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How Wildwood and Stogger is Lighting Up Brighton

How Wildwood and Stogger is Lighting Up Brighton

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How Wildwood and Stogger is Lighting Up Brighton

Winchester-based Wildwood Machinery has partnered with Dutch giant Stogger Turf Care to install and maintain a state-of-the-art grow-light system for Premier League football club Brighton & Hove Albion.

Grow-lights are used to optimise germination, root development and shoot growth in grass pitches.

Stogger Turf Care’s state-of-the-art LED light rigs represent the way forward for elite sports clubs in terms of quality, efficiency and sustainability.

How Wildwood and Stogger is Lighting Up Brighton

Managing director of Wildwood Machinery, James Bastian, says: “We’re delighted to be working with two major names in elite sport to install and maintain one of the biggest LED grow-light projects in the UK.

“A lot of Premiership and Championship football clubs, and other elite sports clubs will be watching this development with interest, especially with HPS lights likely to be outlawed from 2027 due to their inefficiency.”

Stogger Turf Care LED lights vs competitors

The Stogger Turf Care grow-light system is acknowledged to be the leader in this sector.

With the highest overall light levels in the market, 4-channel dynamic light spectrum, superior glass lens design, upgradeable LED engines, and advanced thermal management there are clear advantages in sustainability, efficiency and effectiveness.

“Wildwood Machinery worked closely with Stogger Turf Care on a lengthy pre-installation trial and due diligence,” says James Bastian.

“We’ll now provide a complete aftercare, backup and support service for the groundcare equipment, as per our exclusive UK partnership with Stogger Turf Care.”

“Brighton FC is widely regarded as one of the best-managed, most sustainable clubs in the Premier League, while Stogger Turf Care technology is the most efficient LED grow-lighting system available.

Supporting Brighton’s Ambitions

We’ll be doing everything we can to support Brighton’s ambitions on the pitch and to help showcase Stogger’s outstanding technology in the UK.”

The installation at Brighton & Hove Albion FC includes: 9 × Booster Carbon 460 units; 2 × Booster 60 units; 4 × Booster Carbon Compact units and 4 x turf fans covering 4,300 square metres of surface area, which makes this one of the three largest LED grow light projects in the UK.

Phil Fifield, Head of Sports Turf Stadia at Brighton FC, said: “We are committed to excellence in all of our operations, and of course the playing surface is a key part of that.

We’re looking forward to seeing what we can achieve with Stogger Turf Care and Wildwood Machinery on our side.”

Florian Mans, International Sales Manager at Stogger Turf Care, said: “At Stogger Turf Care, we remain fully committed to working closely with end users across the industry to engineer and develop practical, innovative and forward-thinking solutions.

“We thank Brighton & Hove Albion and their outstanding grounds team for the trust placed in Stogger Turf Care. Together, we are committed to making this an unprecedented success.”

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GMA shines a spotlight on skilled grounds staff

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GMA shines a spotlight on skilled grounds staff: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has launched this year’s #GroundsWeek campaign with a striking new video created in partnership with Brighton & Hove Albion and the World Snooker Tour (WST).

The film brings together two expert teams whose work is essential yet often overlooked, showcasing the specialist skills required to prepare both elite football pitches and professional snooker tables.

GMA shines a spotlight on skilled grounds staff

GMA shines a spotlight on skilled grounds staff

For years, people have often compared high-quality sports surfaces to “snooker tables”. This video brings that comparison vividly to life by following the Brighton & Hove Albion grounds team and a WST table fitter, to reveal the precision and care that is essential in both roles.

But behind this celebration, lies a challenge for the grounds management industry.

New findings from the GMA’s latest Workforce Insight Report show that many grounds professionals feel their work is less recognised than it was five years ago. This is a concern for a highly skilled industry that underpins sport and supports communities across the country.

And this is exactly why #GroundsWeek exists.

Across the UK, grounds staff work in all weather and often behind the scenes, to keep pitches and public spaces safe and playable. Their work supports sport at every level of sport and improves the health and wellbeing of millions. #GroundsWeek gives these dedicated professionals and volunteers the recognition they deserve and shines a light on their knowhow.

The campaign celebrates the people who look after sports surfaces, school grounds, community fields, public spaces and more – places that host everything from elite fixtures to grassroots matches, school sport and everyday recreation.

This new video aims to raise awareness of this essential work and highlight the consistently high standards that both grounds staff and WST table fitters achieve every single day.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA said: “#GroundsWeek is our chance to celebrate the fantastic people who make sport happen. Their expertise ensures pitches, parks and community spaces are in great condition all year round. This new video shows the pride and professionalism in our industry, and we’re delighted to work with the World Snooker Tour and Brighton & Hove Albion to highlight the brilliant work grounds staff do every day.”

Phil Fifield, Head of Sports Turf at Brighton and Hove Albion said: “#GroundsWeek is a brilliant initiative by the GMA to give welcomed acknowledgement to those who bring sport to life. To celebrate the staff up and down the country for their tireless commitment and professionalism to the sports turf industry. It’s been a tremendous honour to work with the GMA and World Snooker Tour to showcase the care and dedication that goes into producing elite surfaces. I thank my staff also for their expertise and support but also their dedicated to their craft and endeavours away from the spotlight.”

Chris Barnes, Head Table Fitter at World Snooker Tour said: “When people watch sport either live in the arena or on television, they don’t always realise the huge amount of work that goes into preparing the playing surfaces. In snooker I work with a team of incredibly skilled and dedicated table fitters, and we spent countless hours striving to provide the best possible conditions for the players. #GroundsWeek is a great opportunity for fans in every sport to reflect on the work that happens behind the scenes.”

The GMA hopes the partnership with the World Snooker Tour will help #GroundsWeek reach new audiences and inspire greater appreciation for the people who shape and protect the spaces we all rely on.

#GroundsWeek is proudly supported by GMA Platinum Corporate Supporters Kubota, Howardson Group, ICL, MJ Abbott, Premier Pitches, GKB Machines, ISEKI, Cramer and GMA Gold Corporate Supporters Rada Controls, Aquatrols, Redexim, RT Machinery, SGL, Husqvarna and Jenkins Garden Machinery.

Get involved in #GroundsWeek

Download the #GroundsWeek Engagement Pack, access free resources and find out how you can take part: thegma.org.uk/groundsweek

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Top Tips On Groundskeeping From Manchester Rugby Club

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Top Tips On Groundskeeping From Manchester Rugby Club: The team at STIGA have always known their robot mowers were a cut above the rest, but now they’re absolutely scrumming their way to glory on rugby pitches too.

When star signings Mow Marler and Cutney Lawns joined the grounds squad at Manchester Rugby Club, it wasn’t just a transfer… it was a turf-formation!

Tim Holmes of Manchester Rugby Club shared:

“Mow Marler and Cutney Lawns joined the Manchester Rugby Club Grounds team back in October 2024, having signed from STIGA. As part of the partnership, STIGA provided full training on how to get the most from the mowers, and they made an immediate impact. Their work ethic has been incredible! They operate day and night, seven days a week, and we saw an instant improvement in the quality of the pitches.”

Top Tips On Groundskeeping From Manchester Rugby Club

Top Tips On Groundskeeping From Manchester Rugby Club

Naturally, STIGA had to get the inside scoop from the brilliant volunteers who care for the club’s four full-size rugby pitches. Here’s what they had to say…

How often do the robots mow each area?

Chutney and Mow are pretty much out every day from Mid-March to late November. They cut a pitch each in just under 3 days so each pitch is cut twice a week.

Roughly how much staff time have the robots saved each week?

Before the mowers, our team would just about have the time to cut the pitches once a week, but this meant there were also cuttings to clear after, especially in the summer. Cutting each pitch would take approx 90 mins, and clearing the cuttings another 90-120mins. So approx 7.5 hours a week, that is now retained to do other pitch maintenance work, such as slitting and verti-draining

Has this reduced overtime or weekend work?

To be honest, it’s all overtime, but none of it paid, as we have a wonderful team of very hardworking volunteers managing the grounds, but it has greatly reduced the pressure on the team each week

Have you noticed improvements in turf density or overall health?

Yes, very much so. The constant cutting keeps the grass shorter and stronger

How does the cut quality compare to traditional mowers?

The constant cutting means the grass doesn’t get long at all, and it’s kept at the perfect level

Does frequent, light cutting improve presentation?

Very much so. It keeps everything trim and neat. The biggest difference is when the ground is wet or soft, and we couldn’t use the tractor to cut the pitches. The mowers being so light allows for constant cutting without any damage to the surface

Have players noticed a difference in surface quality?

Yes, when the grass used to get longer, it was commented on and more difficult to play and train on.

Has match-day presentation improved?

The constant cutting often means we don’t have to roll or cut before a match day, meaning the pitch is always in peak condition

In true rugby fashion, Mow Marler and Cutney Lawns even marked their arrival at the club with matching tattoos. Rumour has it the STIGA team think they’ve earned a few more for their tireless service, maybe a championship badge next?

You can read more about STIGA’s autonomous robot mowers and other STIGA products here: www.stiga.com/uk/

To read more about the STIGA partnership with England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU) here: www.stiga.com/uk/stiga-x-rfu

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Greenfingers Charity builds on a year of completed gardens

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Greenfingers Charity builds on a year of completed gardens: The Greenfingers Charity is preparing for a significant year ahead, announcing further details of its hospice garden programme for 2026, following the completion of five new therapeutic gardens across the UK in 2025.

Gardens completed in 2025

During 2025, Greenfingers opened five new bespoke hospice gardens, each carefully designed to support children with life-limiting conditions, their families and the professionals who care for them. New gardens were completed at The Nook (East Anglia), Chestnut Tree House (Arundel), Hope House (Shropshire), Acorns (Walsall) and Bluebell Wood (Sheffield).

Greenfingers Charity builds on a year of completed gardens

Greenfingers Charity builds on a year of completed gardens

These gardens are already being used as vital outdoor environments where children can experience nature safely, feeling fresh air, colour, texture and seasonal change, often for those whose medical needs limit their access to the outdoors. For families, the gardens provide rare opportunities to be together away from clinical spaces, while hospice staff benefit from restorative areas that support wellbeing.

New Greenfingers gardens planned for 2026

Building on this momentum, Greenfingers is now progressing three new garden projects for 2026. Each will be delivered as a bespoke, highly specialist space, shaped around the specific needs of its hospice community.

Naomi House and Jack’s Place, Winchester

The new garden planned for Naomi House and Jack’s Place will be Greenfingers’ 75th garden, marking an important milestone in the charity’s work across the UK. Designed by Helen Elks Smith, with early design stages already underway, the project will transform existing lawned areas into a welcoming, inclusive outdoor space for children, siblings, parents and hospice staff alike. Carefully shaped to support both play and quiet reflection, the garden will give families a place to step outside together, to breathe, connect and create precious memories away from the pressures of indoor care.

This garden will also be the focus of Greenfingers’ 2026 Kilimanjaro fundraising challenge, with trekkers taking on the climb to help fund the creation of this very space. Their efforts will play a direct role in bringing this garden to life, turning extraordinary personal challenges into a lasting legacy for the children and families who will use it for years to come.

Little Havens, Essex

The 2026 project at Little Havens will see Greenfingers return to the hospice to deliver a major refresh and redevelopment of the existing Grow Your Own garden. The new design will focus on improving accessibility and sensory engagement, enabling children with complex needs to interact safely with planting, textures and the natural environment. Designed to support everyday hospice life, the garden will provide space for play, therapy and rest, while offering families precious opportunities to spend time outdoors together in a setting that feels calm, supportive and human.

Haven House, Woodford Green

At Haven House, Greenfingers will deliver a thoughtfully designed memorial and reflection garden within the hospice grounds. The project will be delivered by Baylis Landscapes, with the space carefully shaped to provide families with a calm, dignified outdoor environment where they can pause, reflect and remember. A central feature of the garden will be a Corten steel memorial tree, supplied by Caltef Designs, alongside screened seating, connected pathways and sensitive planting. Together, these elements will create a space that offers privacy, comfort and a sense of peace, supporting families through some of the most emotionally challenging moments of their lives.

Neil Sewell, Operations Director at Greenfingers, said: “Every unique Greenfingers garden starts with listening to the hospice teams, to families, and to what children need most in that moment. These are not decorative spaces; they are places where children can experience fresh air, colour and a sense of freedom, sometimes for the only time. As we move into 2026, we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve delivered so far, and deeply aware of how vital continued support is to help us create more of these life-changing gardens.”

Looking ahead – creating gardens that change lives

As Greenfingers looks towards 2026, its focus is firmly on turning ambition into action – creating highly specialist hospice gardens that meet complex needs and change daily life for children and families. These spaces take months of careful design, sensitive construction and long-term commitment to deliver, and they simply cannot happen without continued fundraising and support. Every penny raised plays a vital role, helping to transform bare or underused spaces into safe, welcoming gardens where children can experience the outdoors, families can spend precious time together, and memories can be made when they matter most.

To find out more about the Greenfingers Charity, discover how to support its work, or get involved through fundraising, partnerships or volunteering, visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

You can also follow the charity’s latest updates on Instagram and LinkedIn @GreenfingersCharity, Facebook facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity, and X @GreenfingersCha.

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TGA Demonstration Day 2026 – Tickets Now on Sale

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TGA Demonstration Day 2026 – Tickets Now on Sale: The Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA) is pleased to confirm that tickets are now on sale for the 2026 TGA Demonstration Day, taking place on Thursday 2 July 2026, hosted by Grasslands Turf in Kent.

Tickets can be purchased HERE.

TGA Demonstration Day 2026 – Tickets Now on Sale

TGA Demonstration Day 2026 – Tickets Now on Sale

The Demonstration Day is the Association’s flagship technical field event, bringing together professional turfgrass growers, suppliers and industry specialists from across the UK for a full day of live demonstrations, knowledge exchange and networking.

Exhibitor, demonstration and sponsorship opportunities are now available, providing companies with a valuable opportunity to engage directly with TGA grower members and showcase products, services and innovations in a practical field environment.

The TGA is delighted to confirm the following exhibitors to date:

• Campey Turfcare
• Trimax
• Brocks Wheel & Tyre
• Industrial Pallet & Transport Services Ltd
• Rovadi Turf Equipment

Further exhibitor confirmations are imminent, and interest remains strong.

The Association is also pleased to confirm Agrigem Ltd as the official Show Programme Sponsor for the 2026 Demonstration Day.

The event will feature:

• Live machinery and equipment demonstrations
• On-field trials and technical showcases
• Trade stands from leading industry suppliers
• Networking opportunities with growers, agronomists and manufacturers

Discussion aligned with TGA production standards and sustainability priorities

The Demonstration Day forms a key part of the TGA’s ongoing commitment to supporting professional turf production, promoting best practice and strengthening collaboration across the supply chain.

Tickets, exhibitor bookings and sponsorship enquiries can be made via the TGA office or the Association’s website.

For exhibitor and sponsorship bookings, or for further information, visit www.turfgrass.co.uk or contact the TGA office.

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