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Training Helps Professionals Deliver on National Action Plan

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Training Helps Professionals Deliver on National Action Plan: The UK National Action Plan (NAP) for the sustainable use of plant protection products calls on everyone involved in weed, pest, and disease control to adopt integrated management strategies and develop plans often referred to as IPM plans. Whilst still not a requirement, it is at the core of the NAP and the sector needs to fully understand what IPM is and how to develop and implement IPM plans.

To support this, BASIS offers a dedicated course providing practical, easy-to-access online training tailored specifically for the amenity sector. The course entitled ‘Planning Integrated Approaches in Amenity Situations’ guides users step-by-step through developing and implementing effective, environmentally responsible management plans.

Training Helps Professionals Deliver on National Action Plan

Training Helps Professionals Deliver on National Action Plan

This course is part of a set of five within the Principles of Sustainable Amenity Management series, created with input from industry experts including former Amenity Forum Chair John Moverley. The full series covers key topics such as navigating policy, enhancing biodiversity, and managing water and air quality in amenity environments.

Designed for busy professionals, the courses are interactive and self-paced, allowing learners to fit training around their work. Real-life case studies and expert insights ensure the knowledge gained can be applied immediately on site. Whether you work for a local authority, manage grounds, consult on environmental issues, or contract on site, this training is relevant and accessible, with no prior qualifications required.

Each course costs £50, or the full five-part series is available for £200 + VAT, providing great value for anyone committed to sustainable amenity management. More information and enrolment is through the link  basis-classroom.co.uk/courses/amenity.

There’s never been a better time to develop or refresh your approach to integrated weed control

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Kubota reliability keeps contractors Djuke on course

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Kubota reliability keeps contractors Djuke on course: The milestone of the ‘1000th installation’ of Hydrowick greens drainage is on the horizon for specialist sports turf contractors Djuke, and ensuring they get there is a trio of tractors from Kubota.

Djuke Managing Director Cameron McMillan is no stranger to Kubota reliability having been loyal to the brand for over 30 years, with his latest purchase of an M5-112 and L2-522 from Lister Wilder providing the dependable power to tackle every task and every terrain with ease.

Kubota reliability keeps contractors Djuke on course

Kubota reliability keeps contractors Djuke on course

Starting at the world-renowned Sunningdale Golf Club, Cameron went on to continue his course management career at Queenwood Golf Club before establishing Djuke in 2013. The contractors have gone on to become the UK’s leading specialists in Hydrowick Drainage – a patented ‘wick’ system providing the fast and effective drainage of golf greens. With more intense and prolonged periods of rainfall, Cameron explains that demand is ever-increasing meaning that reliability is pivotal to keeping the whole contracting schedule on track.

“Together with new clubs, a lot of our work is repeat custom who find that the wettest green on the course becomes the driest with Hydrowick and want to replicate that site-wide” he explains. “Our schedule is tight so we have no margin for error, and certainly no time for machinery breakdowns!”

“Kubota, for me, has always been super reliable, comfortable and capable of everything you need from a tractor.” That confidence was reaffirmed with the recent addition of the M5-112 and L2-522 in December 2024. The two new machines joined their existing L2-501, which continues to deliver exceptional performance after more than 2,500 hours of service. “Every job and every green is different so we now have machines to suit all terrain and all ground types – lightweight tractors with good pulling power for the greens, together with our new M5-112 with greater lift capacity for operating bigger equipment on fairways and sports surfaces.”

“One feature the team really like is the creeper gearbox, giving complete control over the operation of some of our bespoke and precision-based implements” he adds. “In addition the heated and air-conditioned cabs are a popular choice, keeping us comfortable in all conditions.”

With routine maintenance simple enough to conduct in-house, further servicing and support is delivered by Lister Wilder, whom Cameron has also worked alongside for more than three decades. “Everything with Lister’s is reliable and professional. You know they understand the machines inside and out which provides added peace of mind with every purchase.”

“Kubota’s brilliant build quality combined with the regular maintenance means that in over 10 years of business, we’ve never missed a job and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”

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Baroness trio prove on pitch and on point

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Baroness trio prove on pitch and on point: A trio of ride-on machines from Baroness have emerged victorious in the comprehensive search for new mowers at Ardingly College in West Sussex.

The maintenance of the 250-acre site is a year-round operation for Deputy Head of Grounds Emile Ellis and the team of eight, with the two new LM551B’s and GM2810A from Baroness swiftly becoming MVPs for areas both on and off the pitch.

Baroness trio prove on pitch and on point

Baroness trio prove on pitch and on point

When not playing a crucial role in curriculum sport, the facilities at Ardingly College are in demand from a number of school camps and local sports clubs. This means that time is truly of the essence with all of the maintenance so, with the existing mower fleet starting to tire, investment in replacement equipment was needed. “We cast the net very wide when looking for new mowers and demonstrated all the various makes and models” Emile explains. “The Baroness mowers stuck out straight away for their build quality and simplicity of operation.”

After an extensive demo period, two LM551B fairway mowers and a GM2810A rotary mower were installed by dealers Lister Wilder in November 2024 – the first Baroness machines for the college. “You can tell the machines are incredibly well thought through. They do everything they need to without any unnecessary electrics or fuss which makes them a pleasure to set up and use.”

“We use the LM551B’s for everything ‘on pitch’ which includes our cricket outfields, winter sports pitches and other areas with a lower height of cut.” He continues, “We’ve noticed a significant difference in the quality of cut and finish, and the units definitely stay on cut for much longer. I used to go round with a spanner in my pocket to adjust the units between pitches but now it’s one check first thing and you’re set for the rest of the day.”

“The GM2810A is used pretty much everywhere else, on all the areas that don’t support play but where we still want to retain presentation. It does a fantastic job. It tackles grass of all lengths and is also a lot bigger than its predecessor which means not only are we achieving better results, we’re achieving it quicker than before.”

Changing to a new brand of equipment can be daunting, but the service Emile says they received from Mark Carter at Lister Wilder and Luke Collins from Baroness took away all of the anxiety. “The team had full training on all of the familiar features and all of those that are unique to Baroness which means everyone is comfortable and can get the very best out of the machines. We couldn’t be happier with the support and the results we’re seeing, and we’re going into the main grass growth season well and truly at full speed.”

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New efficiencies on the GreenMech stand at The Arb Show

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New efficiencies on the GreenMech stand at The Arb Show: No trip to The Arb Show is complete without a stop by the stand of the UK’s most innovative woodchipper manufacturer, GreenMech.

Always demonstrating the very latest in technology and product development, 2025 will be no different, with stand C13/C14 showcasing a new remote system to further enhance the versatility and efficiency of their flagship EVO series of machines.

New efficiencies on the GreenMech stand at The Arb Show

New efficiencies on the GreenMech stand at The Arb Show

The new ‘SMART FEED Remote’ system allows the operator to control a number of the working functions of the chipper without having to be stood next to the machine. Using the rugged, rubber encased handheld remote, the user can stop/start the feed rollers, reverse their direction and adjust the machine engine speed as they do today with the buttons on the infeed chute. Compatible with all EVO models, this is particularly advantageous for those who opt for mechanical loading.

Together with enhanced control and improved visibility, the ‘plug and play’ remote option optimises safety and streamlines workflow – reducing the time and energy required to move between the loader and chipper.

Alongside a range of towed and tracked machines from the EVO range, a number of other machines will be on display including the gravity-fed CS100 and Arborist 150D MAX. In addition, GreenMech’s new higher horsepower petrol offerings will also be showcased for the first time. Announced earlier in the year, the EVO 165P Sub-750 and Arborist 150P both now feature a Briggs and Stratton Vanguard EFI 40hp engine to take proven power, productivity and efficiency to new heights.

Full details of all the new additions to the GreenMech range can be found by speaking with the GreenMech technical team who will be on hand at Westonbirt Arboretum when The Arb show returns on the 16th and 17th May 2025.

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ISEKI Tried and Tested on Major Projects at East Renfrewshire

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ISEKI Tried and Tested on Major Projects at East Renfrewshire: When it came to picking a new tractor, it was a “no-brainer” for East Renfrewshire Golf Club to opt for another ISEKI in the form of the TG6507 with a C4+ loader.

The moorland course is based on the outskirts of Glasgow, with stunning views of Ben Lomond and the Trossachs. The course demands a lot from a tractor, with a heavy workload and hilly terrain providing daily challenges.

ISEKI Tried and Tested on Major Projects at East Renfrewshire

ISEKI Tried and Tested on Major Projects at East Renfrewshire

Upgrading their previous machine was brought on by a desire to handle larger winter projects in-house, and after speaking with local ISEKI dealer Fairways GM, Club Manager Iain Russell and Course Manager Barry Nichol were set on the TG6507.

“In the past, we’ve not been able to do a particular project because we didn’t have the right machinery, but that’s been added to our list now,” Iain explains. “Barry and the team here all work collaboratively, and they work together in producing the winter programme.

“It’s quite extensive. They put a lot of work into it, and they almost look forward to that more than the summer. They love tackling these major projects, and having the right equipment is vital so they can do that. The members also look forward to the winter programme coming out to see what will be in hand through the winter going into the new season.”

The Iseki TG6507 is a high-performance compact tractor that is well-suited for golf course maintenance. Featuring hydrostatic or IQ transmission options, it provides smooth and precise control, while the high-capacity lift arms and compatibility with a wide range of implements make it a versatile and durable choice for demanding workloads.

Course Manager Barry is taking full advantage of the versatility, with the TG6507 put to work tining, completing other aerating works, loading, clearing car parks and moving pallets with the front forks. With his previous experience using ISEKI tractors at the club, there was no question what his next pick would be.

“It was a no-brainer to get another ISEKI, to be honest with you,” Barry explains. “It is tried and tested on this course, and it’s very much suited to ourselves up here and right across the golfing industry as well.

“Versatility is important and we get that from the tractor, but it is very reliable as well. We’ve had no issues on the mechanical side of it and it really does a great job. It’s got plenty of power to get around our hilly terrain, and we’ll have it in full swing throughout autumn, winter and spring with no issues.”

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