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Schools Into Stadia Heads to Home Of Cricket

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Schools Into Stadia Heads to Home Of Cricket: The Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) NextGen group is taking its inspiring Schools Into Stadia initiative to new turf, literally for the first time, as it heads to the legendary Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday 27 June for its first ever cricket edition.

Designed to inspire a younger generation of groundspeople, Schools Into Stadia opens the doors to iconic sporting venues, offering local students a rare behind-the-scenes look at the world of grounds management, showing off the wide range of career opportunities in a sector that supports sport, recreation and community spaces across the UK.

Schools Into Stadia Heads to Home Of Cricket

Schools Into Stadia Heads to Home Of Cricket

From pitch prep to turf science, students will get hands-on with the skills and technology that keep the game running smoothly.

Created by the GMA’s passionate NextGen group – rising stars in the industry – Schools Into Stadia is all about sparking curiosity and showcasing the exciting career paths in grounds management. With support from Reesink UK, the initiative is building a future-ready workforce by championing the vital role of grounds teams in sport, recreation and community life.

Having already inspired students at venues like Wimbledon’s All-England Club, Anfield Stadium, Goodison Park and the King Power Stadium, the programme now steps up to the crease at Lord’s – cricket’s most hallowed ground.

The event will see local students experience the day-to-day responsibilities of a groundsperson including pitch preparation and understanding the science behind turf care. They’ll also hear first-hand from professionals about the pathways into the industry and how their work impacts everything from elite sport to grassroots facilities.

With workforce development a growing priority across the sector, initiatives like Schools Into Stadia are a vital part of the GMA’s strategy to engage the next generation and build a sustainable pipeline of talent.

Meg Lay, GMA NextGen Co-Chair and Groundsperson at Lord’s, said: “We’re excited to bring Schools Into Stadia to Lord’s and shine a light on the work that grounds staff do in cricket. Events like this give young people a real glimpse into the industry and help us show that this is a rewarding, hands-on career. If we want a thriving industry in the future, it starts with inspiring the next generation today.”

Lord’s Head Groundsman, Karl McDermott, said: “We’re proud to support the GMA and the NextGen group in delivering this event at Lord’s. Grounds staff play a vital role in making sport possible at every level, and we’re pleased to give students a chance to see that in action at the Home of Cricket. We hope it opens eyes and perhaps even sparks some future careers in the industry.”

To find out more about the GMA NextGen group and how they’re shaping the future of the industry, visit www.thegma.org.uk/nextgen.

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

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Aspen delivers a decade of clean power

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Aspen delivers a decade of clean power: From the very first demonstration, Graham Kenward of South East Forestry and Tree Services was sold on the health and safety benefits of Aspen Fuel.

More than a decade on, the firm still swears by Aspen Alkylate fuel for their suite of two-stroke equipment, delivering clean and convenient power to projects in confined spaces.

Aspen delivers a decade of clean power

Aspen delivers a decade of clean power

Founded by Graham in 1997, South East Forestry and Tree Services undertake the full breadth of tree surgery services for domestic and commercial customers across Surrey and Sussex. Powering much of that operation for the last 10 years has been Aspen Fuel. Graham takes up the story, “I learned about the product through a friend and arranged to have a demonstration of it. All I could say at the time was WOW!”

“It’s certainly not right, but as an arborist you almost just get used to getting home at the end of the day with bloodshot eyes and the smell of petrol over your clothes – particularly if you’ve been working in confined spaces. As soon as we started to use Aspen in our 2-stroke equipment, that all stopped immediately.” He continues, “Not only that but the shelf life of it is incredible. Depending on workload we might have equipment that’ll sit in the shed for two or three years untouched. If it’s got Aspen in the tank, it’ll start up at the first time of asking.”

99% cleaner than ordinary pump petrol in regards to levels of hazardous hydrocarbons, Aspen Fuel is virtually free from Ethanol, Aromatics and Benzene, bringing enhanced performance and a longer service life for all types of modern 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines. Together with extending engine life and reliability, the significantly fewer harmful and toxic hydrocarbons reduce the impact your equipment has on your health and the environment.

“You can’t put a price on your health and, when I factor in the further efficiencies and convenience brought about by having the Aspen delivered in 200L drums to site, we more than offset the additional cost of using Aspen in our chainsaws and other petrol-powered hand tools.”

For more information about Aspen 2 or Aspen 4, and to find your local stockist, visit www.aspenfuel.co.uk 

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Unlocking the power of seaweed: SMX difference for turf health

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Unlocking the power of seaweed: SMX difference for turf health: By ICL’s Henry Bechelet. A Greenkeeper’s Reality: The Battle Against Stress

You’ve been here before.

Unlocking the power of seaweed: SMX difference for turf health

Unlocking the power of seaweed: SMX difference for turf health

A long, dry spell stretches on, and the greens start showing signs of stress – wilting, thinning, roots struggling to reach deeper for moisture. Then,
just as relief comes in the form of rain, it brings a new challenge: soft, unpredictable surfaces, weakened turf, and patchy recovery.

In these moments, turf resilience isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential. Stronger roots mean faster recovery, better stress tolerance, and consistently high-quality playing surfaces. And for years, greenkeepers have turned to seaweed extracts to support plant health.

But here’s the thing: not all seaweed based biostimulants are the same. The difference isn’t just in the seaweed itself – it’s in how its powerful compounds are extracted.

Why SMX is Different: Science, Innovation, and Sustainability

ICL, in partnership with Acadian Seaplants – the world leader in seaweed technology – has developed SMX, a scientifically engineered seaweed biostimulant designed to
enhance turf performance from the roots up. With cutting-edge extraction methods, a commitment to sustainability, and proven results, SMX isn’t just another seaweed extract. It’s a smarter approach to turf management.

The Science Behind SMX: Why Extraction Matters

Not all seaweed extracts deliver the same results. For decades, seaweed has been used in turf management. But how it’s processed determines whether its most beneficial compounds reach the plant in a usable form.

There’s a common belief that cold-pressed seaweed is always superior. It’s a nice idea, but the reality is more complex. Research shows that different extraction
methods yield different benefits – some unlock higher levels of bioactive compounds than others.

Alkaline Extraction: A Proven Advantage

Independent trials, including those led by Dr. Andy Owen and the ICL team, have demonstrated that alkaline extracted seaweed can significantly enhance root length and volume – key factors in improving turf resilience.

Here’s why it matters:

  • Better root initiation – SMX helps roots establish faster and deeper, providing stronger anchorage and access to moisture.
  • Enhanced stress tolerance – Turf treated with SMX recovers more effectively from drought, wear, and disease.
  • Improved nutrient uptake – Healthier roots mean better absorption of essential nutrients, supporting long-term turf quality. It’s not about saying one method is always better than another – it’s about understanding what actually works in turf management. And SMX is backed by real-world trials.

What Sets SMX Apart?

Specialist expertise from Acadian Seaplants. Acadian Seaplants is a global leader in sustainable seaweed harvesting and extraction technology.

By partnering with Acadian, ICL combines world-class seaweed innovation with its own expertise in turf agronomy, ensuring SMX delivers real, measurable benefits.

Unlocking the power of seaweed: SMX difference for turf health

Unlocking the power of seaweed: SMX difference for turf health

Extraction that works for turf, not just for labels:

  • SMX’s alkaline extraction process enhances the availability of plant growth regulators and stress response compounds.
  • Trials confirm that SMX-treated turf recovers faster from drought, wear, and disease, helping greenkeepers maintain high performance playing surfaces.

Real-World Results, Proven by Science

Independent research shows that SMX:

  • Increases root initiation
  • Strengthens turf against environmental stress
  • Improves long-term resilience on golf courses, stadiums, and sports pitches.

Sustainable Innovation: The SMX Commitment

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a responsibility. Acadian Seaplants ensures every harvest is carried out responsibly, using satellite imaging and drone technology to monitor seaweed bed regrowth. This protects marine ecosystems while ensuring a continuous, high-quality supply of seaweed.

For greenkeepers, choosing SMX means choosing a product that supports turf health and respects the environment.

SMX: The Next Step in Turf Management

Greenkeeping isn’t just about managing grass – it’s about understanding how to give turf the best possible foundation to thrive.

With increasing environmental challenges, greenkeepers need proven, research-backed solutions – not just marketing claims. SMX is more than just another seaweed extract.

It’s the next step in root health, stress resilience, and sustainable turf management.

Are you ready for the SMX difference? Contact us to learn how ICL and Acadian Seaplants are setting new standards in turf management.

GMA supports launch of new Sports Turf apprenticeship

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GMA supports launch of new Sports Turf apprenticeship: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has welcomed the creation of a new Level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager apprenticeship, developed by the industry-led Sports Turf Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group.

The new apprenticeship, which includes an integrated Foundation Degree (FdSc), has now been published, subject to final funding band approval. Delivery is proposed for late 2025 or early 2026.

GMA supports launch of new Sports Turf apprenticeship

GMA supports launch of new Sports Turf apprenticeship

Designed to meet the technical demands of modern turf management, the apprenticeship offers a clear and funded progression route into higher-level learning. The inclusion of the Foundation Degree in Sports Turf means apprentices can achieve a high-quality, industry-relevant qualification as part of their training.

As the professional body for grounds management, the GMA has submitted a letter of professional recognition to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) to support the mandate of the qualification.

The apprenticeship also aligns directly with the Grounds Management Framework, which brings together a range of training and education opportunities provided by both the GMA and other providers, including apprenticeship providers, to ensure a clear and coherent career pathway for those working, or wishing to work, in sports turf maintenance and management.

Levy-paying employers can draw down funds up to the approved maximum, while non-levy payers contribute just 5% towards training costs. The accessible funding model helps remove barriers for both apprentices and employers, encouraging wider participation and supporting the continued professionalisation of the industry.

Jason Booth, Chief Operating Officer at the GMA, said: “This new Level 5 apprenticeship is a significant step forward for the sports turf sector. It creates a vital link between hands-on experience and degree-level learning. Currently, just under 17% of the professional workforce has come through apprenticeships so by offering a technical qualification that aligns with industry needs, we hope to widen access and attract more people to a rewarding and skilled profession.”

The Sports Turf Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group is a voluntary collaboration involving Whitgift School, Leicester City Football Club, STRI Group, Myerscough College, LANTRA, International Greenkeepers for Hire, Ashton Gate Stadium, Grounds Management Association, The RFU, Bridgewater and Taunton College, Warwickshire CCC, Warwick Schools, Wiltshire College, Perfect Pitches, York Racecourse.

The full apprenticeship standards are available here:

Expressions of interest for the Level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager apprenticeship are welcome via this form.

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

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MM50 Helping Tees Stand the Test of Time

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MM50 Helping Tees Stand the Test of Time: At Southerndown Golf Club in the Vale of Glamorgan, MM50 grass seed has become an essential product. With tees that endure relentless wear from players and exposure to some of the UK’s harshest growing conditions, Course Manager Andrew Mannion has come to rely on the hard-wearing ryegrass mix to keep surfaces strong, consistent, and fit for year-round play.

MM50 is one of the UK’s most popular grass seed mixtures – and with good reason. The blend of fine-leaved, high shoot density dwarf perennial ryegrasses is built for performance: it tolerates close mowing down to 4-5mm, recovers rapidly from wear, and maintains excellent year-round colour. For Andrew, it’s a perfect match for a course that refuses to follow convention.

MM50 Helping Tees Stand the Test of Time

MM50 Helping Tees Stand the Test of Time

 

“Southerndown’s unique,” says Andrew, who’s been at the club for over 30 years. “It’s like managing two courses in one. The front nine is very sandy and free-draining, almost links-like. The back nine is more loamy, heathland terrain. It means you’ve got to think differently about how you manage each area – and what you grow.”

The course sits around 70 metres above sea level on exposed, windswept land. Underfoot, a layer of acidic sand overlays limestone – an unusual soil profile shared by just a few sites in the UK. “That limestone layer can be two metres down, or just a couple of inches below the surface. It creates real challenges when it comes to aeration and water movement. We’ve got good irrigation, but water doesn’t hang around for long.”

Add in grazing rights – Southerndown is built on common land and home to up to 600 sheep, depending on the season – and it’s easy to see why traditional turf practices don’t always deliver.

For many years, Andrew stuck with a fescue-based programme passed down from his predecessor. But in areas of heavy traffic, especially on par-threes, the turf simply couldn’t keep up. “They’d turn to dust in the summer,” he says. “The recovery wasn’t quick enough. We weren’t getting the results we needed, and we were doing the same things every year expecting a different outcome.”

The spark for change came from an unlikely place: Wimbledon. “I remember watching coverage of Centre Court, and they mentioned these new dwarf ryegrass varieties. I thought, well, that’s just a big golf tee really. So, we trialled some MM50 on the worst par-threes – and the difference was incredible.”

The trial showed immediate improvements. “It gave us better grass coverage, but more than that, the recovery from divots was two or three times quicker than anything we’d seen with fescues. In some cases, you’d get shallow divots regenerating naturally without any intervention.”

That initial success quickly led to a full overseeding programme. “We moved to using MM50 across all the tees. It was an easy sell to the club – we could literally say, ‘Look at the par-threes. Why wouldn’t we want all the tees to look like that?’”

MM50 Helping Tees Stand the Test of Time

MM50 Helping Tees Stand the Test of Time

The benefits went beyond performance. “Golfers weren’t questioning it. The ryegrass is so fine-leaved that they didn’t even realise it was rye. They just saw a tight, clean surface that looked good and played well.”

MM50 has even made its way onto selected fairways – especially those that suffered during the prolonged heat and drought of 2018. “That year really opened our eyes,” Andrew recalls.

“We always thought fescue would bounce back after going dormant, but it didn’t. It just disappeared. We were dragging hoses out onto bare fairways, trying to save them. That’s when we looked at what we’d achieved with MM50 on the tees and thought – why not try it here too?”

“We’ve got a busy course. It’s used 365 days a year. Members expect value for money. You can’t keep relying on a surface that can’t keep up. MM50 gave us a way forward.”

For Andrew, MM50 hasn’t just improved playing surfaces – it’s changed his outlook. “I’m not one of those who hides behind tradition for tradition’s sake. We tried the fescue route. It worked up to a point, but it wasn’t giving us what we needed. MM50 has helped us manage trickier areas, maintain better grass cover, and deliver a better experience for the golfer.”

For further information, please contact MM Sports Seed on 01386 791102 or visit the company’s website www.mm-seeds.co.uk.

You can also follow the company on X: @MM_Seed.

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

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