Tag Archive for: Solution

Weybrook Park GC Implements Sealed Bunker Solution

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Weybrook Park GC Implements Sealed Bunker Solution: Weybrook Park G.C. in Hampshire has just completed the full renovation of all 22 greenside bunkers on the back nine of its West course, in partnership with Bunker specialists EcoBunker.

Faced with an ongoing environmental battle born form a chalk based site, open landscape and menagerie of burrowing animals, EcoBunker and the team at Weybrook devised a fully sealed solution that is already reaping rewards for the club.

Weybrook Park GC Implements Sealed Bunker Solution

Weybrook Park GC Implements Sealed Bunker Solution

“The course was well regarded by members and visitors, but the bunkers were by far the most complained about feature. We are on a chalk based site so the bunkers were prone to erosion around the faces and edges, which didn’t look great and regularly contaminated the sand,” reported Luke Kenney, course manager at Weybrook Park G.C.

“In addition to contamination, the wind moved the sand around, and with 800 members, the footfall through bunkers made it very hard to maintain consistent playing conditions. Add in poor drainage and regular sand washout in heavy rain, and the bunkers were a real headache for the greenkeeping team and the club.”

In response to the challenge at Weybrook, the team consulted EcoBunker and agreed that a fully sealed bunker solution would address the issues faced at the club, while a training and self-installation plan would keep the project within budget.

“We knew that we needed a full bunker solution – liner, walls and edges – but we also needed to keep costs down, so a product that the team could fit ourselves was really important. Having researched the market, EcoBunker liner and edging was simple to fit in all conditions, incredibly durable over the long-term, and the team was happy to share its expertise and help us develop the necessary fitting skills in-house. Not only has the product been superb, the team at EcoBunker has been great to work with at every stage of the project.”

While EcoBunker synthetic edges and walls are known throughout the worldwide golf industry, a lesser known innovation is it’s EcoTec™ bunker liner featuring a proprietary filament matrix, seamless finish and forgiving playability.

“As soon as I saw the EcoTec liner I could visualise how efficient it would be holding the sand in place, which wasn’t the case with the alternatives I saw. We’ve also had feedback from the general manager on how forgiving it is on impact. He is really happy from a health and safety perspective, that golfers will be protected if they do play shots that reach through the sand.”

With the first 22 bunkers complete, the team at Weybrook is preparing for the next phases of the project, with a view to completing all bunkers on the West course within the next 3 years. With the initial phase being met with unanimous appreciation, the question only remains of how fast the team can work!

“The new bunkers look great,” concluded Luke. “The edges are sharp and tidy, we have no erosion or issues with animal damage, the maintenance burden has reduced and most of all our golfers are happy. The whole project has been a huge success and we look forward to finishing the course in phases over the next three years.”

And for more information on how EcoBunker can help meet the challenges faced at your course, visit www.ecobunker.co.uk

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BAGMA launches ‘Paperless Solution’ for machinery installations

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BAGMA launches ‘Paperless Solution’ for machinery installations: The British Agricultural Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA) have teamed up with the UK paperless experts, Culverdocs to launch a new digital solution for recording machinery installations.

Months of development have culminated in the introduction of a mobile and desktop app with the capability to simplify and streamline the recording and storage of installation paperwork and other administrative tasks.

BAGMA launches ‘Paperless Solution’ for machinery installations

BAGMA launches ‘Paperless Solution’ for machinery installations

Available to all valid BAGMA registered installers, members and non-members, the introduction of the ‘Paperless Solution’ signifies the end of long-winded, handwritten triplicate forms which often end up torn or muddy at the end of a handover & installation session. Launched in September, dealerships and manufacturers around the country are already discovering the vast improvement in efficiency, accuracy and accountability when delivering machines.

For just £5.00 per user, per month, users can enjoy:

  • Information at your fingertips, in one web, tablet and mobile-friendly app
  • Simplified completion of Machine Installation Form
  • Unlimited submissions with e-signatures
  • Work offline, with sync feature when back online
  • Real-time digital copy, emailed to operators, companies, installers, BAGMA
  • Importing data from ODBC reports/spreadsheets and sending reports

Users wanting to further enhance functionality can opt to upgrade to the full BAGMA and Culverdocs ‘Unlimited’ package. For £20 per user, per month, companies can digitise multiple aspects of their business, creating a fully-bespoke digital platform to complete, store and integrate paperwork including machine installation forms, hire on/off, on site risk assessments and lead capture. The ‘Unlimited’ package also includes unrestricted user and administrator access, unlimited form/process conversion, support from the Culverdocs technical team and tailored branding of the app for your business.

“This software is a real gamechanger” says BAGMA General Manager Nick Darking. “We’ve all been there – out in a muddy field, in the rain trying to fill out triplicate forms on an install and ensure that those that need a copy, have one. With so much of modern life now digitised, it made complete sense to develop a solution where paperwork could be completed with just a few clicks.”

“Going paperless not only brings efficiencies with time and simplified workflows, it provides peace of mind that a solid process is in place to obtain full accuracy and accountability with every installation.”

Those wishing to find out more are invited to join BAGMA and Culverdocs for a free informative webinar, taking place at 10:30am on Thursday 15th May. To register your interest, or to find out more, visit www.bagma.com.

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Etesia Hydro 100 is the Perfect Solution

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Etesia Hydro 100 is the Perfect Solution: The Retreats Group, which encompasses three of the leading luxury hotels in Wales—Twr y Felin Hotel, Roch Castle, and Penrhiw Priory—has always been dedicated to maintaining immaculate grounds that reflect the beauty of its locations.

For Ollie Davies, the groundskeeper and supervisor for The Retreats Group, maintaining these stunning landscapes has become significantly easier since the purchase of a Etesia Hydro 100 ride-on mower.

Etesia Hydro 100 is the Perfect Solution

Etesia Hydro 100 is the Perfect Solution

“The properties are undulating and steep in places,” says Ollie. “My brother used to help me look after the grounds, and when he left, we decided that instead of employing someone else full-time, we would invest in one of these machines and see how it would benefit me.”

Before the Hydro 100, Ollie managed the extensive lawns using pedestrian mowers—a task that was both time-consuming and physically demanding. “Prior to the Etesia machine, I would cut them all with a pedestrian mower. It was a lot of hard work. This Etesia saves so much time and money. It is a great bit of kit.”

The Etesia Hydro 100 III ride-on mower is designed for professional users who require top-quality mowing and collection performance in all weather conditions. Powered by an 18 HP twin-cylinder Kawasaki engine, it features a modern hydraulic drive transmission with differential lock, a large 500-litre grass box, and a cutting deck with rear central ejection for efficient grass collection.

Ollie initially considered the Etesia Buffalo ride-on mower, having seen impressive footage of its performance on social media. However, after careful evaluation, he realised that the Buffalo was too large for the more intricate formal gardens within the properties. “We wanted to get a demo of a Buffalo because it looks great, but we figured out it was a bit too big for the formal gardens. We wouldn’t have got it around some of the benches and flower beds.”

Given the uneven terrain of the properties, Ollie decided on the Hydro 100, known for its differential lock and sturdy design. “With the grounds being so uneven, we went for the Hydro 100 because it has a diff lock and it seemed very sturdy.”

Ollie’s decision was reinforced during a particularly wet demo session. “We got one on demo to start with—it was really wet—but these pick up the grass in wet conditions, even when it is long. It worked a treat on our demo; it picked up the grass and didn’t leave a mess, so we were really impressed with it, and we just went from there.”

The Hydro 100’s differential lock has proven invaluable on the steep, slippery slopes of the properties. “It is quite undulating and steep, and especially when it is wet, the diff lock comes in handy. As soon as you start feeling it slip a bit, you just engage the diff lock and it doesn’t leave a mess or wheel spin.”

Etesia Hydro 100 is the Perfect Solution

Etesia Hydro 100 is the Perfect Solution

During the peak growing season, Ollie faces the challenge of keeping up with rapidly growing grass. The Hydro 100 has made this task much more manageable. “If I was on my own and I only had my walk-behind mower, I would be completely swamped with grass and I would just be chasing my tail all the time. So having the Hydro 100 means I can stay on top of things. I’m no longer physically tired all the time from having to use my little walk-behind mower when I can use this instead.”

Ollie also appreciates the Hydro 100’s ability to cut and collect grass on formal lawns, ensuring that the grounds remain pristine for guests. “We cut and collect on the formal lawns because we don’t want guests to get their shoes clogged with grass and walk it into the castle—it wouldn’t be very popular with the housekeeping staff.”

The ease of adjusting the cutting height is another feature Ollie values. “To change the height of cut, you have something that looks like a handbrake. You just push the thumb button in and set the height using the lever. I tend to use a medium setting because we want to take the top third off the grass to keep it green.”

Ollie has also been impressed by the mower’s reliability, even in less-than-ideal conditions. “Considering how wet it has been over the past year I have never experienced any form of blocking, even if the grass is long and wet.”

For Ollie Davies and The Retreats Group, the Hydro 100 has proven to be an essential tool in maintaining the high standards of their luxury properties, ensuring that the grounds are always perfectly presented, no matter the conditions.

A video review with Ollie Davies can be found by visiting:  https://youtu.be/Uq4WoC4rPMo?si=o0iz9J20uf5OiPnX

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

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

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Tree Hugger®: A Sustainable Solution for Tree Protection

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Tree Hugger®: A Sustainable Solution for Tree Protection: As we enter National Tree Week, there’s no better time to highlight the importance of sustainable tree care. Trees are vital to our environment, but their early years require protection from animals, harsh weather, and competing vegetation. While traditional plastic guards have long been the go-to solution, they come with significant environmental and logistical downsides.

Enter Tree Hugger®, exclusively available from Agrovista Amenity, the eco-friendly, biodegradable alternative that’s set to revolutionise how we safeguard young trees.

Tree Hugger®: A Sustainable Solution for Tree Protection

Tree Hugger®: A Sustainable Solution for Tree Protection

Why Not Plastic?

Plastic tree guards, typically made from non-biodegradable petrochemicals, pose numerous problems such as:

  • Environmental Impact: Traditional guards break down into microplastics, contributing to pollution and bioaccumulation in ecosystems.
  • Animal Safety: Broken plastic fragments can harm small animals.
  • Aesthetic Issues: As trees outgrow their shelters, abandoned plastic guards create unsightly litter.
  • Removal Burden: Retrieving plastic guards is costly and labour-intensive, with recycling options often limited and expensive.
  • Tree Health: Plastic guards can sometimes trap excessive heat and promote weed growth, both of which can hinder healthy tree development.

The True Cost of Plastic

Beyond environmental concerns, plastic guards come with hidden costs. Recycling programmes, while helpful, often have stringent requirements and fees. Labour and transportation costs for removal can range from £1 to £1.50 per guard—excluding VAT—and escalate further for guards located in challenging areas such as roadsides or railway embankments.

Tree Hugger®: The natural choice

Available exclusively through Agrovista Amenity, Tree Hugger® guards provide a much-needed solution. These innovative products are made from biodegradable materials, including loomstate organic cotton and pine rosin from FSC-certified Scandinavian forests. Designed to last a minimum of five years, they protect young trees without the need for collection or recycling.

Key Benefits of Tree Hugger® Products:

  • Plastic-e: Completely biodegradable, eliminating microplastic pollution.
  • Encourages Growth: The unique visible light spectrum within the guards promotes tree development.
  • Durable: A lifespan of at least five years ensures long-term protection.
  • Animal Protection: Guards are strong enough to resist prying animals, including voles.
  • Ease of Use: No removal or recycling logistics, saving time and costs.
  • Sustainable Design: Made from organic and recycled materials, meeting international sustainability standards (ISCC PLUS certification).

Product Range

Tree Guards: Available in various sizes (0.6m–1.8m heights and 70–110mm diameters), these guards protect trees during their critical establishment period.

Vole Guards: With diameters of 45–50mm, these guards shield young trees from vole damage by forming a barrier at the soil level.

Shrub Shelters: Designed for shrubs and trees with larger diameters, these shelters improve survival rates and are secured with stakes.

Hedge Wraps: Quick-to-install wraps that protect hedges, vines, and trees during early growth, supported by bamboo canes.

A Greener Future with Tree Hugger®

For every 8,000 trees planted with Tree Hugger® guards, approximately 700kg of plastic is avoided—equivalent to saving 35,000 single-use 330ml plastic bottles. By choosing biodegradable solutions, farmers, landowners, and local authorities can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while ensuring robust tree protection.

By offering Tree Hugger® guards, Agrovista Amenity reinforces its dedication to reducing environmental impact while delivering practical, high-performance products.

This National Tree Week, make the sustainable choice. With Agrovista Amenity and Tree Hugger®, you’re not just protecting trees—you’re protecting the planet.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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Redexim proves the solution for safe synthetic surfaces

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Redexim proves the solution for safe synthetic surfaces: A combination of the RTC plus and Verti-Top® TB from Redexim have been entrusted with protecting and preserving the lifespan of the synthetic surfaces – along with the health and safety of the students – at Emanuel School.

With the recent addition of an all-weather pitch at their Blagdon sports ground, the school opted to purchase a maintenance set-up for both this and the main site in South-West London to retain performance and keep the surfaces clear of contamination.

Redexim proves the solution for safe synthetic surfaces

Redexim proves the solution for safe synthetic surfaces

Sport plays an integral part of life for students at Emanuel School, reflected in the ongoing investment into the quality facilities available to pupils and a number of clubs and organisations in the wider community. Estates Director Chris Wright heads up a number of teams responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the grounds and sports surfaces across the three sites. “With one artificial surface at the main school, our second at the Blagdon site came online in September 2023 which really made us look at how we were going to maintain these, along with the synthetic lawns we’ve introduced into our ornamental areas” Chris explains.

“The maintenance was previously contracted out, but from a cost and practical perspective, it became logical to invest in equipment that would give us the flexibility to conduct regular brushing and a more intensive deep clean more frequently.”

After speaking to local dealers Lister Wilder, Chris and the team opted for two RTC plus brush units and two Verti-Top® TB cleaning systems from the award-winning Redexim synthetic range. Powered by a 22hp petrol engine, the RTC plus features a 2.7m wide underslung, winged brush to make routine brushing a breeze. This is then complemented by the more intensive cleaning delivered by the Verti-Top® TB which lifts and separates contaminants from all types of infill material using a combination of vacuum and sieve.

“This partnership gives us flexibility and effective cleaning for the shorter-pile, sand-dressed surfaces as well as the ornamental carpet which has a longer pile. The RTC plus is out once a week and then we can affix the Verti-Top® TB to the RTC for a thorough clean once a month.” Chris continues, “The Verti-Top® has really impressed us with the amount of detritus it collects – everything from paper clips to jewellery which are removed in a single pass.”

The purchase also means the maintenance teams have eliminated contamination risks when switching equipment between natural and synthetic turf. “We don’t want to be putting a tractor with muddy tyres onto the artificial pitches which could then go on to cause other playability or safety problems.” He adds, “We’ve been really pleased with the performance and results to date, and as we’ve come to expect from Redexim it’s a well-built, well-designed solution which will help us to present good, clean surfaces for many years to come.”

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