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Toro Teams Up with Commonwealth War Graves Commission

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Toro Teams Up with Commonwealth War Graves Commission: The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has recently upgraded its grounds maintenance equipment with the acquisition of a Toro® Z Master® 8000 Series direct collect ride-on mower, supplied by Mowers & More.

The latest development in a decades-long relationship between Toro and the CWGC, this addition is set to enhance the upkeep of the Brookwood Military Cemetery near Woking, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the United Kingdom, covering 37 acres.

Toro Teams Up with Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Toro Teams Up with Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Matthew Coleman, Sales Manager Professional Landscape Contractor & Site Works Equipment at Toro U.K., commented: “The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has chosen the Toro Z Master 8000 Series for its advanced features, which are well-suited to the maintenance needs of their cemeteries. The 37-acre grounds at Brookwood Military Cemetery are meticulously maintained by the CWGC’s grounds team, and this machine’s features will make their job simpler and quicker than ever.”

The Toro Z Master 8000 Series is designed to provide efficient and effective maintenance, ensuring the cemetery grounds remain in pristine condition. The mower delivers low ground pressure, minimising turf damage, while the outfront mower deck allows for precise cutting in tight spaces. A high-capacity hopper reduces the need for frequent emptying, while zero-turn manoeuvrability is perfect for the cemetery’s varied terrain.

Reinforcing the relationship between the two partners, Toro UK invited the CWGC to spend a day at their Spellbrook facility. The day provided an opportunity to experience Toro’s broad portfolio, learn more about Toro and Hayter’s groundscare innovation and share further feedback and information.

The CWGC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care for its cemeteries is evident in its choice of equipment. The Toro 8000 Series is designed to provide efficient and effective maintenance, ensuring that the grounds remain in pristine condition for visitors and to honour the memory of those who served.

For more information about the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and their work, visit www.cwgc.org. For details on the Toro Z Master 8000 Series and other products, visit www.toro.com/en-gb.

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Wildwood Machinery partners with ECHO

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Wildwood Machinery partners with ECHO: Winchester-based Wildwood Machinery continues to expand their product portfolio as they announce a deal to sell ECHO Robotics solutions across southern England.

ECHO Robotics produce professional-grade robot mowers for golf, football and other sports and turf maintenance organisations.

Wildwood Machinery partners with ECHO

Wildwood Machinery partners with ECHO

“We have set out to ensure that Wildwood offers all of the most innovative groundcare equipment,” says managing director James Bastian. “By doing that, we guarantee we can solve almost any challenge that our clients present to us. These include elite sports organisations, Local Authorities, National Trust properties and more.”

“Robotics and autonomous machinery are very much the buzzwords right now in the groundcare industry. Our partnership with ECHO, and previously announced partnerships with the likes of Raymo and Rovimo, ensure that our clients have access to state-of-the-art equipment, and the opportunity to increase efficiency, sustainability and consistency.”

Sam Daybell of ECHO Robotics commented: “Wildwood has rapidly built a reputation for exceptional service, expert product knowledge, and an impressive portfolio of prestigious clients throughout southern England. What makes them a standout partner is how closely they mirror our vision at ECHO Robotics — ensuring that our technology is introduced to the marketplace in the right way. Their consultative approach, technical understanding, and customer-first mindset help ensure the technology is not only embraced but also reaches its full potential. Ultimately, this delivers the best possible experience for the end user.”

ECHO Robotics’ range includes golf-ball collecting robots and robot turf mowers that can strip-mow with accuracy within centimetres.

Advanced automation, emissions-free operation.

The automated range features quiet operation, advanced automation, remote command and performance monitoring, emissions-free operation, and 85% reduction in energy costs compared to traditional mowers.

ECHO’s tablet and smartphone applications give remote commands, GPS location and geo-referencing notifications, plus real-time status and performance monitoring, which means you can control your fleet from anywhere in the world.

A more sustainable way to manage turf and landscapes.

As staffing shortages continue to impact businesses across the UK, maintaining high-quality green spaces has become an increasing challenge. ECHO Robotics is stepping in to bridge this gap with industry-leading autonomous commercial mowers — offering a smarter, more sustainable way to manage turf and landscapes without placing further strain on limited workforce resources.

From golf courses and sports clubs to business parks and educational campuses, many organisations are finding it harder than ever to dedicate the manpower needed for regular grounds maintenance. With teams already stretched, making meaningful improvements to green spaces can feel out of reach. That’s where ECHO Robotics and Wildwood Machinery come in.

“ECHO’s robotic mowers provide a practical and immediate solution to a widespread problem,” said James Bastian. “They not only maintain turf to an exceptionally high standard but also free up valuable staff time to focus on other critical tasks. The result is better overall site presentation, increased efficiency, and a future-proof approach to groundcare.”

Sam Daybell added, “ECHO Robotics’ growing network of UK partners, including trusted providers such as Wildwood Machinery, ensures that this technology is delivered and supported the right way — empowering clients to fully embrace automation and unlock the full potential of their outdoor spaces.”

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GroundsFest Academy Launches with Successful First Event

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GroundsFest Academy Launches with Successful First Event: The first ever GroundsFest Academy event has been hailed a huge success, as delegates from across the industry gathered for a free day of hands-on education at DLF UK’s state-of-the-art facility. With a packed schedule of insightful sessions and interactive learning, the event marked the beginning of a new era in accessible, high-quality training for the grounds care and landscaping sectors.

The day kicked off with a welcome reception and a full introduction to DLF and the hosts for the day, followed by a series of educational activities including seed and grass plant identification, germination tests, and a pre-germination session. After a tour of the DLF site, the afternoon was dedicated to sowing, aftercare and maintenance techniques, rounded off with a recap and open Q&A.

GroundsFest Academy Launches with Successful First Event

GroundsFest Academy Launches with Successful First Event

Each session was designed to give attendees practical skills and a deeper understanding of seed science – knowledge they could take away and apply immediately in their work. From seasoned professionals to volunteers and educators, the event offered something for everyone.

David Newell, Deputy Head Groundsman at Reading FC, praised the event’s unique approach:

“You never know what to expect from a new event but it has been really educational. It’s different to anything you get anywhere else – learning all about the different varieties of seed, what they do and why they do it, has been fantastic. The wildflower seeding talk was very educational too. Our football club wants to start doing that, so hopefully I can take that back and give something back to Reading FC.”

For Jo Shepherd, Horticulture Apprenticeship Skills Coach at Windsor College, the day was a valuable upskilling opportunity:

“I teach horticulture apprentices – many of them love turf – and my background is more in garden design and maintenance, so I wanted to upskill myself to better support them.

Identifying grasses was a great experience; it’s much harder than plant ID. Seeing the site and understanding the production side was really helpful too.”

The event also attracted professionals from outside of traditional turf roles. Rich Young, Product Director at Mowd, highlighted the networking and CPD value:

“DLF are one of our seed suppliers, so seeing their operation and the science behind it was eye-opening. It’s reassuring to know our customers are getting the best. But for me, the value came from networking and learning – that’s going to benefit me and the business throughout the year.”

Mike Green, a volunteer groundsman at Winterborne Cricket Club, represented the grassroots level of the industry and found the day equally rewarding:

“Free educational days like this are a massive help for volunteers like me. I picked up loads of useful info, spoke to people working in sports turf, and just found the day incredibly beneficial. It’s been a really successful day for me.”

The GroundsFest Academy is the latest initiative from the team behind GroundsFest, made possible through reinvestment of profits from the show directly back into the industry.

Bradley Tennant, Director of Education for GroundsFest Academy, said:

“There’s a big skills gap in the industry, and the GroundsFest Academy has been created to help address that. Whether someone is new to the sector or has decades of experience, these events are designed to support ongoing development. Seeing everyone smiling, learning and sharing knowledge today has been incredible – and it’s just the beginning.”

Matt Gresty, MM and Designer Sales and Brand Manager at DLF UK, added:

“We felt honoured to be asked to host the first event. It’s great to show what we do, but even better to contribute to education and understanding in the industry. It is good to give something back to the industry. From wildflower seeds to sports turf, we want to help people improve their work through better knowledge.”

This is just the first of many free educational events from the GroundsFest Academy, with future events already planned.

Keep an eye out for announcements on upcoming GroundsFest Academy events – and take your place at the forefront of industry education.

Registration to GroundsFest 2025 is now open. Please visit www.groundsfest.com

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

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Putting the New in Nutrition with VerdeLNX

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Putting the New in Nutrition with VerdeLNX: The Aquatrols Company is pleased to announce the launch of VerdeLNX, their groundbreaking nutrition line; designed to enhance plant health while minimising environmental impact, and at the same time honoring the legacy of their NPK range. These innovative products offer environmentally and economically smarter solutions for turf managers everywhere, through two proprietary technologies exclusive to the VerdeLNX range.

VerdeLNX is…

  • Designed to significantly enhance nutrient absorption, optimising both foliar and root uptake of macro and micronutrients.
  • Able to minimise nutrient losses by retaining nutrients higher in the soil profile for longer. This maximises nutrient uptake by grass plants and reduces the risk of environmental issues caused by leaching.
  • Highly eco-friendly, fully renewable, and completely biodegradable. These technologies leave no trace or residue in the soil or water.
Putting the New in Nutrition with VerdeLNX

Putting the New in Nutrition with VerdeLNX

The Aquatrols Company is dedicated to maximising water efficiency, improving turf surface performance, and optimising the effectiveness of other input applications. For the risk averse turf professional who deals with the shifting challenges of nature, budgets, expectations and regulations, The Aquatrols Company helps them manage their properties more successfully.

Learn more about VerdeLNX here > 

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Husqvarna signs deal with DP World Tour

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Husqvarna signs deal with DP World Tour: Husqvarna, a global leader in outdoor power products and cutting-edge robotic mowers, has signed a partnership with the DP World Tour – Golf’s Global Tour – as it becomes an official partner to the Amgen Irish Open and the Betfred British Masters.

The multi-year partnership will see Husqvarna’s brand and products, including its CEORA®, Automower® 580L EPOS®, Automower® 550 EPOS® and Automower® 535 AWD EPOS® feature across on-course and digital branding, product showcases in tournament villages and hospitality platforms at the two events – which make-up part of the Tour’s iconic “Back 9”- a series of its most historic events.

Husqvarna signs deal with DP World Tour

Husqvarna signs deal with DP World Tour

Beyond the two staple tournaments, Husqvarna also becomes a Corporate Partner to the BMW International Open on the Tour’s European Swing until the end of the 2027 season, as it strengthens its footprint across the golfing landscape.

Max Hamilton, Executive Commercial Director of the DP World Tour, said: “We are delighted that Husqvarna have continued to bolster their significant investment into the game of golf with the DP World Tour. As an organisation that is at the top of its game in the field of grass maintenance, and that is already supporting many of the best clubs in Europe and across the world, it is a perfect fit for Golf’s Global Tour, where leading talent from around the world get to compete on some of the best stages in golf.”

Samantha Donnelly, Senior Marketing Manager at Husqvarna said: “As world-leaders in the space of robotic mowers, we’re committed to helping people make time for what matters through our cutting-edge innovation. Whether that’s our professional range that opens more time for greenkeepers, or our residential models, that automatically cut the lawn to perfection – great for golfers looking to spend more time with their family, or out on the course

We’re also committed to supporting the game of golf, so we’re incredibly excited to see our connection to the game growing – whether that’s through the courses we supply, or those we partner with. We’re thrilled to announce this partnership, as we take our next step in the sport.

The relationship marks Husqvarna latest commitment to the industry and future in the sport, as it builds on partnerships with some of the game’s most decorated names – including Europe’s most successful golfer and host of the Betfred British Masters, Sir Nick Faldo.

The collaboration with Husqvarna and Sir Nick Faldo looks to build a foundation for the future of golf – including course maintenance, but also for the game itself, with the brand supporting the growth of the Faldo Futures initiative via donations and beyond from May 2025.

The Faldo Futures initiative, which boasts alumni such as five-time major champion Rory McIlroy, is designed to introduce young players to the game of golf, alongside an advanced education program built to enhance their skills.

Sir Nick Faldo said: “As host of the British Masters for nearly 3 years now, it’s an event that’s close to my heart – so it’s brilliant to see Husqvarna partnering with this iconic tournament. What its technology is doing for golf courses is truly changing the game – I’ve heard firsthand how greenkeepers now have more time to spend on other areas of the course, such as the greens, which is driving a real improvement for players. Husqvarna’s support for Faldo Futures is increasingly important too – it’s an initiative that supports young golfing talent, so we’re incredibly proud of it. Having brands such as Husqvarna help foster its growth, is brilliant for the future of the game”

Husqvarna’s long history in providing golf courses with world-leading mower technology, including some of the globe’s most iconic venues, has helped revolutionize course maintenance, while helping reduce emissions and costs associated with the upkeep.

Hero innovations such as the Husqvarna CEORA™s and Automower® 550 EPOS, automatically cut back the rough and other key green spaces on the course, around the pre-planned routes mapped by the greenkeepers – opening more time to perfect the upkeep of the greens, as the brand continues to set the scene for the future of golf course maintenance.

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