Tag Archive for: supports

GMA supports launch of new Sports Turf apprenticeship

/in , /by

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Suståne supports sustainability goals of Mjölby Golfklubb

/in , /by

Suståne supports sustainability goals of Mjölby Golfklubb: GEO Certified and described as an ‘outstanding role model for sustainability in golf’, Sweden’s Mjölby Golfklubb provides an interesting mix of nine holes played on open former-farmland and nine holes in dense parkland – all maintained to the highest environmental standards. An important part of this is a nutritional programme orientated around organics – more specifically, 6-2-4 Turf Revival® and 5-2-4+Fe from Suståne.   

Sustainability is a priority across many aspects of the club operation, a philosophy shared and implemented by Course Manager Peter Ihrebrink and the greenkeeping team of four. The work to protect and develop nature and community, while being sympathetic to water, energy and material resources has seen Mjölby highly ranked in a number of global golf club awards, including in the ‘International’ category of the highly prestigious ‘Golf Environment Awards’.

Suståne supports sustainability goals of Mjölby Golfklubb

Suståne supports sustainability goals of Mjölby Golfklubb

“We had been using organic fertilisers for a number of years before making the switch to Suståne – a decision we made after thorough discussion with our local distributor CropHealth AB” describes Peter. “After conducting soil analysis we settled on a programme of two or three applications of Suståne 6-2-4 Turf Revival® during the main growing season, followed by one application of 5-2-4+Fe to provide an extra boost of nutrients and long-lasting slow-release nitrogen as we head into the winter months.”

Suståne Turf Revival® 6-2-4 is designed to replenish the soil with a rich supply of humus and mycorrhizal fungi, to improve the uptake of nutrients and boost overall plant health. Particularly beneficial for us around renovations or intensive maintenance, the mix of macro and micronutrients contributes towards optimal plant establishment and quick green-up, followed by up to eight weeks of uniform growth and colour.

“This is something we have certainly noticed – that we achieve greener grass without the lateral growth creating a healthier turf surface that looks and performs better.” In addition, Peter notes the reduction in disease activity the team have noticed since switching to Suståne. “Overall we have also seen a decrease in disease activity, though the ever-changing climate does mean we are constantly monitoring this.”

He adds, “We really value the advice and close working relationship we have with CropHealth AB who conduct regular soil samples to make sure the programme is on track and delivering the results we expect. We are seeing improvements in the composition of our profile which is giving us the strong foundation we need to support more sustainable grass species and create top-level playing surfaces without the need for artificial chemicals or products.”

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Redexim pairing supports Worcester Warriors

/in , /by

Redexim pairing supports Worcester Warriors: There’s an overwhelming ‘onwards and upwards’ spirit overarching operations at Sixways Stadium, home of the Worcester Warriors.

The positivity of the club spirit has been matched by investment in the facilities, with a pair of machines from Redexim’s award-winning artificial portfolio joining the armoury of Head Groundsman Jeff Green.

Redexim pairing supports Worcester Warriors

Redexim pairing supports Worcester Warriors

The club has endured a challenging few years but continues to offer a Sports Stadia for all. Sixways Stadium is home to various RFU events as well as local and community sports, including being home to two local football clubs utilising the pitches and training facilities at Sixways for fixtures. Across the two sites are two grass pitches, one full-size 3G pitch, one smaller 3G pitch at the indoor training centre and a further 3G pitch at the main stadium, uniquely installed with GEO X-TRE 60 infill from Limonta Sport. The conversion of the surfaces from rugby to football, along with the new infill material which includes sustainable coconut fibres, sparked the recent purchase of a Speed-Clean 1700 and Base-Rake from Redexim.

“I’ve known Redexim for a good few years, and offered to host one of their recent synthetic training events in conjunction with our local dealer Tallis Amos Group (TAG)” Jeff explains. “I couldn’t believe how effective all of the range was on our stadium pitch, but in particular how the Speed-Clean loosened up the infill and removed a staggering amount of debris from the depths of the pile. The club saw straight away what a difference investing in this pairing would make in our efforts to elevate the stadium pitch to the next level.”

The Redexim Speed-Clean is a land-driven sweeper that effectively lifts and separates infill from contaminants in a single pass. At 1.7m wide, it is wider than the club’s previous sweeper, presenting a significant time saving in enhancing surface cleanliness and safety. “Another factor that impressed us was the sympathetic way in which the Speed-Clean operated. Our pitch is eight years old so we need to balance its maintenance requirements with not being too aggressive.”

Jeff is utilising the Speed-Clean on a weekly basis and has seen a dramatic decrease in both compaction and the amount of contaminants being collected. When conditions allow, the weekly work with the Speed-Clean will be complemented with a pass of the Redexim Base-Rake after every 10 hours of play.

“As the only pitch in the country using the Geo infill for top flight Rugby, it acts differently and needs different treatment” Jeff adds, “It’s been brilliant working together with Redexim’s Paul Thomas and Colin McIntyre from TAG as we all look ahead positively – whether that’s, for us, the return of Worcester Warriors or Redexim who are clearly working hard to deliver maintenance solutions that are fit for the synthetic surfaces of the future.”

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Green-tech Supports Woodland Restoration at Rockyfold Wood

/in , /by

Green-tech Supports Woodland Restoration at Rockyfold Wood: Rockyfold Wood, situated within the Kentchurch Estate in Herefordshire, recently suffered an outbreak of Ash Dieback. Large areas of infected trees had to be felled, leaving the site in need of restocking.

A key challenge of this project was the presence of local deer populations, which posed a threat to young saplings. To safeguard the newly planted trees and give them the best chance of thriving, protective measures were required.

Green-tech Supports Woodland Restoration at Rockyfold Wood

Green-tech Supports Woodland Restoration at Rockyfold Wood

The Project

To effectively restore the woodland and ensure the successful establishment of new trees, Pryor & Rickett Silviculture collaborated with Kilmaha Ltd. to lead the replanting efforts.

Pryor & Rickett Silviculture is a well-respected forestry management company that provides sustainable woodland solutions across the UK. Their work involves long-term planning, biodiversity enhancement, and commercial timber production. Working alongside Kilmaha Ltd, a forestry and countryside management company,  they were tasked with restocking the site while ensuring the new trees had optimal protection from deer browsing.

Products Used

To support healthy tree growth, the team turned to Green-tech, the leading supplier of tree protection materials and the largest distributor of Tubex tree shelters. Green-tech provides shelters and stakes that offer a controlled micro-environment, reducing environmental stress and preventing deer browsing damage.

To maximise tree survival rates and create a thriving woodland, the following products were selected:

  • Tubex 1.5m tree shelters – Chosen for their reliability and effectiveness in shielding young saplings from browsing deer, which aids tree establishment and enhances survival rates while fostering optimal growing conditions.
  • Stakes – Used to securely position the shelters and ensure stability during early tree development.

Green-tech involvement.

Tom Whitchurch, Senior Forest Manager at Pryor & Rickett Silviculture, comments, “We sought competitive quotes and ultimately chose Green-tech as our supplier due to their strong industry reputation, competitive pricing, and high standard of customer service. Our sales advisor, George, provided expert guidance, ensuring that the right products were selected for the project’s specific requirements.”

The Outcome

The Rockyfold Wood restoration project has successfully restocked the woodland, ensuring a new generation of trees can establish and thrive. The use of Tubex tree shelters has provided essential protection against deer, securing the long-term success of the replanting efforts. This initiative restores a vital part of the Kentchurch Estate and contributes to sustainable forestry practices and biodiversity enhancement.

This project demonstrates the value of sustainable woodland management and highlights the strong partnership between Green-tech, Pryor & Rickett Silviculture, and Kilmaha Ltd in delivering high-quality, long-lasting solutions for UK woodlands.

“Green-tech is my go-to supplier for plant protection and landscaping materials. George and his team deliver high-quality service and always come back with solutions to any problems or queries I may have. They price competitively and dispatch efficiently.” Tom Whitchurch, Senior Forest Manager at Pryor & Rickett Silviculture

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Green-tech Supports Regenerative Forestry Ltd

/in , /by

Green-tech Supports Regenerative Forestry Ltd: Oakcutts Wood, located in the heart of Hampshire, is undergoing an ecological transformation. Intervention was required to restore its natural balance. Non-native species of Spruce and Larch were removed to make way for native tree planting, which aims to enhance biodiversity and create a resilient ecosystem for future generations.

Regenerative Forestry Ltd specialises in woodland management and provides professional consultancy across Southern England. Their expertise in ecological restoration made them the ideal partner for managing this woodland sensitively to ensure its resilience.

Green-tech Supports Regenerative Forestry Ltd

Green-tech Supports Regenerative Forestry Ltd

The Project

The goal of the restoration project was to restock Oakcutts Wood with native tree species, promoting biodiversity and ensuring the long-term health of the woodland. Protecting these young saplings during their establishment phase was paramount, as local wildlife, including roe and muntjac deer, posed a significant challenge.

Regenerative Forestry Ltd turned to Green-tech for the products and support to ensure the project’s success. Green-tech is a leading tree planting and protection solutions supplier and a trusted partner for forestry professionals across the UK. It provides innovative products that support long-term environmental health.

Products Used

To address the project’s specific challenges, Green-tech supplied the following essential products, chosen for their durability, effectiveness, and alignment with the project’s ecological goals.

  • 7500 Tubex Standard Plus Tree Shelters (1.2m): These tree shelters are specifically designed to protect young saplings from browsing animals like roe and muntjac deer. In addition to providing physical protection, they create a microclimate that promotes healthy growth.
  • 7500 1.35m Softwood Stakes: Treated softwood stakes were used to securely support the tree shelters, ensuring they remained stable in varying weather conditions.

The Outcome

The Oakcutts Wood restoration project demonstrates the power of collaboration in achieving environmental sustainability. With Green-tech’s high-quality products and Regenerative Forestry expertise, the young trees are well-protected, setting the stage for a thriving and biodiverse woodland.

Colin Corkhill, owner of Regenerative Forestry Ltd, comments, “I have worked with Key Account Manager George Barton for three planting seasons. I find his swift responses and ease of ordering a pleasure and vital to providing a smooth and professional service to my clients.”

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.