand intensive, multi-site use, the battery is removable, portable and swappable between different machines, allowing for independent charging, diagnostics and maintenance. Thanks to its modular design, it offers the possibility of combining multiple batteries to extend autonomy, ensuring operational continuity even in the most demanding and lengthy work contexts, with fast recharging cycles and long life.

APX Pro – AI-powered robotics for professional use

The flagship of the new offering is APX Pro, the first autonomous robot for large areas designed specifically for professional use. Ideal for the maintenance of public parks, sports fields and large green spaces, the machine integrates a full system of sensors to ensure the safest and most efficient work possible. AGS, GPS-RTK, LIDAR and gyroscope technologies provide precision and accuracy in robot positioning and navigation. Then, it integrates STIGA Vista Technology, an AI-driven on-board camera, and an ultrasonic sensor to detect and avoid anything, fixed or moving obstacles, on the lawn. The robot handles obstacles, slopes, grass density and complex zones with precision, operating safely even in spaces frequented by people or animals. APX Pro is equipped with the Combi ePro 110 Q Plus cutting deck, 110 cm wide, engineered to deliver top-tier performance on complex terrains. Designed for multi-site work, the robot is easily transportable and fully manageable via the STIGA.GO App and Stiga Web Pro App, which enable activity planning and predictive maintenance. With a single charge (6 ePower Pro batteries), APX Pro can cover up to 27,000 m², ensuring a uniform, safe and highly productive cut.

ePark Pro – The electric evolution of the iconic Park Pro

A symbol of reliability and performance in the world of front mowing, the iconic STIGA Park Pro – beloved by professionals and green space operators – has been completely revamped to usher in a new era: introducing ePark Pro, its electric evolution. Completely re-engineered, the new model retains the essence that made the Park Pro famous: extraordinary manoeuvrability, cutting precision and versatility of use in all seasons. Designed for maintaining large residential and urban areas, ePark Pro delivers the same performance as a combustion engine tractor, but with zero emissions and significantly reduced noise levels. The modular ePower Pro battery enables up to 6 hours of uninterrupted work and covers up to 27,000 m² in mulching mode. Its advanced ergonomics, professional interface and easy maintenance make it the perfect solution for everyday use. Just like the other products in the range, the ePark Pro can be managed via the STIGA.GO App, for full control of the mowing session from the convenience of the mobile device.

STIGA Web Pro App

In addition, STIGA introduces the new Web Pro App, a browser-based platform accessible via desktop, tablet, and smartphone. Designed for professionals who manage multiple STIGA products or use their equipment across different locations, it helps streamline operations and boost productivity. The platform allows users to oversee all products simultaneously from a single interface, providing clear status overviews, predictive alerts, self-service guidance, and rapid diagnostics to minimise downtime and maximise operational efficiency.

With this announcement, STIGA inaugurates a new phase, positioning itself as a key player in the electric transition of the garden care industry, now extending into the professional segment. The company has already defined a development roadmap that includes the launch of additional dedicated products and accessories, as well as the expansion of its specialised dealer network. This includes technical training, after-sales support, spare parts availability and digital tools for machine and customer management.

Learn more about the STIGA PRO range at www.stiga.com/uk/eparkpro-battery-front-mower

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Johnsons Sports Seed breathes new life into Raglan

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Johnsons Sports Seed breathes new life into Raglan: After more than six years of dormancy, Raglan Golf Club had become a shadow of its former self – with overgrown fairways, unplayable greens and failing drainage.

When new owners took over in spring 2024, they swiftly brought in Course Manager Lucy Sellick to embark on a 10-month restoration and recovery project. With a little help from industry friends, and the reliable performance of Johnsons Sports Seed mixtures, the turnaround to opening in April 2025 was nothing short of miraculous!

Johnsons Sports Seed breathes new life into Raglan

Johnsons Sports Seed breathes new life into Raglan

When Lucy arrived in September 2024, the task she faced was monumental. Ten greens had been re-laid, while the remaining eight required extensive renovation to make them playable once again. “We were lifting tree canopies, re-wilding and bailing off the grass it was so long – basically starting from scratch” she explains. Having used mixtures from DLF’s Johnsons Sports Seed range throughout her career, Lucy knew exactly where to turn for support and advice.

“The greens had poor coverage and were full of coarse, hard Poa annua. We scarified, aerated and topdressed the eight greens and finished the renovation with an overseed of Johnsons J All Bent mixture to outcompete the Poa.” J All Bent sets the industry standard for density and visual quality, with the inclusion of top-rated Browntop Bent cultivars delivering fast, sustainable golf greens with reduced requirements for chemical inputs.

“This has given us outstanding uniformity, playability and resilience. We oversowed in the autumn of 2024 and again in the spring of 2025 before opening on 1st April. Obviously everyone wanted to come and play the course, and the Johnsons J All Bent has stood up well to both the high levels of footfall and the environmental pressures we’ve experienced this year.”

The challenge didn’t end there, however. With these eight greens performing well, the next objective was to achieve consistency with the other 10 greens laid with a fescue-dominant sward. “The decision to go with fescue pre-dated my start and, unfortunately, it just doesn’t quite work with our traditional parkland course. While we bring thatch levels down enough to be able to start introducing J All Bent, we’ve been oversowing with J Ultrafine Rye 100.”

Blending four of the finest perennial ryegrass cultivars, the fast-establishment of J Ultrafine Rye 100 is ideal for renovations and surfaces that demand strong wear tolerance and high visual merit. Lucy adds, “The germination from this was fantastic and the feedback we’ve had from the players has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Lucy and her team of five continue to refine the course and manage further development projects throughout the winter – her relationship with DLF central to that progress. “The advice from our Regional Technical Manager Ian Barnett has been invaluable. From seed selection to overseeding strategy, the help from Ian has played a major part in our transformation.”

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Future leaders step into the spotlight at SALTEX

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Future leaders step into the spotlight at SALTEX: The Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) future leaders and young professional ambassadors, GMA NextGen, are set to take centre stage at SALTEX 2025 with their first-ever takeover of the show’s renowned Learning LIVE programme. 

GMA NextGen is made up of talented young professionals dedicated to championing the grounds management industry and inspiring the next generation. Their mission is to attract and engage young people by showcasing the diverse, rewarding career opportunities available in the sector.

Future leaders step into the spotlight at SALTEX

Future leaders step into the spotlight at SALTEX

For 2025, Learning LIVE – the largest free educational event of its kind in the industry – will feature two dedicated NextGen sessions on the Spotlight Stage. Topics include Diversity in the Grounds Industry and a panel of NextGen alumni discussing youth engagement, change-making and their own journeys into the group and, most importantly, how the sector can continue to attract the next generation of grounds staff.

The takeover doesn’t stop there. The reimagined SALTEX Clubhouse will also play host to a confirmed under 35s meet-up for networking and Q&As. Afterwards, visitors should stick around for the 3pm Happy Hour, where a special sporting star will swap the pitch for the decks and DJ the afternoon away – more details coming soon!

Learning LIVE highlights

  • Wednesday 12 November, 1:00pm – 1:45pm

Youth Engagement: Hear from past members as they discuss the importance of bringing young talent into the sector, the changes they want to see and why they got involved. Hosted by GMA NextGen members Jack Langley, Jack Leather and Flynn Good.

  • Thursday 13 November, 12:00pm – 12:45pm

Diversity in the Grounds Industry: An open and candid conversation on inclusion and representation, exploring how the sector can continue to evolve.

Clubhouse Meet-up

  • Wednesday 12 November, 1:45pm – 2:45pm

Join the dedicated NextGen Meet-Up and Q&A in the reimagined SALTEX Clubhouse. The informal session is the perfect chance to network with peers and be part of their growing NextGen community.

“SALTEX is a fantastic platform to showcase what GMA NextGen is all about, and to highlight the real career opportunities available for young people looking to enter the industry,” said Jack Langley, Co-Chair of GMA NextGen and Deputy Head Groundsperson at Ashton Gate Stadium.

“Visitors will also get the chance to hear from NextGen alumni who are now thriving in established careers, which we hope will inspire others to follow in their footsteps. It’s no secret that this is an ageing industry, so being able to take over Learning LIVE is a real step forward in our mission to attract and retain new talent in grounds management.”

Sarah Cunningham, Director of Commercial, Membership and Events at the GMA, added: “We’re incredibly proud to be showcasing the GMA NextGen group at SALTEX. They’re already making waves within the industry and bringing fresh ideas to grounds management, so by providing them with a platform at Learning LIVE will allow them to highlight their achievements and show the important role young professionals will play in shaping the industry’s future.”

To find out more about GMA NextGen, visit thegma.org.uk/nextgen.

Register for FREE at www.saltex.org.uk and be in with a chance of winning a Cramer Tools Lawn Mower, complete with charger and battery, worth £2,240!

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First Cricket Edition Of Schools Into Stadia

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First Cricket Edition Of Schools Into Stadia: The Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) NextGen group bowled over students at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday 27 June, as the Schools Into Stadia initiative delivered its first ever cricket-focused edition.

Local school students were offered a rare behind the scenes look at one of the world’s most iconic sporting venues, whilst getting a hands-on introduction to the world of grounds management – a profession that plays a vital yet often overlooked role in sport.

First Cricket Edition Of Schools Into Stadia

First Cricket Edition Of Schools Into Stadia

The students got stuck in with practical activities led by the Lord’s grounds team, learning how to prepare a pitch and apply turf care techniques used at the highest level of the game.

They also had the unique opportunity to hear from industry professionals about their career journeys, gaining real insight into the skills and science that make sport possible.

Jack Langley, GMA NextGen Co-Chair, said: “Giving people an opportunity to come into professional venues in the first place is key. It’s great to show off what we’re doing and show the students that this career is a great opportunity.

“It’s second to none being outside, working outdoors, meeting people, learning science of the grass.”

The Schools Into Stadia initiative, supported by GMA NextGen sponsor Reesink UK, has now reached students at top-tier venues including Wimbledon’s All England Club, Anfield Stadium, Goodison Park and Ashton Gate.

Meg Lay, GMA NextGen Co-Chair and Groundsperson at Lord’s, said: “If you want to be out in the middle of an iconic venue like Lord’s or the Emirates, Anfield, Wembley, wherever it may be, there’s only a few ways you can do that – one of those is playing, you might be a coach, or you’re cutting the grass.

“We’re bumping shoulders with some of the biggest athletes in the world every day and it’s one of the only ways you can do it.”

With under 35 representation now on the rise in grounds management, initiatives like this are helping to future-proof the industry, making sure young people know that careers in grounds management are not only possible, but exciting and vital to sport at every level.

Gillian Haverson, Marketing & Communications Manager at Reesink UK, said: “The fact the students have been able to walk out onto the playing surface and see the place where in two weeks’ time, England will play a test match, is incredible. They’ve been able to do the pitch tests themselves, and I think that practical element is crucial for young people because they really get something out of that. It gets them thinking what the role of a groundsperson actually entails so it’s been very valuable.”

To find out more about the GMA NextGen group, visit thegma.org.uk/nextgen.

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