Tag Archive for: Takes

Integrated Weed Management takes centre stage

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Integrated Weed Management takes centre stage: GroundsFest Academy kicked off its 2026 programme in style with a fully booked Integrated Weed Management (IWM) event, bringing together contractors, local authorities, educators and suppliers for a free day of learning, discussion and hands-on demonstrations.

Held at the Wiltshire FA headquarters, the event focused on the latest guidance, funding opportunities and practical solutions surrounding integrated weed management, with a particular emphasis on reducing reliance on chemicals and exploring effective alternative methods. Delivered in partnership with Kersten UK, Terrazza MC, Parks for London and Lantra, the day combined expert-led presentations with interactive outdoor sessions and live equipment demonstrations.

Integrated Weed Management takes centre stage

Integrated Weed Management takes centre stage

The programme introduced delegates to the core principles of integrated weed management, alongside the latest industry guidance, legislative developments and funding information. Attendees were also able to explore chemical-free and alternative weed control methods in action, helping to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

Sean Faulkner of Kersten UK highlighted the growing momentum behind IWM and the importance of education.

“We’re trying to educate as many people as possible on the benefits of integrated weed management. We’ve been helping to develop the guidance and training around it, and it’s slowly building up steam. This was a great way of getting that information out to more people. It’s been a really good group today, with a big mix of attendees who have all been really engaged.”

Hands-on learning was a key theme throughout the day. Luca Smith from Terrazza MC explained why practical demonstrations are so important.

“Weed control is really traditional, most people think of spraying or strimming. There are so many alternative methods out there, especially with the environmental impact of traditional approaches. Everyone today was really hands-on, asking loads of questions, and it’s great to be able to let people actually use the equipment and see how it works.”

Education providers were also keen to stay aligned with the latest developments. Richard Goldsmith, who attended from Warwickshire College Group, said:

“Today was about making sure I’m delivering the most up-to-date information to my apprentices. Integrated weed management is a great step towards the future. The technology around heat treatments has really moved on, and it’s getting to the point where we can see it as a real alternative to chemical control. Events like this are a brilliant way to keep CPD up to date.”

Other delegates also echoed the value of the event. Jason Lee from Countrywide Grounds Maintenance said:

“We want to understand what’s around the corner and how we can move towards more environmentally friendly solutions. Seeing how the training is structured around integrated weed management has been really interesting.”

Matt Jones of Sipcam Home and Garden added:

“It’s been a brilliant day for understanding the challenges around integrated weed management and how it all fits together for councils and contractors. Offering this event for free is superb.”

David Fisher from Lantra, a partner of the GroundsFest Academy, summed up the wider impact:

“It’s about sharing best practice, upskilling the industry and making people more aware of the training and resources available. It’s really raising the profile of integrated weed management.”

Ed Stannard from Parks for London said:

“We’re hoping delegates leave feeling more confident to consider non-chemical-first approaches, while understanding there are still situations where chemicals are necessary. We’re delighted with the turnout.”

Bradley Tennant, Director of Education at GroundsFest Academy, said the event set the tone for a busy year ahead. “We’re really happy to have our best turnout so far, and we’ve got a lot planned for the future.”

With strong attendance, positive feedback and a packed programme of future events, GroundsFest Academy continues to play a vital role in supporting education, innovation and best practice across the industry.

For more information, visit www.groundsfestacademy.com

For more information, please visit www.groundsfestacademy.com 

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Versatile Trilo M3 takes centre stage at SALTEX

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Versatile Trilo M3 takes centre stage at SALTEX: Visitors to SALTEX 2025 can be assured a showcase of market-leading, versatile vacuum sweepers with a stop by the Trilo stand, when the show returns to the NEC this November. The popular M3 from the Trilo Multipurpose range will be on display on stand B042, alongside the range of interchangeable shaft options that transforms the 3m3 collector into an all-season maintenance machine.  

Renowned globally as the go-to solution for leaf and debris collection, the Trilo portfolio ranges from compact, yet capable, 3m3 units up to high-productivity 30m3 – catering for all customers and applications including local authorities, sports turf managers and maintenance around the golf course. Combining powerful suction with a smart, modular and robust construction, the Trilo M3 makes light work of removing leaves, pine needles and clippings – speeding up tasks that can otherwise dominate autumn and winter schedules.

Versatile Trilo M3 takes centre stage at SALTEX

Versatile Trilo M3 takes centre stage at SALTEX

Efficiency is further enhanced with the flexibility of a handheld wanderhose, ensuring easy collection of debris in traditionally hard to reach areas.

The variety of attachments available for the Multipurpose range means that when other vacuums are retired to the shed, the Trilo works on. A scarification shaft or flail head for large-scale cut and collect can be swapped in and out in under an hour, offering the quick and easy transition between tasks, maximising uptime and delivering further return on investment.

Collected material, be that leaves, clippings or organic matter, can then be quickly and easily emptied via Trilo’s hydraulic high-tip system.

The Trilo technical team will be on hand throughout the duration of the two days, to provide expert advice on machine selection, specification and operation. Whether attendees are looking to improve seasonal leaf collection or enhance year-round productivity, a visit to B042 will provide the chance to explore the M3 along with other solutions from the Trilo product portfolio.

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GreenMech takes Koala from start-up to success

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GreenMech takes Koala from start-up to success: As the operations of family-run arb firm Koala Tree Care have grown, as has their relationship with GreenMech – with two efficient and easy-to-maintain woodchippers working hard on jobs across North Somerset.

The most recent addition to their fleet is the turntable Eco 135TT which, running alongside a gravity-fed CS100, provides an economical and safe solution to domestic tree work.

GreenMech takes Koala from start-up to success

GreenMech takes Koala from start-up to success

Callum Emery founded Koala Tree Care in 2019 and, with the assistance of twin brother Aaron, provide a one-stop shop for all aspects of tree, hedge and general garden maintenance to customers in and around Bristol. With client demand increasing, the business quickly outgrew its small initial chipper and needed equipment that could keep pace with their growth.

Their first upgrade was to a compact, yet capable, CS100 from GreenMech. Ideal for working in tight spaces such as residential gardens, the CS100 offers the quick processing of branches and brash of up to 4”. But with workload still on the rise, the time was right to add an even bigger machine to their fleet in the form of the Eco 135TT.

“Our GreenMech machines have made a massive difference to our workflow” comments Callum. “While the CS100 is still used frequently because of its ability to be wheeled through a house where no external access is available, the investment in the Eco 135TT makes light work of larger jobs. The turntable is such a useful feature – this machine is used most days and is rarely ever used in the straight position! We can alter the chipper to any angle for safe and convenient feeding, and ensure the chippings cleanly make their way into the truck.”

Another thing Callum praises is the ease of maintenance. “Looking after both of these machines is incredibly simple. The Eco 135TT features their disc-blade chipping system which enables me to turn the blade three times before the need to resharpen – which I can also do myself with GreenMech’s disc blade sharpener. This means we can keep downtime to a minimum and keep our busy diary on schedule.”

Processing large and heavy branches with ease, it isn’t just the performance of the ECO 135TT that has impressed the brothers – the service from local GA Groundcare has also been ranked as first rate. “Everything with the purchase and the delivery of the machine in May was really simple.” He adds, “The team at GA, especially Matt Textor and Ashley Stevens, go above and beyond to make sure we’re getting the most out of our machines and are quick to answer any queries or questions we might have.”

For more information on the cost-effective Eco woodchipper series, visit www.greenmech.co.uk

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Nature Takes Centre Stage at Carnoustie Golf Links

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Nature Takes Centre Stage at Carnoustie Golf Links: Carnoustie Golf Links is proud to host the return of its golf course BioBlitz – a two-day celebration of local wildlife where attendees can explore the course, take part in expert-led walks and talks, and help record the incredible biodiversity found in this unique golfing landscape.

Explore. Discover. Record.

Carnoustie Golf Links is excited to welcome nature lovers of all ages to its second annual BioBlitz, taking place Thursday 19th and Friday 20th June 2025. This free-to-attend, family-friendly event invites the community to step out onto the course and into the wild, joining experts and enthusiasts to experience the biodiversity thriving at Carnoustie.

Nature Takes Centre Stage at Carnoustie Golf Links

Nature Takes Centre Stage at Carnoustie Golf Links

From early morning bird song to late-night bat calls, moth traps to pond dips, Carnoustie’s 2025 BioBlitz offers hands-on activities and guided walks for everyone – whether you’re a budding naturalist or just curious about the wildlife around you.

Highlights include:

  • Dolphin Watch
  • Walk on the Wild Side with an ecologist
  • Night Calls: Bats & Amphibians After Dark
  • Birdsong Breakfast Stroll
  • Dragonfly Discovery and more!

For updates and the full event schedule, follow Carnoustie Golf Links Community Facebook page: @CarnoustieGolfLinksCommunity

Register your interest in Carnoustie’s 2025 BioBlitz: https://shorturl.at/6ndce

For more information about the event, please contact sustainability@carnoustie.com.

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DSV UK Takes Top Spots in BSPB Turfgrass Seed Rankings

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DSV UK Takes Top Spots in BSPB Turfgrass Seed Rankings: DSV UK has made a major breakthrough in the turfgrass sector, with three of its perennial ryegrass varieties now ranking among the top ten in the British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB) Turfgrass Seed Booklet.

Notably, two of these varieties have taken the top two positions in the highly regarded sports table (S1) for perennial ryes—marking a significant achievement for the company.

DSV UK Takes Top Spots in BSPB Turfgrass Seed Rankings

DSV UK Takes Top Spots in BSPB Turfgrass Seed Rankings

The new rankings place Euromagic at number one, followed closely by Flannel at number two. Additionally, Reybann has secured a spot in the top ten, reinforcing the strength of DSV’s breeding programme. While Eurogala, another standout variety, ranks just outside the top ten at number 12, its versatility across multiple tables—including lawns, greens, cricket, golf, and bowls—makes it an exciting commercial prospect.

Sam Horner of DSV UK emphasised the significance of these results: “When people look at this booklet, the sports table is the one everyone wants to top. We’ve always had good breeding, and this proves that our material is now the best in these trials.”

The BSPB Turfgrass Seed Booklet is widely regarded as a key reference for industry professionals selecting the best-performing grass seed varieties. The sports table, in particular, carries significant prestige within the turfgrass sector, making DSV’s achievement even more impactful.

“This kind of result doesn’t happen often,” Sam continued. “We’ve been at the top of the table before, but to come straight in at number one and number two—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment. It speaks volumes about the quality of our breeding programme and the strength of the DSV portfolio.”

The introduction of DSV’s EuroGrass range of grass seed has also elevated DSV’s profile. The products in the EuroGrass portfolio have quickly gained recognition, becoming a preferred choice for sports turf and amenity managers who seek reliability and superior results.

One standout feature of DSV’s varieties is their strong genetic colour, which is becoming increasingly important in modern turfgrass selection. High-end facilities and stadium environments now prefer a darker green aesthetic, as it enhances the visual appeal of playing surfaces under natural and artificial lighting.

Flannel, in particular, boasts excellent dark summer greenness, making it especially desirable for stadiums and televised events. “As good as certain other cultivars are, some tend to be on the paler side, which can be a turnoff for top-tier venues,” Sam explained. “We believe we can offer something genetically darker, delivering both performance and a more camera-friendly appearance.”

The results are based on independent data from the BSPB Turfgrass Seed 2025 booklet and highlight the advancements in DSV’s diploid material. This success further cements DSV’s reputation as a leader in sports turf breeding and innovation.

DSV has been supplying industry-leading cultivars into the UK seed trade for the past 40 years, but to many, it remains a relatively new name in the turfgrass sector. However, these latest rankings demonstrate that DSV is not only competing with the best but also setting new benchmarks in performance.

Please visit www.dsv-uk.co.uk/products/amenity for more information.

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