Tag Archive for: transforming

Transforming Turf with Origin Amenity Solutions

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Transforming Turf with Origin Amenity Solutions: When Stuart Donald took on the role of Head Greenkeeper at Inverurie Golf Club in April 2024, he faced immediate challenges. “The greens were full of thatch with a shallow black layer,” he recalls. “The course needed remedial work and a clear long-term strategy to improve turf health and playability.”

Stuart was able to draw on a programme he had used successfully at his previous club in Knebworth, Hertfordshire, which relied on advice and products from Headland Amenity. Since Headland’s integration into Origin Amenity Solutions, he has continued that approach, benefiting from the same trusted technical advice and a broader range of science-led products. “The continuity of support and products has made a real difference here too,” he says.

Transforming Turf with Origin Amenity Solutions

Transforming Turf with Origin Amenity Solutions

Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of products and expertise for professional turf management. OAS combines decades of experience with innovative research to deliver healthier, more resilient and sustainable surfaces, providing the technical support and product range that enabled Stuart to implement his programme with confidence.

A Science-Led Approach

Within just a year, progress at Inverurie Golf Club has been remarkable. Stuart has overseen a reduction of around 30mm of thatch, which has reduced the black layer to encourage better rooting. He has successfully implemented a tree management plan that includes gorse reduction to aid better airflow and increase sunlight for the turf, alongside the construction of new ditches to dry out the course more quickly in the winter months.

Stuart’s course maintenance regime relies on a suite of proven OAS products. “We use ProTec Plus and Seamac which really helps the turf recover and stay healthy,” he explains. “Seamac Proturf Fe, Liquid Turf Hardener and Turfite Elite form part of our 20-20-30 tank mix, which we use in conjunction with Mantle and PPT114 to reduce the reliance on fungicides. I am planning for future years when we might not have the option of using fungicides due to ongoing restrictions. Tri-Cure and TeraFirm complete our programme by improving air-to-water ratios in the soil, to improve soil and root health.”

“The results have been very encouraging,” he adds. “Better greens, improved grass coverage and more effective tree management. It’s all starting to show, members have noticed it too, with feedback on truer, smoother putting surfaces.”

Trusted Support

For Stuart, the ongoing support from OAS has been just as important as the products themselves. “The advice and guidance from the advisors have been invaluable. Having worked with Headland Amenity for years, I was happy to continue when they became part of OAS as I could continue the programme, I know works, with the added benefit of a wider range of resources and expertise.”

A Course Transformed

Over the past eighteen months, Inverurie Golf Club has undergone a tangible transformation. Through careful planning, practical interventions and the use of science-led products, Stuart and his team have turned challenging conditions into healthier, more resilient turf. The improvements reflect both the dedication of the greenkeeping team and the trusted partnership with Origin Amenity Solutions.

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Transforming Grassroots Football Pitches In Wales

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Transforming Grassroots Football Pitches In Wales: Since its launch in September 2024, the Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) Pitch Advisory Service Wales is already reshaping the landscape of grassroots football, one pitch at a time.

Backed by the Cymru Football Foundation and funded by the Football Association of Wales, this game-changing initiative is delivering expert pitch advice and hands-on support to clubs across the country.

Transforming Grassroots Football Pitches In Wales

Transforming Grassroots Football Pitches In Wales

With over 200 playing surfaces supported already, and growing engagement from clubs, the initiative is helping to enhance facilities and improve playing conditions. Since its launch, the programme has already facilitated over 145 individual site visits from GMA pitch experts, with over 70 Equipment Fund Grants allocated, amounting to more than £1.2m in funding.

Building on a decade of success in England, where the service has transformed over 12,500 clubs and assessed nearly 50,000 pitches, the GMA is now bringing its proven expertise to Welsh football.

The programme’s impact has been wide-reaching, not just in the number of clubs engaged, but also in the potential improvement of overall pitch quality across the region. One club already seeing a significant impact is Cardiff Corinthians AFC, a grassroots football club near the River Taff that faced severe flooding after Storm Bert in November 2024. With matches frequently called off due to waterlogging, the club struggled to maintain its pitch.

A site visit from the Pitch Advisory Service team identified key areas for improvement, leading to a better understanding and adoption of an enhanced annual maintenance plan, and the club securing over £18,000 in funding for essential maintenance equipment, including a tractor, finishing mower and a turf groomer. With expert advice from the GMA, the club can now maintain its pitch effectively, reducing cancellations and improving the playing experience for the community.

Fiona Boyle, Juniors Secretary at Cardiff Corinthians AFC, said: “Before the Pitch Advisory Service Wales, we were constantly battling against the weather, and it felt like an impossible task to maintain a pitch that could withstand the elements. The support from PAS Wales has helped us to transform our approach to pitch management.

“Thanks to the advice and funding we received, we now have the right tools and the knowledge to keep our pitch in top condition. This has not only improved the quality of the pitch but also ensured that our teams can play consistently without disruptions. It’s made a massive difference to both our players and the local community, who rely on us to provide a safe, well-maintained facility.”

The work of PAS Wales is also to support the creating of a longer-term sustainability culture within Welsh grassroots football. Clubs are encouraged to think about the future of their facilities and how to plan for ongoing maintenance. The expert support provided helps clubs develop skills and knowledge that will have a lasting impact.

Dan Bradley, GMA’s Key Account Manager for Football in South Wales, added: “With football participation in Wales on the up, particularly among women, girls, and youth, too many community clubs are still having to cancel games due to poor pitch conditions. This is a huge frustration for players, coaches, and communities.

“Cancellations result in lost opportunities to play, wasted resources, and missed moments that are integral to grassroots football. The good news is that with the right support and guidance, the issues faced by clubs can be addressed and improved upon.

“We’ve already seen first-hand how small, strategic improvements can have a significant impact. Our goal is to empower these clubs with the knowledge and skillsets they need to deliver quality fit-for-purpose pitches that not only meet today’s demands but also support the long-term growth of football and create more opportunities for players to flourish.”

Currently, only 20% of grass pitches in Wales are rated as “good” or above, against the GMA’s Grounds Management Framework. With the Pitch Advisory Service now in place, the GMA aims to raise that standard significantly.

There are free toolkits available to help volunteer grounds managers optimise their playing surface throughout the season: thegma.org.uk/toolkit.

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Transforming Dafscape with Power and Precision

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Transforming Dafscape with Power and Precision: For Daf Price, owner of Dafscape, investing in the Etesia Hydro 80 ride-on mower has transformed his business.

Serving a variety of clients along the scenic St David’s coast, Daf has seen remarkable improvements in efficiency and versatility thanks to this compact machine.

Transforming Dafscape with Power and Precision

Transforming Dafscape with Power and Precision

“I look after mansions, campsites, small gardens, large gardens, and everything in between,” says Daf. “Most of my work is grass cutting and hedge trimming, and I work from January through to mid-November. The majority of the gardens I look after are cut once every two weeks, in all sorts of weather conditions. Some of the gardens can range from formal and tidy to overgrown jungles!”

Before acquiring the Hydro 80, Daf relied on pedestrian mowers, a method that was both time-consuming and labour-intensive. The Hydro 80, with its 80cm cutting width and hydrostatic drive, has been a revelation. “Since buying the Hydro 80, it has completely changed my business. I’ve been able to go out and work in all conditions, and still do a cracking job. It has made life a lot easier,” he explains.

Equipped with a 15hp twin-cylinder Kawasaki engine, the Hydro 80 is built for performance. Its powerful motor allows Daf to mow through dense, overgrown grass without clogging, something that was a significant challenge with his previous equipment. “It is great for cutting long overgrown grass,” Daf adds, emphasising the machine’s reliability and consistency, even in tough conditions.

One of the biggest benefits Daf has noticed is the time-saving aspect of the Hydro 80. “Since purchasing this machine, it has probably cut my time in half when mowing the gardens, which means it frees up more time. I can see my family more and get other work done.

Saving time for me is everything. It has completely transformed my business, and it makes working a joy. I’ve also noticed a lot less stress on the body because there is less walking and less pushing.”

The Hydro 80’s compact dimensions (197 x 82 x 117 cm) and light weight (240 kg) make it exceptionally manoeuvrable, even in tight spaces. “It is such a compact mower; it can get through small gateways, and you can get into gardens which you wouldn’t think you would get a ride-on in. It fits in the trailer really well, and I can easily transport it between jobs.”

Daf’s work often takes him to picturesque but challenging locations where weather can be unpredictable. The Hydro 80’s ability to perform in all weather conditions has been a critical factor in maintaining his business’s momentum. “Every day this mower surprises me. Last year I was losing quite a lot of days due to bad weather, but now I go out on this – even in the soaking rain. It blows my mind every time I use it. Considering the way the weather has been, with very wet summers and wet winters, I couldn’t keep losing work, so I needed to invest in some kit that would help me get the job done and keep the customers happy. That is exactly what the Hydro 80 has done.”

Beyond its performance, Daf appreciates its simplicity and ease of maintenance. “For me, one of the best features about this mower is how simple it is. It is easy to clean, easy to work on and it is very good on fuel.”

The mower’s grass collection system is another standout feature. The Hydro 80 has a 240-litre grass box, which fills efficiently regardless of the weather, and can be easily emptied with just one lever. “It picks up grass really well, wet or dry. It fills the box no matter what, and it has an easy lever to empty it all.”

Daf also values the proactive support he receives from Etesia. “Etesia is a very proactive company – they get back to me fast, and we have a nice working relationship together.”

The Etesia Hydro 80 has not only transformed Daf Price’s business but has also enhanced his quality of life by freeing up time to spend with his family and reducing physical strain.

With its combination of power, efficiency, and ease of use, the Hydro 80 is an invaluable tool for any lawn care professional looking to elevate their services.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Etesia UK on Twitter @EtesiaUK and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/EtesiaUK. You can also view the latest Etesia videos by visiting www.youtube.com/EtesiaUK.

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Transforming Repton School’s Grounds with MM Seed

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Transforming Repton School’s Grounds with MM Seed: Repton School in Derbyshire is a well-known institution which mixes tradition with new ideas.

Behind the scenes, Andrew Butler, the Head of Grounds and Gardens, is the man responsible for ensuring the grounds are not just aesthetically pleasing but also resilient to the rigours of year-round sporting activities. That’s where MM Seed comes in.

Transforming Repton School's Grounds with MM Seed

Transforming Repton School’s Grounds with MM Seed

After working at Repton for twelve years Andrew became the Head of Grounds and Gardens in 2022. Upon assuming his role, he faced a daunting challenge: the need for a grass seed capable of withstanding the constant onslaught of sporting activities across Repton’s extensive grounds.

Repton’s vast expanse, spanning over 100 acres, hosts a variety of sporting fields, including football pitches, rugby pitches, hockey pitches, athletic tracks, and cricket squares, each demanding its own maintenance. Additionally, the school boasts formal gardens and orchards, adding further complexity.

Reflecting on this challenge, Andrew says, “We are on such a heavy clay-based site, and with it being a multi-sport site, it is pretty much used 12 months a year…so therefore we needed a seed with a lot of durability.”

Enter MM Seed, a name synonymous with excellence in the UK sports turf and amenity industries.

“I didn’t feel that the seed which was being previously used was giving us the durability we needed,” says Andrew. “I started looking at different options, did a lot of research and we gave MM Seed a trial on our first-team football pitch. It just showed us what we were missing. Firstly, the take-up was fantastic, secondly, the durability of it was great, and the fact that it got growing well in the heavy clay-based soils we have here was very impressive.”

Andrew’s decision to switch to MM Seed, particularly utilising MM Tetra Sport and MM50, proved to be a pivotal moment.

MM Tetra Sport, a versatile blend of Diploid and Tetraploid Ryegrass, emerged as the solution for Repton’s winter pitches and cricket outfield. Its ability to improve sward composition and recover from scarring perfectly complemented the school’s diverse sporting calendar.

The inclusion of Tetraploids also improved drought resistance during the summer months which is important on the cricket outfields. Meanwhile, MM50, with its fast germination, establishment and ability to withstand heavy wear plus its ability to recover quickly after use found its role on Repton’s cricket squares, ensuring optimal playing conditions season after season.

Transforming Repton School's Grounds with MM Seed

Transforming Repton School’s Grounds with MM Seed

Andrew elaborates further on the durability of MM Seed, “With us going from different sports throughout the year, it means we have to give the grass different heights of cut – so when you go from the height of cut on a rugby pitch down to a football pitch, down to a cricket pitch and then back up again, you are putting a lot of stress on it, but the seed copes incredibly well.”

What sets MM Seed apart is not just its performance on the field but also its commitment to innovation. Treated with HEADSTART® GOLD, a unique seaweed-based seed treatment, MM Seed ensures rapid and even germination, laying the foundation for a resilient and vibrant turf. Andrew confirms this, stating, “I think it is down to HeadStart in the mixture which gives it that extra boost.”

Transitioning to a new seed variety is not without its challenges, yet Andrew found support in Agrovista Amenity, a trusted distributor of MM Seed. “Agrovista Amenity are great – I know I can ring up and have a pallet of seed here in 48 hours,” he remarks, underlining the importance of reliable partnerships. He also praised the advice he received from Matt Gresty, MM Sales and Marketing Manager, “Matt came in and explained everything about the seed. I have been carrying out exactly what he said to do, and the results have been superb ever since.”

The results do indeed speak for themselves. Repton’s grounds now boast not only durability but also supreme aesthetics. “The definition of stripe the seed gives us is first-class,” Andrew proudly states.

Andrew’s success story highlights the importance of strategic decision-making in the turf management industry. With MM Seed, he has improved the quality of the grounds, and will continue to do so for years to come.

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 Twitter: @MM_Seed.

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New bunkers transforming operations

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New bunkers transforming operations: New bunkers built using technology from Capillary Bunkers and EcoBunker are changing the way that Australian course Burleigh GC does business.

Burleigh has had a difficult time of it in the recent past “When I arrived here in 2014, the club was heavily in debt, as a result of building a clubhouse in 2007, right at the start of the global financial crisis,” says general manager Ian Cottle. “After several years work we secured a land lease deal with retirement village developer RetireAustralia. The lease income sorted out our immediate financial difficulties, but the result of a decade of debt was that course expenditure had been kept very low during that time, and it desperately needed investment.”

New bunkers transforming operations

New bunkers transforming operations

Cottle says that the club had a lot of catching up to do! “The condition of our bunkers was a major issue,” he says. “So in 2020 we appointed Graham Marsh to work with us to develop an 18 hole bunker plan, and we did a test bunker on the twelfth hole. We didn’t rush into anything, we played the bunker for a while to establish that it worked well before addressing other bunkers on the course.”

At architect Marsh’s recommendation, Burleigh opted to go for a fully sealed bunker, with the EcoBunker synthetic edge technology and Capillary Bunkers liner. “Graham’s eighteen hole bunker plan is a wonderful reference point,” says Cottle. “After the twelfth, we did the eighteenth green surround, then the fourth, then the first. We’re still learning about this technology and ensuring the bunker presentation achieved is what we want, however the playability and drainage performance are excellent. We put a firehose on one of the bunkers to show that there was no ponding – and prove that Capillary Bunkers lives up to its reputationof being the best draining bunker liner on the market.”

Local contractor Mark Lawson of ProLinks is handling construction, while both products have been supplied by EcoBunker and Capillary Bunkers dealer Centaur AsiaPacific. “We recently finished the bunker at the first green, and it is a great improvement,” says Cottle. “When playing the hole, the greenside bunker could not be seen until you got to the green. Members knew it was there, but if you were a guest you would never know it was there until you were ten feet from the green. The Capillary Bunkers liner allows us to flash the sand higher up the face and now you can see it from a long way away.”

The new bunkers have been well received by Burleigh’s membership. “One of the biggest issues for golf clubs in Australia is retaining qualified greens staff,” explains Cottle. “Consequently, being able to save a lot of time on repairing the bunkers after rain is a huge benefit. When the club was struggling financially, we maintained the bunkers once a week and had exasperated members. Now we can afford more frequent maintenance and the Capillary lined bunkers require less maintenance work.”

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