Tag Archive for: Leyland

Jayne Leyland to Retire from Origin Amenity Solutions

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Jayne Leyland to Retire from Origin Amenity Solutions: After more than three decades shaping the future of amenity turf management, Jayne Leyland, Product Portfolio Director at Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS), retired on 31 July 2025. Her departure marks the end of a remarkable 13-year career at OAS and more than 30 years in the turf and landscaping industry.

Jayne joined Rigby Taylor in 2012, which became OAS in 2021, and was the driving force behind some of the company’s most innovative and sustainable product developments. Her legacy includes leading the creation of the Carbon4Grass seed range, an innovative product that combines superior performance with carbon sequestration benefits, which was recently named Pro Landscaper’s Sustainable Product of the Year in 2024. She was also the driving force in advancing the development and wider adoption of tetraploid grass seed technology, helping to deliver stronger, more resilient swards with faster establishment and improved stress tolerance.

Jayne Leyland to Retire from Origin Amenity Solutions

Jayne Leyland to Retire from Origin Amenity Solutions

Jayne is well known and respected for her extensive technical knowledge, customer-focused approach, and passion for sustainable turf care. She has played a vital role in expanding OAS’s research and trial programmes to ensure that product innovation is grounded in science and shaped by the needs of the industry.

In 2024, her outstanding contribution to the turf care sector was formally recognised when she was inducted into the Grounds Management Association (GMA) Hall of Fame, an honour that celebrates lifetime achievement and service to the groundskeeping profession.

Reflecting on her career, Jayne comments, “It’s been a privilege to work in such a fast-moving and passionate industry. I’ve loved collaborating with customers, colleagues, and partners who care deeply about the land they manage and the standards they uphold. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together at OAS and look forward to seeing OAS continue to develop and grow.”

Richard Walton, Managing Director at OAS, paid tribute to Jayne’s leadership and long-standing commitment. He adds, “Jayne’s vision and expertise have profoundly shaped our product portfolio and sustainability strategy. Her ability to translate complex science into practical, impactful solutions has made her an invaluable part of our team. We’re grateful for her dedication over the past 13 years and wish Jayne the very best in her retirement.”

Jayne’s background in greenkeeping and agronomy, along with her earlier work at Barenbrug earned her widespread respect across the amenity and sports turf sectors. Her influence has extended beyond product development into training, education, and mentoring the next generation of turf professionals.

Her departure will be felt across the industry, but Jayne leaves behind, a stronger, more sustainable approach to managing amenity landscapes.

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Jayne Leyland inducted into Hall of Fame

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Jayne Leyland inducted into Hall of Fame: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is proud to announce that Jayne Leyland, Portfolio Director at Origin Amenity Solutions, has been inducted into the prestigious GMA Hall of Fame. 

As part of the GMA’s 90th anniversary celebrations, this honor recognises Jayne’s outstanding contributions and long-standing dedication to advancing the turfcare industry.

Jayne Leyland inducted into Hall of Fame

Jayne Leyland inducted into Hall of Fame

With over three decades in the sector, Jayne Leyland is widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable and influential grass seed specialists in the field. She has become a trusted resource for countless groundskeepers and turf professionals, who have come to rely on her expertise. Her work has helped shape turf management practices across the UK and beyond.

Born in Cheshire, Jayne began her journey at Reaseheath College, where she earned a Higher National Diploma in Horticulture (Golf Course Management). She first stepped into greenkeeping in 1993 at East Sussex National Golf Club and later held a role as assistant course manager at Chart Hills in Kent.

She transitioned into advisory roles by joining Barenbrug as an area manager, where she provided expert technical support and helped launch several landmark grass seed products, including RTF, SOS, and RPR.

Currently with Origin Amenity Solutions, Jayne continues to make significant contributions to turf management education, working closely with clients such as St Andrews Links Trust and Manchester City. She remains an active member of the BSPB Amenity Crop Group, overseeing turfgrass seed trials at STRI in Bingley and serving multiple times as chair.

Geoff Webb, Grounds Management Association Chief Executive Officer said: “Jayne’s dedication to advancing turf management through her research and product development has had a profound and lasting impact on our industry. Her work has not only enhanced the quality of our green spaces but also inspired those around her to strive for the same high standards. Jayne’s award exemplifies the expertise that the GMA Hall of Fame celebrates, and we are genuinely honoured to recognise her achievements and contributions as part of our 90th anniversary celebrations. We look forward to seeing her continue to shape the future of turfcare for years to come.”

Jayne Leyland, Hall of Fame Inductee, said: “I’m truly overwhelmed and deeply honoured to receive this recognition. I never set out for awards – I’m just doing a job! A job I love in an industry that’s meant everything to me. It feels strange to be celebrated for something that has always been a passion and a privilege. I hope this inspires others to find joy and purpose in what they do, just as I have over the years. I’m grateful to be part of this community and share in something so special.”

To find out more about the Grounds Management Association Hall of Fame, please visit: www.thegma.org.uk/who/hall-of-fame

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Former Leyland Golf Club course manager joins BIGGA team

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Former Leyland Golf Club course manager joins BIGGA team: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has appointed Scott Reeves as Head of Membership, overseeing the development of the association’s membership activities.

Scott, 53, was formerly the course manager at Leyland Golf Club, where he spent 17 years. He began his greenkeeping career at Wycombe Heights Golf Club, Buckinghamshire, followed by spells at Stock Brook Country Club in Essex and Chobham Golf Club in Surrey, before relocating to Lancashire in 2003. He spent three years at Preston Golf Club before a one-year stint with Saxon Industries in a sales role. He then returned to course management at Leyland Golf Club in 2007.

Former Leyland Golf Club course manager joins BIGGA team

Former Leyland Golf Club course manager joins BIGGA team

Scott has volunteered at every level of BIGGA, culminating in his appointment as chairperson of the association in 2019. The COVID pandemic hit during Scott’s term and he worked closely alongside BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton, the BIGGA staff and National Board as the association navigated the turbulence of that period, ensuring BIGGA was well-placed to offer support and guidance wherever required.

Following his term as chairperson, Scott retained an involvement with BIGGA and still lectures on the Golf Club Management Diploma, jointly run by the GCMA, PGA and BIGGA. He was also a part of the Committee for Golf Club Salaries for many years.

Following a recent restructure, the Head of Membership position has been created by BIGGA. Scott will be responsible for ensuring the development and implementation of the association’s membership strategy, as well as taking on a senior leadership role within the organisation. He will work closely with all BIGGA departments to ensure the association is fulfilling its responsibility to members, while seeking to evolve BIGGA’s activities and offering.

Scott said: “What attracted me to this job is it is such a huge opportunity. One of the things I really valued in my time as a greenkeeper volunteer with BIGGA was the chance to make the world a better place for greenkeepers, as we always say. With a little time away, focusing on my own job as a greenkeeper, it’s helped me see just what a valuable resource BIGGA is.

“What I’d say to BIGGA members is that another one of us has joined the association. I’m someone who understands you and understands your challenges as I’ve faced many of them myself. We’re here to help you, to serve you and to make sure that you can access everything BIGGA has to offer, to build a better career for yourself and a stronger industry for everyone.”

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “We worked hard to identify the correct candidate for this position and we put all the applicants through rigorous testing as the Head of Membership will play a key role in shaping the future of the association for years to come.

“We had some outstanding applications but Scott’s passion for greenkeeping and belief in the value BIGGA brings to the industry shone through. He has been involved with committee work at all levels, including chairing the association from 2019 to 2022, a period which included the COVID pandemic and was therefore one of the most challenging of any in our history.

“I’m excited that Scott has joined the Association and look forward to embarking on what I believe is the next chapter in BIGGA’s history.”

A video of Scott discussing his new role and ambitions for the future is available to watch online here.

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