Tag Archive for: Need

Wellbeing Research Findings emphasise urgent need for action

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Wellbeing Research Findings emphasise urgent need for action: In Spring 2024, Perennial partnered with the University of Exeter’s Social Innovation Group (SIG) to conduct a major new study to better understand the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing of those who work with plants, trees, flowers and grass, and the ways they can be better supported.  

Building on the findings of the 2021 survey, this new research gives an updated, and more in-depth view of the challenges people in horticulture are facing, many of which will come as no surprise to those working in the industry.

Wellbeing Research Findings emphasise urgent need for action

Wellbeing Research Findings emphasise urgent need for action

The findings are clear 

Horticulture professionals continue to experience serious and sustained wellbeing challenges. The research, based on a comprehensive survey of people working across the sector, highlights worrying trends in physical discomfort, mental wellbeing, and financial confidence.

Key statistics include:

52% of people have a health condition that is expected to last more than 12 months – 12% higher than in 2021

84% of people told us that they had experienced back and joint pain in the last 6 weeks and 51% of people didn’t seek advice

83% of people within horticulture scored low or average for their wellbeing using a recognised scale 1

And 32% stated they do not have an emergency fund, with 1 in 10 saving no money at all, pointing to the persistent financial stress faced by many across the industry.

These results highlight the urgent need for action across the industry, as Julia Hayne, Director of Services at Perennial explains:

“The scale of the very real challenges those working in horticulture are facing will not surprise people across the industry. We are living through a period of significant social and political change that has the potential to impact us all. With uncertainties about the future, people’s ability to manage the everyday challenges is being put to the test, from rising prices, increased job insecurity and longer health care waiting lists.

“Ill health is the leading reason why people seek our help. This often means people have to take time off work, which impacts their income, their ability to pay their bills and their family life. In some cases, it means they are unable to return to the job they love.

“Our Wellbeing Research provides the industry with a clear insight into the causes and impact of poor wellbeing. It highlights how individuals across the sector feel about their wellbeing and the issues that are important to them. Over the last three years we have led targeted interventions to improve the health and wellbeing of the industry and this work is beginning to move the dial, in areas of physical and mental health. But we are aware much, much more needs to be done.

“It is essential that we develop an industry-wide understanding of the challenges people face through life and come together to identify real world solutions that make a long-term difference. As a charity we can’t do this alone – collaboration is essential if we want to achieve meaningful change.”

This is further emphasised by Prof Michael Leyshon, Professor (Associate) in Social Geography and Dr Shukru Esmene, Research Fellow, both from the University of Exeter.

“Perennial’s Health and Wellbeing Survey 2024 has shed light on key issues that workers in the horticulture sector experience. The issues of particular interest, which were also prominent in Perennial’s 2021 survey results, include the reporting of lower life satisfaction and higher prevalence of low or medium mental health scores compared to national averages. These areas need sector-wide action to address and will take time to solve.”

Take action now 

Perennial is committed to working in collaboration with the sector to act on these findings, but it will need everyone in the industry to take action.

Some steps to get started for a healthier, more supported horticulture community include: –

  1. Download, read and share the Wellbeing Research Report. 
  2. Hold conversations in your organisation about the ways you will take action.
  3. Join Perennial’s free Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace webinars throughout May-November.
  4. Make everyone aware of the charity’s free advice, information and support available for their health, money, career and life challenges
  5. Tell Perennial what you’re doing or plan to do to inform and inspire others. 

Visit perennial.org.uk/research for more information on all the above and take action today.

1 WEMWBS (2020). WEMWBS: 14-item vs 7-item scale. Warwick Medical School and University of Edinburgh. www.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/med/research/platform/wemwbs/about/wemwbsvsswemwbs/

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Birkdale provides all you need

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Birkdale provides all you need: Birkdale has introduced five new additions to its SITEMATE® tools range: the Heavy Duty Professional Double Shovel Holer, Micro Shovel, Irish Pattern Long Handle Shovel, D-Handled Fencing Shovel and the Manual Fence Post Auger. Each tool has been developed with practicality and efficiency in mind, and the range helps to make high-quality fencing installations as simple as possible.

The Heavy Duty Professional Double Shovel Holer provides efficient removal of soil to create holes for fence posts. 1600m in length, it has been designed to offer enhanced leverage and grip, making soil and stone removal effortless. The scissor action handle provides greater closing power and a fully adjustable blade pitch enables the user to adjust the soil removal capacity, as they work to deliver deep, narrow, vertical sided post holes.

Birkdale provides all you need

Birkdale provides all you need

Another addition to the range is the handy Micro Shovel. Available in a square or round mouth option, it offers an ideal tool for digging or shovelling with precision and accuracy in tight or confined spaces. With a reinforced fibreglass shaft and soft grip handle, the shovel combines both comfort and practicality.

The Irish Pattern Long Handle Shovel is a versatile option, suitable for a wide variety of general landscaping and groundwork. Featuring a comfortable grip hardwood shaft, hardening steel socket and a V-shaped blade, angled for ergonomic digging and scooping, the shovel is highly durable and effective – ideal for contractors and use on building sites.

Also new to the range is the D-Handled Fencing Shovel. With the addition of the ‘D’ handle, the shovel provides an enhanced grip, leverage and comfort along with greater scooping capacity. The shovel incorporates a threaded plug at the top of the handle, allowing the handle tube to be filled with cement to add desired weight.

Finally, the versatile Manual Fence Post Auger, made from high-grade carbon steel, provides maximum speed, strength and quality. Ideal for drilling holes for fence posts, as well as planting shrubs and trees, it offers a fast and accurate method for producing 150mm diameter holes in all types of soil conditions. Furthermore, a removable steel handle means it is convenient to store away.

John Abernethie, Managing Director at Birkdale commented: “Our growing SITEMATE® tools range means that trade professionals can come to us for everything they need to get the fencing job complete, and in whatever conditions they face – quickly, easily and to a high standard.”

Birkdale offers a full range of fencing and gate solutions. For more information about its SITEMATE® range, visit https://www.birkdalesales.com/pages/stockists-sitemate.

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Tewkesbury Park get the break they need

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Tewkesbury Park get the break they need: Protruding roots on fairways and approaches were causing mower damage and affecting play at Tewkesbury Park, but the Imants RootPruner supplied by Campey Turf Care Systems, provided a clean and easy solution.

Removing roots meant excavating around the area, which would cause disruption and look unsightly. For Course Manager Paul Hathaway this was unacceptable because it was at odds with his standards.

Tewkesbury Park get the break they need

Tewkesbury Park get the break they need

The golf resort was recently voted number 50 in the Todays Golfer best golf resorts in Great Britain and Ireland. Keeping these standards on the 6554 yard, par 72 Deerpark course meant finding a solution, and Paul found it in the RootPruner.

“We noticed the roots protruding through the surface of a few approaches and fairways, and these kept being caught by the mower, damaging the blades and putting the mower ‘off-cut’,” Paul explained.

“This was more noticeable during the drought we had last year. We tried to dig and cut them out, but the mess looked unsightly and didn’t stop the roots from coming back. I always feel prevention is better than cure, so I decided to search for a machine to cut the roots near the canopy of the trees so we wouldn’t damage the health of the trees but stop the roots from encroaching into play.

“In the past, I have used an excavator to create a root break, but the disruption this caused wasn’t suitable to the standards we expect the course to be in, so we needed a machine that would create a root break but be efficient, neat and tidy.

“With the RootPruner, we were able to get around the entire course with ease and were very surprised how quick it was. The roots we went over have been removed, so we don’t have any protruding the surface, and so far, we don’t have any new roots coming through, so I am hopeful this will continue.”

The RootPruner cuts roots up to 100mm in diameter with no clean-up, making it useable on the course with no worries of shutting holes through surface damage. It also has the ability to decompact tight, narrow areas with ease and includes a unique patented triple-reduction planetary gearbox for smooth, maximum torque drive to the rotor shaft. The RootPruner also features a factory set, torque limiting PTO shaft eliminating all shear bolts and spring clutches.

For a parkland course, it can be an invaluable machine. Paul heard about it from a club in the local area who have shared similar results, and seeing it on his property once was enough to convince him to purchase his own unit.

“Once we had the demo, we were very impressed with the smoothness, cleanness and size of the roots it would cut,” he said.

“I would definitely recommend the RootPruner for any parkland golf course. It’s a machine that is so quick and easy to use, it will save you downtime and money on repairing mowers which are damaged from hitting tree roots, and also make the surface better from not having roots protruding through the surface.”

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The need for FEED

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The need for FEED: The Lawn Association team are feeling a little Maverick today when it comes to discussing feeding lawns.  Some say that grass only needs food once per season, but if our Top Gun grass nutrition training has taught us anything, it is to have a 12 month feeding programme ready.  Grass is a plant and grows all year, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that is likes a good feed too!

But why feed?
When we mow, we are removing the leaves of the grass which store food, hence we need to provide additional nutrition. The ratio of the three key elements in grass (Nitrogen, Phosphorus & Potassium) change at different times of the year.  This is why feeding is important at various times in different seasons.

The need for FEED

The need for FEED

Which lawn food should you choose?

Feeding your lawn is part of the bigger picture of sustainable and sensible lawn care.  However many fertilisers require washing in order to activate, so waiting for the rain is due before applying makes sense. However, using organic feeds such as ‘True Grass’ which is produced from recycled food waste, ensures that your lawn is fed in the most sustainable way possible, without the risk of scorching!

How often should you feed?

If you are using a product such as ‘True Grass’ you can feed your lawn as and when you think it needs it at practically any time of the year (Feb to Nov). The benefit of True Grass is that it’s as much a soil conditioner as a feed so by using a product like this you are feeding the plants and the soils at the same time. Plus it is naturally rich (selected food waste products used) in amino, fulvic and humic acids.  Most fertilisers used are either chalk carriers or worse still, polymer coated only feed the grass (and compost bin) and have no benefit to the soils.

As with all aspects of good, sustainable modern lawn care, working with, not against nature, is your best option.  By doing this you will achieve the lawn that is top notch and perfect for you!

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UltraGroomer™ cassettes satisfy need for speed

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UltraGroomer™ cassettes satisfy need for speed: Recording in the region of 4000 rounds played every month, Southport’s Hillside Golf Club is a very busy course!

Tasked with balancing the expectations of the players with the sustainability of the Course is Links Manager Chris Ball – who is now conducting weekly passes with a set of UltraGroomer™ cassettes from the TMSystem™ to satisfy the golfers ‘need for speed’ without reducing heights of cut.

UltraGroomer™ cassettes satisfy need for speed

UltraGroomer™ cassettes satisfy need for speed

Chris has been in charge of the 18-hole links venue since his return to the club in 2018 and together with his greenkeeping team of eight has to manage not only the challenges of their exposed coastal location, but the demand for pace on the greens. “While simply lowering heights of cut may work for some clubs, because of factors such as the wind, this is not sustainable for us without detriment to the overall health and condition of the plant” Chris explains.

“Our previous verti-cut setup was no longer fit for purpose, so we spoke to our local dealer Turner Groundscare who introduced us to the UltraGroomer™ cassette.”  One of 12 maintenance cassettes from the TMSystem™, the UltraGroomer™ features over 80 1.3mm tungsten tipped blades, spaced 5mm apart, to remove Poa, lateral growth and organic matter – enhancing the downward movement of oxygen, nutrients and moisture and making it more difficult for disease pathogens to take hold.

“We trialled the cassette, fitted in the pedestrian INFINICUT® unit, on a couple of greens and it did a fantastic job of removing the coarser leaves without disturbing the finer species we’re trying to encourage, and without leaving lines in the ground. Although we hadn’t seen them operating on a triple, we were all impressed straight away and promptly purchased a set for our JD 2500 triple.”

Through the main growing season, the Hillside team are running the UltraGroomers™ over the greens once a week to remove any lateral growth, refine and reduce ingress of unwanted species and stand the plant upright – all without causing undue stress. “Having proudly hosted some pro events in recent years, and by being in regular contact with bodies such as the R&A, we know what pace we’re ideally trying to achieve and the best methods to attain that. We are delighted to be maintaining ours, with relative ease, using the UltraGroomer™ cassettes and are very pleased with the results we’re seeing so far.”

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