Tag Archive for: School

DLF supports top-level sport at Cranleigh School

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DLF supports top-level sport at Cranleigh School: While the challenges of managing the multi-sport surfaces at Cranleigh School may be akin to those faced by most in the education sector, here they’re on a mammoth scale!

With 248 acres of sports pitches, grounds and gardens to keep in quality condition year-round, the priorities when it comes to seed selection is reliability, versatility and tolerance for wear and tear. This, according to Deputy Grounds Manager Andy Burke, they’re achieving with mixtures from across the DLF and Johnsons Sports Seed ranges.

DLF supports top-level sport at Cranleigh School

DLF supports top-level sport at Cranleigh School

Cranleigh is one of Surrey’s leading co-educational independent schools and notes a number of leading public figures and some seriously sporty alumni over its 150+ year history. Its high sporting calibre is perhaps unsurprising given the scope of the surfaces available to pupils which includes 21 winter sports pitches, 8 cricket pitches and a 9-hole golf course. When Andy joined the school 9 and a half years ago, mixtures from the Masterline and Johnsons Sports Seed ranges were already used site-wide, and he goes on to explain why this has continued.

“In our environment, and with the sheer scale of facilities, our scheduling of operations and renovations has to be pretty strict which ultimately means we are often putting seed in the ground when conditions aren’t perhaps optimal. For example, in the Spring of 2022 we carried out extensive overseeding on our cricket outfields and winter sports pitches using Johnsons J4Turf and PM81 from the Masterline seed range. Then, despite seeing very little rain until the start of September, our grounds team were incredibly impressed that after a dormant period we saw strong growth and incredible drought recovery at the first drop of moisture. The result was quality playing surfaces that looked good and performed evenly.”

Johnsons J 4Turf and J Premier Wicket are used on the cricket outfields and squares, which host upwards of 250 games a year. “The turnaround and level of wear is intensive, but we’ve found this combination of mixtures withstands the high level of play, recovering quickly and coping with climatic conditions – be those dry like last summer or wetter as we’ve had throughout 2024.”

The cricket outfields are cut down to 16mm until the last game of the season, then will be left to grow to 32mm where they will then play a critical part in a packed rugby programme. “This is where the seed really gets tested as the demands of rugby will push wear tolerance to the limit! We’ve always found the strong bladed and deep rooting DLF and Johnsons mixtures can handle that, before being taken down to 26mm for football.”

Masterline PM81 is ideally suited to the renovation and repair of winter sports pitches, multi-purpose fields and racecourses. The 100% perennial ryegrass mix delivers outstanding versatility, sward density and year-round colour. Beside this, J 4turf and J Premier Wicket, Andy and the team are also using Johnsons J Rye Green on their golf greens and Masterline PM51 Greenscape as a general, high-performance mixture for landscaping and hard-wearing lawns.

He concludes, “It’s ultimately these mixtures that are the foundation to everything we oversee in our department and that year after year give us the quality and, importantly, the versatility to sustain such a high level of sport.”

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Greenkeeping inspiration for school kids

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Greenkeeping inspiration for school kids: Primary school pupils in St Andrews have been learning about what it takes to be a greenkeeper at the Home of Golf after St Andrews Links became the first venue in Scotland to host an innovative First Green field trip.

Aimed at inspiring the next generation of greenkeepers by showcasing the range of skills required in greenkeeping across science, technology, engineering and maths, the First Green event gave pupils an interactive experience of the life of a greenkeeper at the world’s most famous golf complex.

Greenkeeping inspiration for school kids

Greenkeeping inspiration for school kids

Held at the St Andrews Links Golf Academy adjacent to the renowned Old Course, the event saw 23 primary five pupils from local St Andrews school, Canongate, visit the Home of Golf for a day of interactive activities and practical learning. Students participated in three hands-on, outdoor learning stations that showcased a variety of skills that are utilised by professional greenkeepers each day.

Staff from across the Links introduced the pupils to irrigation, bunkering, wildlife conservation, soil management, greenkeeping tools and machinery, including the stimpmeter used by greenkeepers to measure the speed of the greens. Pupils were then able to put their learnings to the test with a putting competition led by Rachel Knight, Golf Academy Operations manager at St Andrews Links Trust.

The First Green initiative, run by the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), aims to introduce young people to the career opportunities that are available in golf and showcase the skills that are required for these roles.

It is the only science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education and environmental outreach programme that uses golf courses as learning labs. It was first introduced in the United States in 1997 but more recently was adopted by BIGGA, with the UK’s inaugural event taking place at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in 2023. The First Green curriculum helps students apply their classroom knowledge in an outdoor setting using STEM concepts connected to golf course management and conservation. First Green also gives students a first-hand look at the important role greenkeepers play in their local communities.

Gordon McKie, Greenkeeping Operations Manager at St Andrews Links Trust, said,

“We are delighted to have held Scotland’s first ‘First Green’ event here at the Home of Golf.

Greenkeeping is often an overlooked industry with many people lacking an understanding of what goes into looking after a golf course. The First Green initiative allows us to engage with young people at primary school age who may go on to consider greenkeeping as a future career.

Our first event was a great success, and we hope to host similar events annually at St Andrews Links, or even more frequently if we can. We would encourage other schools and golf courses in Scotland to get involved and to start engaging with young people who may go on to become the next generation of greenkeepers.”

A set of 13 lesson plans have been designed by BIGGA to guide greenkeepers on how to run STEM based sessions for young people aged 9 to 14 years of age. The lesson plans highlight the work of greenkeepers and their important role in maintaining a golf course in a good condition for golfers, whilst also helping to protect the environment. Host greenkeeping staff are encouraged to utilise these lesson plans and will typically co-ordinate a 2-to-3-hour showcase of their greenkeeping skills.

Jenny Bledge, Workforce Project Manager at BIGGA, said,

“First Green is a flagship initiative that we are extremely proud of at BIGGA because it helps golf clubs connect with their communities in a really meaningful way. By using STEM principles, participants – like the pupils who attended the event at St Andrews Links – get to have fun while learning practical skills outdoors in a real-world workplace setting. This not only raises awareness about golf courses and their role in the environment but also puts a big emphasis on sustainability while helping to promote greenkeeping as a STEM career.

First Green events are popping up all over the UK, and I was thrilled that St Andrews Links was one of the first to get involved. Seeing First Green in action at the Home of Golf was a real testament to all the hard work we’ve put in to bring it to life. It was fantastic to see Gordon McKie, St Andrews Trust’s Greenkeeping Operations Manager, diving into the activities and getting hands-on!”

Three UK courses have now hosted First Green events thus far, Royal Liverpool, the Bedfordshire and St Andrews Links, with events planned at Clevedon, Dudley, Woburn, and Royal Liverpool once again.

If you are interested in hosting a First Green field trip at your Golf Club, or if you are a school or group interested in attending an event, please visit https://www.bigga.org.uk/careers/first-green/get-involved-first-green-uk.html

Watch an event roundup video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW0p1qLk-Xk

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RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden beds in at London school

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RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden beds in at London school: The first ever RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden designed by and for children has been relocated to its permanent home at Sulivan Primary School in southwest London.

The RHS No Adults Allowed Garden was designed by pupils from the school and award-winning garden designer Harry Holding and was visited by HRH King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Reimagined to suit its new setting in the school grounds, the unique garden will now be a lasting feature for pupils to explore, learn and play in, as well as take care of.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden beds in at London school

RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden beds in at London school

Nearly all elements from the original show garden have been transferred to the school, with the exception of the stream and rock pool. Instead, the subterranean den is set within a sea of wildflowers and has been reimagined by treehouse builders Root and Shoot into a sustainable climbing frame using timber from RHS Garden Wisley and rubber from waste material. Sculptural clay elements, crafted by land artist Finbar Ward and decorated by pupils, which previously adorned a wall within the show garden have now been positioned on the façade of the school itself.

As part of the relocation, the layout of the show garden has been adapted to suit the school’s setting, which is surrounded by a number of mature trees.  A path through the garden separates two distinct areas; one is low intervention with a wildflower meadow, a composting zone and dead hedges which provide habitats for wildlife, while the more cultivated side of the garden is packed with a variety of bold and colourful summer plants including kniphofias and gladioli, as well as edibles such as strawberries.

Wendy Aldridge, Headteacher at Sulivan Primary School, said: “We are so excited to welcome the RHS No Adults Allowed Garden to its new home. This garden will be a fantastic resource for our pupils, allowing them to develop hands-on gardening skills and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. It provides a unique, interactive space where children can learn about biodiversity, sustainability, and the importance of caring for our environment. The collaborative process of designing and now maintaining the garden has been invaluable, fostering a strong sense of community and pride within our school.”

Harry Holding, Award-winning Garden Designer, said: “It has been such a joy to work on
this momentous project and reimagining the show garden for its permanent home has been every bit as enjoyable as preparing it for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Seeing the pupils’ excitement as they interact with the garden, both in its original form and now in its new home, has been incredibly rewarding. In its new location, the design benefits from more space, lots of mature trees, and plenty of environments to explore. This garden will provide endless opportunities for discovery and learning, and will live on to benefit thousands of children and families from the local community for years to come. I am very much looking forward to seeing how it evolves with the students’ care and creativity.”

Alana Cama, RHS Senior Learning Manager, said: “The RHS is committed to nurturing a love of gardening in children and creating opportunities for them to engage with nature in a meaningful way. By involving pupils in the design and maintenance of the garden, they have quickly cultivated a sense of responsibility and connection to the environment. We’re excited to follow the progress of the garden and to see how it inspires a love of gardening amongst the school’s pupils for years to come. This project exemplifies our mission to make gardening accessible and enjoyable for all ages, and we are thrilled to see it find a permanent home at Sulivan Primary School.”

Sulivan Primary School is a member of the RHS Campaign for School Gardening which provides teachers with free resources and training, designed to help them give more children the opportunity to learn about caring for plants and our planet through gardening, while connecting with nature and boosting their wellbeing. The RHS is committed to fostering a love of gardening across generations and ensuring that it is an accessible activity for everyone.

For information on how to get involved with the RHS Campaign for School Gardening visit: https://schoolgardening.rhs.org.uk

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Sweeping Success with SISIS at Merchiston Castle School

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Sweeping Success with SISIS at Merchiston Castle School: Stuart Chalmers, Head Groundsman at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, has recently elevated his maintenance procedures with the addition of the SISIS Litamina 1200.

This innovative tractor-mounted sweeper is helping to enhance the upkeep of Scotland’s only all-boys independent boarding school.

Sweeping Success with SISIS at Merchiston Castle School

Sweeping Success with SISIS at Merchiston Castle School

Merchiston Castle School boasts a rich tapestry of sporting facilities, including rugby, football, hockey, cricket, tennis, and a golf academy. Spanning just under 100 acres, the school’s grounds present a diverse array of maintenance challenges throughout the year. Stuart, who has climbed the ranks since joining the school in 2012, understands the importance of using robust equipment to meet these challenges.

“As a school, we’ve long relied on SISIS equipment,” remarks Stuart. “Their machines were here when I first started, and they’ve proven their longevity over the years. We’re constantly striving to make improvements, and SISIS equipment aligns perfectly with our ethos.”

The Litamina 1200, a highly popular model in the SISIS range, has earned Stuart’s praise. “We had an older Litamina 1200 that served us well for over 10 years,” he explains. “When the time came to replace it, there was no question—we opted for the same machine. It’s simply that good.”

With its spiral-designed brush and galvanised collection hopper, the Litamina 1200 excels in collecting a wide range of debris while delicately following ground contours. Stuart highlights the modernised features of the new model, including stands for convenient storage and enhanced practicality and ease of use.

“The Litamina 1200 has become indispensable in our maintenance routine,” says Stuart. “Primarily used on our rugby and football pitches, it not only cleans the surface but also helps rejuvenate the grass, allowing for better air circulation and preparing the turf for our mowing programme.”

Stuart outlines the meticulous scheduling of maintenance tasks, which often includes alternating the use of the Litamina 1200 with other SISIS equipment such as the Maxislit, a tractor-mounted deep slitting lawn aerator. “We utilise the Litamina for leaf collection as well, demonstrating its versatility and efficiency,” he adds.

Ewen Wilson, Sales Manager for Scotland at SISIS, also receives praise from Stuart for his excellent service. “The support we receive from Ewen is first-class. It’s reassuring to know that we have a reliable partner in SISIS.”

As Merchiston Castle School prepares for exciting expansions, including a new nursery school and junior school, Stuart remains committed to maintaining pristine grounds. With the SISIS Litamina 1200 at his disposal, Stuart and his team continue to raise the bar, ensuring that the school’s sporting facilities remain a source of pride for years to come.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SISIS on Twitter or Instagram @SISISMachinery and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

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York House School uses Polaris Ranger

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York House School uses Polaris Ranger: Customer use of the Polaris RANGER is diverse and far-reaching, ranging from agriculture and forestry to wildlife sanctuaries and conservation; but sometimes the stories that are the most heartwarming are those where a small decision has made a huge impact on someone’s happiness.

Enter York House School and their decision to use the RANGER to improve a student’s educational experience.

York House School uses Polaris Ranger

York House School uses Polaris Ranger

Located in Hertfordshire, York House School is a leading co-educational independent school for girls and boys aged 3 to 13, set in a historic listed building alongside modern purpose-built school facilities nestled within a beautiful 50-acre site. A year ago, the Estate Management team chose to purchase a Polaris RANGER XP 1000 Crew from their local Polaris dealer, Taylors Tools, for a variety of reasons, the most significant being its ability to safely transport a student with a medical condition to outside areas of the school; allowing him to join his classmates in the fields for outdoor education for the first time.

Jason Jaekel, Estate Manager said: “The Polaris has truly transformed a particular pupil’s experience here at York House School, which is something we’re very proud of. With specific risk assessment criteria that need to be met before he can be transported in a vehicle, we meticulously tested a range of UTVs and found that, during our test of the Ranger, the safety equipment built into the Polaris was extremely comprehensive. The RANGER XP 1000 has a three-point safety belt which is vital, the seats are also very comfortable, and it rides smoothly over off-road terrain, so we are now able to safely and confidently escort this student, and any other students that need it, around the site.”

York House School prides itself on providing a broad and enjoyable education for its pupils, encouraging wonder and adventure throughout the learning experience; a sentiment that is similar to Polaris’ own “Think Outside” motif. Now, with the introduction of the Polaris RANGER, York House School continues to ensure all of its students can enjoy its extensive facilities—including its multi-use sports pitch and smallholding with rescue animals—as well as its huge range of co-curricular activities and clubs.

The RANGER XP 1000 Crew model features 33 centimetres of ground clearance, along with 27.9 centimetres of suspension travel on the front and rear, smoothing out even the most severe ruts and rough terrain. There’s also a three-mode throttle control switch with standard, work and performance settings for optimal throttle control and performance. Inside, the RANGER Crew features contour-fit bench-style seats for up to 6 riders, as well as electronic power steering and a premium tilting steering wheel.

Outside of student transport, the RANGER has a number of other uses that aid the school environment, including the ability to showcase the school grounds to prospective students and parents with space for up to 6 riders, and offering a transportation option for parents, grandparents and guests in any weather.

Jaekel continued: “We’ve fitted a full cab with a roof, doors, and a heater system, so we can take guests on tours in all weather conditions and temperatures, maintaining a high standard of comfort whilst showcasing our fantastic facilities. Not only that, we have previously driven parents and grandparents to the far fields so they can watch their children or grandchildren playing sports from a safe and warm environment – the tip-out windshield helps to see everything from the comfort of the cab.”

When it comes to estate work across the 50-acre site, the RANGER comes into its own, easily accessing every metre of the school’s grounds thanks to its on-demand all-wheel drive. In contrast, its Versatrac Turf mode feature that unlocks the rear differential and drives just one rear wheel means that the Estate Management team can drive on the sports grounds without marking or tearing up the grass, also meaning the team can access these areas in all conditions without concern; even in the wet.

For more information on York House School, please visit their website here.

For more information on the Polaris RANGER, please visit the Polaris Britain website here.

To discover more ways that RANGER is helping customers around the world, check out our Ranger Stories series on YouTube.

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