Tag Archive for: Trusts

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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The Wildlife Trusts’ big nature challenge

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The Wildlife Trusts’ big nature challenge: 30 Days Wild, the UK’s biggest nature challenge run by The Wildlife Trusts, invites people of all ages to connect with nature every single day during the month of June. This year there’s a new twist: 30 Days Wild will take you on a week-by-week adventure moving through five different themes:

  • tune into the senses
  • movement and play
  • learning and discovery
  • helping nature
  • emotional connection to nature
The Wildlife Trusts’ big nature challenge

The Wildlife Trusts’ big nature challenge

These themes will help guide you, your family and friends through the challenge helping you reach that 30 day target, whether tuning into the sound of bird life, moving through your local woods by moonlight, building a den, discovering an unexplored country lane or local park, making time to build a bug hotel or owl box or starting a diary of your day-to-day wildlife sightings.

New 30 Days Wild activity packs include a wild bee poster along with seeds and other materials to inspire you to do something wild every single day.

30 Days Wild is funded thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery and has grown a huge and dedicated fan base – over two million people have taken part over the last 9 years.

Last year over 500,000 people took part in the challenge including 114,245 households, 11,740 schools, 898 care homes and 1,384 businesses. Popular activities include wildlife-watching, eating outdoors, planting wildflower seeds and listening to birdsong. Other favourite pastimes included bug-hunting, fruit-picking, growing plants and flowers, exploring a nature reserve, creating a mini pond or going on a beach or river walk.

We all know how much happier and healthier we feel when connecting with nature – and we have research to prove it – so save the date!

David Oakes, actor and ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, says:

“I truly hope you’ll join in the 30 Days Wild challenge wherever you are in the UK! We need nature more than ever and 30 Days Wild is a chance to really celebrate our connection to the precious green and blue spaces both on our doorstep and further afield. Whether you’ve a legendary forest a short train ride away, or a young sapling in your local park that is primed to be the Tree of the Year 2523; whether you turn down the tunes on your next jog in favour of nature’s wild beats, or head to your nearest coastline to explore the rhythms in the rock pools and the sounds of the sand dunes; whatever you choose to do, there are limitless opportunities to dive into this 30 day adventure. However much time you can spare each day there’s always an opportunity to take part, whatever your age. Please get involved and tell all your family and friends to join in too!”

Jo Richards, head of communications at The Wildlife Trusts, says:

“The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild challenge in June has to be one of the highlights of my year! What better an excuse to go out and enjoy the UK’s great outdoors, which is simply buzzing with nature’s activities, whether it be wildflowers blooming, butterflies fluttering or skylarks bouncing up and down. I love the challenge of making myself set aside at least five minutes a day for thirty days in a row to encounter something new in nature or perhaps take a little longer to do something that’ll help wildlife where I live. 30 Days Wild is always a big hit, but I hope that even more people will join us this year to bask in the glory of our wonderful wildlife.”

30 Days Wild – Big Wild Weekend:

To help motivate you on this journey, we’ve enlisted the help of our friends David Oakes and Sophie Pavelle for the Big Wild Weekend on 18th June.

David Oakes continues:

“Come and join me and the glorious Sophie Pavelle on the Big Wild Weekend. If you love nature, join us via YouTube on Sunday evening, the 18th June, for fun and games with the Wildlife Trusts Big Wild Quiz. Come along to be top of the pollinators or just tune in to be entertained by the incredible and fascinating world of bison, beavers, bees, beetles and bats! Other wildlife species are available. I can’t wait to see you then.”

The Wildlife Trusts provide free resources for everyone who signs up. Just register your interest here wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild. There is also a 30 Days Wild session planner specially designed for teachers to use in class.

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Wyboston Lakes trusts Otterbine

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Wyboston Lakes trusts Otterbine: Hotel, spa and golf resort Wyboston Lakes in Cambridgeshire has once again trusted Otterbine with its prized possession: its lakes.

After twenty years with the same fountain, the venue decided to not only replace it with an updated model but also acquire a second to further enhance the beauty of two of its prominent lakes.

Wyboston Lakes trusts Otterbine

Wyboston Lakes trusts Otterbine

Wyboston Lakes sits at the edge of the historic market town of St Neots in 380 acres of rural countryside and as well as providing leisure facilities, it has two residential business event venues and is home to all kinds of fauna and flora, which the resort goes to great lengths to protect.

Otterbine has played a big part in helping the extensive venue achieve the look it needs for its lakes, as well as providing an environmentally-friendly water aeration solution for almost two decades, says Louisa Watson, who has been at the helm of the resort’s marketing for nine years.

“Wyboston Lakes is one of the largest independent business and leisure venues in Northern Europe and the lakes are a big part of our offering – they’re even in the name!,” says Louisa.

“Otterbine has certainly helped us achieve the aesthetics we want to present to all our guests while being environmentally-friendly meaning we don’t need to use chemicals to keep the water clean.”

Otterbine, exclusively distributed by Reesink Turfcare in the UK, replaced the resort’s old unit with a 15HP Polaris giant fountain, which combines fucntionality with a striking geyser-type water pattern. With the option of adding a High Voltage or LED Fountain Glo Light system, it creates beautiful displays at night too.

Louisa says: “We have a Lakeview Suite, which comprises three event rooms overlooking a lake, and having the Polaris fountain positioned there creates an important aspect for business delegates. It has been a talking point with all our guests as it really adds to the overall ambiance.”

In addition, Wyboston Lakes purchased a 5HP Gemini fountain for the first time to install as a centre piece in the East Lake opposite the Gravel Pit Brasserie. Part of the Otterbine’s Concept 3 range, it offers incredible aeration strength and an attractive display.

With high oxygen transfer rates and pumping ability of up to 242m3/hr, customers can be guaranteed with clear and healthy water when the Concept 3 range is in charge, as Louisa confirms: “The water is crystal clear and the impressive sprays compliment the lakes’ natural beauty so we’ve got the full package now.”

Both the Gemini and the Polaris are energy-efficient, manufactured from corrosion-resistant, durable high grade stainless steel and provide a natural control for algae, aquatic weeds and odours without the use of chemicals.

This was an important consideration, as together with WildLife Trust, Wyboston Lakes maintains a nature reserve that can be enjoyed by all and has an active policy of planting trees to support this ecosystem.

Louisa concludes: “Otterbine complements our ethos and has done for many years so it was only natural to choose them again. We’re very pleased with the results.”

To find out more about the Otterbine range of aerators and fountains, contact Reesink on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Royal St George’s trusts Toro

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Royal St George’s trusts Toro: Royal St George’s Golf Club has trusted in Toro since 2013. First came a fleet deal and then last year a new irrigation system was installed making it a Toro Total Solutions customer in time for the club to host the Open Championship for the 15th time.

Consistently ranked among the best golf courses in the world, Royal St George’s decision to opt for Toro machinery yet again for another five years was in large part down to its technological advances and product development.

Royal St George’s trusts Toro

In 2013 it was the very latest in green technology in the shape of four TriFlex Hybrid 3420 riding greensmowers with electric reel cutting units which particularly appealed to course manager Paul Larsen. This time it’s seven Greensmaster Flex 2120 walk-behind mowers delivering the ultimate finish.

“All the machines we chose last time have been so effective we’ve pretty much gone for the same again for our second five-year agreement,” says Paul. “In the demos, the Toro machines just did a better job on the course than everything else, and since we’ve had them they’ve proved their quality too. Five years later, the machinery from our first fleet is still as good as we wanted it to be.

“However, I’m always on the hunt for new technology, so we added in the Greensmaster Flex 2120 walk-behind mower to this deal. The results from which have particularly impressed me. The floating head prevents scalping and leaves a smooth finish every time, and we’ve seen an improvement to the greens.”

It was this faith in the brand, combined with the “brilliant service we’ve had from Reesink Turfcare” and a successful demo that resulted in the installation of a Lynx central control system and over a thousand Toro sprinklers last year. Here we take the opportunity to hear how the system’s performed since it was turned on in the spring of 2018 and faced one of the biggest tests for any irrigation system – a record-breaking heatwave!

Royal St George’s Golf Club is a traditional links course set amongst sand dunes, so of course its soil is naturally dry and fast-draining. “Hot, dry weather affects us anyway and the impact of having an old system had taken its toll over the last few years, so not only did the new system have a job in hand to bring the course back to the standard it was, but to bring further improvement too, all in the face of excessive dry weather,” says Paul.

“Despite all that we noticed instantly the difference precise and accurate control made to the course. Since we had Toro Lynx control and Toro sprinklers installed last year, we’ve been able to irrigate more precisely and, in the process, we’ve seen huge water savings and a big improvement to the course.”

Such is the relationship with Toro and Reesink that during The Open this year Reesink will be loaning the club more machines to keep up with the maintenance a tournament demands.

“We’ll start really gearing things up a couple of weeks before the tournament and then be out cutting every day during the event. Having the extra Toro machines on loan will be a huge help and is another step further strengthening our relationship with Toro and Reesink,” concludes Paul.

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John O’Conner Trusts In Toro

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John O’Conner Trusts In Toro: As one of the UK’s most successful and reputable grounds maintenance companies, John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance knows that having the best groundscare equipment is vital, which is why they put their trust in Toro to provide their clients with the high-quality service they expect.

Having recently won the Toro sponsored Grounds Maintenance – Limited Public Access category at the BALI National Landscape Awards, and with the companies 50th year coming up in June 2019, senior workshop manager Simon Redhead, who has been with the company for 35 years, tells us how Toro has become an essential equipment provider for the family run business.

John O’Conner Trusts In Toro

“We have a wide range of customers, so we need flexible and reliable machines to deal with them all,” he says. “We look after grounds on the Isle of Wight all the way up to Scotland, so making sure we provide a consistent service no matter where in the country or what kind of client they are is really important and Toro helps us to achieve that.”

With 45 pieces of kit in the company’s grounds maintenance fleet, it’s clear Toro is highly valued.

“We have everything from pedestrian and ride on mowers to tractor drawn gang mowers. In particular the Toro LT3340 heavy-duty triple cylinder mower has been great and has been our front-line machine for many years. For example, when we have long wet grass and difficult conditions, the LT3340 comes into its own.

“The majority of our clients are local authorities and with increasing budget cuts, many of them now need areas to be cut less frequently while still providing the same finish. The LT3340 has proven over the years to be an integral part of our fleet of machines.”

And it’s not just the machines themselves that are highly valued by John O’Conner, but the service from Reesink Turfcare as well.

“Reesink have always been great, especially when it comes to their parts service and training. Anything you need they’ll get to you within 24 hours, which is great because it means we can get machines back in use almost immediately.”

The company is about to trial another Toro machine, the CT2240. “I know that Toro will always deliver durable, reliable, high-quality machines and are always looking at innovative ways to make things better for the operator and customer. They also come with excellent service to back that up.”

He concludes: “Toro fits in very well with what our customers expect with regards to cut, finish and appearance.”

For more information, visit: reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Royal Dornoch Trusts Toro

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Royal Dornoch Trusts Toro: From back in 1616 to the present day, Royal Dornoch Golf Club’s reputation for golfing excellence has only increased over the past 400 years. Now considered to be one of the top golf clubs in the UK and amongst the best in the world, the traditional club stays ahead of the curve by bringing in the best technology available to maintain the courses ­– as proven by its second investment in Toro machinery.

Course manager Eoin Riddell explains why the club purchased Toro machinery: “We can’t get enough of Toro, it is by far the best turfcare machinery brand we’ve tried. On top of that, we have a great relationship with the distributor Reesink Turfcare and our dealer Gammies, where we are on a first-name basis with all the staff.”

Royal Dornoch Trusts Toro

The courses follow the remote links landscape and there to tame the wilderness is an impressive fleet of 35 Toro machines, as well as a Toro irrigation system with sprinklers and two TYM tractors.

Above all, the Groundsmaster 4500-D is Eoin’s favourite new machine. He enthuses: “The 4500-D is a great mower that can cut anywhere and has unbelievable productivity. It makes light work of the courses, turf nurseries, driving ranges, and a grass runway we maintain.”

This is down to the model’s SmartPower technology that enables a consistent cut anywhere. The intuitive feature works by automatically adjusting the mower’s engine speed according to cutting conditions, while maintaining optimal power to the blades.

And the Toros are not just a hit with Eoin: “We have 20 members of staff through the season and they all love the Toros. They are well-built, operator-friendly and reliable, which is probably why our mechanic finds them easy to work on too,” says Eoin.

Keeping technology current is a priority at Royal Dornoch, where the operation of Toro’s myTurf Pro fleet management program is in full swing. Eoin counts this among his favourite bits of Toro kit.

He says: “When we brought in myTurf we were all a little dubious to begin with, but that quickly changed. Our machines simply pass a sensor at our shed door that automatically records how long they’ve been in operation and, from this, calculates preventative maintenance and replacement parts needed.

“Our mechanic can access this information, plus user manuals for every Toro machine manufactured, by simply logging in to myTurf on his computer. The program makes life so much easier for him and eliminates human error, making cost of ownership calculations far more accurate.”

At such a busy club it’s no wonder myTurf Pro is proving useful. In 2016 the club celebrated 400 years of golf with 250 tournaments during the year, during which the Toros were always out.

Eoin explains: “At some points we were hosting two tournaments a day and Royal clubs from all over the world joined us for a week-long celebration. Throughout it all we could rely on our Toros, which worked all-year-round – morning, nights, even weekends – with barely a hiccup!

“We work our machines very hard, so it’s important that we frequently update them with the best technology available from Toro. Royal Dornoch is a traditional club with a great history, but in such a fast-paced industry we must move forward with technology to maintain a world-class reputation.”

For more information go to www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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