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Aspen return to Arb Show after record-breaking 2024

Aspen return to Arb Show after record-breaking 2024: 2024 was a record-breaking year for Aspen Fuel – with even more commercial customers across arboriculture, landscaping and groundcare discovering the benefits of using a cleaner petrol.

Maintaining that momentum, Aspen Fuel are now looking forward to exhibiting at the Arb Show when it returns to Westonbirt Arboretum on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th May.

Aspen return to Arb Show after record-breaking 2024

Aspen return to Arb Show after record-breaking 2024

Aspen are proudly the original and premium brand of alkylate fuel for the professional arborist. Free from ethanol, benzene and most other hazardous hydrocarbons traditionally found in pump petrol, Aspen delivers a longer shelf life and a cleaner burn, enhancing engine performance and reliability while providing an improved working environment for the operator. Available in 4-stroke and a pre-mixed alkylate petrol for air-cooled 2-stroke engines, Aspen offers a viable solution for those seeking a more environmentally friendly fuel source, without resigning fully serviceable petrol-powered equipment to the shed or scrapyard.

The many proven benefits for people, machinery and the planet, has seen Aspen become the workstyle choice for a range of businesses within the arboriculture and forestry sectors, together with golf courses and local authorities. As of February 2025, the use of alkylate fuels has also been recommended by the Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) for the health of chainsaw operators.

Those sceptical about making the switch are invited to stand C10 this May to speak with a member of the Aspen technical team, who can also explain the trial opportunities for you to ‘Experience the Difference’ within your business. More details will also be available on the various pack sizes and flexible delivery options which bring further time and budget savings by all-but eliminating trips to the petrol station.

While on the stand, visitors can put their strength and skills to the test with the return of the infamous ‘Aspen Challenge’, for a chance to win a fantastic prize on each day of the show.

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Response to National Action Plan 2025

Response to National Action Plan 2025: The UK Pesticides National Action Plan (NAP) 2025 has been eagerly anticipated by the amenity sector. We are pleased to see that integrated pest management (IPM) is a key focus of the document, reinforcing its importance in sustainable pesticide use. Additionally, the plan acknowledges the necessity of access to pesticides, which remains a critical factor for the sector.

The Amenity Forum has long emphasised the importance of regulatory compliance within the industry. In this context, two key introductory paragraphs in the NAP are particularly significant:

Pesticides play an important role in protecting crops to support domestic food production, preserving natural landscapes, and maintaining vital public spaces, such as road, rail networks, and sports pitches.

Response to National Action Plan 2025

Response to National Action Plan 2025

However, overuse or incorrect use of pesticides can contribute to biodiversity loss and unacceptable human exposure levels. Prolonged use of pesticides can also lead to pesticide resistance as has been identified in the case of black-grass herbicides (Varah A and others, 2020).

The Forum agrees that pesticides serve an important function, and it is essential to distinguish between their responsible use and the issues arising from misuse and overuse.

For years, the Forum has advocated for stronger enforcement within the industry. One measure we would have liked to see in the NAP is the mandatory adoption of the Amenity Standard. While this has not been included, we welcome the reference in Annex 1 to the need for effective inspection, enforcement, and control activities and will continue to engage with ministers of all the nations to lobby for the adoption of the Amenity Standard as a mandatory requirement.

Among the 18 actions outlined in the NAP, Action 5 calls for the gathering of more data on IPM and pesticide usage in the amateur and amenity sectors to better understand use, how these contribute to overall pesticide load and potential IPM approaches. The Forum recognises the existing knowledge gap regarding plant protection products (PPPs) and agrees that any future actions should be based on a clear assessment of both the benefits and potential risks of alternative practices.  The Forum and its members are keen to assist in gathering data to enhance understanding and support informed decision-making.

While the Forum welcomes the NAP’s publication, much of its content reiterates long established regulations, with several actions lacking defined timelines. The amenity sector plays a vital role in UK communities, and as such, decisive, science-led change should be at the forefront of government policy.

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Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges

Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is pleased to confirm the speaker line-up for its upcoming GMA Connect events at Ashton Gate Stadium and Durham County Cricket Club.

GMA Connect is designed to bring the grounds industry together at a regional level, offering a valuable opportunity for grounds professionals to connect and exchange ideas. These practical events will feature expert seminars, live demonstrations and insights from leading manufacturers – all in one day.

Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges

Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges

Renowned weather expert and industry leader, Mark Hunt, will present ‘Turf Management in the Current Climate’ which will explore the impact of changing weather patterns on turfgrass management, with advice on reading forecasts and managing issues like dew formation and disease risks.

Turf consultant, Alex Vickers, will deliver ‘Reading Your Soil’, a hands-on workshop exploring soil profiles, sampling methods, and spotting signs of compaction. Expect to get your hands dirty in this interactive session!

On the new GMA Connect events, Alex Vickers said: “These new GMA Connect events are a fantastic opportunity for professional grounds people to learn and share experiences. The format is really unique, offering an intimate setting where attendees can engage directly with experts and explore today’s challenges in depth. The chance to take part in hands-on workshops and network with peers makes these events invaluable.”

The GMA’s Ian Mather-Brewster will walk attendees through his sessions ‘Carrying Out a Surface Assessment’ and ‘Using a Playing Surface Assessment to Upgrade Your Facility’, providing practical advice on conducting assessments and presenting findings to encourage investment.

‘What’s in Your Shed?’ is a special practical workshop taking place across both events. Jack Langley (Ashton Gate Stadium) will lead the session in Bristol, whilst Vic Demain (Durham County Cricket Club) will take the lead in Durham. This workshop gives a behind-the-scenes look at the machinery, fertilisers and irrigation methods used to maintain top-quality surfaces.

Both events will also include a panel session looking at ‘Dealing with Climate Change Challenges at Professional Venues’. At Bristol, panellists include Jack Langley, Sean Williams (Gloucestershire CCC), and Alex Vickers. The Durham panel features Vic Dermain, Alex Vickers, and Aaron Tong (Hull City MKM Stadium).

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA, said: “It’s fantastic to have such knowledgeable experts speaking at GMA Connect, and there’s more to be announced, too! Their practical advice will be invaluable to everyone attending. These events are designed to provide hands-on learning and direct access to industry specialists, making them an essential opportunity for grounds professionals looking to develop their skills and improve their facilities.”

Tickets for GMA Connect are free for GMA members, while non-members can attend for £15. Membership offers even more value, providing access to exclusive resources, training and learning discount, Member Assistance Programme including high street discounts plus much more!

For more information about the GMA Connect series, or to register, please visit thegma.org.uk/events/.

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Avant and Leguan: Key to APB Treecare’s Operations

Avant and Leguan: Key to APB Treecare’s Operations: APB Treecare, a family-run tree care business based in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, has been steadily growing since its establishment in 2014 by Tony Boland.

Specialising in tree surgery, tree removals, and surveys, the company serves both commercial and domestic clients throughout the South East of Ireland, as far as Dublin. As part of its ongoing expansion, APB Treecare has recently invested in a range of Avant machines and a Leguan 225 Spider Lift, significantly improving their speed, safety, and overall efficiency.

Avant and Leguan: Key to APB Treecare’s Operations

Avant and Leguan: Key to APB Treecare’s Operations

Tony Boland first encountered Avant machinery on social media and YouTube, where he saw how other tree care companies were benefiting from these versatile machines. “I saw how efficient they were and how much work could be done in less time,” says Tony. After four years of using the Avant 530, APB Treecare upgraded to the Avant 640 to further boost productivity. “The Avant 530 was compact and incredibly powerful for its size, but with the 640, we can lift more, utilise more attachments, and complete jobs faster. It’s a natural progression for our business.”

The Avant 530 and 640 loaders are designed for a variety of tasks, with exceptional manoeuvrability and lifting capabilities in tight spaces. Tony notes, “The lifting power is incredible for the size of the machine. The 530 handles most of our needs, but the 640’s bigger size and additional lifting capacity allow us to take on even more diverse tasks. Plus, the quick coupling system makes switching attachments easy, saving us valuable time on-site.”

The range of attachments available for Avant machines has also been a game-changer for APB Treecare. “We use the Timber Grab around 90% of the time, but we’ve steadily built up a range of attachments, including a bucket, rake, and flail mower, which make our work far more efficient. The time saved means we can finish jobs quicker and move on to the next one.”

In addition to enhancing productivity, Avant machines have proved invaluable during storm damage recovery. “The storms this year were a real test,” says Tony. “Without the Avant, we would have spent half a day or more clearing debris. With this machine, we can clear it in just an hour or two, making a huge difference.”

In June, APB Treecare expanded its fleet with the purchase of a Leguan 225 Spider Lift, available through Avant UK and Ireland. Tony had previously hired the lift during the summer months and was immediately impressed. “After just one day of using the Leguan, I knew it was the right machine for us,” he explains. “For the challenging terrains we often work on, the Leguan excels where other lifts fall short. It’s perfect for steep, uneven ground, which is a common feature of many of our job sites.”

The Leguan 225 offers an impressive range of features that enhance safety and efficiency.

Its automatic levelling system ensures that the lift is perfectly balanced within minutes, allowing the team to quickly get to work. “We press the auto-level button, and the machine does all the work. Without the Leguan, it would take us at least 30 minutes to climb and set up for a job. With it, we’re up and working in no time,” says Tony.

Using the lift also means less physical strain on the team. “Climbing trees all day takes its toll, especially as we’re not getting any younger,” Tony says. “The Leguan has taken a lot of the climbing out of the equation, reducing fatigue and the risk of injury. It’s safer, quicker, and more efficient, and it allows us to get jobs done with minimal physical stress.”

Avant and Leguan: Key to APB Treecare’s Operations

Avant and Leguan: Key to APB Treecare’s Operations

The Leguan 225 also offers the flexibility of operating from the basket or the ground, which has helped improve team efficiency. “When we’re working in pairs, one person can focus on cutting while the other clears debris. It’s a big advantage, especially on busy days.”

APB Treecare’s trust in Avant machinery is further reinforced by the excellent service and support they receive from their dealer, Ferrybridge. “Andrew Shore at Ferrybridge has been fantastic,” says Tony. “The backup service is great, and if we ever have an issue, Andrew is always just a phone call away. Having a reliable dealer is essential for keeping the business running smoothly.”

As APB Treecare celebrates its tenth year in business, the investment in Avant machines and the Leguan Spider Lift is already paying off in terms of speed, safety, and efficiency.

“These machines have transformed the way we work,” says Tony. “They’re built to last, and they help us get more done in less time, without compromising on safety or quality. Avant is head and shoulders above anything else on the market, and we wouldn’t look anywhere else.”

With a growing fleet of advanced machinery and a solid reputation for high-quality tree care services, APB Treecare is ready to continue expanding its business, providing fast, efficient, and safe tree services across Ireland. Meanwhile, Avant and Leguan will continue to improve operations for other businesses like APB Treecare, helping them streamline their workflows and enhance productivity.

For more information, please visit www.avanttecno.com/uk

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Fulford Heath’s Path to Perfect Turf with MM Seed

Fulford Heath’s Path to Perfect Turf with MM Seed: Kim Blake, Course Manager at Fulford Heath Golf Club in Birmingham, has been at the forefront of maintaining and enhancing the club’s renowned parkland course for the past 36 years.

Kim’s dedication to innovation has helped the club thrive and stay competitive. A key component of his maintenance programme? The consistent success of MM seed products.

Fulford Heath’s Path to Perfect Turf with MM Seed

Fulford Heath’s Path to Perfect Turf with MM Seed

Fulford Heath, designed by James Braid, spans just over 6,200 yards with a par of 70. Its strategic layout features the River Cole, mature trees, and lakes, presenting golfers with challenges that reward skill and strategy. Maintaining such a course requires precision and quality, and Kim has found these attributes in MM seed.

“I started using MM9 15 years ago because of the HEADSTART® GOLD treatment,” says Kim. This revolutionary coating ensures rapid germination, which was a game-changer for Kim. “I wanted to shift our greens from 100% Poa annua to a 60/40 mix of bentgrass and Poa annua, so I began integrating MM9 with top dressing,” he added.

Kim’s approach evolved as he experimented with mixing MM9 with sand, then using a Graden machine. “One thing I found is that sowing the seed deeper—between 6mm and 10mm—yields better results. It’s a theory from my agricultural days: deeper sowing protects the seed from frost lift, preventing root break,” Kim explains. This technique, combined with MM9’s superior quality, produced impressive results.

Kim conducted multiple trials to test MM9 against various creeping bent mixtures. “We did half a green with MM9 and the other half with creeping bent and repeated this on different greens. MM9 consistently germinated a day quicker, thanks to the HEADSTART® GOLD coating,” Kim notes.

“An advantage of MM9 is cost-effectiveness. It’s more economical than creeping bent, allowing us to apply more seed per square metre, leading to a better strike and building a stronger seed bank in the soil. After 12 months, MM9 proved to hold its own better than other mixtures.”

For Kim, the right seed choice extends beyond greens. “We recently switched to MM50 on our tees because modern golfers take larger divots, and a pure rye mix stands up to this better,” he explains. MM50’s blend of fine-leaved ryegrasses creates a dense, resilient surface that recovers quickly.

On the fairways, Kim relies on MM22 for its durability and reliability. “It’s great for overseeding, renovation, and construction—areas that endure high wear,” Kim adds.

Fulford Heath’s Path to Perfect Turf with MM Seed

Fulford Heath’s Path to Perfect Turf with MM Seed

Kim has also modified his approach to sand usage and overseeding schedules. “We’ve reduced sand use from 120 tonnes to 40 tonnes annually and plan to reduce it further next year. Instead, we focus on biology to control thatch and organic matter. This makes the greens work harder, enhancing the bent seed’s performance,” says Kim.

He overseeds in February/March at 40 kg per hectare, using a Graden sand injection machine or a disc seeder. “We’ll do more renovation work in October but won’t overseed, as temperatures are too cold. Since prioritising biology over intense aeration and sand, the bents have improved,” Kim shares.

Kim’s approach balances simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and long-term benefits. “My goal is to make the job straightforward for the staff and cost-effective for the club. If it’s too complex or costly, nobody is happy. Continuous tweaking and adaptation are key,” he concludes.

With MM seed products at the heart of his programme, Kim has transformed the maintenance strategy at Fulford Heath, setting a benchmark for highly efficient course management.

For further information, please contact MM Sports Seed on 01386 791102 or visit the company’s website www.mm-seeds.co.uk.

You can also follow the company on X: @MM_Seed.

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