Landscape & A m en it y
August 2025
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Special Feature GroundsFest 2025 Preview
BIGGA and GroundsFest announce strategic industry partnership The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), organisers of BTME, and GroundsFest are proud to announce a new collaboration aimed at strengthening both events while bringing together professionals from across the grounds care, landscaping, and golf sectors. The partnership will see BIGGA and GroundsFest working closely on joint initiatives throughout the year, including attending and supporting each other’s events, hosting tailored educational content, and working together on joint marketing campaigns. At the heart of the collaboration is a shared desire to encourage crossover between both event communities - helping professionals discover the value that each show offers. It’s a fantastic opportunity for community-building and crosssector engagement. Jim Croxton, CEO, BIGGA: “We at BIGGA are hugely proud of our flagship event, BTME, and the positive impact it has, particularly on the golf greenkeeping industry on an
annual basis and at a perfect time of the year to give turf managers a much-needed boost, be that to their morale, their industry knowledge or their skill set.
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“However, it is our ambition to engage with our members and the wider industry far more than just once a year. GroundsFest provides us with a brilliant opportunity to do so at a different time of year and in a very different environment.
A look at the latest in the urban environment Pages 8-10
“We are looking forward to engaging with many greenkeepers at Stoneleigh Park this September and to working closely with GroundsFest on a number of initiatives to move our industry forward.” Christopher Bassett, GroundsFest’s Event Director, said: “The two shows complement one another brilliantly - both in format and timing. BTME is a long-standing and special event, while GroundsFest delivers a dynamic, summer-based event where people can get hands-on with the latest kit. “We’re proud to be working with BIGGA, a fantastic association,
and we believe this collaboration will bring real value to the industry. We very much see this as a long term partnership - action-driven and focused on delivering real benefits to the sectors we serve.” Outside of the two events, BIGGA and GroundsFest are also exploring further educational opportunities.
BIGGA is widely recognised for its exceptional training and professional development programmes, and with the recent launch of the GroundsFest Academy, there is clear potential to co-develop training content that supports professionals across the entire industry - from golf greenkeeping to wider grounds and landscape management.
As both events continue to grow, this partnership sets the tone for a more collaborative future for everyone working in grounds care, landscaping, and golf. A preview of GroundsFest 2025 starts on page 12. GroundsFest Enquiry 1
Play & Activity A round up of news and products from the sector Page 11
Celebrating 100 years of Fields in Trust Fields in Trust has celebrated its Centenary by bringing together some of Britain’s leading sporting and environmental organisations, long-standing supporters, and FIT ambassadors to mark an extraordinary history of protecting the nation’s green spaces. Attendees enjoyed speeches by Jo Barnett (Chair of the Board of Trustees), Chris Boardman CBE (Chair Sport England) and ambassadors Tony Juniper CBE and Gyles Brandreth, who reflected on the legacy of the charity and its continued relevance today.
The launch of a Centenary Pledge was central to the evening recreating FIT’s founding moment by uniting influential voices who understand the irreplaceable value of these spaces to communities’ physical and mental health, wellbeing, and social cohesion. It has safeguarded 4,000 sports pitches, 1,500 playgrounds and 1,200 parks across the UK. FIT is working with signatories including Sport England, the Rugby Football Union, the Lawn Tennis Association, Groundwork UK and the
Town and Country Planning Association to help preserve these precious spaces in perpetuity. Thanks to this new coalition of champions, with many more to come, FIT is now committing to guarantee at least one million more people will live within a 10-minute walk of a protected green space by 2030. The evening concluded with a special video message from new President Jill Scott MBE, who spoke powerfully about her journey from her local pitches in Sunderland
Ride-on Mowers A spotlight on the latest models and innovation to playing for England – and why we cannot afford to strip that opportunity from the next
generation of talent. Fields in Trust
Pages 24-28 Enquiry 2
GETTING THE JOB DONE For over 3 decades Campey have supplied high-quality, innovative turf care machinery that has been proven by many of the worlds leading turf care professionals creating and maintaining some of the worlds finest sports surfaces. Call +44 (0)1260 224568 or visit www.campeyturfcare.com
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