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The Grove collects another award

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The Grove collects another award: The Grove, London’s inspiring country escape, continues to win awards for outstanding achievement, underlined by being named ‘Environmental Golf Course of the Year’ at the Golf Environment Awards 2022.

These important industry accolades, managed and administered by STRI, reward outstanding golf courses, no matter how big or small, for the time and effort they have put into protecting and preserving their unique surroundings, with clear objectives and targets.

The Grove collects another award

The Grove collects another award

Watch Head Greenkeeper, Sam Reid, discuss The Grove’s sustainable practices HERE 

The Grove, which features an award-winning Top 100 ranked 18-hole championship golf course designed by Kyle Phillips, fought off strong competition from some of Europe’s leading golf destinations to win this prestigious accolade, which follows a trio of wins at the recent 59club Awards, the golf industry ‘Oscars’ for service and hospitality.

Commenting on the Environmental Golf Course of the Year accolade, Phillip Chiverton, Golf Course and Estate Manager at The Grove, said: “This award, which underlines a huge team effort at The Grove, recognises how we continue to successfully introduce environmentally sustainable management projects across and around our 18-hole golf course, and throughout the gardens and wider estate.

“These projects are achieving an increase in habitat varieties, significantly improving playing experiences for our daily fee-paying golfing guests, and providing a positive contribution to wildlife across the wider estate.”

The Grove’s Roll of Honour 2022:

  • Environmental Golf Course of the Year, Golf Environment Awards 2022.
  • Golf Manager of the Year – Brad Gould, 59club (second year running).
  • Greenkeeper of the Year – Phillip Chiverton, 59club (second year running).
  • Leading Individual Group Golf Sales Performance – Joel Westwell, 59club.
  • Gold Flag Destination, 59club – Industry benchmark for exceptional service.

The Grove, was also recently awarded GEO Certified® status. GEO Certified is the symbol of a great golf environment, confirming the facility satisfies all the certification criteria; meeting a credible standard in the areas of nature, resources, climate and community, and is committed to continual improvement.

Anna Darnell, Resort Leisure Director at The Grove, concluded: “This long list of industry awards recognises an incredible team effort that is delivered every day at The Grove. Our products and standards are first class, but it’s our dedicated people who deserve all the credit for bringing it to life, for the benefit of our customers.”

At-a-glance: Sustainability in Golf at The Grove

  • Rainfall compensation system creates annual water savings of up to 30%.
  • Computer monitoring of soil moisture levels accurately deliver water by volume and location.
  • Minimised areas of managed turf reduce mowing, irrigation and use of chemicals.
  • Collaboration with Hertfordshire & Middlesex Wildlife Trust created areas of naturalised habitat, including River Gade chalk stream conservation, maintenance of native fescue grasses, and the introduction of wildflower areas (Operation Pollinator).
  • New wetland area within woodland, creating new environments for newts, frogs, water vowels and dragonflies.
  • Ongoing investment in renewable energy programmes.
  • Active management of woodlands, creating new habitats for wildlife and replanting where appropriate.

The 18-hole rolling parkland golf course remains the only venue in the UK to have hosted a World Golf Championship event (in 2006, won by Tiger Woods). It has also hosted the DP World Tour’s British Masters in 2016.

Beyond its pristine fairways and greens, The Grove’s 18th-century Mansion houses 26 rooms, suites and lounges decorated with a 21st-century spin on vintage glamour.

There’s also the thoroughly modern West Wing with a further 189 deluxe, superior and family rooms. Many of these rooms have balconies and terraces looking over immaculate formal gardens.

For further information: www.thegrove.co.uk

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Makita puts the power in your hands

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Makita puts the power in your hands: Makita UK has expanded its powerful XGT 40VMax range of machines to offer professional users even more high-power products to aid their efficiency and productivity on site.

LS003G XGT 40VMax 305mm Brushless Slide Compound Mitre Saw

The new LS003G has been designed for high precision and consistent smooth cutting. It has an LED lamp that casts a helpful shadow of the saw blade onto the workpiece, acting as an accurate cutting line. The LS003G delivers an impressive no-load speed of up to 3,600rpm and has a maximum mitre range of 60° to 60° (L-R) and bevel range of 48° to 48° (L-R). For maximum versatility, the LS003G’s rail forward design means that the rear of the machine can be placed close to the wall, and the subbase supports a wide workpiece.

Makita puts the power in your hands

Makita puts the power in your hands

For improved safety, the LS003G also features Makita’s Auto Start Wireless System that automatically connects the LS003G to compatible dust extractors via Bluetooth so that when the machine is in use, the dust extractor automatically runs.

AS001G XGT 40VMax Brushless Dust Blower

The AS001G is an incredibly versatile machine and can be used across a range of tasks including tool maintenance and cleaning, inflating and deflating inner tubes, blowing dust away from equipment and cleaning air conditioner filters thanks to its blower and vacuum modes. For increased usability, it delivers a maximum air volume of 1.1m3/min, sealed suction of 10.3kPa and air pressure of 20.6kPa. With four air volume options to choose from and one touch nozzle replacement, it is easy to adjust the tool to suit the task in hand.

The AS001G also includes a filter to prevent foreign matter from being sucked in and damaging the tool.

VC001GL and VC003GL XGT 40VMax L-Class Dust Extractors

With Makita’s powerful XGT 40VMax technology at their core, the VC001GL and VC003GL dust extractors deliver impressive output that is equivalent to corded alternatives. Both machines can house two XGT 40VMax batteries so that when the first battery runs out of charge, the second one automatically kicks in to keep the machine running for longer. To improve productivity further, the VC001GL and VC003GL have large tank capacities of 8-litres and 15-litres respectively, preventing the need to regularly down tools to empty the dust bag.

With numerous power options available, including ‘high power’ and ‘quiet’ modes, users can easily select the most appropriate setting for the application. The VC001GL and VC003GL can also be used for both wet and dry vacuum cleaning, providing professionals with a solution for every job. For wet vacuuming, the machines benefit from IPX-4 water resistance rating.

The VC001GL and VC003GL’s quiet operation means they can be used in occupied premises with minimal disruption to the building’s occupants.

CW001G XGT 40VMax Cooler/Warmer Box

The CW001G is the perfect jobsite companion. This 20litre cooler and warmer box has seven temperature settings ranging from -18oC up to 60oC, to either cool or warm food and drink items, for year-round usability. It also features a bottle opener and USB output port for charging mobile devices. For ease of transportation, the CW001G has large 100mm caster wheels and a carry handle with grips for added comfort.

The CW001G can be powered by four sources, so it can be easily added to any tradesperson’s Makita collection. Users can choose from using their XGT or LXT batteries, or a car DC utility socket, or an AC adapter.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “At Makita, we are dedicated to offering tradespeople a wide range of cordless solutions to suit any job or on-site need. Our XGT range of products are ideal for those looking expand their existing Makita cordless toolkits with a selection of even more powerful models suited to higher demand applications.”

To find out more about Makita and its products visit: www.makitauk.com

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220TMP proves to be the ‘master’

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220TMP proves to be the ‘master’: When tree surgeon Paul Cutler was in the market for a new woodchipper to handle large scale domestic tree-works, there was only one machine that fitted the bill – a Chipmaster 220TMP from GreenMech.

Having been impressed with the build quality of the GreenMech machines at a local dealer open day, Paul took delivery of his machine in January 2022, and it’s already blown him away with its high output capabilities taking large conifers and other bulky material in its stride.

220TMP proves to be the ‘master'

220TMP proves to be the ‘master’

Paul has used various makes and models of woodchipper over his 35-year career, with a 4” and 6” road-tow machine currently on his fleet, sitting alongside a second-hand 6” PTO unit that began costing Paul more than it was earning! “I had recently purchased some other equipment from our local machinery dealer Thurlow Nunn Standen, when Andy Rayner mentioned they were becoming GreenMech dealers and invited me along to an open day” Paul explains.

Impressed with the build quality of the machines on show, he explored further, before settling on the Chipmaster 220TMP. “The great thing about this chipper is that it has a huge 9” capacity which is fantastic for productivity, but it only requires a 60hp tractor. It also has a really wide infeed chute which means we can put in large, twisted brash and branches without needing to spend time trimming them down or inadvertently triggering the safety bar.”

“Not only is it giving us high output, the whole machine is so simple to use” he continues. The Chipmaster 220TMP is the ultimate ‘maximum output, minimum investment’ machine. It fits the three-point linkage on tractors between 60 and 80hp, with the feed rollers powered by the tractor’s hydraulic system. The Chipmaster has been designed to deliver the perfect combination of tremendous strength and robust performance – promising the free-flow and high throughput of bulky materials.

“I’ve been using it this week on a big domestic job, and it’s been taking 20-foot long and 6” diameter conifers, with no trouble at all.” Paul concludes, “The difference between the Chipmaster and our old machine and 6” unit is huge! With the performance and significant time savings it’s already bringing to jobs, it really is a brilliant investment.”

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The healthier alternative for Patterson’s

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The healthier alternative for Patterson’s: After a decade of working with 2-stroke engines, Adam Patterson, from Patterson’s Gardening Services in Northern Ireland, thought it was time to switch to battery-powered equipment.

Covering all kinds of garden maintenance, Patterson’s Gardening Mowers, based in Lisburn continues to go from strength to strength. Renowned for its high quality of work and excellent customer service, the company never rests on its laurels.

The healthier alternative for Patterson’s

The healthier alternative for Patterson’s

Adam is proud of the company’s vast customer base, and he revealed that in the whole seven years the business has been running, he has never had a conversation starter such as his new Pellenc equipment.

“I would say the Pellenc equipment has been the biggest talking point ever,” he said. “It is a huge conversation starter with customers, and they’ll often stop me to comment on how quiet it is. It is so quiet, that sometimes I don’t even need to turn it off; or if I do, I simply take my finger off the trigger – it’s that easy.”

Adam and his customers aren’t the only ones to be bowled over by the innovative range of Pellenc battery-powered equipment. A forerunner when it comes to lithium-ion technology, Pellenc has established itself as the number one choice in the ‘zero emission’ professional power tools market for the maintenance of urban and green-spaces.

Light, odourless, noise-free, with no starting problems and enough power to enable professional users to work for a full day on a single charge, it’s no wonder more and more professional users are turning to Pellenc. It is an attractive alternative to those who have, for several years, been relying on fuel-based machinery.

Not only will users see a huge amount of savings by eliminating the necessity of purchasing fuel but by using the Pellenc equipment, they will be contributing to protecting the environment by reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and noise pollution.

With three members of staff to think about, Adam’s concerns about the fumes from 2-stroke engines weren’t just limited to himself.

“The main reason for looking at battery alternatives was because of the health implications,” he said. “This was most apparent when using a hedge trimmer because myself and my staff use these tools a lot and quite often, we would be surrounded by the fumes for hours at a time. I also found myself coughing a lot at night-time. It was absolutely the right time to make the switch and I thought the hedge trimmers would be a good place to start.”

As a result, Adam arranged a demonstration with his local dealer RD Mechanical and purchased the Helion Compact 2 which is the lightest battery-powered hedge trimmer on the market. It is an efficient tool that meets the needs of professionals in terms of power and trimming quality. In fact, the Helion allows the user to work comfortably when trimming hedges, ornamental trees and can also be used for pruning.

Furthermore, a swivel head is available on the pole models, and can be adjusted by +90°/-45° which means you can work in all trimming positions. The Swivel handle is also adjustable by +/- 90° for vertical work without bending the handle.

“It’s a fantastic bit of kit and I comfortably get a full day’s work out of it,” he said. “I have the battery backpack too, and you hardly notice it is there.

“I looked at a couple of other brands of battery-powered powered products, but Pellenc just stood out to me, along with the great back-up service I get from RD Mechanical. I think one of the biggest selling points is that they are waterproof and that gave me extra confidence. Combine that with the 4-year warranty on the tools and a 3-year warranty on the battery, and you simply can’t go wrong with Pellenc.”

Pellenc is distributed exclusively in the UK by Etesia UK.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.pellencuk.com

You can also follow Pellenc on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @PellencUK for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Imperative MM impresses the Imps

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Imperative MM impresses the Imps: Lincoln City FC, also known as the Imps, boasts a pitch consisting of MM60 grass seed and Head Groundsman Craig Housley could not be more impressed.

MM60 is the UK’s leading winter sports renovation mixture and can be attributed with playing a key role in many of the finest sporting venues you see today. The 100% Ryegrass formula, which is perfect for divot repair, is renowned for its extremely fast germination and its high wear tolerance. It produces fantastic aesthetic qualities, and its high disease resistance provides ultimate protection.

Imperative MM impresses the Imps

Imperative MM impresses the Imps

Craig, currently in his second season as the Head Groundsman at Lincoln City FC, is no stranger to the market leading grass seed. “I knew just how good the seed was because I had used it in my previous role at Scunthorpe Untied FC. I would highly recommend it and will carry on using it in the future,” he said.

The decision to apply MM60 at Lincoln City FC’s LNER Stadium coincided with the construction of a brand new Fibresand pitch which took place at the end of the 2020/21 season. In fact, the process began the very next day after the Imps’ last game of the season.

A month later and MM60 was ready to be used. Craig applied the seed in four passes at a rate of 35g per square metre. This, in theory, would have provided enough time for the pitch to be completely ready in time for the first game of the season, but based on Craig’s experience of using MM60, he knew that this would never be in doubt.

“I’ve never known grass to come through so quickly which I believe is due to the HEADSTART® GOLD treatment,” he said.

As Craig says, MM60 is treated with HEADSTART® GOLD, which has been developed using the latest scientific findings and field experience. It is a natural revolutionary grass seed treatment that ensures rapid germination and is perfect for enhancing performance on sports fields, golf courses, lawns and amenity turf.

Imperative MM impresses the Imps

Imperative MM impresses the Imps

“There are so many benefits from using MM60,” continued Craig. “The colour you get from it is really good, as is the recovery, and the speed of germination is fantastic. I’ve never had any issues and it keeps the pitch free from disease.

“It’s a hard-wearing seed and we have managed to maintain really good grass coverage. Football is a difficult sport to maintain grass, especially now with the rigorous warm-ups before a game; even the cool-downs are like full training sessions. We don’t struggle for grass coverage anywhere on the pitch, even in the tight areas, and I believe that is down to the MM60.”

For further information, please contact MM Sports Seed on 01386 791102 or visit the company’s new website www.mm-seeds.co.uk. You can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed

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