Tag Archive for: Weed

Integrated Weed Management takes centre stage

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Integrated Weed Management takes centre stage: GroundsFest Academy kicked off its 2026 programme in style with a fully booked Integrated Weed Management (IWM) event, bringing together contractors, local authorities, educators and suppliers for a free day of learning, discussion and hands-on demonstrations.

Held at the Wiltshire FA headquarters, the event focused on the latest guidance, funding opportunities and practical solutions surrounding integrated weed management, with a particular emphasis on reducing reliance on chemicals and exploring effective alternative methods. Delivered in partnership with Kersten UK, Terrazza MC, Parks for London and Lantra, the day combined expert-led presentations with interactive outdoor sessions and live equipment demonstrations.

Integrated Weed Management takes centre stage

Integrated Weed Management takes centre stage

The programme introduced delegates to the core principles of integrated weed management, alongside the latest industry guidance, legislative developments and funding information. Attendees were also able to explore chemical-free and alternative weed control methods in action, helping to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

Sean Faulkner of Kersten UK highlighted the growing momentum behind IWM and the importance of education.

“We’re trying to educate as many people as possible on the benefits of integrated weed management. We’ve been helping to develop the guidance and training around it, and it’s slowly building up steam. This was a great way of getting that information out to more people. It’s been a really good group today, with a big mix of attendees who have all been really engaged.”

Hands-on learning was a key theme throughout the day. Luca Smith from Terrazza MC explained why practical demonstrations are so important.

“Weed control is really traditional, most people think of spraying or strimming. There are so many alternative methods out there, especially with the environmental impact of traditional approaches. Everyone today was really hands-on, asking loads of questions, and it’s great to be able to let people actually use the equipment and see how it works.”

Education providers were also keen to stay aligned with the latest developments. Richard Goldsmith, who attended from Warwickshire College Group, said:

“Today was about making sure I’m delivering the most up-to-date information to my apprentices. Integrated weed management is a great step towards the future. The technology around heat treatments has really moved on, and it’s getting to the point where we can see it as a real alternative to chemical control. Events like this are a brilliant way to keep CPD up to date.”

Other delegates also echoed the value of the event. Jason Lee from Countrywide Grounds Maintenance said:

“We want to understand what’s around the corner and how we can move towards more environmentally friendly solutions. Seeing how the training is structured around integrated weed management has been really interesting.”

Matt Jones of Sipcam Home and Garden added:

“It’s been a brilliant day for understanding the challenges around integrated weed management and how it all fits together for councils and contractors. Offering this event for free is superb.”

David Fisher from Lantra, a partner of the GroundsFest Academy, summed up the wider impact:

“It’s about sharing best practice, upskilling the industry and making people more aware of the training and resources available. It’s really raising the profile of integrated weed management.”

Ed Stannard from Parks for London said:

“We’re hoping delegates leave feeling more confident to consider non-chemical-first approaches, while understanding there are still situations where chemicals are necessary. We’re delighted with the turnout.”

Bradley Tennant, Director of Education at GroundsFest Academy, said the event set the tone for a busy year ahead. “We’re really happy to have our best turnout so far, and we’ve got a lot planned for the future.”

With strong attendance, positive feedback and a packed programme of future events, GroundsFest Academy continues to play a vital role in supporting education, innovation and best practice across the industry.

For more information, visit www.groundsfestacademy.com

For more information, please visit www.groundsfestacademy.com 

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Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025

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Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025: The inaugural conference on Integrated Weed Management for the Amenity Sector is to be hosted by Kersten UK on Thursday 5th June in Birmingham’s Highbury Hall.

The conference couldn’t be more prescient with the publishing of the National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan in February and the new Pesticides National Action Plan being finally published just last month. The new Pesticides National Action Plan particularly highlights Integrated Management, a sustainable strategy using biological, cultural, and mechanical methods to manage pests including weeds to minimise the reliance on conventional chemical pesticides, and the conference aims to inform and discuss the diverse ranges of weed management practices within the UK Amenity sector.

Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025

Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025

Presentations will include speakers from the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on the implications of the new Pesticide National Action Plan for the Amenity sector and from Cambridge City Council on a case study in becoming pesticide free and developing their Herbicide Reduction Plan after declaring a Biodiversity Emergency in 2019.

Parks for London will also be unveiling its Updated Integrated Weed Management Guidance and LANTRA will be launching its new qualification in Integrated Weed Management at the conference.

As part of the conference, attendees will be able to learn about the latest technological advancements in weed control such as various thermal and electrical weed control methods. Manufacturers from across Europe will be present to showcase how “mechanical alternatives can effectively maintain urban green spaces while minimising environmental impact” (UK Pesticide National Action Plan).

Attendees will also be able to participate and answer important questions in an audience-led discussion panel hosted by Bradley Tennant of International Greenkeepers for Hire with panellists including Professor John Moverley OBE, FRAgs, previously the independent chairman of UK Amenity Forum now running JMMSolutions Consultancy, and Nick Mole of Pesticide Action Network UK.

The conference hopes to bring together stakeholders of our amenity spaces, from council parks, streetscene and highways teams to Grounds Maintenance Contractors to exchange expertise and discuss the management of green urban spaces.

Sean Faulkner, the integrated weed management specialist from Kersten UK, who kicks-off the conference with an introduction to Integrated Pest Management says “My hope for the conference is that this will be a fertile ground to share how an integrated pest management philosophy can deliver a cost effective and sustainable weed control solution for the amenity sector.”

Tickets can be found on eventbrite, with early bird registration ending on the 5th May at which time tickets become full price.

Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/integrated-weed-management-conference-tickets-1111246049849?aff=oddtdtcreator 

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Foamstream redefines weed control for DB Premier Solutions

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Foamstream redefines weed control for DB Premier Solutions: Foamstream by Weedingtech has been described as a ‘gamechanger’ in the world of weed control by contractors DB Premier Solutions. In fact, owner Darren Baldwin was so impressed with the versatility of the system, that his new venture revolves solely around his L12 unit – opening doors to customers in both the commercial and domestic markets.

With more than two decades of experience under his belt maintaining the world-leading sports surfaces at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, Darren admits he seldom gets excited about new machinery – but that changed upon his discovery of Foamstream. “In the Premier League, sustainability is at the forefront of what we do. However, our pursuit of solutions that are more environmentally-friendly cannot be to the detriment of effectiveness or surface quality.” Darren continues, “Foamstream first dropped onto my radar when I saw it in action at another Premier League Club. We then hired a unit at Tottenham and I was sold. I liked the versatility of it and could see it had real mileage – it’s probably one of only a handful of innovations that have come along and really changed the market.”

Foamstream redefines weed control for DB Premier Solutions

Foamstream redefines weed control for DB Premier Solutions

“In wanting to pursue something different, and take life a little gentler, I purchased an L12 from Campey Turfcare Systems in November 2023 and established DB Premier Solutions in the new year. It’s proving itself day after day, gaining interest from new and retuning customers and now means I’m just as busy as ever!”

As the worlds leading herbicide-free weed control solution, Foamstream kills weeds, moss and algae using the precise application of hot water insulated by a specially-formulated, biodegradable and organic foam. Available in the UK via Campey Turfcare Systems, Foamstream targets unwanted vegetation as well as the surrounding spores, delivering control comparable to traditional chemical alternatives in a range of applications and environments.

“Its versatility means that one day I can be in a football club, treating weeds in areas that are environmentally sensitive that would have relied on labour-intensive hand-weeding as a previous method of control. The next, I might be in an equestrian facility working around stable blocks. Being safe to use around animals and pets makes Foamstream perfect for the domestic market, which has resulted in a wealth of new work with residential customers and council-owned facilities.”

He adds, “Being able to use the L12 as a commercial cleaning unit is just another string to its bow, along with being effective on moss – within two hours you’ll see a change in colour, making it easy then to brush out and remove. I’m genuinely excited for the coming months to just keep finding more and more things this system can do!”

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Complete Weed Control invests in future workforce

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Complete Weed Control invests in future workforce: As Complete Weed Control, the longest established amenity weed control company in the UK and Ireland, has recently put 13 employees through the Amenity Nominated Storekeeper (ANSK) training and examination to strengthen its future workforce.

Launched by independent standards setting organisation, BASIS in 2021 and fully recognised by the Chemical Regulation Division (CRD) as a certificate of competence, the training course and accredited qualification, is specifically developed for professionals who are responsible for the storage of professional use pesticides within the amenity sector.

Complete Weed Control invests in future workforce

Complete Weed Control invests in future workforce

Strengthening the company’s commitment to young professionals in the industry, of those who took the course, 6 included future leaders: Craig Convery, contract manager for Tyne and Wear, office manager and site supervisor, Lewis Bloomer and grounds maintenance operative, Emma Hayman for Durham and Teesside, Mark Carnie, storekeeper for South West and East Scotland, Daniel Adamson, manager for North East and Sam Drury, business development manager for East Riding.

Lewis Bloomer said: “I’m proud to have passed the course alongside my colleagues from the wider organisation. Complete Weed Control is committed to its responsibility around compliance and ensuring industry regulations are met. This course has provided an opportunity for additional people within the team to maintain the high standards we deliver to our customers.

The organisation is a great place to learn and develop, one that’s investing heavily in its people. There’s no ceiling here, and the progression opportunities are something you don’t find readily with other employers.”

Ian Graham, managing director said: “We are delighted all of our team members who took part successfully passed the course. Not only are we cementing our future in the industry, but we are also growing our talent from the ground up.”

“Our industry is highly regulated and it is important we upskill as many people as possible in our commitment to surpass standards. Developing our people is not just shaping the individuals but supporting our culture of excellence and responsibility. Lewis and the other participants represent a bright future for our company, and we are proud to support them on their journey.”

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Spring timing for Overtake weed control

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Spring timing for Overtake weed control: With spray application opportunities proving to be at a premium between the rainstorms this spring, Greenkeepers can take advantage of the easy and quick to use formulation Overtake herbicide for effective broad-leaved weed treatment in turf.

Research has shown Overtake delivered highly effective results when applied in a water volume of 200 l/ha using the Syngenta XC nozzle, enabling operators to cover more area in any available spray window, compared to application at 600 to 1000l/ha typically used with some other broad-leaved herbicides.

Spring timing for Overtake weed control

Spring timing for Overtake weed control

Soil temperatures have also warmed up that would have encouraged weed seeds to germinate, at a timing when they are best controlled by herbicide application, advocated Sean Loakes, Syngenta Technical Manager. “Spring timing is best to target weed control strategies and get good results with Overtake.

“The temperature and soil moisture has been highly conducive to plant growth; which is optimum for Overtake uptake by weeds. The combination of its two herbicide actives together will be quickly translocated to the root for faster results,” he advised.

The Syngenta Turf Advisor app has shown Growth Potential rates consistently in excess of 15% over the past two weeks for most of the country, significantly above the historic seasonal two-week average. The app shows a visual forecast of local conditions for the coming seven days, as well as the previous seven days that will indicate how plants are growing now.

“Although the Growth Potential figures in Turf Advisor are calibrated for cool season turfgrass species, it is a good indication that conditions are good for weed activity and herbicide application,” Sean advocated.

“Strong turf growth in spring will help the sward to knit in and give quick coverage of bare earth where weeds are removed, to maintain surface quality and shade out further weed colonisation.”

Turf Advisor also gives a seven-day forecast of available spray windows, with conditions for any applications.

For spraying on greens Sean recommends use of the purple 025 Syngenta XC Nozzles, which will consistently deliver 196 l/ha at the optimum 2 bar when travelling at 5 km/hr. For treatment on fairways the red 04 XC nozzles will apply the same 196 l/ha at 2 bar when spraying at 8 km/hr. The XC Nozzle has been designed to optimise application of spray on turf and minimise the risk of drift.

Overtake is distributed in the UK and Ireland by ICL Ltd. www.icl-growingsolutions.uk

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