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GroundsFest Joins Forces with Industry Initiative

GroundsFest Joins Forces with Industry Initiative: A collaborative initiative ‘Roots for the future, skills for today’, supported by leading industry bodies and influential individuals, is pleased to announce that GroundsFest has officially joined the mission to promote the landscape architecture and horticultural industries to the wider public.

As part of its support, GroundsFest will take the lead by building the industry’s flagship stand at New Scientist Live 2026 which takes place at London’s Excel, October 10-12. The project aims to bring together prominent organisations from across the breadth of UK landscaping and horticulture, to collaborate on an exhibit to raise perceptions through public engagement. The ultimate aim is to address the skills crisis by showcasing the sectors as high-tech, scientific and sustainable, to a large STEM-focused audience. Educational and commercial partners are sought from across sports turf, groundskeeping, forestry, landscaping, ornamental and edible production, garden retail, environmental management, gardens and parks. Sufficient stand sharers are required by 24th March to move the project to its next stage of booking space.

GroundsFest Joins Forces with Industry Initiative

GroundsFest Joins Forces with Industry Initiative

New Scientist Live, held annually in London, attracts over 26,000 visitors including students, school staff, families and science enthusiasts, making it the premier platform to inspire a large public and the next generation.

Award-winning GroundsFest, the UK’s leading annual event for the grounds management, landscaping and arboriculture industries, will bring unparalleled expertise to the project. Their team will oversee the construction of an immersive, interactive stand that demonstrates the technological, engineering and environmental science required to build and maintain the nation’s world-class green spaces and deliver horticultural output.

Christina Walker, leading the project, commented: “I’m thrilled to welcome GroundsFest to this crucial initiative. Their commitment to the landscaping and grounds maintenance industries, plus their award-winning skill in producing events and exhibits makes them the perfect partner to bring this vision to life. By building a stand that is both interactive and scientifically grounded, we can show the New Scientist Live audience the vast array of inspirational and aspirational STEM careers across the landscape and horticulture sectors. I need stand sharers and sponsors to come forward – I’m particularly keen that we have a sport activity to engage visitors around soil science and an urban element is absolutely central to the exhibit.”

Christopher Bassett, Event Director of GroundsFest, added: “Joining this mission was a natural fit for us. At GroundsFest, we are passionate about the future of the industry and reinvesting in the next generation. Building the stand at New Scientist Live 2026 allows us to showcase the incredible craftsmanship and innovation within our sector on a national stage. We look forward to working with our colleagues to create something truly inspiring.” The partnership follows a growing movement within the industry to unify efforts in career promotion, as recently discussed at a cross sector Focus Group. By combining the resources of trade bodies and commercial sponsors with the practical prowess of GroundsFest, the project ensures that the horticulture and landscape architecture sectors will have a commanding and educational presence at one of the world’s largest science festivals.

Stand sharers and sponsors are asked to contact Christina Walker chris1coombes@googlemail.com before 24th March.

About GroundsFest GroundsFest is the UK’s largest annual event for the grounds management, landscaping, and arboriculture sectors. It features a unique combination of indoor and outdoor exhibits, live machinery demonstrations, and the GroundsFest Academy, which provides free educational seminars and training for industry professionals.

About New Scientist Live New Scientist Live is an award-winning science festival that brings together the biggest names in science and technology. The event features immersive experiences, incredible exhibits, and talks from world-leading experts, aimed at inspiring people of all ages about the wonders of the universe.

Media Contact: Christina Walker 07703 592589
chris1coombes@googlemail.com@googlemail.com

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Tom Curry’s New Game with STIGA

Tom Curry’s New Game with STIGA: Tom Curry has been enjoying swapping the scrum for stripes as the new brand ambassador for STIGA, one of Europe’s leading garden machinery brands. The partnership has brought together one of rugby’s most respected and powerful players with a brand renowned for performance, reliability and innovation.

Known for his relentless work rate on the pitch, Tom is now applying that same precision and dedication to creating his own “pitch-perfect lawn” at home.

Tom Curry’s New Game with STIGA

Tom Curry’s New Game with STIGA

Through the collaboration, he has been exploring STIGA’s range of advanced battery-powered and robotic mowing solutions, combining smart technology with sustainability to deliver professional-level results in the garden.

The partnership also forms part of STIGA’s wider collaboration with England Rugby, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting the game at every level, from grassroots clubs to the international stage.

Supporting Local Rugby Clubs

Great games start with great grounds. Across the country, thousands of volunteers give their time week in, week out to maintain rugby clubs. STIGA and England Rugby are working together to support these vital community hubs with time-saving, cost-effective mowing solutions that help keep pitches in peak condition.

By reducing maintenance time and lowering running costs, clubs can focus their energy on developing players, growing participation and strengthening their local communities.

15% Off for Members + Cashback for Clubs

As part of the initiative, every RFU club has its own unique STIGA discount code*. When members use their club’s code online, they receive 15% off STIGA products, and their club earns cashback from every purchase.

Funds raised can be reinvested into facilities, whether that’s improved pitch lighting, upgraded clubhouses, kitchen refurbishments or essential structural improvements. It’s a simple way for members to invest in their own gardens while giving back to the club they love.

This partnership is rooted in performance, community and long-term impact, ensuring both home lawns and rugby grounds are always match-ready.

To read more about the partnership got to: STIGA & England Rugby

Shared Values, Shared Impact

At their core, rugby and STIGA are built on the same foundations. teamwork, reliability, performance, and community. It’s this shared spirit that helps both players and gardeners grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact.

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Cutting Edge sharpens its service with Redexim

Cutting Edge sharpens its service with Redexim: Operating across a diverse mix of natural and synthetic surfaces, Cutting Edge Grounds Maintenance has built its reputation on delivering effective, practical solutions for sports turf and grounds maintenance.

From schools and grassroots football to rugby, cricket, athletics and synthetic facilities, the business takes a truly all-round approach – and Redexim equipment plays a key role in that strategy.

Cutting Edge sharpens its service with Redexim

Cutting Edge sharpens its service with Redexim

Managing Director Josh Blackburn explains: “We’re a full grounds maintenance company – it’s not just one area. We look after natural and synthetic surfaces across schools, grassroots sports clubs, rugby clubs, athletics clubs and cricket clubs. The majority of our work is schools, but we really do cover everything.”

That variety of sites and surfaces has led Cutting Edge to invest in a range of Redexim machinery, with the Verti-Quake® 2516 and Verti-Top® 1800 proving to be standout assets.

Having operated the Verti-Quake 2516 for around a year, Josh says it has become an essential part of Cutting Edge’s aeration programmes, particularly on heavy clay soils where surface drainage is often the limiting factor.

“A lot of our land is clay-based, and people really struggle with drainage,” he explains. “Traditional deep-tine aeration does a great job of cracking the ground eight, ten, twelve inches down, but on its own it doesn’t always address surface water movement. That’s where the Verti-Quake really comes into its own.”

The Verti-Quake addresses this challenge through linear decompaction of the upper soil profile, allowing water to move away from the surface more effectively.

“With the Verti-Quake, you’re creating that linear drainage. You’re getting water off the top surface, through the soil profile and away, while your Verti-Drain® holes are still doing their job underneath. Together, you’ve got a solid pocket of drainage. “It works really well hand-in-hand with the Redexim Verti-Drain. If you’re doing four aeration treatments a year and you mix in a Verti-Quake, you’ll see a huge difference in your soils.”

Cutting Edge uses the Verti-Quake across private schools, football pitches, clubs and open spaces, particularly on winter sports pitches where playability is critical.

“We look after Yarm Private School, and the improvement there has been massive,” says Josh. “This year, the only time they had a game called off was when it snowed. They’ve had fixtures every week – not one game lost to waterlogging.”

On the synthetic side, Cutting Edge relies on the Verti-Top 1800 to maintain a wide range of surfaces, including sand-filled and rubber crumb pitches.

“We use it on all of them – sand, rubber crumb, hockey-type surfaces,” Josh explains. “I had a few machines on demo, but the Verti-Top really stood out as the all-round, all-in-one solution.”

The Verti-Top combines powered brushing, interchangeable sieves, optional decompaction tines and an integrated vacuum system, allowing debris to be removed while infill is separated and returned to the surface.

“It’s the only one with decompacting rakes on,” Josh says. “If you’re deep cleaning and decompacting at the same time, you’re saving yourself going back over the surface with another machine. It’s one pass, one man, one tractor.”

For a contractor, that efficiency directly impacts profitability.

“Instead of sending one man with two attachments and being there twice as long, one operator can decompact and deep clean in one go. From a labour point of view, it’s a huge time saver.”

Josh also points to the thoughtful design and features of the Verti-Top, particularly its low horsepower requirement and adjustable sieves.

“You don’t want a big tractor on artificial turf, especially on rubber crumb – all you’ll do is flatten it. The Verti-Top requires low horsepower, the sieves are interchangeable, and the way it vacuums out fine material is really clever. It’s a very well-built machine.”

Alongside performance, Josh is keen to highlight the importance of backup and aftersales support – something he says has been consistently strong.

“The performance of the machine is great, but it’s also the backup you get from Tom Alexander at Rickerby Ltd and Allen Whellans at Redexim,” he says. “If I’ve got a question, they’ll come out at the drop of a hat. It’s very good aftersales service.”

With a growing portfolio of sites and surfaces, Cutting Edge Grounds Maintenance continues to rely on Redexim machinery to deliver measurable improvements for its clients – combining technical performance, operational efficiency and the support needed to back it all up.

For more information, visit https://www.redexim.com/uk/

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Replay expands UK operations with Kubota FC3-221e Fleet

Replay expands UK operations with Kubota FC3-221e Fleet: One of the UK’s leading synthetic surface maintenance specialists has further strengthened its operation with the addition of five Kubota FC3-221e units, equipped with an out-front artificial brush.

Emerging from the pandemic with rapid growth and new investment, Replay Maintenance are now well placed to service the needs of close to 1,000 facilities nationwide – with the functionality and efficiency of the new Kubota fleet continuing a legacy of more than two decades of reliable service from their Gianni Ferrari units.

Replay expands UK operations with Kubota FC3-221e Fleet

Replay expands UK operations with Kubota FC3-221e Fleet

With customers ranging from schools and universities, MOD bases, leisure centres and private sports venues, Replay have doubled their workforce since 2020 as the company continues to secure major contracts throughout the UK. “Over the years we’ve learned exactly what we need from our equipment, to keep the growing operation working effectively” explains Managing Director Nick Harris. “Our machines need to be powerful enough to perform, but light and portable enough to transport easily and simple to operate enabling our field teams to work independently.”

Replay found a perfect match with Gianni Ferrari units but welcomed Kubota’s acquisition and subtle evolution of the product line – with the five Kubota FC3-221e machines working as part of a total fleet of 16. Working closely alongside Kubota’s product development team, the FC3-221e’s have been adapted to fully meet the needs of the artificial market, ensuring Replay keep operational consistency across the fleet, avoiding retraining of staff and ensuring a seamless transition for customers.

“Kubota really listened to our feedback to make sure the FC3-221e’s tick every box for us. They’re reliable, efficient and robust enough for the daily cleaning, decompacting, brushing and infill-redistribution on sand-filled, sand-dressed and 3G pitches” Nick says. “The new units retain all the same important performance characteristics, with the added bonus of some adaptations to make for a more comfortable ride and visually more attractive machine.”

With demand high, the plan is to renew more machines over the coming years, with the Kubota FC3’s central to the growth of Replay’s new localised, regional hub strategy. In addition to their core maintenance offering, new services such as their ‘Lift and Recycle’ programme are leading the industry in a sustainable, ‘cradle to grave’ approach. “With innovation, investment and Kubota technology, we’re in a fantastic position to continue setting the benchmark for synthetic surface management in the UK.”

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Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel

Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel: Having read about the positive experiences of other clubs making the switch, the team at Gloucestershire’s Minchinhampton Golf Club are themselves now discovering the efficiency and safety benefits of Aspen alkylate petrol.

Used across a suite of 2-stroke equipment, club Mechanic Tom Dorey notes the significant reduction in costly faults and breakdowns, while its delivery by the barrel has reduced the time and risks associated with transporting fuel from the forecourt.

Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel

Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel

Minchinhampton comprises of 36-holes at the New Course site along with a further 18-holes at the historic Old Course – established in 1889 and situated 4 miles away on SSSI common land, managed in partnership with the National Trust. The third, the parkland Avening Course, has been used on multiple occasions as an Open Qualifying venue. Looking after the maintenance is a team of 17 greenkeepers who, alongside Mechanic Tom, keep the large machinery fleet and busy courses in tip-top condition.

“I was familiar with Aspen Fuel from personal experience but was seeing more articles in the press about facilities switching over and felt it was worth exploring” explains Tom. “We spoke with some other golf clubs and then met with Aspen’s Roy Narbey at BTME in 2025 who arranged a trial of Aspen-2 for us. The rest, as they say, is history and we’ve recently just taken delivery of our second barrel.”

Being virtually free from ethanol, aromatics and benzene Aspen alkylate petrol presents a 99% cleaner fuel when compared with traditional pump fuel. The significantly reduced emissions not only benefit the health and safety of the operator but also contributes to increased sustainability standards, helping the team to meet the courses environmental responsibilities.

Like other Aspen users, Minchinhampton quickly discovered the immediate benefits but were pleasantly surprised by the further ‘wins’ that came from the switch. “The difference was notable almost immediately. The team all commented on the better working environment when using tools such as backpack blowers and hedgecutters and reported the reduction in fumes and headaches as soon as we switched.” Tom adds, “In the workshop, servicing of the equipment is now much simpler. I haven’t had to spend time repairing or replacing gummed up carburettors, saving us money and enhancing the overall lifespan of the engines and the equipment.”

Aspen-2’s pre-mixed formula has also eliminated issues with incorrect mixture ratios. “Convenience has been another big plus point, with the fuel readily available on site, pre-mixed so there’s no risk of issues associated with incorrect fuel and oil ratios.”

“The support from Roy throughout the trial and in getting us up and running has also been brilliant. He gave us lots of hints and tips for correct pump operation and getting the most from our equipment.” He concludes, “The experience has been incredibly positive and eventually we hope to extend our use to Aspen-4 for the cleaner running of some of our larger equipment.”

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