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Seeing is Believing at EcoBunker Open Days

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Seeing is Believing at EcoBunker Open Days: Bunker specialists EcoBunker welcomed 20 greenkeepers and club managers from across Devon & Cornwall to its latest club open day, hosted by Newquay Golf Club. 

The EcoBunker open day series is being held across the summer, giving club officials and greenkeeping teams around the U.K. the chance to draw on EcoBunker expertise in bunker design and maintenance, and to better understand the benefits to be gained from employing EcoBunker technology at their course.

Seeing is Believing at EcoBunker Open Days

Seeing is Believing at EcoBunker Open Days

“Bunkering is a complex topic, so we want to give clubs across the U.K. the chance to draw on our vast experience,” said Richard Allen, CEO of EcoBunker. “Courses need to consider bunker design, drainage, sand choice, which liners to use, edge irrigation and many other factors. We want to help them unpick the topic and find solutions that best fit their needs. We have chosen venues for the open days that have installed EcoBunker technology so we can show examples at work and also introduce them to greenkeepers and course officials who have benefitted from investing in their bunkers.”

The recent event at Newquay G.C. showcased the results of phase one of the club’s bunker renovation project, where all Par 3 greenside bunkers and the bunkers on the first hole were replaced in Autumn 2024.  Now fully bedded in, attendees were able to see the benefits of EcoBunker technology in action and discuss the impact of the project with Head Greenkeeper Dan Kendle.

“We’ve been delighted with the impact of Phase one,” commented Dan. “We’re exposed to the elements so the maintenance of the bunkers was a huge issue. Replacing sand, weeding, repairing eroded sections, it all added up to a real drain on our resources. Not only have we massively reduced that burden, but the course also looks better and plays better. We couldn’t be happier with phase one and it was a real pleasure to share our experience of working with EcoBunker with the visitors who attended the Open day.”

This was the third open day in the series, following events at Cotterell Park G.C. and Lexden Wood G.C. The events have seen the team share information on course design, irrigation and drainage, and at Lexden Wood they were able to show the current full course project installing EcoTec™ bunker liners.

“When people hear EcoBunker, they will often think of our high revetted bunkers, but there is far more to our service than that,” continued Richard. “Our expertise is unrivalled. We bring a holistic approach to every project that considers the course type and layout, the ground conditions, the local climate and many more factors, before applying the most suitable technology, or even removing bunkers completely where they’re not needed! Our Open days are a fantastic chance for us to show people what we can do, and for them to learn what is possible at their venue.”

For details of upcoming stops on the EcoBunker Open Day schedule, please contact ceri.richards@ecobunker.co.uk

And for more information on how EcoBunker can help meet the challenges faced at your course, visit www.ecobunker.co.uk

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Having conversations about mental wellbeing is crucial

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Having conversations about mental wellbeing is crucial: Working in this industry is demanding, both mentally and physically, a fact that cannot be ignored. With all the current uncertainties about the future, people’s ability to manage the everyday challenges – from rising prices, increased job insecurity and longer health care waiting lists – is being put to the test.

This uncertainty has, without question, impacted the mental wellbeing of many. In Perennial’s recent comprehensive Wellbeing Research Report 2025 due out mid-May, almost 83% of people within horticulture scored low or average for their wellbeing using a recognised scale 1

Having conversations about mental wellbeing is crucial

Having conversations about mental wellbeing is crucial

Whether florists, garden centre employees, nursery staff or gardeners, greenkeepers and landscapers, both the employed and self-employed are experiencing issues in their daily lives that need to be tackled.

It is essential therefore, that for long-term success across the industry, open conversations about mental wellbeing in the workplace are held and efforts made to identify concerns and put solutions in place.

There are many ways that both employers and employees can raise awareness and take action. To help start the conversation and make sure everyone feels supported and knows that help is on hand, Perennial has developed a number of free resources and tools including:

Free Mental Wellbeing Webinars

Designed with Mental Health First Aid England to help organisations understand more about mental wellbeing and give people the skills and knowledge on how best to support their colleagues in the workplace. There are 2 x different sessions running throughout May – November 2025.

  1. Support your team by having confident conversations about mental health – aimed at Managers, Supervisors or Team Leaders
  2. Do we need a Mental Health First Aiders in our workplace? – aimed at HR and business owners

Free Mental Wellbeing Resource pack

The charity has developed tools and services to help people during life’s challenges which can all contribute to a person’s mental wellbeing. Details of these are included in the pack which can be downloaded and shared within your organisation

Access to Perennial’s MHFA Ambassador Network

Exclusively for people in horticulture who are trained as a Mental Health First Aider, the network meets virtually once a quarter to share knowledge, ideas and best practice

“The horticulture industry is wonderful, but it does have its challenges. We need to support each other in our workplaces to ensure that everyone can access the advice and support they need for positive mental wellbeing.”

Clare Downs, Head of Preventative Services, Perennial

Take action today and start the conversation within your workplace.

Book your place on one of the free webinars and find out more about all the resources above by visiting perennial.org.uk/workplace-wellbeing

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Prevention is better than cure

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Prevention is better than cure: As the weather warms up all potential water issues multiply, but there is a natural, environmentally-friendly, safe and cost-effective way to prevent problems before they occur with Otterbine’s range of surface and subsurface aerators.

Otterbine aerators have been successfully used as an algae control strategy to improve water clarity and quality the world over, simply by adding air and circulating oxygen in the water. This simple process stops the water from stagnating, keeps algae and aquatic weeds under control, eliminates odours, prolongs the life of the water and attracts wildlife.

Prevention is better than cure

Prevention is better than cure

The main difference between the two options of surface and sub surface aeration is where the aerator sits in the water: surface spray aerators, as the name suggests, sit on top of the water and throw water droplets through the air, while sub surface – or diffused air – aerators work by compressing oxygen and pumping it into the water from the bottom through specially manufactured air domes. Deciding which to go for depends on surface area, depth, quality of incoming water and available power.

Otterbine aerators are built to last, and limit the use of chemicals providing a tick to the sustainability box of every venue. They have some of the highest oxygen transfer and pumping rates in the industry – adding as much as 3.3lbs or 1.5kg of oxygen per horsepower hour into the water and pumping over 920GPM or 199m3/hr per horsepower – with independent testing from the University of Minnesota and GSEE proving it.

Robert Jackson, Division Manager for Reesink Hydro-Scapes, Otterbine’s UK distributor, says:  “Otterbine aeration systems are designed to be as close to a natural solution for water aeration as possible, protecting water clarity without using excessive amounts of chemical treatments. The aim is to keep water healthy and not leave things to chance, especially as the weather is generally warming up, not just as spring and summer approach.

“Rectifying problems is always more expensive and time consuming than preventing them and Otterbine aerators are straightforward and easy to install and last for years meaning they are the perfect long-term solution.”

In a world of ever-changing weather patterns, Otterbine provides an element of control. With a comprehensive range of quality products and warranties from three to five years, Otterbine presents a long-term water management solution to a significant potential problem with very little disruption or outlay.

Discuss with the experts in water management at Reesink Hydro-Scapes how an Otterbine aerator can deliver clean, clear, healthy water naturally and prevent having to fix avoidable and costly problems, call 01480 226800 or visit reesink-hydroscapes.co.uk.

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The Dennis ES-34R is a Hit at Haileybury

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The Dennis ES-34R is a Hit at Haileybury: Andy Richards, Grounds Manager at Haileybury School, has praised the Dennis ES-34R battery-powered rotary mower for its sustainability, quiet operation, and exceptional performance.

At the prestigious independent school in Hertfordshire, which boasts over 500 acres and 180 acres which are sports facilities, Andy has been using the ES-34R across a variety of playing surfaces and is delighted with its versatility and environmental benefits.

The Dennis ES-34R is a Hit at Haileybury

The Dennis ES-34R is a Hit at Haileybury

“In my sixth year as Grounds Manager here, I oversee a large site with a team of 11,” Andy explained. “Our school is renowned not just for its academic excellence but also for its impressive co-curricular programme, particularly sports. From rugby and football to hockey, ensuring our pitches meet high standards is crucial. The Dennis ES-34R has played an important role in that.”

Sustainability is a key focus at Haileybury, and Andy was drawn to the ES-34R’s eco-friendly credentials. As a battery-powered mower, the Dennis ES-34R significantly reduces emissions and noise pollution – two factors that are especially important in a school environment.

“Quietness is massive for us,” said Andy. “Exams seem to be constant, so the ability to work without disturbing students is invaluable. Sustainability is also hugely important to the school, and the ES-34R ticks both boxes. On top of that, it’s incredibly user-friendly.”

The ES-34R is built for precision and ease of use. Its 34-inch cutting width, contra-rotating twin blades, and low chute design ensure exceptional collection performance in both wet and dry conditions. The mower’s advanced LCD control panel provides operators with real-time feedback, allowing them to adjust settings such as ground speed and blade speed to suit different conditions.

Andy and his team have found the mower versatile enough to use year-round on various surfaces.

“We use the ES-34R on football and rugby pitches during the winter and then switch to cricket squares in the summer. It’s great for cleaning up after matches or tidying wickets—it’s incredibly versatile,” Andy explained.

With ultra-low noise levels, minimal vibration, and rapid charging, the ES-34R offers significant advantages over traditional petrol mowers. For Andy, the cost savings and low maintenance requirements were standout benefits.

“The ES-34R is much more user-friendly than petrol mowers, and the savings on fuel alone make it worth it. Plus, it’s low-maintenance and reliable, which is so important when you’re managing as many pitches as we are.”

Andy has relied on Dennis mowers throughout his career but the ES-34R is the first battery-powered Dennis machine he has used.

“The electric range is a real step forward. The team at Dennis even adjusted it to cut down to 8mm for me so I could use it to cut the cricket squares. I’m quite fussy about my equipment but I’ve used Dennis my whole career. I believe in the brand; I believe in the mowers, and I think they are the best on the market. I can’t ever see myself changing to anything else.”

For Andy, the ES-34R represents the future of sustainable grounds management without compromising performance.

As Haileybury continues to set the bar for excellence both on and off the field, the Dennis ES-34R is helping Andy and his team maintain pitches that match the school’s reputation – all while championing sustainability.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on X and Instagram @DennisMowers and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK.You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers

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Etesia Hydro 100 is the Perfect Solution

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Etesia Hydro 100 is the Perfect Solution: The Retreats Group, which encompasses three of the leading luxury hotels in Wales—Twr y Felin Hotel, Roch Castle, and Penrhiw Priory—has always been dedicated to maintaining immaculate grounds that reflect the beauty of its locations.

For Ollie Davies, the groundskeeper and supervisor for The Retreats Group, maintaining these stunning landscapes has become significantly easier since the purchase of a Etesia Hydro 100 ride-on mower.

Etesia Hydro 100 is the Perfect Solution

Etesia Hydro 100 is the Perfect Solution

“The properties are undulating and steep in places,” says Ollie. “My brother used to help me look after the grounds, and when he left, we decided that instead of employing someone else full-time, we would invest in one of these machines and see how it would benefit me.”

Before the Hydro 100, Ollie managed the extensive lawns using pedestrian mowers—a task that was both time-consuming and physically demanding. “Prior to the Etesia machine, I would cut them all with a pedestrian mower. It was a lot of hard work. This Etesia saves so much time and money. It is a great bit of kit.”

The Etesia Hydro 100 III ride-on mower is designed for professional users who require top-quality mowing and collection performance in all weather conditions. Powered by an 18 HP twin-cylinder Kawasaki engine, it features a modern hydraulic drive transmission with differential lock, a large 500-litre grass box, and a cutting deck with rear central ejection for efficient grass collection.

Ollie initially considered the Etesia Buffalo ride-on mower, having seen impressive footage of its performance on social media. However, after careful evaluation, he realised that the Buffalo was too large for the more intricate formal gardens within the properties. “We wanted to get a demo of a Buffalo because it looks great, but we figured out it was a bit too big for the formal gardens. We wouldn’t have got it around some of the benches and flower beds.”

Given the uneven terrain of the properties, Ollie decided on the Hydro 100, known for its differential lock and sturdy design. “With the grounds being so uneven, we went for the Hydro 100 because it has a diff lock and it seemed very sturdy.”

Ollie’s decision was reinforced during a particularly wet demo session. “We got one on demo to start with—it was really wet—but these pick up the grass in wet conditions, even when it is long. It worked a treat on our demo; it picked up the grass and didn’t leave a mess, so we were really impressed with it, and we just went from there.”

The Hydro 100’s differential lock has proven invaluable on the steep, slippery slopes of the properties. “It is quite undulating and steep, and especially when it is wet, the diff lock comes in handy. As soon as you start feeling it slip a bit, you just engage the diff lock and it doesn’t leave a mess or wheel spin.”

Etesia Hydro 100 is the Perfect Solution

Etesia Hydro 100 is the Perfect Solution

During the peak growing season, Ollie faces the challenge of keeping up with rapidly growing grass. The Hydro 100 has made this task much more manageable. “If I was on my own and I only had my walk-behind mower, I would be completely swamped with grass and I would just be chasing my tail all the time. So having the Hydro 100 means I can stay on top of things. I’m no longer physically tired all the time from having to use my little walk-behind mower when I can use this instead.”

Ollie also appreciates the Hydro 100’s ability to cut and collect grass on formal lawns, ensuring that the grounds remain pristine for guests. “We cut and collect on the formal lawns because we don’t want guests to get their shoes clogged with grass and walk it into the castle—it wouldn’t be very popular with the housekeeping staff.”

The ease of adjusting the cutting height is another feature Ollie values. “To change the height of cut, you have something that looks like a handbrake. You just push the thumb button in and set the height using the lever. I tend to use a medium setting because we want to take the top third off the grass to keep it green.”

Ollie has also been impressed by the mower’s reliability, even in less-than-ideal conditions. “Considering how wet it has been over the past year I have never experienced any form of blocking, even if the grass is long and wet.”

For Ollie Davies and The Retreats Group, the Hydro 100 has proven to be an essential tool in maintaining the high standards of their luxury properties, ensuring that the grounds are always perfectly presented, no matter the conditions.

A video review with Ollie Davies can be found by visiting:  https://youtu.be/Uq4WoC4rPMo?si=o0iz9J20uf5OiPnX

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Etesia UK on Twitter @EtesiaUK and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/EtesiaUK. You can also view the latest Etesia videos by visiting www.youtube.com/EtesiaUK

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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