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STAR EV arrives at the Star of the North

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STAR EV arrives at the Star of the North: Royal Dornoch Golf Club in Scotland, known to many as the ‘star of the north’, has taken delivery of seven lithium-ion STAR EV Capella 2 Pro golf buggies from the UK distributor Reesink Scotland.

Most utility vehicles and golf buggies in the UK’s golf clubs are powered by lead acid batteries. Now with the option of lithium-ion, which is far superior, making the switch to the latest technology offering in this area is the logical next step. And STAR EV is fast proving itself to be the preferred option.

STAR EV arrives at the Star of the North

STAR EV arrives at the Star of the North

Take Royal Dornoch for example, when it replaced its fleet of buggies, it made the switch from lead acid to lithium-ion with STAR EV as Royal Dornoch general manager, Neil Hampton, explains: “It was time to replace our fleet of buggies which were eight years old, and it was a logical decision to choose lithium-ion.

“The technology in this area has come on exponentially since we invested in it eight years ago and STAR EV came top for price and value in our research. Plus, we knew the support would be good as the buggies were coming from Reesink Scotland whom we’ve worked with for years.”

Lithium-ion batteries are not only superior in terms of reliability and efficiency (95 percent compared to 75 percent of lead-acid) but are also safer to use. They charge faster, are more durable and able to withstand harsher environments, allow quick and partial charging without getting damaged, lose power much more slowly during discharge, waste less energy and require no maintenance, which saves on additional costs and time.

Not to mention the environmental advantages such as releasing no emissions or leaks while being charged, no expense of topping up with de-ionised water, or toxic chemicals being released in their manufacturing and recycling process. This is why, when Reesink started its e-Vehicles division, it made a very conscious decision to use only lithium and sealed, maintenance-free AGM battery options.

Plus, they are smaller and lighter, which is something Neil can attest to: “Royal Dornoch is essentially a walking course and the buggies used at the venue are for medical reasons. We can tell the STAR EV buggies are light on their feet, which was a top consideration in the purchasing decision, as we’ve been watching wear patterns on the grassed pathways.”

And when it comes to all the other aspects of lithium-ion vs lead acid, that’s something Neil involved his mechanic in: “We got our mechanic to check over all the vehicles we demoed, and STAR EV was collectively chosen as the best all-round.”

To find out more about STAR EV call 01480 226800 or go online at reesink-evehicles.co.uk

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DLF Didbrook to host the UK Lawn Care Association

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DLF Didbrook to host the UK Lawn Care Association: Leading global seed breeders DLF are pleased to be playing host to the last event in a packed summer season of seminars and events for the UK Lawn Care Association (UKLCA).

Open to members, the visit to the trial plots and research facility at Hailes Farm, Didbrook, will take place on Tuesday 11th July with only a limited number of spaces remaining.

DLF Didbrook to host the UK Lawn Care Association

DLF Didbrook to host the UK Lawn Care Association

Hailes Farm has been home to research and development across the amenity, forage and agricultural breeding programme for more than 40 years. With cutting-edge technology, the facility has been deemed a centre of excellency for the trialling and evaluation of grass species in the UK – leading to the emergence of a number of high-performance varieties, used at topflight amenity venues at home and around the world.

In their capacity as sponsors of the UKLCA, DLF will be opening the gates to Hailes Farm next month for members to learn first-hand the science behind some of the most popular lawn mixtures and grass varieties. Following an introduction to DLF, visitors can look forward to a session on grass identification, an overview of the complex breeding processes and tips for optimising usage of the BSPB grass seed guide. Guests will then be given a tour of the trial plots to see some of the latest work and emerging trends in the world of grass seed.

“We are delighted to provide an opportunity to our members to develop their knowledge and understanding of grass science and technology- and where better to do that, than at DLF” comments Tom Arnold, Chairman of the UK Lawn Care Association. “The chance to visit facilities as established as DLF Didbrook are rare so it’s brilliant to be able to host this event with them and thank them for their continued support of those working hard in the UK lawncare sector.”

Numbers are limited, but those interested in attending or who would like further information should get in touch via the UKLCA website – www.uklawncare.net

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Tewkesbury Park get the break they need

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Tewkesbury Park get the break they need: Protruding roots on fairways and approaches were causing mower damage and affecting play at Tewkesbury Park, but the Imants RootPruner supplied by Campey Turf Care Systems, provided a clean and easy solution.

Removing roots meant excavating around the area, which would cause disruption and look unsightly. For Course Manager Paul Hathaway this was unacceptable because it was at odds with his standards.

Tewkesbury Park get the break they need

Tewkesbury Park get the break they need

The golf resort was recently voted number 50 in the Todays Golfer best golf resorts in Great Britain and Ireland. Keeping these standards on the 6554 yard, par 72 Deerpark course meant finding a solution, and Paul found it in the RootPruner.

“We noticed the roots protruding through the surface of a few approaches and fairways, and these kept being caught by the mower, damaging the blades and putting the mower ‘off-cut’,” Paul explained.

“This was more noticeable during the drought we had last year. We tried to dig and cut them out, but the mess looked unsightly and didn’t stop the roots from coming back. I always feel prevention is better than cure, so I decided to search for a machine to cut the roots near the canopy of the trees so we wouldn’t damage the health of the trees but stop the roots from encroaching into play.

“In the past, I have used an excavator to create a root break, but the disruption this caused wasn’t suitable to the standards we expect the course to be in, so we needed a machine that would create a root break but be efficient, neat and tidy.

“With the RootPruner, we were able to get around the entire course with ease and were very surprised how quick it was. The roots we went over have been removed, so we don’t have any protruding the surface, and so far, we don’t have any new roots coming through, so I am hopeful this will continue.”

The RootPruner cuts roots up to 100mm in diameter with no clean-up, making it useable on the course with no worries of shutting holes through surface damage. It also has the ability to decompact tight, narrow areas with ease and includes a unique patented triple-reduction planetary gearbox for smooth, maximum torque drive to the rotor shaft. The RootPruner also features a factory set, torque limiting PTO shaft eliminating all shear bolts and spring clutches.

For a parkland course, it can be an invaluable machine. Paul heard about it from a club in the local area who have shared similar results, and seeing it on his property once was enough to convince him to purchase his own unit.

“Once we had the demo, we were very impressed with the smoothness, cleanness and size of the roots it would cut,” he said.

“I would definitely recommend the RootPruner for any parkland golf course. It’s a machine that is so quick and easy to use, it will save you downtime and money on repairing mowers which are damaged from hitting tree roots, and also make the surface better from not having roots protruding through the surface.”

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Toro U.K. Ltd Attends The APSE Show

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Toro U.K. Ltd Attends The APSE Show: Toro U.K. Limited, the U.K. manufacturer of Hayter® and Toro® lawnmowers and turf equipment, attended the APSE Scotland Fleet, Waste and Grounds seminar in Aviemore in late May with local Toro Dealer, Frank Nicol Farm & Garden Machinery from Dingwall.

Together, they featured a selection of products including the new battery-powered Toro Revolution GrandStand.

Toro U.K. Ltd Attends The APSE Show

Toro U.K. Ltd Attends The APSE Show

Matthew Coleman, Sales Manager for LCE and SWS – U.K. Direct Market, reflected on the show. ”Demand and interest for battery products is growing which has led to great interest in the Revolution Series I am looking forward to supporting our Toro Dealer network in promoting the new battery-powered Revolution Series across the UK to show what these machines have to offer”

Battery-powered equipment is welcomed virtually everywhere and at any time of the day, giving you the freedom to work extended hours – or at times that suit you. The stand-on GrandStand Revolution mower is powered by the revolutionary HyperCell Power System and features a strong I-beam front-end and full 7-gauge steel Turbo Force cutting deck with a bullnose bumper. Its durable design also delivers a lower overall lifetime cost.

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NHS backs The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild

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NHS backs The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild: UK’s biggest nature challenge is proven to boost health and wellbeing.

The Wildlife Trusts and the Greener NHS programme at NHS England are encouraging people to go wild for wellbeing this June by participating in the UK’s biggest nature challenge, 30 Days Wild.

NHS backs The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild

NHS backs The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild

The month-long initiative invites people of all ages to connect with nature in an easy and accessible way every single day throughout the month of June.

Spending time in nature is proven to benefit people’s mental and physical health. Evidence shows that people who connect with nature every day are more resilient, experience reduced social isolation and loneliness, and have better all-round health and happiness.

As part of the NHS’ 75th Birthday celebrations the Greener NHS programme at NHS England is partnering with The Wildlife Trusts to shine a light on the great work of colleagues from across the NHS who have created, maintain, and make the best use of green spaces for the benefit of patients, staff and the environment.

Greener NHS will be showcasing NHS gardens and green spaces that support biodiversity, improve air quality, and provide health benefits for staff and patients, both physically and mentally – across the NHS estate.

Dr Amir Khan, NHS doctor and vice-president of The Wildlife Trusts, says: 

“Being in and around nature is so important for our health and happiness, whether that’s exercising outdoors, breakfasting in the garden, or lying in the park and enjoying the birds. I am delighted the NHS is encouraging people to get outside this June. Taking time each day to pause and purposefully observe and enjoy nature can do wonders for our wellbeing, while motivating us to do our bit to help wildlife. I urge people right across the British Isles to get involved in 30 Days Wild this year!”

Dr Nick Watts, Chief Sustainability Officer, NHS England, says:

“The NHS was founded to provide high-quality care for all, now, and for future generations. We are joining 30 Days Wild to celebrate the hard work and commitment of NHS staff, past and present who have created and cared for green spaces and gardens in hospitals, GP surgeries, outpatient facilities and across our NHS estate. These spaces improve health, aid patient recovery and support staff wellbeing, while improving biodiversity and air quality. We’d like to encourage all NHS organisations, staff and volunteers to get involved and make the most of your green spaces for 30 Days Wild.”

Charlotte Church, singer and environmentalist, says: 

“The more time I spend in nature, the more obsessed I become with it! 30 Days Wild is such a wonderful idea, it’s an easy way to spend a bit of time connecting with nature every day in June and there are so many options. Whether it’s stargazing, watching a flower bloom or listening to the soothing sound of the wind rustling through tree branches, it’s about finding things you enjoy and resting your mind. I’m looking forward to tuning in to birdsong and cold-water swimming. So, sign up and invite your friends and family to join in the fun too!”

A survey of nearly 1,000 participants in 30 Days Wild last year has found that people’s favourite activities were:

  • Watching wildlife, over 90% of people
  • Listening to birdsong (85%)
  • Taking a meal or drink outside (81%)

Other popular ‘acts of wildness’ were planting wildflowers (76%), exercising outdoors (71%), identifying wildflowers (70%) and visiting somewhere wild (65%).

The 2022 survey has also revealed:

  • Over 74% of people said 30 Days Wild improved their mental health
  • Over 76% of people said 30 Days Wild improved their relationship with nature
  • Over 81% of people said 30 Days Wild motivated them to do more to protect nature

Research by The Wildlife Trusts and University of Derby in 2020 revealed that people’s health improved by 30% after taking part in 30 Days Wild. Over three million people have taken part in 30 Days Wild since it began in 2015.

Free activity packs provide inspiration about different ‘acts of wildness’ to do each day throughout June. Register at www.wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild. 

5 July 2023 marks 75 years of the National Health Service (NHS). Treating over a million people a day in England, the NHS touches all of our lives. When it was founded in 1948, the NHS was the first universal health system to be available to all, free at the point of delivery, and since 1948, the NHS has always evolved and adapted to meet the needs of each successive generation.

From Britain’s first heart transplant in 1958, to Europe’s first liver transplant in 1968, the world’s first CT scan on a patient in 1971, to the world’s first test-tube baby born in 1978 – the NHS has had many historic firsts. In October 2020, the NHS became the world’s first health service to commit to reaching carbon net zero, in response to the profound and growing threat to health posed by climate change.

Visit www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs to find out more about the Greener NHS, and follow them on twitter to see all the 30 Days Wild action – @GreenerNHS

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