Tag Archive for: Natural

EcoBunker Synthetic Revetting More Sustainable than Natural Turf*

/in , /by

EcoBunker Synthetic Revetting More Sustainable than Natural Turf*: *A recent report by the Welsh government has found that EcoBunker synthetically revetted bunkers have a significantly lower environmental impact than naturally turfed revetted bunkers.

The report specifically cites EcoBunker’s promotion of a circular economy alongside the consumption of vast resources including water, chemicals, fertilisers, and energy associated with turf farming.

EcoBunker Synthetic Revetting More Sustainable than Natural Turf*

EcoBunker Synthetic Revetting More Sustainable than Natural Turf*

“People often ask what is ‘Eco’ about synthetic revetting,” said EcoBunker founder Richard Allen upon the release of the report by the Welsh government. “We start with the fact that an average EcoBunker saves two tons of waste astroturf from landfill. All our turf is recycled so nothing new is created. Then there’s virtually zero maintenance in comparison with natural turf revetting, so no emissions or chemicals needed for upkeep. We eliminate contamination from bunker wall erosion, reducing the need for replacement sand which brings its own environmental impact, and this is all before you consider the negative impact of turf farming.”

The report measured the use of fertilisers, pesticides, weed-killers and disease-controlling chemicals[1] in the production of farmed turf. One Hectare typically (depending on geography, soil and climate) requires 89kg Nitrogen, 12kg Phosphorous, 40kg Potassium[2] and 92kg Lime[3]. This often washes off into nearby water courses contributing to “algal blooms” and a reduction in marine bio-diversity.

The report goes on to show that intensive farming of turf removes the nutritional layer of topsoil and the soil organisms (fungi, earthworms, bacteria) leaving it largely barren. Repeated use of the land this way necessitates intensive artificial fertilising.

The various advantages of EcoBunker synthetic revetting detailed in the report align with the most recent advice from golf’s governing bodies and environmental experts. Golf Wales, England Golf and the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf all highlight recycling, reducing waste and reducing the use of chemicals as key targets to help bring down emissions[4].

“Turf farming does provide a vital resource to the landscaping industry, and not all natural revetted turf is intensively farmed. Where large areas of turf coverage is needed there are some superb examples of turf suppliers using sustainable practices, and quickly solving urgent landscaping challenges,” added Richard. “But with thick cut revetting turf, the evidence is clear. Not only do EcoBunkers use 100% recycled materials, the ongoing maintenance burden with the associated cost and resources, are slashed. Finally, all but the top layer of naturally turfed revetted bunkers just don’t have enough access to light and soil to maintain a root structure. So, they gradually disintegrate and, on average, have to be replaced every 5 years. The evidence for the sustainability of one EcoBunker is convincing. When you have to re-build a natural turf bunker four times in our minimum guaranteed 20 year lifespan, it really is overwhelming.”

The sustainability credentials of EcoBunker were recently highlighted when the company completed a project at Royal Ostend Golf Club. With stringent environmental regulations in place designed to protect the natural environment in coastal areas, EcoBunker was chosen as the most sustainable solution, preferred to natural revetting and surpassing all standards for use of new resources and harmful chemicals.

For more information on EcoBunker please visit www.ecobunker.co.uk

[1] Cornell University Turfgrass Program, study on cool climate turf management practices, https://turf.cals.cornell.edu/environment/
[2] Energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from turf management of two Swedish golf courses, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2016.11.009
[3] https://www.horticulture.com.au/globalassets/hort-innovation/resource-assets/tu16000-lifecycle-assessment—goal-and-scope.pdf
[4] https://www.walesgolf.org/sustainability, https://www.englandgolf.org/sustainability, https://sustainable.golf/developments/

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Green-tech to distribute Woodland Grow Natural Fertiliser

/in , /by

Green-tech to distribute Woodland Grow Natural Fertiliser: Green-tech is proud to announce the latest addition to its extensive product portfolio, Woodland Grow Natural Fertiliser. This innovative product, distributed exclusively by Green-tech, offers a groundbreaking approach to natural plant nutrition, harnessing the power of woodland soils.

Woodland Grow is a Natural Fertiliser, borne from years of scientific research into soil biology, and coupled with the benefits of enhancing soil’s natural ecosystem. The fertiliser incorporates British native woodland fungal communities and soil microbes, designed to rejuvenate and enrich intensively managed soils.

Green-tech to distribute Woodland Grow Natural Fertiliser

Green-tech to distribute Woodland Grow Natural Fertiliser

Green-tech is a leading supplier of products for landscaping, forestry, and horticulture industries. Their dedication to sourcing sustainable and innovative products that support ecological balance and promote biodiversity is well known. This product supports Green-tech’s commitment to sustainability and providing customers with environmentally responsible solutions.

Green-tech’s Purchasing and Product Development Director Chris Swan comments, ” Woodland Grow Natural Fertiliser is the latest addition to our extensive product portfolio and supports our ongoing efforts to provide more sustainable solutions for our customers. Over the last five years, sourcing products with strong environmental credentials has been our focus, ensuring we offer the most up-to-date developments in the marketplace.”

Woodland Grow Natural Fertiliser is composed of UK-sourced materials that replicate woodland soils, including a blend of 10-15 natural ingredients such as NPK, seaweed, blood fertiliser, lime, hoof, and horn. This 100% natural fertiliser works in harmony with nature to improve soil health and plant growth without relying on synthetic inputs.

Its key benefits include:

  • Contains naturally occurring mycorrhizal species
  • Provides disease suppression
  • Enhances plant quality and vitality
  • Mimics peat properties
  • Improves soil structure and water retention

Daniel Iddon, Founder and Director of Woodland Grow, highlights the importance of this innovation: ” Woodland Grow represents a 21st-century engineered compost that replicates peat, enabling us to innovate beyond the sterile environments we’ve grown accustomed to. It enables the forestry industry to close the carbon loop of timber production by putting microbial life back into forest residues.  I am thrilled to be partnering up with Green-tech. Their extensive sales, marketing, and distribution capabilities make them the perfect distributor for Woodland Grow Natural Fertiliser.”

For more information or to request a sample pack, please contact Green-tech on 01423 332 100 or email sales@green-tech.co.uk

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Versatility when managing natural turf areas

/in , /by

Versatility when managing natural turf areas: Managing a property with a huge variety of habitats and landscapes, sports fields, a golf course, formal gardens, lakes, woodlands and heathland areas, is the responsibility of Mark Dodd, the grounds and Gardens Manager at Wellington College in Crowthorne, Berkshiire. He and his team require different management techniques when maintaining the divesre areas on the 410-acre site.

To assist with this complex management puzzle, he has purchased a package of equipment from his local dealer, RT Machinery Ltd, which includes a 4520 all-terrain compact tractor unit, with attachments that includes a 72-inch Finishing deck, a Tough Cut deck and a Stump Grinder.

Versatility when managing natural turf areas

Versatility when managing natural turf areas

“We initially hired-in a machine with a Tough Cut deck to work on the banks clearing scrub on our 9-hole golf course, but quickly appreciated the opportunity the versatility of the machine could provide across the estate,” he said.

“Unfortunately for our Golf team, the machine is used almost exclusively by the Grounds team and that’s simple down to its versatility. The Finishing deck was initially purchased for use on our formal lawns, as it leaves a very pleasing stripe and presentation is very important here at Wellington.

“We used to cut our pitches with a ride-on cylinder mower, but the quality of cut from the Finishing deck is excellent and now we use it extensively on our winter pitches. The light footprint of the machine is another factor and we can continue our maintenance regimes, even in inclement weather.

“We hosted the Women’s Rugby Under-18 Six Nations Festival in April, which included three back-to-back matches over 10 days. It’s a quick turnaround and we cut the main pitch with the Ventrac and finished with our Dennis hand mowers.

“The design of the Ventrac has been well thought through; maintenance is easy and the mounting system allows for a quick and easy exchange of attachments. Add to this the responsive support from our dealer, RT Machinery, and we have a package that we are delighted with.”

Mark Dodd heads a team of 16 across three departments: Grounds, Gardens and Golf. He has been in his current role for the past two years, having joined Wellington in 2015. Prior to this he spent seven years at Benenden School and three years at Epsom College as Head of Grounds & Gardens.

www.priceturfcare.com

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

BTME in natural environment

/in , /by

BTME in natural environment: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has launched registration for its annual exhibition, which returns to the Harrogate Convention Centre in January 2022.

The BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) is Europe’s premier trade exhibition for the golf and sportsturf industry and takes place on Tuesday 25 to Thursday 27 January.

BTME in natural environment

BTME in natural environment

Registration has today (Friday 8 October) opened for the event, which is free to attend and will feature a line-up of more than 150 exhibitors spread across four halls in the Harrogate Convention Centre. An unrivalled networking opportunity, BTME brings together many of the leading names in the sportsturf industry, with a number of exciting events and initiatives yet to be announced.

For more information about BTME 2022, head to the new, dedicated BTME website, https://www.btme.org.uk.

The launch has coincided with the unveiling of the Continue to Learn 2022 education programme. Taking place from Sunday 23 to Wednesday 26 January 2022, BIGGA’s world-leading learning programme features a spectacular range of professional development opportunities, each year providing the equivalent of more than two hours’ education for every golf club in the country. As such, Continue to Learn and BTME are considered among the most influential events in the golfing calendar.

BIGGA members can find out more about Continue to Learn and begin booking their education experience today by heading to https://www.btme.org.uk/continue-to-learn.html.

On the opening evening of BTME, BIGGA will be hosting the Welcome Celebration, an informal event that celebrates the achievements of BIGGA members throughout the previous year.

Announced at the Welcome Celebration will be the winners of the BIGGA Awards 2022 and nominations are being invited for each of the following categories:

  • Outstanding Contribution of the Year sponsored by Bernhard and Company
  • Greenkeeping Project of the Year sponsored by Baroness
  • Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year sponsored by Origin Amenity Solutions

The BIGGA Awards recognise that high performance levels from a dedicated and knowledgeable team are essential to the success of any golf course or championship. The Greenkeeping Project and Championship Greenkeeping Performance awards are an opportunity to showcase a team’s successes, both in the redevelopment or renovation of a course or through the hosting of a major event. Meanwhile, the Outstanding Contribution award celebrates a member of the association who has done exceptional work to support fellow BIGGA members, the industry or the wider community.

This year there are some brilliant prizes on offer in each of the three categories. More information and the nomination form can be found on the BIGGA website.

BTME 2022 and Continue to Learn 2022 take place from 23 to 27 January 2022 at the Harrogate Convention Centre in North Yorkshire.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.